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Evidence-based policymaking and the wicked problem of SDG 5 Gender Equality

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  • Lorraine Eden

    (Texas A&M University)

  • M. Fernanda Wagstaff

    (The University of Texas at El Paso)

Abstract

Evidence-based policymaking (EBP) contends that policy decisions are successful when informed by evidence. However, where policy problems are “wicked” (systemic, ambiguous, complex, and conflictual), politics trumps evidence and solutions are never first best or permanent. Applying an EBP approach to solving wicked problems (WPs) therefore appears to be a daunting, impossible task. Despite the difficulties, we contend that blending insights from the EBP and WP literatures can provide actionable and practical policy advice to governments and MNEs for dealing with the WPs of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We support our thesis with a case study applying EBP to the WP of SDG 5 Gender Equality. We compare the statistical evidence from gender inequality indexes to SDG 5’s targets and indicators. We provide five insights from the EBP and WP literatures into why and how good evidence is necessary but not sufficient for progress on SDG 5. Building on these insights, we recommend that governments adopt an EBP approach employing public–private partnerships to address SDG 5. We also recommend that MNE executives use our new SDG Materiality Matrix, designed on EBP principles, to build SDG 5 into their global corporate social responsibility strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorraine Eden & M. Fernanda Wagstaff, 2021. "Evidence-based policymaking and the wicked problem of SDG 5 Gender Equality," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 4(1), pages 28-57, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:joibpo:v:4:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1057_s42214-020-00054-w
    DOI: 10.1057/s42214-020-00054-w
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    Cited by:

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    2. Lorraine Eden & Charles F. Hermann & Stewart R. Miller, . "Evidence-based policymaking in a VUCA world," UNCTAD Transnational Corporations Journal, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
    3. Rob Van Tulder & Suzana B. Rodrigues & Hafiz Mirza & Kathleen Sexsmith, 2021. "The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: Can multinational enterprises lead the Decade of Action?," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 4(1), pages 1-21, March.
    4. Kimitaka Nishitani & Akira Kawaguchi, 2022. "Mitigating Gender Inequality in the Workplace: Toward Sustainable Development Through Institutional Changes," Discussion Paper Series DP2022-07, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University, revised May 2022.
    5. Ivan Montiel & Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra & Junghoon Park & Raquel Antolín-López & Bryan W. Husted, 2021. "Implementing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in international business," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(5), pages 999-1030, July.
    6. Fernhaber, Stephanie A. & Zou, Huan, 2022. "Advancing societal grand challenge research at the interface of entrepreneurship and international business: A review and research agenda," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(5).
    7. Josilene Aires Moreira & Catarina Sales Oliveira, 2022. "Quantifying for Qualifying: A Framework for Assessing Gender Equality in Higher Education Institutions," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-24, October.
    8. Matevž Rašković, 2022. "International business policymaking for a “wicked” world," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 5(3), pages 353-362, September.
    9. Kiefner, Valentin & Mohr, Alexander & Schumacher, Christian, 2022. "Female executives and multinationals’ support of the UN's sustainable development goals," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 57(3).
    10. Khadija Straaten & Rajneesh Narula & Elisa Giuliani, 2023. "The multinational enterprise, development, and the inequality of opportunities: A research agenda," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 54(9), pages 1623-1640, December.

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