02. Master's Thesis

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https://nur.nu.edu.kz/handle/123456789/8142

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Browsing 02. Master's Thesis by Subject "Akimat"

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    BARRIERS AND DIFFICULTIES FOR CSR DEVELOPMENT IN KAZAKHSTAN
    (Nazarbayev University, Graduate School of Public Policy, 2021-11-07) Mussabekova, Ainur; Aldanova, Malika; Turganova, Alua
    Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, has been attracting significant interest as one of the key instruments for governments in maintaining the sustainability of local communities. The CSR approaches include not only the economic profitability of companies but also the societal and environmental aspects. The purpose of our master’s project is to investigate the barriers and difficulties for CSR development in Kazakhstan via testing two hypotheses, specifically whether (i) a better understanding of CSR and enhanced communication among stakeholders (Akimats, companies, local communities/NGOs) results in the improved realization of CSR and (ii) better planning and availability of CSR monitoring & feedback tools/mechanisms by local authorities or Akimats increases realization of more sustainable projects which address local community needs. The research has been done with a focus on the oil & gas industry, based on the case-study example of the North Caspian Operating Company in Atyrau Oblast. The research findings have demonstrated that: (i) varied perceptions of CSR by stakeholders lead to a disparate understanding of the CSR realization process; (ii) insufficient involvement of certain stakeholders leads to poor communication among parties; (iii) the absence of a clearly defined national framework for CSR implementation results in the weak realization of CSR projects; (iv) Akimat’s objectives are not clearly defined, which leads to lack of planning and contribution; (v) limited opportunity for company’s long term planning leads to projects that don’t address the needs of the local community; (vi) Akimat lacks the expertise and knowledge to support the realization of CSR project from the government’s side, which leads to its dependency on company’s decision-making and capacity during the CSR realization process; (vii) the absence of CSR monitoring and feedback processes from the local governments results in the realization of non-sustainable projects.
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    WOMEN UNDERREPRESENTATION IN THE AKIMATS OF ASTANA: EXPLORING BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES
    (Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, 2024-04-05) Assykpayev, Sanzhar; Bakirova, Bibigul; Ualibek, Aigerim
    Underrepresentation of women in civil service poses a great challenge for the inclusivity, gender equality, and political representation of women’s needs and interests in society. Cultural norms and societal pressures exacerbate the situation further limiting women employee’s career aspirations and advancements. In the presence of systematic barriers perpetuating underrepresentation, promotion of policies that encourage women’s participation are found to be an effective solution. This work explores the reasons and factors behind the underrepresentation of women in local governments through a qualitative case study of several akimats of Astana city. By interviewing representatives from local municipalities research reveals emerging themes from the experiences and challenges women employees face during their work and advancement to decision-making positions. Results of the study indicate that societal and cultural biases are prominent reasons behind the underrepresentation of women in akimats. Systematic pressure built on the base of male preference and historically developed assigned roles for women was found to be significant in defining the barriers women face during promotion to decision-making positions. Additionally, the study underlines the importance of domestic responsibilities in evaluating factors that influence women’s decision to pursue political careers in Astana akimats.