Growth Trajectories
Exploring Organizational and Systemic Resilience Practices Using a UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Logic
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Shamette Hepburn,
Mary Goitom
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a generative framework with which to address local and global risks and societal needs through sustainability solutions. In Canada, development goal-setting and achievement at the national or federal levels cannot be separated from the elimination of organizational and systemic challenges at the level of communities. As an example, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on vulnerable populations was seen as a localized issue that was linked to larger systemic crises highlighting vulnerabilities in systems of health, social inclusion, and resilience. On an ongoing basis, vital empirical data is required to guide social service provider organizations and policy-makers to devise interventions aimed at addressing challenges at points of need, build organizational and systemic resilience, and plan for future crises. This paper presents findings of a participatory study of 20 social service providers and 20 service users at a community-based not-for-profit agency that provides on-site and mobile support services in Toronto. Utilizing a survey and in-depth interviews, the study aimed to understand how community-based agencies can support populations to negotiate access to nutrition (SDG 2— Zero Hunger), health (SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being) and build inclusive communities (SDG 11—Sustainable Cities, Inclusive and Resilient, Communities). Findings reveal an increased need for social protection and fine-tuned organizational responses to meet those needs. An SDG logic, when applied to localized social service provision, is a useful framework that can foster resilience practices, support organizations and vulnerable populations, and enhance SDG delivery broadly.
DEI and the Construction of a Jewish Professional Identity Post October 7th
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Michal Frenkel,
Varda Wasserman
The months following the Hamas attack on Western Negev settlements in Israel, the brutal war in Gaza, and the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah sparked vigorous discourse regarding the significance of Jewish identity in North America and Europe. Many Jews, for whom Jewish identity was previously transparent in professional contexts and who had learned to view themselves as part of the white, privileged majority, have been compelled to reassess their position in a professional world where identity and belonging have become central components of interpersonal relationships and formally managed domains. The departments established in most large workplaces to manage and regulate these intergroup relations have found themselves lacking knowledge and resources to address employees experiencing exclusion and harassment based on their identity. In numerous instances, these departments have been revealed as part of institutionalized exclusion mechanisms. In the proposed article, we draw upon two rounds of interviews with (Non-Israeli) Jewish employees in workplaces across Europe and North America, as well as the emerging literature on Jewish identity post-October 7, to: 1. Understand the processes of shaping professional Jewish identity in the face of institutionalized and informal identity politics in their workplaces. 2. Identify characteristics of DEI theory and practice that have prevented departments dealing with diversity and inclusion from accommodating the exclusion experienced by Jews. 3. Highlight some of the practices perceived by Jewish employees as exclusionary and threatening, in order to develop greater sensitivity to these issues among professionals responsible for managing diversity in organizations.
Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Janus View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Kamal Fatehi,
Reza Vaezi
There is a concern about artificial intelligence (AI), the computer-aided machine that can mimic human behavior. Dual functions attributed to the ancient Roman God, Janus, are apt epitome for AI. Experts’ opinions and literature on the topic are the basis for this research. Optimists claim that AIs will bring a utopia where humans will have a leisurely life and the luxury of working on attractive activities, leaving less desirable, boring, repetitive, or dangerous jobs to AIs. The pessimists warn us of the possibility of a catastrophic situation where AIs replace humans and end life, as we know it, on Earth. We deal with both positions and discuss AI development's implications and its future.
