‘The rifle has the devil inside’, Gun Culture in South Eastern Europe

Author(s): Philip Gounev,Marko Hajdinjak,Antonina Zhelyazkova,Antonija Petričušic,Viorel Cibotaru,Elton Skendaj,Toni Petkovic,Zhidas Daskalovski / Language(s): English / Publication Year: 2006

This report examines how cultural beliefs and practices influence gun ownership and use in SEE, and how these might affect SALW control interventions. It was initially researched by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), Bulgaria during Autumn 2005 and Spring 2006. It was compiled and drafted by Mr. Philip Gounev, Research Fellow, Centre for the Study of Democracy and Mr. Marko Hajdinjak, Researcher, International Centre for Minority Studies and Intercultural Relations, Bulgaria. An anthropological approach was taken to better understand the reasons for civilian gun ownership and use, and the ways in which society represents these behaviours, in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia and Montenegro (including the UN Administered Territory of Kosovo). A wide variety of research tools were used including household surveys (HHS) conducted by SEESAC and UNDP, focus group transcripts, secondary literature searches, statistical data, anthropological field studies, the Internet, print and electronic media.

“Hizmetkâr Liderlik Algısının Lider-Üye Etkileşimi Üzerindeki Etkisi: Kamu Sektörü Çalışanları Üzerine Bir Araştırma

Author(s): Bora Yıldız / Language(s): Turkish / Issue: 14/2016

In this study, the causal and correlational relationship between employees’ servant leadership perception and leader-member exchange (LMX) perception was investigated. In this respect, the purpose of the study is to by testing the effect of employees’ servant leadership perception on LMX in the public sector filling the gap in the literature. The main research question of the study is that “Are employees’ servant leadership perceptions a statistically significant predictor of LMX”. The sample of this study consists of 200 public sector employees, who work in non-managerial positions, and the data was gathered by using convenience sampling method. To collect data, survey method was used. In order to analyse the data, SPSS software was used. The findings show that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between employees’ servant leadership perception and leader-member exchange perception. Moreover, the three sub-dimensions of servant leadership namely accountability, empowerment and unpretentiousness are positive and statistically significant predictors of LMX. Managerial and practical implications are provided.

“Muhasebe Hileleri Muhasebe Hileleri Yoluyla Yapılan Yolsuzluklarda Bağımsız Denetimin Sorumluluğunun Araştırılması: Kuzeydoğu Anadolu Bölgesi Uygulaması

Author(s): Mehmet Emin Karabayir,Sevgi Cengiz / Language(s): Turkish / Issue: 14/2016

The purpose of this study is to analyze accounting error and accounting fraud through investigating the views of independent auditors about their responsibility in preventing error and fraud. Realization of error and fraud in accounting harms all stakeholders (i.e. individuals, society, state and companies). Hence, identifying and avoiding error and fraud requires expertise in the field. Within this context, a survey was applied on the 84 independent auditors active in business in Northeastern Anatolia (Ağrı, Ardahan, Erzurum, Iğdır and Kars), and results were analyzed and commented accordingly. In addition, factor analysis and variance analysis were applied in order to reveal the relationship between variables and factors, if any.

Употребяващите наркотици в затвора: опитът на Норвегия и предизвикателствата пред България

Author(s): Dimitar Markov,Hedda Giertsen,Maria Doichinova / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2016

Publication looks over the situation of drug users in two European countries – Norway, known for its social and welfare-oriented state, and Bulgaria, which since the beginning of the transition from totalitarism to democracy lacks sustainable policies on prisons and drugs. The aim of this work is to comparatively present the penal policy towards drug users and the measures taken for convicted people addicted to narcotic substances, to identify those features which can be transferable and can assist Bulgarian authorities to improve the situation of drug users in and outside the prison. Finally, this research will try to propose concrete measures to be taken both within the penitentiary system and as crime prevention efforts among drug users.

Управление на енергийния сектор и енергийна (не)сигурност в България

Author(s): Ruslan Stefanov,Todor Galev,Martin Tsanov,Martin Vladimirov,Nadejda Gantcheva / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2014

This report explores the major governance deficiencies in the Bulgarian energy policy regarding the strategic, institutional, and legal framework of the sector. The report focuses on state capture of energy policy by private political and economic interests that led to bad management practices in the sector, to lack of consistency in the legal and regulatory framework, to deteriorating investment environment, and to the involvement of the country in infrastructure projects that undermine the national long-term strategy and policy priorities. This has affected negatively the Bulgarian taxpayers and consumers, has jeopardized the financial stability of the state-owned energy companies, and, ultimately, has reduced the energy security of the country. The report recommends that the implementation of the country’s energy policy should be reconsidered and should be based on EU priorities and on sound cost-benefit analyses with regard to Bulgaria’s energy security.

Управлението на зелената енергетика в България на кръстопът

Author(s): Ruslan Stefanov,Denitza Mantcheva,Nikolay Tagarov,Dobromir Hristov,Valentina Nikolova / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2011

The current report reviews existing policies for energy sustainability in Bulgaria and the EU, the main achievements and challenges in their implementation, and discusses the central issues to Bulgaria’s sustainable development agenda. The report presents a summary of the transition to sustainable development in Bulgaria, and offers policy recommendations for improving the governance of the Bulgarian green energy sector. Achieving security, sustainability, and competitiveness in the energy sector is a daunting task for a union of twenty-seven states, especially since the issue of securing the supply of energy has traditionally been a national matter. In their drive to reach climate change and energy targets during the past decade, European governments have utilized quick fix solutions like turning to nuclear power or replacing coal with gas, thus burdening future generations with nuclear waste disposal and increasing EU’s energy dependence on Russia. Yet, two major events – the gas crisis of January 2009 and the Fukusima nuclear disaster of March 2011 – have reshaped the thinking and rekindled the debate on the ways of achieving energy security and stability of supply in Europe.

Устойчиво развитие и добро управление на енергийния сектор: национални, регионални и глобални перспективи

Author(s): / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2011

The present reader is a continuation of the efforts of the Center for the Study of Democracy to better inform the national institutions, energy companies and the Bulgarian society with a view to sustainable development and good governance in the energy sector. Good governance in the energy sector is necessary for the prosperity of any country, regardless of its level of development or the scale of its economy. Energy is the foundation of any modern economic activity. In order to achieve or maintain the level of high-tech development in modern societies, it is necessary to ensure, through appropriate management methods and for every sector of the economy, secure access to energy at affordable prices. The book was prepared by a team of the Center for the Study of Democracy with coordinator Nikolay Tagarov, Senior Analyst at the Center's Sociological Program. The team also includes: Ruslan Stefanov, Director, Economic Program, Denitsa Mancheva, Analyst, Economic Program, Maria Doichinova, Associate, Legal Program, Dr. Dobromir Hristov, Research Assistant, Economic Program, Valentina Nikolova, Analyst, Economic Program, and Genika Boshnakova, editor.

Участието в проекти – качествен инструмент за мотивация на ученици и учители

Author(s): Ivaylo Staribratov / Language(s): Bulgarian / Issue: 4/2017

The article shares the school experience in developing and participating in various projects over the last ten years. The approach to accomplishing these projects is an essential part of the motivation for better inclusion in the learning process both by students and teachers. Professional competencies are enhanced substantially among students who have completed internship outside of Bulgaria. The acquaintance of the teachers with the organization and curricula of the other European countries increases the quality of the regular educational process in our school.

Ученическите емоции удоволствие, тревожност и скучаене в процеса на учене по време на час

Author(s): Nina Gerdzhikova / Language(s): Bulgarian / Issue: 3/2016

The article presents data from the survey of 12-15 years-old students. The data show that students do not experience strong emotions during class. 79,1% of students would be absent from class if they are feeling tension. At the same time, 69,7% of students never or very seldom would be left demonstratively the classes. These data clearly show the attitude of students to control their negative emotions in accordance to the requirements of the teacher to them. The educational status of the mother doesn’t influence the type of emotional behavior.

Уязвими групи лишени от свобода: Наръчник

Author(s): Alejandro Forero Cuéllar,María Celeste Tortosa,Klaus Dreckmann,Dimitar Markov,Maria Doichinova / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2015

In prison, certain groups of inmates are subject to disadvantages due to specifics of their origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc. These groups usually need special treatment, which is not always provided, which leads to unequal treatment and violation of their rights. This handbook examines the situation of such vulnerable groups within the prison systems of Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Lithuania and Spain. Starting from the classification of the UN Handbook on Prisoners with special needs and looking at the different national contexts, the authors identify different groups as vulnerable in different countries. In order to encompass as many groups as possible, their list was extended to include some particularly marginalised groups, such as sex offenders, prisoners with disabilities, etc. Each group is viewed in context, explaining the situations of vulnerability both generally and in the selected countries. From one side, the handbook presents the efforts for compensation of vulnerabilities in every country available in the legislation or provided by prison authorities or other actors. From the other side, it identifies the gaps in the measures and practices, which vary both from country to country and from group to group.

Факторите, които влияят на ангажираността на служителите

Author(s): Albena Vasileva / Language(s): Bulgarian / Issue: 2/2017

The article presents some of the factors that affect employee engagement in terms of different models and practices for measuring and enhancing engagement. The presented models were developed by famous consulting companies like Gallup Organization and Aon Hewitt, by Wilmar Schaufeli and Patrick Lenchioni as well as analyses of recommendations given at Forbes articles in this sphere.

Феномен сожительства в северном регионе: масштабы, причины и демографические последствия

Author(s): S. A. Sukneva,A. S. Barashkova / Language(s): Russian / Issue: 1/2019

Understanding cohabitation not only as a sign of the institutional crisis of the traditional marriage, but also as a recognition of the objectivity of this phenomenon necessitates consideration in sparsely populated remote regions of the country. At present in Yakutia every sixth married couple prefers to not register their marriage relationship and this without a doubt is one of the reasons for simplification and the deterioration of the family composition of the population of the Republic. From 2002 to 2010 the total number of married people remained almost the same, while the number of cohabitants rose 1,4 times. Very significant territorial differences can be found in the character of the changes in this indicator for both the general population and representatives of the three cohorts. Based on the materials of the survey and the group-focused interviews, causes and possible demographic consequences of the phenomenon of cohabitation are analyzed. The respondents mentioned “the opportunity to test this marriage” factor as the main one. This answer prevails in the responses of both men and women, regardless of their place of residence. Among other arguments of loyal and even sympathetic attitudes toward cohabitation, the respondents mention such notions and opportunities as: trusting each other and the ease of termination in case of failure. In each focus group, it was noted that illegitimate forms of marriage is brought from outside, is — in a way — some kind of “fashion”. This fashion for Yakuts mentality is detrimental. An important argument for the critical attitude of the society towards the phenomenon of cohabitation is also its restrictive effect on the birth-rate.

Центровете за изнесени услуги като глобални „спасители“: краткосрочна перспектива, престижна алтернатива или социална принуда за младежите в България

Author(s): Niya Neykova / Language(s): Bulgarian / Issue: 1-2/2016

The paper sets forth the task of continuing the tradition of Cultural Studies’ approach to contemporary youth cultures in Bulgaria. Based on fieldwork (a participant observation in two outsourcing companies and in-depth interviews), the analysis presents the new opportunity on the labor market, rapidly turning into a major option for youths in big cities – the outsourcing companies (Bulgaria is currently considered to be among top outsourcing destinations). The text is an effort to comprehend the unprecedented development of this sector in the last fifteen years and in particular the work of client service centers which are mainly outsourced in the country. This reveals some changes in the labor market, in youth alternatives for work, but also in the idea for successful career development and for an adequate professional biography. Specific media rhetoric meets the specific professional strategies of three groups of youths who consider such professional realization respectively as short-term perspective, as prestigious alternative or as social constraint, all this when “import” of corporative culture in Bulgaria does not take into consideration regional factors in relation with country specific context which produces different type of workforce in the sector, with different motivation and requiring different methods of loyalty building.

ЦИТИРАНА ЛИТЕРАТУРА

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 0

Частни интереси определят решенията за големите инфраструктурни проекти в българската енергетика

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2015

Less than one-sixth of citizens believe the government is independent and takes the key decisions for infrastructure projects in the energy sector in the interest of society. More than half of the population indicates that government decisions are dominated by foreign governments, and the interests of local oligarchs and economic groups and international companies are being put forward. These opinions are not influenced by education, age, employment or size of the settlement.

ЧИСТО БЪДЕЩЕ. План за действие срещу корупцията. Мониторинг. Индекси за оценка на корупцията

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 1999

The Anti-Corruption Action Plan has been developed within the framework of the Coalition 2000 process with the purpose of becoming part of the social agenda as a broadly approved system of measures and actions for curbing the extremely dangerous social phenomenon of corruption. The Anti-Corruption Action Plan gained credit as a document, which was often referred to in Bulgaria and used in other countries as a model for mapping out national anti-corruption priorities. In the words of George Soros, the Bulgarian anti-corruption plan is the most comprehensive and ambitious document of its kind.

Човешката несигурност

Author(s): Georgi Fotev / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2016

Prof. Georgy Fotev is a Bulgarian sociologist. His scientific works are in the areas of theory and history of sociology and the disciplinary fields of modern sociology. The focus of the research interests of G.Fotev is the nature of sociology as a multiple paradigm science. Another major theme in the works of Georgy Fotev is the dialogue as a base and horizon of multiple paradigm sociology. Georgy Fotev has publications in the fields of historical sociology, sociology of politics, ethnosociology, the crisis of legitimacy, sociology of values, etc. His books "The long night of communism in Bulgaria" and "Bulgarian melancholy" throw light on the dramatic fate of the Bulgarian national society. Georgy Fotev was Minister of Education and Science (1991 - 1992). He is professor emeritus of New Bulgarian University. In 2003 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the American University in Bulgaria. Mankind is shaken by a multitude of uncertainty. There is an increasing perception that uncertainty becomes permanent. The focus is on the existential, social, political, economic, global and other basic varieties of human uncertainty. The author explores the fundamental conditions of human uncertainty and the main forms of her manifestation and experience. The phenomenon is seen in the light of the new science of chaos and complexity in the context of the risky society/world, in terms of catastrophic consciousness and the conditions of crisis types. Particular attention is paid to trust as a fundamental social attitude and condition against decadent attitudes and nihilism.

Човешки ресурси и социална политика в контекста на присъединяването на България към Европейския съюз, август 1995 г.

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 1995

Bulgaria's orientation towards the EU dates back to the early days of radical political changes in the country, which began at the end of 1989. Membership in the EU attracted mostly the high social standards in the member states, the transition to a single internal market allowing for free movement of goods, capital and people. The integration of the country into the European Communities was perceived as a means of rapidly resolving the internal economic and social problems we faced after the collapse of the totalitarian regime. The rapprochement and future membership of the EU was wished to be strong and in order to remove the trade barriers of the Union which we felt much more strongly after the disintegration of the former CMEA market.

Ще приберем ли „на тъмно“ цените на “светлото”? Медийна записка

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2013

The decision to decrease by 5% the retail electricity prices as of 1 August 2013 is among the topics at the heart of political debates in Bulgaria this autumn. A similar move in 2010 clearly showed that such a politically mandated price decrease was not sustainable in the long run. It ended in the sharp increase (13% y-o-y) of electricity prices in 2012, and subsequent social unrest, which brought down the Bulgarian government in February 2013. The focus on the final consumer bill reduction in the public debate overshadows some of the other structural effects of the decision, which are worth mentioning.

Щрихи от дейността на Найден Геров в навечерието и по време на Кримската война (1853 – 1856)

Author(s): Anna Chankova / Language(s): Bulgarian / Issue: 6/2018

Nayden Gerov was a Bulgarian linguist, folklorist, writer and public figure during the Bulgarian National Revival. The article aims to shed new light on the activities of Nayden Gerov before and during the Crimean war (1853 – 1856). In 1857, Gerov became “First Vice-Consul” of Russia in Plovdiv. As such, he strove to further the Bulgarian national cause, helping young Bulgarians to receive scholarships abroad.