Consistency in employee discipline: an empirical exploration

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Cole
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Disciplinary Action ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employee Discipline ◽  
Common Response ◽  
Informal Discussion ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study seeks to explore the incidence and severity of inconsistency in the application of disciplinary measures between supervisors, given the same disciplinary incident. Consistency is an important aspect of procedural fairness in disciplinary action, but it has received little empirical attention.Design/methodology/approachFour employee discipline scenarios were assigned at random to 130 real‐life supervisor‐employee dyads, who role‐played the scenario.FindingsThere was little consistency between supervisors in their decisions regarding disciplinary measures. Overall, having an informal discussion with the employee was the most common response. Only when specific instructions to impose a verbal or written warning were provided did most supervisors move beyond an informal discussion. Even when clear instructions were given, a substantial minority applied a less severe disciplinary outcome.Research limitations/implicationsEven in this role‐play situation, where “real life” variables such as union grievances that could lead to the dilution of disciplinary action were not present, supervisors were generally lenient regarding employee discipline.Practical implicationsThe trade‐off between the objectives of consistency and consideration of individual circumstances presents a serious challenge to practising supervisors.Originality/valueThis is a rare empirical paper exploring the issue of consistency in employee discipline.

scholarly journals Myths about HIV and AIDS among serodiscordant couples in Malawi

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-293
Author(s):  
Kondwani Wella ◽  
Sheila Webber ◽  
Philippa Levy
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Serodiscordant Couples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Information Providers ◽  
Aids Information ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on research that uncovered myths about HIV and AIDS held by serodiscordant couples in Malawi, and the sources of these myths. The paper reflects on how the myths affect serodiscordant couples’ engagement with HIV and AIDS information. Design/methodology/approach Van Manen’s (1997) approach to analysis of phenomenological data was used to analyse data from in-depth interviews conducted in Malawi with 21 serodiscordant couples and three individuals who had separated from their partners because of serodiscordance. Findings Serodiscordant couples in Malawi believe and hold on to some inaccurate HIV and AIDS information that can be seen as “myths”. Some of these myths are perpetuated by official HIV and AIDS information when it is translated into the local languages. Other myths derive from social norms of the societies where the couples live. Practical implications The findings of this paper have practical implications for how HIV and AIDS information providers should engage with target audiences to understand the origins of the myths they hold. The findings also imply that some myths have technical, religious, moral and cultural bases which need to be addressed before challenging the myth itself. Originality/value Using real-life descriptions of experiences of HIV and AIDS information provided by serodiscordant couples, the authors reveal how myths can affect engagement with the information. The authors make recommendations on how to address myths in ways that contribute to a positive experience of HIV and AIDS information by serodiscordant couples.

Who is vulnerable? Adult social care and modern slavery

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Craig ◽  
Stephen Clay
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modern Slavery ◽  
History Of ◽  
Forced Labour ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The 2015 Modern Slavery Act focusses attention forms of modern slavery (human trafficking and forced labour), within the UK. The contemporaneous 2014 Care Act, identifies modern slavery as a new form of risk within adult social care, listing forms of abuse and vulnerability. However, it does not consider whether those providing care may themselves be vulnerable to forms of modern slavery. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The authors describe the history of the development of modern slavery legislation in the UK, outline key provisions of the Care Act, illustrated with real-life cases. The analysis suggests that adult social care – characterised by informality, fragmentation and vulnerability – is one where instances of modern slavery may be more common than considered to date. Findings The data collected, though relatively modest, suggests that a thorough investigation should be undertaken into the possibility of modern slavery taking place within the realm of adult social care. Research limitations/implications Data have been collected through a snowball process, rolling out a survey to relevant groups of individual and organisations. A more rigorous investigation is required to examine the extent of modern slavery within adult social care. Practical implications The training of those responsible for the regulation/management of adult social care needs to ensure that they are fully equipped to understand the nature of modern slavery and how to identify its symptoms and victims. Social implications There is also a need for heightened awareness of those close to people being cared for that they may also identify the symptoms of modern slavery. Originality/value This area has not been explored to date.

Numerical simulation of Chun-Hui He’s iteration method with applications in engineering

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Waseem Asghar Khan
Keyword(s):  
Iteration Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Algebraic Models ◽  
Robust Algorithms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Challenges ◽  
Predictor Corrector ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to introduce a modern higher efficiency predictor–corrector iterative algorithm. Design/methodology/approach Furthermore, the efficiency of new algorithm is analyzed on the based on Chun-Hui He’s iteration method. Findings In comparison with the current robust algorithms, the newly establish algorithm behaves better and efficient, whereas the current existing algorithm fails or slows in the considered test examples. Practical implications The modified Chun-Hui He’s algorithm has great practical implication in numerous real-life challenges in different area of engineering, such as Industrial engineering, Civil engineering, Electrical engineering and Mechanical engineering. Originality/value The paper presents a modified Chun-Hui He’s algorithm for solving the nonlinear algebraic models exist in various area.

The context of choice as boundary condition for gender differences in brand choice considerations

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 1280-1304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enav Friedmann ◽  
Oded Lowengart
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Gender Stereotypes ◽  
Latent Variables ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Brand Choice ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Marketers often assume that functional, hedonic and socially conspicuous utilities in choosing a brand differ for men and women, thus different marketing strategies are required for each gender. To date, most of the research studies have used self-reported measures when shopping in general or in regard to a single product. The purpose of this research is to examine this question using two different contexts of brand choice: single choice evaluation (SCE) and brand selection context (BSC). This assessment will clarify whether male and female utilities when choosing a brand are indeed inherent and consistent. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using surveys in three studies (N = 923). Conjoint analysis and ICLV (integrated choice and latent variables) models were examined. Findings BSC analysis that more closely mimics real-life contexts revealed that the consideration of these utilities is generally similar for men and women, while the SCE analysis showed significant gender differences. Practical implications In the context of choosing between brands, stereotypical gender targeting may be ineffective and might not be the best allocation of resources for marketers. Social implications Gender stereotypes in advertising seem to reconstruct differences that are not significant in a realistic brand selection context. Originality/value The context of choice was found to be a condition boundary for gender differences in brand choice considerations. Gender differences are not evolutionary or inherent.

Does the competitive orientation really lead to emphasis on different internal capabilities?

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1075-1096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yen-Tsang Chen ◽  
Ronaldo Gomes Dultra-de-Lima ◽  
João Mário Csillag ◽  
José Carlos Tiomatsu Oyadomari
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategy Implementation ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Capabilities ◽  
Systematic Strategy ◽  
Competitive Priority ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Perceptual Scale

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate if the organization competitive orientation can really make firms emphasize different internal capability. This paper aims to revisit and extend the study proposed by Fleury and Fleury (2003). Design/methodology/approach – The survey instrument was employed to collect the sample composed by 163 companies from different sectors of Brazilian market. Additionally, several statistic techniques were applied such as cluster analysis, ANOVA test and hierarchical regression analysis to investigate the phenomenon. Findings – It was observed that three possible clusters can be built based on cumulative capabilities perspective and the Operation oriented group has no emphasis on production, logistic nether R & D capability, while other two clusters have a distinctive attentions on their internal capabilities. Research limitations/implications – The limitation of this research lies in using perceptual scale for performance and few constructs with one item for measuring. On the other hand, this research has revisited the taxonomy topic based on cumulative capability perspective and discussed the trade-off concepts assumed in past studies. Practical implications – This study has demonstrated the absence of systematic strategy implementation of those that are considered Operational oriented. Additionally, the authors have demonstrated that market share and customer satisfaction performance are impacted by different competitive priority as well as internal capability. Originality/value – The authors reviewed the work proposed by Fleury and Fleury (2003), and went further in proposing a taxonomy complementation suggested by them. Additionally the authors discussed the assumptions of the taxonomies that have been adopted up today and explored this issue using cumulative capabilities concept. This work is based on competitive orientations, internal capability and cumulative capabilities suggested by seminar papers.

Negligent retention of counterproductive employees

2014 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis R. Self ◽  
Terry B. Self
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Disciplinary Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fiduciary Responsibility ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Negligent Retention ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to encourage organizations to recognize the potential risks of retaining counterproductive employees on their payrolls and the steps they should take to prevent and/or correct the situation should it exist within their organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Literature examining a broader definition of the negligent retention doctrine, which includes employees who lack the qualifications for the positions they hold, those who are nonperformers, and/or those who exhibit toxic behaviours, and the consequences for retaining these counterproductive employees on the payroll. By using a multilayered approach, the article discusses the efforts organizations can use to identify potentially counterproductive employee behaviour and the steps the organizations should take to provide appropriate developmental strategies/programs to assist counterproductive employees, as well as, provide appropriate disciplinary action, as the situation dictates. Findings – The review highlights the potential financial drain and performance threats counterproductive employees create for organizations; offers explanations as to why counterproductive employees are often allowed to stay on the payroll; and provides suggestions for preventing the selection of counterproductive employees, for providing appropriate developmental. Practical implications – The article offers practical insights and suggestions to organizations that are interested in upholding their fiduciary responsibility to their stakeholders, while providing counterproductive employees opportunity to improve their performance/behaviours or to exit the organization. Originality/value – The article expands the definition of the negligent retention doctrine to include the often-ignored financial and emotional dangers of retaining unfit or counterproductive employees on the payroll.

How to offer mobile targeting promotion under asymmetry

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-303
Author(s):  
Qin Wan ◽  
Jing Zhu ◽  
Huijing Li ◽  
Lili Wang
Keyword(s):  
Game Theory ◽  
Price Competition ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Game Model ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equilibrium Prices ◽  
Mobile Accessibility ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Based on consumers’ geographic real-time locations, firms can utilize mobile targeting promotion (MTP) to target consumers through some applications embedded in mobile device. This paper aims to focus on two competing firms about how to make MTP strategies under asymmetric mobile accessibilities, i.e. the proportions of consumers who can be targeted by firms through apps are different. Design/methodology/approach This paper develops a game model for two competing firms. Aiming to maximizing profit, firms should consider how to utilize MTP strategies to trade off the benefit (expand market share) and the cost (intensive price competition). Findings The optimal MTP strategies and equilibrium prices have been presented under different scenarios. This paper verifies that asymmetry can make the firm with high mobile accessibility obtain extra profits. Furthermore, when unit targeting cost is relatively low, profit of the firm with low mobile accessibility increases first and decreases later with respect to its mobile accessibility. Practical implications Competing firms’ optimal MTP strategies and equilibrium prices are determined not only by unit targeting cost but also by consumers’ mobile accessibilities to firms. Firms have strong incentive to enlarge the mobile accessibility to procure more profit in monopoly context, but, under competing context, a higher mobile accessibility may not mean better for firm. Originality/value This is one of the few papers which study mobile targeting based on game theory considering unit targeting cost and asymmetric mobile accessibility simultaneously.

Sensorless localization of a minimally-actuated robotic system for automated pallet de-strapping

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nour El-Hoda Khalifeh ◽  
Rudy Youssef ◽  
Farah Fadel ◽  
Roy Khalil ◽  
Elie Shammas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Conveyor Belt ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Industrial Plant ◽  
Sensors And Actuators ◽  
Smart System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to detail the design and prototyping of a smart automation solution for de-strapping plastic bonding straps on shipping pallets, which are loaded with multiple containers secured by a top-cover as they move on a conveyor belt. Design/methodology/approach The adopted design methodology to have the system perform its function entails using the least number of sensors and actuators to arrive at an economic solution from a system design viewpoint. Two prototypes of the robotic structure are designed and built, one in a research laboratory and another in an industrial plant, to perform localized cutting and grabbing of the plastic straps, with the help of a custom-designed passive localizing structure. The proposed structure is engineered to locate the plastic straps using one degree of freedom (DOF) only. An additional strap removal mechanism is designed to collect the straps and prevent them from interfering with the conveyor. Findings The functionality of the system is validated by performing full-process tests on the developed prototypes in a laboratory setting and under real-life operating conditions at BMW Group facilities. Testing showed that the proposed localization system meets the specified requirements and can be generalized and adapted to other industrial processes with similar requirements. Practical implications The proposed automated system for de-strapping pallets can be deployed in assembly or manufacturing facilities that receive parts in standard shipping pallets that are used worldwide. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first mechanically smart system that is used for the automated removal of straps from shipping pallets used in assembly facilities. The two main novelties of the proposed design are the robustness of the strap localization without the need for computer vision and a large number of DOF, and the critical placement and choice of the cutting and gripping tools to minimize the number of needed actuators.

A mixed-methods analysis of mediator socialization through training

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-125
Author(s):  
Ian M. Borton ◽  
Gregory Dennis Paul
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Socialization Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediation Training ◽  
Training Materials ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Positive Force

Purpose This study aims to better understand the socialization process individuals undergo when training to become a conflict mediator. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents an analysis of Michigan’s state-wide training guidelines, training documents and eight semi-structured narrative interviews from participants of two 40-hour mediation trainings. Findings Results are presented with regard to pre-training and post-training beliefs about mediation alongside data gathered regarding mediator tactics, beliefs and potential for transformation. In sum, newly trained mediators often undergo a phase of “unlearning” before returning to a settlement-focused facilitative model of mediation. Practical implications The paper presents implications for facilitative mediator training, training materials and role-play activities. Originality/value Third-party interventions can impact conflicts both positively and negatively. Currently, many states and municipal districts have engaged individuals through mediation training to act as a positive force for conflict resolution. Thus far, very little is understood about the development of individuals through mediation training.

The march towards infinity – the impending era of deep thinking

foresight ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-143
Author(s):  
Shiladitya Dasgupta ◽  
Debashish Sanyal
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Era ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Changing Environments ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The theory of dynamic capabilities (DC) was originally proposed as an improved alternative to the existing resource-based view theory of strategy to address the issue of renewing competences in fast changing environments. However, in an era of transition, how will the theory address the multiple challenges arising on technology, social and energy regime front? The paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach This paper takes the approach of theoretical proposition building, supported by real-life examples. Findings Findings include a set of managerial practices that will help building DCs in rapidly changing environments. Research limitations/implications The theoretical propositions offer further scope of research for other scholars to test and build the theory further. Practical implications The interplay of three forces outlined in the paper has significant strategic implications for firms. Originality/value The paper proposes a framework called deep thinking which has not been proposed before and which particularly addresses how firms can meet the challenge of transitioning into a new era with the help of this framework.

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