Lesbian, gay and bisexual workers: equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace

2006 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 465-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa Wright ◽  
Fiona Colgan ◽  
Chris Creegany ◽  
Aidan McKearney
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Trade Union ◽  
Coming Out ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Temporary Employment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Fund ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
The Uk

PurposeAims to present a report of a conference held at London Metropolitan University in June 2006 that presented and discussed the findings of a two‐year research project, funded by the Higher Education European Social Fund. The project investigated the experiences of LGB workers following the introduction of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulation 2003 in the United Kingdom.Design/methodology/approachThe research was a qualitative study carried out in 16 case study organisations, seen as representing “good practice” in the area of employment of LGB workers. The case studies involved: the analysis of company documentation and reports; interviews with 60 management, trade union and LGBT network group representatives, a short survey and in‐depth interviews with 154 LGB employees. The case studies were supplemented by a series of 25 national key informant interviews with individuals in UK organisations representing government, employers, employees, and LGB people charged with disseminating advice and promoting good practice.FindingsJust over half (57.8 per cent) of the LGB respondents were out to everyone at work. A third (33.8 per cent) were out to some people, while 8.4 per cent said that they were out to very few people or nobody at work. The research indicated that equal opportunities and diversity policies which include sexual orientation; the establishment and promotion of same sex benefits; positive employer and trade union signals; the existence of LGBT groups, the presence of LGB colleagues and LGB senior managers can help LGB people come out. However, LGB people may be prevented from coming out by fears about career progression; lack of visible senior LGB staff; temporary employment status; previous negative experiences of discrimination and harassment; desiring privacy; “macho” or religious attitudes/behaviours of co‐workers.Originality/valueLittle research exists in the UK on the experiences of LGB workers, and this is one of the first studies to focus on the experiences of LGB workers following the introduction of legislation to protect workers against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in 2003.

When “us” doesn’t have to be versus “them”

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-34
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Trade Union ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Labor Relations ◽  
Modern History ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – In the UK, in the 1970s and 1980s, labor relations were at the apex of political discourse like no other time in the country’s modern history. A slow economy and Labor Government in the late 1970s had seen the “sick man of Europe” suffer massive strike action and low productivity. The 1980s saw a huge response by the following Tory government, with radical trade union legislation taking the fight to employee bodies with debilitating effect. The war seemed to have been won, even if some battles ensued in the following decades. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Austerity and financial governance: a UK case study of the National Health Service

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm Prowle ◽  
Don Harradine
Keyword(s):  
Financial Management ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Executive Directors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Governance ◽  
Governance Process ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Finance Directors

Purpose – This research concerns the issue of financial governance within the UK NHS and aims to assess the effectiveness of existing financial governance arrangements in the main providers of health services in the UK. Also considered is the importance of good financial governance in a time of financial austerity. Design/methodology/approach – The primary research for this project was based on the use of a questionnaire to all finance directors in NHSTs in England supported by semi-structured interviews with: finance directors, non-executive directors, executive directors and senior finance staff. Findings – Among the main findings of the study were: certain financial management systems were not prioritised in line with what is seen as good practice; existing financial management systems were not always seen as adequate for the achievement of good financial governance; there was sometimes a lack of understanding of financial issues by non-executive directors; and the complexity of the NHS funding process often resulted in opaqueness of the financial risks. Research limitations/implications – The research is limited by the relatively small coverage of NHS trusts but this has been compensated for by a series of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in the governance process. Practical implications – Weaknesses in financial governance could result in further scandals which result in loss of life and poor patient care. Originality/value – There are many papers on the issue of governance in the public sector in general and the NHS in particular. However, there is little published on the issue of financial governance in the NHS. Also of great value is the emphasis on strengthening financial governance in an era of austerity

scholarly journals Connections with nature for people living with dementia

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 142-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Chester Evans ◽  
Julie Barrett ◽  
Neil Mapes ◽  
June Hennell ◽  
Teresa Atkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Extra Care Housing

Purpose The benefits of “green dementia care”, whereby people living with dementia are supported to connect with nature, are increasingly being recognised. Evidence suggests that these benefits span physical, emotional and social spheres and can make a significant contribution towards quality of life. However, care settings often present specific challenges to promoting such connections due to a range of factors including risk-averse cultures and environmental limitations. The purpose of this paper is to report on a project that aims to explore the opportunities, benefits, barriers and enablers to interaction with nature for people living with dementia in residential care and extra care housing schemes in the UK. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from 144 responses to an online survey by managers/staff of extra care housing schemes and care homes in the UK. In depth-case studies were carried out at three care homes and three extra care housing schemes, involving interviews with residents, staff and family carers. Findings A wide variety of nature-based activities were reported, both outdoor and indoor. Positive benefits reported included improved mood, higher levels of social interaction and increased motivation for residents, and greater job satisfaction for staff. The design and layout of indoor and outdoor spaces is key, in addition to staff who feel enabled to promote connections with nature. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a relatively small research project in which the participants were self-selecting and therefore not necessarily representative. Practical implications The paper makes some key recommendations for good practice in green dementia care in extra care housing and care homes. Social implications Outdoor activities can promote social interaction for people living with dementia in care settings. The authors’ findings are relevant to the recent policy focus on social prescribing. Originality/value The paper makes some key recommendations for good practice in green dementia care in extra care housing and care homes.

scholarly journals Victimization of Traditional and Cyber Bullying During Childhood and Their Correlates Among Adult Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan: A Retrospective Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (23) ◽  
pp. 4634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang ◽  
Hsiao ◽  
Yen
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Coming Out ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Cyber Bullying ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Traditional Bullying ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
And Bisexual

This study examined the associations of timing of sexual orientation developmental milestones, gender role nonconformity, and family-related factors with victimization of traditional and cyber sexuality-related bullying during childhood among gay and bisexual men in Taiwan, in addition to the moderating effects of family-related factors on these associations. A total of 500 homosexual or bisexual men aged between 20 and 25 years were recruited into this study. The associations of early identification of sexual orientation, early coming out, level of masculinity, parental education levels, and perceived family support with victimization of traditional and cyber sexuality-related bullying were evaluated. Early identification of sexual orientation, low self-rated masculinity, and low family support were significantly associated with victimization of traditional bullying. Moreover, low family support, early coming out, and traditional bullying victimization were significantly associated with victimization of cyber bullying. Family support did not moderate the associations of early identification of sexual orientation and low masculinity with victimization of traditional bullying or cyberbullying. The factors associated with victimization of traditional and cyber sexuality-related bullying should be considered when mental health and educational professionals develop prevention and intervention strategies to reduce sexuality-related bullying.

scholarly journals Coming Out to Parents in Lesbian and Bisexual Women: The Role of Internalized Sexual Stigma and Positive LB Identity

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Baiocco ◽  
Jessica Pistella ◽  
Mara Morelli
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Coming Out ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lesbian Women ◽  
Bisexual Women ◽  
Sexual Stigma ◽  
Positive Identity ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Internalized Sexual Stigma

The experience of “coming out” (CO) to parents is often a crucial event in the lives of lesbian and bisexual (LB) women, associated with lower internalized sexual stigma (ISS) and higher positive LB identity. Few studies have compared the experiences of LB women in the CO process. Rather, most prior research has either: (1) not addressed bisexuality or eliminated bisexual individuals from the analysis; (2) combined bisexual women and bisexual men in the same sexual orientation group; or (3) examined bisexual participants alongside lesbian women and gay men, using a single monolithic measure. Thus, the present research aimed at investigating the role of ISS and positive LB identity in inhibiting or encouraging CO to parents in a sample of 241 lesbian women (Mage = 27.61, SD = 7.19) and 186 bisexual women (Mage = 25.23, SD = 5.81), aged 18–40 years. Most participants reported that they had already revealed their sexual orientation to their mother (69%) and their father (52%). More lesbian women had CO to both their mother and their father than had bisexual women. These lesbian women reported lower levels of ISS and higher levels of LB positive identity relative to bisexual women. On average, CO to mothers occurred at age 20 (SD = 5.54), while CO to fathers occurred at age 22 (SD = 5.63). LB women did not differ in the average age of CO to mothers or fathers, or in parental reactions to CO. Finally, ISS was found to affect the process of CO to both parents via positive identity (bootstrapping estimate = −0.26, SE = 0.08, 95% CI = −0.43, 0.11), whereas sexual orientation was not found to moderate the path from ISS to CO to both parents. The present study contributes to our understanding of the differences between LB women when developing their sexual orientation, highlighting the relevance of a positive LB identity for CO to parents. Research and clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

We are much more than watchdogs:

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 568-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Morin ◽  
Mouna Hazgui
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Public Affairs ◽  
Discussion Groups ◽  
Apparent Paradox ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organisational Identity ◽  
Agents Of Change ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Three decades ago, the National Audit Office (NAO) in the UK acquired the powers to evaluate the extent that the British Administration was managed with economy, efficiency and effectiveness. The NAO has since adopted a dual mission: to help Parliament hold government to account and to improve public service. This study aims to investigate value-for-money (VFM) auditors’ internalisation of a dual organisational identity: “obstructive” actions as representatives of a Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) and “enabling good practice”, induced by a will stated in the mission that the NAO authorities have adopted. Design/methodology/approach The organisational identity held and promoted by VFM auditors working at the NAO was explored in this research project. The authors specifically examined the understanding of those who claim to be serving both Parliament and organisations audited in their quest for performance improvement. The authors prompted the auditors to explain how they manage to reconcile these seemingly incompatible roles, namely, that of guardians and watchdogs who must publicly report gaps noted and that of assistants in government’s learning process. To this end, the authors conducted a field study at the NAO in September 2012 during which 21 auditors were interviewed individually and as part of two discussion groups. Findings The findings indicate that the auditors interviewed do not perceive a dichotomy in NAO’s double mission, which they believe to be congruent with their audience’s expectations. They draw meaning and usefulness from their role of monitoring the Administration if they believe they have contributed to improve public affairs management. In their view, the singular role of guardian no longer suffices. The authors conclude that VFM auditors’ recently acquired identity of “moderniser” reflects a self-efficacy expectation that prevents them from recognising the apparent paradox within their dual identity and that lets them fantasise about their real influence on the Administration. Research limitations/implications Admittedly, the limited number of auditors interviewed and who took part in discussion groups is not conducive to generalisation of the conclusions to all auditors in the NAO or to other SAIs. However, although modest in number, the auditor respondents have accumulated many years of VFM audit practice and have contributed to the production of many reports. The respondents could therefore rightfully speak of their work as VFM auditors and as representatives of an institution such as the NAO. Practical implications This study contributes to the debates about the place and role of SAIs in the control environment of Administrations. By soliciting testimonials from the actors working within the NAO, the authors could thus question certain a priori assumptions held by stakeholders in the political and administrative world for whom auditors are mere “watchdogs” of Administrations, and nothing more. Originality/value The dual mission that the NAO has adopted (similar to many other SAIs) has been formally and publicly stated. It was therefore worth investigating how experienced auditors such as those interviewed had internalised this mission. The authors argue that this dual mission, perhaps inspired by the managerialist culture that has shaped changes to the British Administration (and many other occidental Administrations) since the early 1980s and that is seemingly encouraged by Government, twists the legislator’s intentions, which are to consider SAIs’ auditors as guardians and watchdogs of Administrations, not as agents of change and improvement.

Breaking the retail rules

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 32-34
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Massive Point ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The UK TV sitcom “Open All Hours” is a truly terrible example of convenience retailing. The situation is that of a corner shop in Northern England run by a cantankerous middle aged man with a pronounced stutter, who variously abuses, gossips about or tries to flatter his customers. Inventory is massive, point of sale technology primitive, and as the title suggests, opening hours are long. Hilarity ensues. Practical implications – This study provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and an easy-to-digest format.

The efficacy of sexual orientation anti-discrimination legislation

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 449-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Hebl ◽  
Laura Barron ◽  
Cody Brent Cox ◽  
Abigail R. Corrington
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Workplace Discrimination ◽  
National State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State And Local ◽  
And Bisexual

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to summarize the limited body of research that focuses on the efficacy of sexual orientation anti-discrimination legislation in reducing discrimination. Design/methodology/approach Reviews past research that documents overt and subtle forms of workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals and describes how legislation plays an important role in changing social norms and underlying attitudes. Findings Empirically demonstrates that legislation effectively can reduce discrimination. Originality/value Informs legislative debate and promotes the expansion and adoption of national, state, and local legislation on sexual orientation anti-discrimination legislation.

scholarly journals LGBT discrimination, harassment and violence in Germany, Portugal and the UK: A quantitative comparative approach

2021 ◽  
pp. 001139212110392
Author(s):  
Sait Bayrakdar ◽  
Andrew King
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Socioeconomic Resources ◽  
Trans People ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Differential Categories ◽  
Cross National

This article examines the incidents of discrimination, harassment and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) individuals in Germany, Portugal and the UK. Using a large cross-national survey and adopting an intra-categorical intersectional approach, it documents how the likelihood of experiencing discrimination, harassment and violence changes within LGBT communities across three national contexts. Moreover, it explores how individual characteristics are associated with the likelihood of experiencing such incidents. The results show that trans people are more at risk compared to cisgender gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals to experience discrimination, harassment and violence. However, other factors, such as socioeconomic resources, also affect the likelihood of individuals experiencing such incidents. The three countries in our study show some nuanced differences in likelihood levels of experiencing discrimination, harassment and violence with regard to differential categories of sexual orientation and gender identity.

scholarly journals Heritage retrofit and cultural empathy; a discussion of challenges regarding the energy performance of historic UK timber-framed dwellings

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 386-404
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Whitman ◽  
Oriel Prizeman ◽  
Pete Walker ◽  
Julie Amanda Gwilliam
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Cultural Significance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emotional Connection ◽  
Timber Frame ◽  
Energy Retrofit ◽  
Frame Buildings ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The energy retrofit of the existing building stock, and specifically the thermal upgrading of the buildings’ envelopes, has been identified as a key action for both the decarbonisation of the built environment and the reduction in fuel poverty. When considering the energy retrofit of heritage buildings it is, however, important to recognise both the technical issues that this entails and the potential impact on their cultural value and the emotional responses to it. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the thermal upgrading of historic timber-framed buildings in the UK. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins by exploring the cultural significance of this form of building construction, before examining three case studies using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Findings The results show that whilst the application of energy retrofit actions to this emblematic typology may have limited success, the emotional connection of the buildings’ occupants often results in the work resulting in higher user satisfaction than would otherwise be expected. Research limitations/implications Although limited in number, the three case studies provide an insight into the complex issues surrounding the low energy retrofit of historic timber-framed buildings. Further research into this area is encouraged. Practical implications The paper contains the monitoring of specific retrofit details, the results of which should inform future projects. Social implications The review of the cultural significance of historic timber-frame buildings in the UK underlines the importance of the conservation and continuing survival of these buildings. Originality/value Previous heritage retrofit research in the UK has focussed on solid wall construction with little investigation into the issues surrounding the retrofit of historic timber-frame buildings. This paper explores this previously under-researched area. Additionally, this paper begins to explore the possible links between occupants’ emotional connection to historic buildings and their perceived levels of comfort.

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