EPIK Journals Online Vol. 3 Iss. 04

EPIK Young Leaders Essay Competition 2012 Award-Winning Work (1st Prize)

Transformation of Global Governance: government-NGO relationships in complexity networks of the aid industry

Author: Sung Hye Kang, Ewha Womans University

Introduction:

The end of 2011 was marked by the fourth and last High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (hereafter HLF) held in Busan, signaling a groundbreaking transformation in the governance structures of the aid “industry ” to further recognize the unique roles of civil society organizations (CSO). CSOs were officially acknowledged to “play a vital role in enabling people to claim their rights, in promoting rights-based approaches, in shaping development policies and partnerships, and in overseeing their implementation ,” and governments pledged to ensure them an enabling environment. There are still noticeable voices of concern from the civil society, however, based upon the weak past performances of governments in translating their commitments into actions after the second and third HLF held in Paris and Accra...(Continued)

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EPIK Journals Online Vol. 3 Iss. 05  

EPIK Young Leaders Essay Competition 2012 Award-Winning Work (2nd Prize)

Social Enterprise: the Convergence of the Business and Social Responsibility Sectors

Author: Seo Young Byun, Korea University

Abstract:

Traditionally, the boundary between business and social responsibility sectors has been conspicuous in terms of values, major institutions involved and actual actions taken by them. In business, for-profit companies valued efficiency, competition and profit. In the scope of social responsibility, the primary players were the government, civic groups and volunteers, addressing and tackling social problems such as unequal distribution of wealth and environmental issues. However, these two distinct spheres are undergoing a process of convergence. The first stage of this procedure is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). A more advanced and comprehensive manifestation is Social Enterprise. Even though social enterprise in Korea has been regarded as an attractive solution to social problems and it ultimately should be, there are obstacles impeding its growth; i) financial instability, and ii) lack of competent human resources. This paper aims to suggest three feasible solutions to reducing the negative influence of the two primary barriers.

Key Words: Social Enterprise, CSR, Creating Shared Value, Convergence

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EPIK Journals Online Vol. 3 Iss. 06 

North Korea in the Globalizing Era: Why is it critical to understand North Korea through history, culture, norms, and the Kim family

Author: Guktae An, Tufts University

Introduction:

Background and Research Question

As many scholars in the political field point out, it has become en vogue to suggest that globalization entails the gradual or eventual dissolution of the traditional nation-state. During the past few decades, the forces of globalization have undoubtedly shifted the role of traditional boundaries of values, institutions, and governance towards uncharted directions. Recently, there have been continual rebellions and upheavals, known as the Arab Spring, against the oppressive regimes in Egypt, Tunisia, Lybia, Yemen, and Syria. At the same time, many nations such as China and Saudi Arabia have opened up to international trade to increase their economic growth and investment to appease the public for their repressive measures. More and more societies, groups, and people are able to express their voices through technology, social networks, and demonstrations, which diminish the role of the values, institutions, and governance established by the state. However, North Korea continues to be in uncontested power and manages a very high level of control over the public despite the obsessive government policies of mass games, strict control of information, economic deterioration, and harsh punishment. The puzzle seems to be – is it purely because the public are brain-washed and under-threat to think otherwise (on top of being isolated from any communication with other countries), or is it because they really benefit in some form from the regime? To solve this puzzle, I will focus on the research question of this study – what policies have the North Korean government implemented to enforce the public to believe in their political leaders, and what is perpetuating this faith, despite the destitute conditions that they have faced during the last decades?...(Continued)

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