COVID-19 ushered in almost unprecedented socioeconomic and political challenges. A typical social reaction during such emergencies is rumormongering, which has intensified since the advent of social media. This study explored factors affecting users’ willingness to spread pandemic-related rumors in Wuhan, China and Israel. We tested a multi-variant model of factors affecting the forwarding of COVID-19 rumors. In an online survey conducted in April–May 2020, users of each country's leading social media platform (WeChat and WhatsApp, respectively) reported on patterns of exposure to and spread of COVID-19 rumors, as well as on their motives for doing so. Despite major differences between the two societies, interesting similarities were found: in both cases, individual drives, shaped by personal needs and degree of negative feelings, were the leading factors behind rumormongering. Exposure to additional sources of information regarding the rumors was also a significant predictor, but only in the Chinese case.

No abstract

Objective - The objective of this paper is to explore and understand the motivators of institutionalization of Performance Measurement Systems (PMS) in the Indonesian Local Government (ILG), particularly in the Batu municipality presenting the performance paradoxes. Performance accountability issues have been encouraging the Batu municipality to implement PMS since the beginning of the 2000s. Methodology/Technique - The theoretical framework and interpretation of this study are adopted from the institutional theory (coercive, mimetic, normative, and allomorphism) which is used to analyze the phenomenon. The researchers employ a single case study to scrutinize the motivators of institutionalization by elaborating on document analysis conducted from the interviews of 10 employees in a different range of management levels (top, middle, and lower). Findings - The results of this study reveal that exogenous (coercive, mimetic and normative) and endogenous (allomorphism) drivers encourage the institutionalization of PMS in the Batu municipality with coercive pressure as a major driver and allomorphism as a mere ceremonial driver (rather than an instrument). Novelty - The practical implications of this study can be used to improve the PMS process and the quality of performance reporting in the Batu municipality and in other local governments. This paper is also expected to fill the gap in existing literature on the implementation of PMS within a developing country (in this case, Indonesia). Type of Paper: Empirical Paper. Keywords: Performance Measurement Systems; Institutional Theory; Indonesian Local Government; Batu Municipality. JEL Classification: P47, M48, P49. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2019.4.1(3)

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a global issue. Improper MSW management has adverse effects on human health and the environment. In view of this, promoting sound MSW management has been the focus of many policy makers, researchers and academics. In most countries including Ghana, this complex task has been entrusted to the local government. However, the success of the local government in this endeavor largely depends on the involvement of other actors of solid waste management. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the involvement of actors by the local government in MSW management using the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana as a case study. Qualitative case study approach involving observations, one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions with a wide range of actors is employed. The results of the study underscore major drawbacks in the MSW management system in the Kumasi metropolis where policies are formulated by the top-down approach. This study contributes to literature by encouraging the habit of source separation of waste among solid waste service users since it has the tendency of reducing the quantity of waste to be dumped at the disposal sites and consequently, protracting the lifespan of landfills and dumpsites in the metropolis. The study further entreats the local government to formulate MSW management regulations and policies with a bottom-up approach through broader consultations with actors to ensure that the provisions take into consideration the cultural and distinct local needs in the area.