Research Question (RQ): Occupational health and safety (OH&S) is an important cornerstone of social development and one of the key elements of modern organizations’ operations. Therefore, our primary research question was whether the number of organizations with the ISO 45001:2018 certified OH&S system affects the number of accidents at work in EU member states. Purpose: The primary purpose of our research was to obtain the answer to our research problem. In addition, the research examined possible correlations between accidents at work, number of employed persons in EU member states and number of organizations certified to ISO 45001:2018. Method: The analysis was based on the Eurostat data on the number of accidents at work and the number of employed persons in the 27 EU member states, as well as on data of International Organization for Standardization, on the number of organizations certified to ISO 45001:2018 in 2020. The ESAW methodology was applied to calculate the incidence rate and the ISO 45001:2018 certificate rate. Statistical processing of numerical data was done by means of the Minitab software, while the obtained results are shown in bar charts. The set hypotheses were tested by calculating the Spearman’s correlation coefficient »rs« and by regression analysis. Results: In 2020, 2,738,920 accidents at work were recorded in EU member states, 3,355 of which were fatal. In absolute terms, the highest number of non-fatal accidents was observed in Germany, while the number of fatal accidents was the highest in Italy. The highest incidence rate of non-fatal accidents was recorded in Denmark, while that of fatal accidents was observed in Cyprus. In 2020, there were 30,849 organizations in the EU with the OH&S system certified to ISO 45001:2018, with Italy being the country with the highest number of certificates issued per 100,000 employed persons. It was established that there is a correlation between the number of accidents at work, number of employed persons, number of ISO 45001:2018 certificates, incidence rate and ISO 45001:2018 certificate rate. The main finding of our research is that the number of organizations certified to ISO 45001:2018 does affect the number of accidents at work in EU member states. An increase in the number of certified organizations results in a decrease in the incidence rate. Organization: The research provides information on the number of accidents at work and the number of issued ISO 45001:2018 certificates in EU member states. However, the major finding for organizations is that by implementing the OH&S management system certified to ISO 45001:2018 they can reduce the number of accidents at work. The results of our research may stimulate noncertified organizations to obtain certification. Society: The findings of our study can provide a basis for society and, in particular, legislators to strengthen the measures in terms of incentives for organizations to opt for ISO 45001:2018 certification of their OH&S systems, resulting in the reduction of accidents at work. Originality: The study examined the current 27 EU member states and was based on the latest publicly available Eurostat data on accidents at work in 2020. In terms of exploring the impact of the OH&S management system certified to ISO 45001:2018 on the number of accidents at work, our study is the first of its kind in the EU. Limitations / further research: The study was limited to the EU area and the latest publicly available Eurostat data on accidents at work in 2020, which were only studied in terms of non-fatal and fatal accidents. It would be useful to extend the study to the geographical area of Europe and to address the industries in which organizations operate. In particular, we suggest that the analysis be conducted over several consecutive years, which would enable the study of the trend of the effect of the ISO 45001:2018-certified OH&S system on the number of accidents at work.
Research Question (RQ): Is there a correlation between hero culture and silo mentality? Which are the potential dysfunctionalities that arise from this "hero-silos" paradigm? Purpose: We conducted a systematic review of scientific literature in order to gain sights into the "hero-silos" paradigm. Method: A systematic review of scientific literature was conducted in the following academic search engines: Google Scholar, Scopus, JSTOR, Springer Nature, ScienceDirect, SAGE, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, and Base (Open Access), as well as Google, ResearchGate. Results: We detected some emerging patterns that shed light on the correlation between hero culture and silo mentality. We stress that this correlation must be further investigated, as well as conceptualizing the term “hero” in a proper way. Organization: The research sheds light on how the dynamic hero-silo resembles an iceberg, giving managers tools to make the problem visible and to examine the issue in organizational culture from another perspective. Society: The findings evidence that the hero-silo mentality is an unconscious phenomenon influencing the work environment negatively. The visibility of this problem helps to increase productivity as well as to elevate the engagement/motivation of the employees. Originality: The originality of the research is reflected on the initially detected potential correlation among hero culture and silo mentality, as well as dysfunctionalities that arise from this linkage, which have to be furtherly researched. Limitations / further research: We found a limitation in open access to published academic literature, that could enrich the research. The divergence in the definition of “hero” has been also limitation for conducting research. We suggest further quantitative research on the correlation of hero culture and silo mentality in organizations.
Research Question (RQ): How would it be best to introduce UBI (Universal Basic Income) in Slovenia and the EU? Purpose: This article analyses the possibility of UBI introduction in Slovenia and the EU based on eighteen years of observation of the flourishing UBI ‘eco-system’ developed in Slovenia and in the EU that reached little to no success. The longstanding efforts for UBI implementation brought some disturbing and frustrating results in time of COVID. The academics, advocates, and experts will have to start a new circle of research on UBI implementation. In the 21st century, the UBI could prove to be the most important, basic, cornerstone of a New Social Deal consisting of three UTD pillars: a pillar of universal basic rights, a free market/trade pillar, and a pillar of democratic social institutions. UTD Social Deal could help Slovenia to secure its position as the core EU member state and could prevent the EU from disintegration in current emergency-over-emergency times. The aim of the paper is also to identify the obstacles and mistakes made within Slovenian UBI discourse in order not to repeat the history. Method: Eighteen years of research with the participant observation method and international comparative analyses using the “circle of social innovation – circle of hope” as the analytical tool. Results: The research proved that UBI is not possible to introduce in Slovenia or in the EU in the manner proposed 12 years ago. The approach has to be re-adjusted, and proposal updated. Organization: The academics, advocates, and experts will have to start a new circle of research on UBI implementation hopefully learning from previous endeavours. Society: The new concept of UTD could be the basis of a new social agreement that could prevent the disintegration of the EU. Originality: The topic of UBI is still under researched in Slovenia and such in detail historical overview and comparison between the countries is of essential value to conduct further argued discussion about the mentioned topic. Limitations/Further research: UBI would have a tremendous impact on the de-bureaucratization of the state. Therefore, the research on UBI is limited on every and each step of current state funding and should be therefore in the future conducted only within non-state research entities.
Research Question: In supplier-customer relations, negotiations are pivotal for shaping collaboration and outcomes. This study has a dual focus: first, it explores modern techniques that favour creative reciprocity over traditional price talks; second, it details alternative approaches for reaching mutually beneficial agreements. The overarching questions guiding this study are: "What are the principles for obtaining alternative proposals to commercial approaches to negotiation?" and "What are concrete alternative proposals to the commercial negotiation approach?" The goal is to transition from conventional to more integrative negotiation methods that benefit both parties. Purpose: The research aims to raise awareness of supplier-customer collaboration and the importance of mutual goals, particularly in joint development and tech-sharing contexts. It introduces a modern approach to commercial agreements that shifts focus from short-term price talks to long-term mutual benefits. Method: The first part of the research defines the analytical tool for text interpretation, backed by literature review. The second part presents findings from semi-structured interviews and observations, analysed via thematic network analysis. This approach provides a thorough understanding of supplier-customer negotiation dynamics. Results: The results of the qualitative research are presented using thematic network analysis, with in-depth analysis and explanation. Findings are summarized descriptively, offering principles for negotiators and specific alternative proposals to traditional negotiation methods. This approach provides nuanced insights for commercial negotiations. Organization: The study raises awareness of the drawbacks of traditional price negotiations while providing guidelines for modern commercial deals. Negotiators can use these modern alternatives to achieve their goals, reducing organizational constraints and enhancing reputation. Society: The entire society can benefit from mutual organizational understanding, resolving negotiation conflicts, and reaching agreements. This not only enhances individual organizational reputations but also contributes to overall social cohesion and economic stability. Originality: The research suggests replacing traditional price negotiations with modern commercial agreements in the supplier-customer relationship, into more collaborative interactions. Limitations / further research: The research is limited to the sources cited in the literature and interviews with four different profiles. The study is based on the mutual cooperation of the buyer and the supplier in a long-term partnership, thereby excluding the behaviours of the traditional commercial negotiation approach.
