The Metropolis-within-Gibbs (MwG) algorithm is a widely used Markov chain Monte Carlo method for sampling from high-dimensional distributions when exact conditional sampling is intractable. We study MwG with Random Walk Metropolis (RWM) updates, whose proposal variances are uniformly comparable to the corresponding conditional variances. Assuming the target π is a d-dimensional log-concave distribution with condition number κ, we establish a spectral gap lower bound of order Ω((κd)−1) for the random-scan version of MwG, improving the κ dependence of the previously available Ω((κ2d)−1) bound. This result is obtained by developing a uniform acceptance bound for one-dimensional RWM kernels targeting log-concave distributions, which may be of independent interest. As a consequence, under the stated uniform tuning condition, the spectral gap lower bound for MwG matches the bound for the corresponding Gibbs sampler up to constants that do not depend on κ or d.
Co-creation has increasingly gained traction as a means to search for innovative solutions to wicked problems, including in the pursuit of the green transition. Whereas several contributions on the forms, determinants and successful outcomes of co-creation for the green transition focus on the Global North, experiences from the Global South – where non-state actors often drive local green co-creation – are increasingly drawing attention. The extant literature seems to suggest that state actors play different roles in different countries and regions, with a directive leadership role being more pronounced in the Global North than in the Global South. To explore the role(s) government actors play in the orchestration of local green co-creation in the Global South, we rely on a multiple case study drawing on the GOGREEN project database, examining the governance factors that shape the co-creation of green transitions through the study of 36 case studies across 28 countries. Relevant case studies from the Global South suggest two possible roles that government actors may play: (i) governments welcome local co-creation processes ‘out of opportunity’, exploiting opportunities for co-creation where non-state actors mobilize local resources and government has limited capacity; and (ii) governments support local green co-creation ‘out of necessity’ in contexts where non-state actors initiate such processes in response to pressing needs despite initial reluctance by government actors due to various reasons.
Retailers increasingly adopt diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, yet limited evidence exists on whether and how consumers translate awareness of these initiatives into stronger customer relationships. Drawing on signaling theory, this study examines whether awareness of retailers' DEIA initiatives is associated with trust and loyalty, and whether this mechanism is consistent across annual samples and forms of diversity. Using a multi-wave repeated cross-sectional survey fielded across seven annual waves from 2019 to 2025, results show that awareness of DEIA initiatives is positively associated with trust, and trust is strongly associated with loyalty. The mechanism is consistent across all annual samples, while the magnitude varies to some extent. Although the results show variation across diversity forms, the trust-loyalty link remains consistently strong. These findings suggest that DEIA initiatives can operate as market signals for retailers’ broader customer base, with effects extending beyond the groups directly targeted by the initiatives. The study contributes to inclusive retailing research by connecting DEIA awareness with customer relationship outcomes and by showing that interventions should not be treated as interchangeable. For managers, the results highlight the importance of visible and context-sensitive DEIA initiatives embedded in the retail customer experience to support positive outcomes.
Scholars are displaying increasing interest in how to ensure the success of co-creation efforts intended to foster green solutions. They are casting light on the importance of structural, strategic and tactical-operational governance factors as drivers of successful green co-creation. What is missing is an attempt at exploring the interactional and relational governance factors, and their potential combined effects. By conducting a Qualitative Comparative Analysis of 29 cases from the GOGREEN database, our study unveils the existence of multiple combinations of such factors towards green co-creation. Moreover, the comparison between cases from the Global North and Global South also reveals the existence of one identical pathway, which challenges the myth that collaborative governance and co-creation must necessarily rely on different sets of conditions, and it raises questions as to whether there is a North‒South divide when it comes to governing local green co-creation.
Grounded in agency theory, this article examines the relationship between family ownership concentration and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, and analyzes the moderating role of sustainable governance mechanisms. Specifically, it assesses whether sustainability committees and ESG-linked executive compensation moderate the relationship between family ownership concentration and ESG performance. The empirical setting comprises 150 publicly listed European family firms observed over the period 2010-2021. Using panel data regressions with multiple fixed effects to control for unobserved heterogeneity, the results show that higher levels of family ownership are negatively associated with ESG performance. However, this effect is significantly weakened in firms that adopt sustainability committees and ESG-linked executive compensation schemes. These findings indicate that the impact of family ownership on sustainability is contingent upon the governance architecture that shapes the exercise of ownership power. From a theoretical perspective, the results contribute to agency theory by demonstrating that monitoring and incentive alignment mechanisms can mitigate Type II agency tensions between controlling families and minority shareholders in ESG-related domains. From a practical standpoint, the findings suggest that in contexts of highly concentrated family ownership, the introduction of formal ESG-oriented monitoring and incentive mechanisms can reduce discretionary decision-making in ESG-related domains and foster greater alignment between family objectives and broader stakeholder expectations, thereby supporting a more balanced and long-term sustainability orientation.
