A UK-Japan Collaboration in Trust Research “Trusttracker”

Political trust or the faith that citizens have in specific politicians, political institutions, and the overall system is under strain in advanced representative democracies. Political trust was further strained during the pandemic and concerns over further erosion of trust was deemed by stakeholders within both the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) to warrant further study.

Responding to the joint call for proposals from UK and Japan based teams, co-PI Professor Dorothy Yen of Brunel Business School, Brunel University London, along with UK colleagues at Brunel, Amsterdam, Glasgow, and Southampton teamed up with colleagues based at Kobe University in Japan to develop a “trust monitor.” These monthly samples of a representative group of English and Japanese adults track the dynamics of various forms of trust over time, and how they correlate with, among other things, attitudes towards the legacy of the COVID-19 crisis. To make their data transparent and usable by those with an interest in political trust, the investigators launched “trusttracker.org.” Those interested can not only receive reports of project findings, but they can analyse the monthly data for themselves using an “interactive tool” that allows users to plot charts tracking the forms of trust over time as well as run basic statistical manipulations linking political trust to other variables measured in the surveys such as the respondents’ willingness to receive a Covid-19 vaccination. To date, monthly surveys of Japanese and English respondents are available from July 2022 to March 2024, with additional months to be added shortly. When the project concludes in early 2025, there will be a total of 24 monthly surveys with at least 12000 respondents from each country.

To date, early investigations of the data yield several interesting insights. At a time where the Met Police is under scrutiny following a series of high-profile violence against women by serving officers, the team finds that trust in the police among women residing in London is significantly lower than it is in England’s other regions. A paper detailing the findings appears in Policing and Society, and a diverse array of media outlets including the Guardian and Daily Mail reported on the research.

In contrast to the police force, the team finds that despite problematic waiting times and post COVID-19 strains on the service, the NHS remains a highly trusted institution among Englanders. A paper appearing in Public Health in Practice reports results showing that regional A&E waiting times and wait times for cancer referrals has no impact on whether a survey respondent trusts the NHS. A companion paper by principal investigator Dr Steve Pickering of the University of Amsterdam and Martin Hansen of Brunel appearing in Nursing Inquiry finds that support for striking junior doctors and nurses is higher than that of any other major highly unionized profession in England.

The team currently is pursuing additional studies of the data including measuring the role of religion in Covid-19 vaccine uptake in England, trust in AI and Smartmeters, and the drivers of individual-level support for migration among Japanese and English voters. Future project updates and data releases will appear on trusttracker.org

Field trip to British Airways Heritage Centre in Harmondsworth, Greater Londo

On the 18th of March 2024, Brunel Business School organised a field trip to British Airways Heritage Centre in Harmondsworth, Greater London, for our MSc Corporate Brand Management students under the leadership of Dr Lewis Smith, Dr Yousra Asaad, and Dr Pantea Foroudi. Students had the opportunity to get out of the classroom and experience the British Airways brand first-hand. Students thoroughly enjoyed learning about the brand, products, and history through an informative guided tour of the heritage centre, followed by watching a movie on the evolution of the BA brand over the last 100 years (including some very eighties tongue-in-cheek television adverts). Students had the chance to reflect on the application of key academic branding concepts pertaining to corporate brand strategy, corporate brand heritage and experiential branding. The field trip also served as an excellent opportunity for students to bond among each other as well as with the esteemed academics. The field trip was a success with encouragements from the VC, the head of college and the support of the dean of the business school. A huge thank you to Jim Davies for a fun and informative tour of the Heritage Centre.

How the taxman affects fertility rates

In a remarkable display of innovation and dedication, our faculty members, Professor Francesco and Senior Lecturer Asieh, have achieved a major breakthrough in their research, setting new standards in the field. This project has been collaborated on with Joan Madia from the University of Oxford, Jong-Chol An from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Changkeun Lee from KDI School of Public Policy and Management (South Korea) Details are below.

So thrilled to share the preliminary results of our new study delving into the intriguing relationship between taxation policies and fertility rates in South Korea.

Recently, South Korea has captured global media attention due to its declining fertility rates, currently hovering around 0.81. Various factors have been proposed to explain this decline, including increasing human capital, women’s participation in the workforce, and soaring housing costs, all of which have been in the spotlight as potential contributors.

However, the role of taxation policies has been somewhat overlooked. In our study, we set out to shed light on this less-explored aspect. We zoomed in on the mid-70s tax reforms in South Korea, contemplating how changes in tax policies might have indirectly influenced couples’ decisions to delay or forgo starting a family. After all, taxes don’t just impact our bank accounts; they can also shape our long-term economic planning and decisions regarding family expansion.

Leveraging data from the World Bank spanning several years, we treated South Korea’s mid-1970s tax reforms as a natural experiment. Our aim was to uncover whether the heightened tax burdens during that period might have played a role in dampening fertility rates in the subsequent decades.

And what did we discover? Well, the findings were striking. It appears that those tax reforms from the mid-70s did indeed have a considerable negative impact on fertility rates in South Korea.

These results carry significant policy implications. They suggest that taxation can serve as an effective policy tool for influencing population dynamics and demographic trends. Countries aiming to manage fertility may find value in utilizing tax policies to reduce disposable income and increase child-rearing costs. However, there are risks associated with rapid fertility declines, such as accelerated population aging and shrinking workforces, which can pose economic challenges. Policymakers should tread cautiously with substantial tax hikes and closely monitor demographic impacts.

Moreover, the results indicate that taxes targeting families and reducing child affordability are most likely to affect fertility. Policy options like child tax credits may help counteract these effects and support family formation. Embracing more family-friendly tax policies could form part of a broader strategy to maintain healthy fertility rates.

Yet, despite these valuable insights from our macro-level analysis, we recognize the need to delve deeper into the finer details. We’re left pondering the intricate ways in which tax changes sway individual decisions about having children.

That’s where future studies come into play. By exploring the micro-level intricacies, researchers could uncover the specific mechanisms linking tax policies to fertility behaviours at the household level.

In essence, while this exploratory study offers a starting point, it prompts further examination of other crucial factors contributing to the fertility decline. This issue isn’t unique to South Korea but extends to many other countries, including Singapore (0.9), Spain (1.19), and beyond. It’s a complex puzzle that warrants thorough investigation and thoughtful policy considerations.

Here is the link to the working paper https://irvapp.fbk.eu/publications/detail/fertility-decline-and-tax-revenues-in-south-korea/

NEAT in Corporate Financier – A World Leading Practitioner Magazine

It is with great pleasure that BBS share with you the news that Dr Amama and her co-authored research ‘Towards the Natural Environment Agency Theory (NEAT)’ has featured in the Flagship magazine ‘Corporate Financier’ of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW). ICAEW is a world-leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports nearly 200,000 Chartered Accountants worldwide.

https://www.icaew.com/technical/corporate-finance/corporate-finance-faculty/corporate-financier/2024/articles/march/more-than-a-greenwash

Cracking the ESG Code: From Silos to Synergy via Communities of Purpose

My work with FTSE 100 firms unveils a powerful strategy for unlocking true ESG (environmental, social, governance) impact: dismantling silos and egos through “communities of purpose.”

We live in an inter-connected world where social media through images, videos, and messages makes us aware of other people’s experiences no matter where they may be in the world. We see the effects of climate change on people’s lives but to what extent will people change their behaviour in the light of information? The same question can be asked of public and private sector Boards, especially regarding environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting requirements.

The results of a recent survey by Harvard Business School show that there is a lack of embeddedness of ECG in organisations. 45% of respondents want better insights into how ESG goals link with the company strategy. 22% feel there is a lack of clarity as to what ESG means to the business.

Make no mistake; boards and senior leaders have a pivotal role to play in guiding their organisations to align core values with a strong commitment to social and environmental impact. Board members need to go beyond setting ESG goals and targets. They must make these goals and targets meaningful to employees throughout their organisation and, for larger organisations, throughout the supply chain.
One of the biggest challenges faced by Boards is changing the culture to move away from narrow sets of financial targets to genuinely embracing environmental, social and governance impact.

Having worked with FTSE 100 companies, the biggest barrier I have found is challenging vested interests and the power brokers within the organisation. When looked at separately, the criteria for achieving environmental, social and governance compliance are well understood. However, when considered collectively, there are significant contradictions and trade-offs that organisations must negotiate.

I’ve observed that organisations move the ESG risks from their books to that of another part of the supply chain rather than optimising risks across the entire supply chain. There is a need for unity of purpose, without which the full potential of ESG benefits will be missed. Based on my experience of working with boards, creating communities of purpose are an integral feature to resolve conflicts found in ESG criteria.
A community of purpose can be within an organisation or across multiple orgnisations. When created within an organisation, a community of purpose draws together managers from various silos, who can discuss and resolve conflicts in ESG objectives.
When created across a supply chain, communities of purpose bring together representatives from multiple organisations to resolve these conflicts.

I’ve studied the ESG statements of the water companies. On paper, arguably, there are many targets that have been achieved and positive outcomes delivered. Yet, as far as the public are concerned the major expectation that untreated effluent should not be dumped in our rivers remains unmet.

I started by saying we live in an interconnected world – communities of purpose are consciously created groups of people that connect different parts of the organisation, who are essential to achieving ESG. This ensures that ESG moves out of the reserve of a small group of like-minded people in an ESG Compliance Department and permeates throughout the organisation.

Professor Ashley Braganza, Dean, Brunel Business School

HAPPY TO CHAT

🎉 Join Us for an Evening of Research, Connection and Conversation! 🎉

📅 Date: March 12th

🕙 Time: 4-8pm

📍 Location: Brunel University Campus, Eastern Gateway Building

Would you like to know why chatting to strangers is good for your health? Look no further! Join us at Brunel University Campus on March 12th for our Happy to Chat Research and Practice event.

This event is open to everyone in the community, so bring your friends, family, and neighbours along! Together, we’ll explore the power of conversation and its impact on our well-being.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Hearing about the latest research findings
• Engaging discussions
• Fun activities
• Free pizza and soft drinks
• And much more!

For further details, visit: https://happytochat.uk/events/march-12th-brunel-is-happy-to-chat-research-practice/

Don’t forget to RSVP by registering your interest at https://buytickets.at/happytochat. This will help us ensure we have enough refreshments and materials for everyone.

Come be a part of our Happy to Chat community and let’s spread kindness, connection, and positivity together!

See you there! 🌟

The Happy to Chat Team (happytochat.uk)

BBS held International Business week event

The 2023 International Business Week event was a great success once again. In November of this year, we organized the 2nd Brunel International Business Week event, featuring a compelling panel discussion on day 1, a visit to the Business Show in London on day 2, and an enriching Bloomberg data training session on day 3.
Thanks to BBS member Ashley Braganza, S Asieh Tabaghdehi, Lefteris Kretsos
#internationalbusinessweek #brunelbusinessschool #bbs

Opening BBS Postgraduate Placement Networking Group

Join our Postgraduate Placement Networking Group and become part of a supportive community that bridges students, alumni, and professionals. Whether you’re a past placement student, currently on a placement, or planning one for 2024, this group is for you! 

  

🔗 Network with peers and industry insiders 
📚 Share and gain real-time insights into various roles and organisations 
🛠️ Learn job search strategies from those who’ve successfully navigated the path 
👥 Receive or offer mentorship to enhance career trajectories 

  

Let’s connect and grow together! To join the Brunel Business School Postgraduate Placement Group, please click HERE 

  

#BrunelBusinessSchool #Networking #CareerDevelopment #Mentorship #PGPlacement 

Brunel is Happy to Chat

Professor Dorothy, Brunel Business School, conducted research about how happy to chat benefits our students and how it makes a positive change for Brunel University.

Research shows that against common assumptions that older people are lonely, young people are actually the group who feel loneliest. To address this issue and to make Brunel University a nicer, friendlier and more inclusive community for our students and staff, we introduced Happy to Chat on campus.

 

Happy to Chat encourages friendly conversations among people in the community. By wearing a Happy to Chat badge, you are signalling your willingness to engage in social connections with others.

 

In this video, we show how Happy to Chat works at Brunel University London. In particular, we explain how Happy to Chat benefits our students and how it makes a positive change to Brunel by embodying and celebrating the spirit of kindness, empathy and inclusivity.

Uncovering the Health and Economic Impact of Lifestyle Choices: A Deep Dive into Regional Disparities

In a world where health and well-being are at the forefront of our concerns, a recent research paper has delved into the factors associated to avoidable mortalities and hospital discharges. Professor Francesco, Brunel business school, explores the impact of lifestyle choices, namely excessive alcohol consumption, smoking cigarettes, and inadequate physical activity levels, on regional health disparities. Exploiting data from official sources like ISTAT and Eurostat, the author conducted a comprehensive regression analysis of longitudinal data to better understand the impact of these risky behaviours on the healthcare sector.

One of the key findings of the study concerns smoking and its profound effect on avoidable mortalities and hospital discharges. The research reveals an interesting statistic: a mere 1% decrease in the percentage of smokers translates into an estimated total saving of approximately 331 million Euros across all regions in 2020. The study also delves into the specific health issues linked to smoking, including lung cancer, respiratory problems, and cerebrovascular diseases. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing smoking as a major public health concern.

Excessive alcohol consumption also emerges as a significant contributor to preventable mortality and hospital discharges. The research reveals a direct correlation between the number of heavy drinkers per 1,000 inhabitants and healthcare costs. A one-unit drop in this statistic would result in a saving of about 60 million Euros. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce heavy drinking, ultimately benefiting both public health and the economy.

Inadequate physical activity levels are another factor the study analysed. It finds a positive correlation between the prevalence of individuals aged 3 and above who never engage in sports and adverse health outcomes. A 1% decrease in this category would lead to a substantial saving of approximately 223 million Euros. This underscores the importance of promoting physical activity as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle.

The research doesn’t stop at identifying the problems; it also explores potential solutions. One promising avenue is the transition from high-risk products like traditional cigarettes to reduced-risk products such as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco. The results suggest that if 50 percent of smokers made this transition, the National Health Service (NHS) could potentially save 722 million Euros annually in terms of smoking-related illnesses. Among the healthcare systems examined, Lombardy emerges as a region with the most to gain from this transition, boasting an estimated annual saving of approximately 140 million Euros.

These regional variations highlight the need for tailored strategies to address high-risk behaviours conclusion, this research paper sheds light on the complex relationship between lifestyle choices and regional health disparities. It not only emphasizes the heavy toll that excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity take on both public health and the economy but also offers a glimmer of hope through the adoption of reduced-risk products. By advocating for a reduction in high-risk behaviours and promoting healthier alternatives, we have the potential to save lives and significantly reduce the burden on our healthcare systems. It’s a call to action that could lead to a healthier and more prosperous future for all.

F. Moscone, Balancing Resource Relief and Critical Health Needs through Reduced-Risk Product Transition, Forthcoming in Research in Economics