The emphasis on collaborative governance and effective leadership to bring any social change is gaining prominence among researchers. This study investigates how leadership and collaborative governance can drive social change in waste management in Campania, using a qualitative, multi-site case study approach. Interviews of relevant politicians, public managers, citizens, waste management organizations and academics were conducted (2023–2024). This research uses the lens of multiple theoretical frameworks such as collaborative governance, network agency, public value framework and transformational leadership to explore different dynamics of the research such as stakeholder engagement, public value creation and leadership effectiveness in waste management. Moreover, several obstacles in the way of achieving social change in Campania concerning waste management and environmental sustainability are identified. The findings of this study added to the theoretical understanding of collaborative governance and social change through the demonstration of how transformational leadership, stakeholder participation and trust-based relationships drive good waste management while identifying structural limitations such as corruption and organized crime that hindered governance. Practically, it highlights five interconnected themes from interviews of leadership that civic leaders and managers must establish to promote positive social change: Difficulties in leadership effectiveness, civic potential unused, media mobilization, hope for a miracle and stakeholder engagement diversification. The public value framework is used to analyze the potential role of leadership in bringing change in society. The research findings are replicable and can be applied to a similar set of circumstances. This study advances existing research by addressing the gap in understanding how collaborative governance and transformational leadership can be integrated to tackle waste management and environmental sustainability challenges. The findings can be applied to other regions facing similar governance challenges, making it relevant for global sustainability efforts. Italy’s government has green-lighted projects to make these activities more visible while downplaying their negative impacts on the environment and public health.

The management of solid waste from its collection to disposal is a widespread issue all around the world. This is a stinging issue in the rural and urban areas of the developing and developed states of the world. The mismanagement in Pakistan in the context of solid waste is required to be recognized because it is not only affecting the health of the public but also affecting the health of the environment. Therefore, this study conducts qualitative research methodology and conducted interviews with mega cities’ solid waste management officials and waste pickers, for analyzing uses Grounded theory through the lens of thematic analysis to highlight how public value is being destroyed by the mismanagement of solid waste in Pakistan. This study inspects and critically analyzes the effects of corruption, mismanagement, lawlessness, lack of accountability, budgetary issues, health, environmental and social inequalities issues, and no proper methods for the disposal of solid waste as the major causes that are destroying public value. The study emphasizes the significance of community awareness and active public participation in enhancing solid waste management practices. It also emphasizes the need for robust institutional frameworks and stricter enforcement of regulations to mitigate the risks associated with improper waste management. Moreover, the need for combined efforts by policymakers as well as governments, communities, and all relevant stakeholders is highlighted in the research to address the issue of sole waste management in developing states. To achieve a sustainable model for solid waste management that is able to protect the environment and public health, it is important to promote recycling, increase public awareness as well as improve waste segregation.

The aim of this research article includes the critical scrutiny of the existing solid waste management system in developing countries to determine the potential impacts of challenges on the functionality of the system of solid waste management. The paper pinpoints corruption, departmental dishonesty, mismanagement, lawlessness and lack of reasonable policies as the major challenges that are required to be discussed and addressed for the protection of the environment and public health. With this aim, this research article conducts a qualitative study in the form of interviews with closed-end questions and filled from 175 solid waste management organizations officials to highlight the challenges that are being faced by developing countries concerning the solid waste management system. Currently, the management of solid waste is not an easy task to perform, therefore, the situation of the system of solid waste management is quite dire in developing countries in comparison to developed countries. Hence, there is a need for the acknowledgment of the impact of unreasonable solid waste management systems and there is a need to change it for sustainability of the public health and environment. The betterment of the system of solid waste requires endeavours in increasing the funds, awareness in the public, recognition of new innovative technology, and development of an infrastructure. For the progress of the countries, there is a need to accept a new system for solid waste management. Along with this, there is a need to recognize the problem in the existing system.

This study aims to analyze the risk factors and challenges in waste management in developing nations. Waste management strategies vary based on the type of waste, liquid, solid, or organic and include disposal methods such as incineration, burial, recycling, and treatment. The rapid growth of urban populations has led to increased solid waste production, adversely affecting the environment and public health, particularly in informal urban neighborhoods, tribal villages, and rural settlements, where waste management services are often inadequate. A significant barrier in these regions is the lack of education and awareness about effective waste management practices. Unauthorized dumpsites pose severe Environmental risks due to the potential presence of hazardous materials, including radioactive, infectious, and toxic waste. Wealthier individuals are generally more conscious of environmental issues and more proactive in addressing them. Waste managers must ensure public information is clear and consistent with existing knowledge to foster better practices. This study utilized descriptive analysis to assess the relationships between various factors influencing waste management. Survey results indicate insufficient efforts to mitigate odors from dump sites, suggesting a need for greater public awareness. These findings highlight the importance of improving education on comprehensive waste management strategies to reduce environmental and health risks.

The practice environment significantly influences healthcare quality, particularly in nursing. In Saudi Arabia, the quality of nursing services faces challenges due to a high ratio of expatriate nurses and unique workplace conditions. This study analyzes the Nursing Work Index Scale (NWIS) to evaluate the Practice Environment Scale (PES) and its subscales. Additionally, it explores the relationship between demographic variables and subscale outcomes. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 573 staff nurses in a public hospital (1200-bed capacity) managed by the Ministry of Health. Data was collected in October 2021, with 384 nurses responding. The PES-NWIS was utilized to measure nurses' perceptions of their work environment on a four-point scale. The overall mean score for the PES-NWIS was 2.94 (SD ± 0.753), with all five subscale scores exceeding the midpoint of 2.5. The highest scores were observed for "Nursing Foundations for Quality of Care" (3.02, SD ± 0.753), followed by "Collegial Nurse–Physician Relations" (2.99, SD ± 0.822), and "Nurse Manager Ability, Leadership, and Support" (2.98, SD ± 0.819). The lowest score was for "Staffing and Resource Adequacy" (2.56, SD ± 0.993). A healthy work environment positively impacts nursing outcomes and healthcare quality. Promoting a supportive nursing practice environment benefits patients, nurses, and the broader healthcare team, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in Saudi hospitals.