Workplace innovation for better jobs and performance

2011 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Pot
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Quality Of Working Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Change Projects ◽  
Workplace Innovation ◽  
And Performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the need for workplace innovation policies and practices in Europe and evaluate programs that already have been developed.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the concept of workplace innovation and trends in society explaining its emergence. The paper then presents and discusses the results of evaluation research as far as this is available.FindingsA growing number of countries is conducting or developing some kind of programme on workplace innovation. These programmes differ in size and governance. Evaluation research shows that simultaneous improvement of performance and quality of working life is possible under certain conditions such as the participation of employees in change projects.Research limitations/implicationsConcepts and designs of evaluation research projects differ considerably. This gives new challenges for companies, trade unions, governments and researchers. In EU2020, little attention is paid to workplace innovation but there is a ray of hope in the draft integrated guidelines for employment policies and in the Flagship Initiative Innovation Union.Originality/valueSocial innovation in the workplace, or workplace innovation, is a new concept, covering to some extent new practices that appear to be relevant for organisations and governments.

scholarly journals Political ties and corporate performance: why efficiency matters?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabia Najaf ◽  
Khakan Najaf
Keyword(s):  
Political Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Corporate Performance ◽  
Political Connections ◽  
Stewardship Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Ties ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine and explain the complex interrelationships which influence the performance of politically connected firms to create value for their providers of finance and other stakeholders. In doing so, it examines the interrelationships between efficiency and delivering on corporate performance of a firm with political ties.Design/methodology/approachThe authors gathered the literature from the Scopus website. They reviewed the literature of 58 manuscripts about the efficiency and performance of politically connected firms.FindingsThe research finds that the better quality of efficiency of politically connected firms is positively related to the corporate performance of politically connected firms. The authors’ theoretical findings corroborate the political theory, agency theory, stakeholder theory, resource dependency theory and stewardship theory. These theories prove that political connections have an impact on firm performance as a politician reinforces the efficacy. To better understand the effect of political connections on solid performance due to efficiency, this study classifies various efficiencies and links them with political ties.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral avenues of research are suggested to examine further the interrelationships identified.Practical implicationsThe authors’ conceptual findings are valuable for institutional investors, policymakers and stakeholders. To sum up, all theoretical shreds of evidence prove that politically connected firms can enhance performance via efficiency.Originality/valueThe paper conceptualizes the efficiency and performance interrelationships of politically connected firms. The extant literature comparison allows an assessment of the extent to which different efficiency contexts lead to differences in performance.

Social innovation camps: an analysis of participants’ experiences

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-110
Author(s):  
Karen Milner
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Group Processes ◽  
Group Facilitation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Innovative Thinking ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to document and analyse the processes underpinning the Southern African Social Innovation Camp (the Camp). This paper details the theoretical basis on which the Camp was designed and assesses the ways in which the participants experienced the camp in light of these theoretical principles. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was used with four sources of data: participant reviews of the Camp, in-depth interviews with stakeholders, the researcher’s field notes and a reflective blog posted online by one of the participants. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings Three themes emerged from the analysis. The Camp as a foreign but safe space that moves people out of their comfort zones, enabling innovative thinking; the importance of discipline and rigour in self-organising groups; and the interplay of diversity feedback and trust/mistrust. The theoretical principles which informed the design of the Camp were clearly evident in these themes. Research limitations/implications No evaluation of the degree of innovativeness/quality of the prototypes. While the focus of the study was on participants’ experiences, a clearer indicator of the innovativeness and usefulness of the prototypes would have provided greater insight. Originality/value The study describes a theoretical framework for designing innovation groups and establishes the usefulness of the framework for analysing the group processes. Based on the results, recommendations for effective functioning in innovation groups are proposed: group diversification; discipline and rigour in group facilitation; vigilance in eliminating hierarchy; and managing the interplay between diversity, feedback and trust.

scholarly journals Sociale innovatie: historie en toekomstperspectief

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Pot
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Quality Of Working Life ◽  
Positive Performance ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Workplace Innovation ◽  
Work And Employment

Workplace innovation: history and perspectives Workplace innovation: history and perspectives Workplace innovation (innovative workplaces, social innovation of work and employment) is considered by governments and social partners in a number of European countries, among which the Netherlands and Belgium, as a strategy to improve the competitiveness of its economy and the productivity and quality of public and private organisations as well as to develop the skills and competences of the potential workforce. There is quite some confusion about this concept. This paper shows how the concept developed in the Netherlands during the last 25 years in policy and research and how it has been grounded theoretically in the Netherlands and Flanders.The concept has become a very broad one which requires specification by its users and stakeholders. Research shows positive performance of social innovative organisations. However research outcomes are difficult to compare because of different definitions and research designs. Quality of working life is lacking as an effect variable. A scientific discourse is badly needed.

Quality improvement of optically translucent parts manufactured from LS and SL

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengqi Yuan ◽  
David Bourell
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Plate Thickness ◽  
White Light Source ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Material ◽  
And Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to improve the quality of additive manufactured optically translucent parts by investigating the manufacturing issues, analyzing lithophane production criteria and identifying the best translucent material and additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Design/methodology/approach – Figured lithophanes were laser sintered on a 3D Systems SinterStation® HiQ™ with varying layer thickness and plate thickness. Laser sintered (LS) polyamide (PA) 12 blanks were cyanoacrylate infiltrated and polished. Optical properties and performance were compared with the original LS blanks. Lithophanes and blanks were manufactured using 3D systems stereo lithography apparatus (SLA)® Viper ™si2 station, and optical properties and lithophane performance were compared with the LS specimens. Findings – When building in the XY plane, it is optimal to sinter with the minimum layer thickness (0.076 mm) and maximum plate thickness (5 mm). Cyanoacrylate infiltration and polishing assists in reducing the LS PA 12 plate surface roughness, but polishing does not affect the lithophane performance. The best LS candidate should have an absorption coefficient of 0.5/mm using a white light source. Improved resolution but reduced contrast was observed on stereolithography (SL) specimens compared to LS parts. Research limitations/implications – Transmittance experiments were performed on three SL parts which was not sufficient for optical property calculation. Limited literature was found for new material exploration. Originality/value – It is the first effort to study systematically quality improvement issues of LS PA optically translucent parts. A comparison is made of optical performance between parts made using LS and SL.

The 5 conversations that really matter in business: transforming trust, engagement and performance at work

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Nigel Purse
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Effective Leadership ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Trusting Relationships ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Line Manager

Purpose – This paper aims to outline five conversations that leaders must hold to build trusting relationships. People’s engagement at work correlates directly with the quality of relationship they have with their line manager. Leaders need to be supported to develop their capabilities in holding conversations, but more importantly to recognize the power of authenticity. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on the author’s work with managers and leaders in organizations around the world. Findings – Holding authentic conversations that focus on the five areas identified will build trust which, in turn, will improve engagement and ultimately drive performance. Originality/value – Leaders are often expected to focus on visionary, decisive and driving action. This paper proposes that this is not enough; building trusting relationships must lie at the heart of effective leadership. It identifies five critical conversations that line managers as leaders must have to build trusting relationships.

Creating a growth mindset

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 155-160
Author(s):  
Ian Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Growth Mindset ◽  
Cultural Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fixed Mindset ◽  
And Performance

Purpose This paper aims to show that everything a business does is fundamentally reliant on its culture. Culture determines how successful a strategy is and whether that strategy can be executed. If the culture in a business is out of alignment, it is imperative to change it. This paper examines how HR professionals can take ownership of this cultural space and help to create a growth mindset throughout the organisation. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on experience gained through working with several large organisations to transform their people culture and performance by embracing a growth mindset and to help their HR leadership become the early champions of change, thus ensuring the process was successfully delivered. The paper includes case studies of two organisations where successful cultural shaping delivered improved results. Findings Companies with a growth mindset will outperform those with a fixed mindset. Changing mindsets is not overly complex, but it requires flawless implementation with the HR leaders at the forefront. Originality/value As Lou Gerstner, who turned around the computing giant IBM, said “I finally realised that culture is not part of the game, it is the game”. By understanding how individual mindsets impact culture, HR professionals can own and drive their organisation’s culture-shaping efforts.

Qualitative generalising in accounting research: concepts and strategies

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1100-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee D. Parker ◽  
Deryl Northcott
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Information Systems Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Quality Of Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and articulate concepts and approaches to qualitative generalisation that will offer qualitative accounting researchers avenues for enhancing and justifying the general applicability of their research findings and conclusions. Design/methodology/approach – The study and arguments draw from multidisciplinary approaches to this issue. The analysis and theorising is based on published qualitative research literatures from the fields of education, health sciences, sociology, information systems, management and marketing, as well as accounting. Findings – The paper develops two overarching generalisation concepts for application by qualitative accounting researchers. These are built upon a number of qualitative generalisation concepts that have emerged in the multidisciplinary literatures. It also articulates strategies for enhancing the generalisability of qualitative accounting research findings. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides qualitative accounting researchers with understandings, arguments and justifications for the generalisability of their research and the related potential for wider accounting and societal contributions. It also articulates the key factors that impact on the quality of research generalisation that qualitative researchers can offer. Originality/value – This paper presents the most comprehensively sourced and developed approach to the concepts, strategies and unique deliverables of qualitative generalising hitherto available in the accounting research literature.

scholarly journals Who guarantees the quality of the quality assurance agencies? The exploration of the establishment and growth of the Asia-Pacific Quality Register (APQR)

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianxin Zhang ◽  
Jagannath Patil
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Asia Pacific Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Register

Purpose After the “quantity era,” today higher education has entered into the “quality era” and as “the gate keepers of quality,” quality assurance agencies (QAAs) are playing more and more irreplaceable important roles and their social status are becoming more and more prominent. However, how to guarantee the quality of the QAAs? Who can review the QAAs? The purpose of this paper is based exploration of these questions. Design/methodology/approach Following the founding of the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR) for Higher Education, the Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR) became the second in the international quality assurance (QA) networks to implement QA register, in 2015 with initiative of Asia-Pacific Quality Network. Findings This paper first retrospects the history and process of APQR, and subsequently the implementation of APQR is described in detail from the two aspects of the criteria and the procedure, and at the end, the paper concludes with a summary of the three characteristics of this first formal implement of APQR: APQR is an international register open to all the QAAs; APQR emphasizes characteristics evaluation of diversity; and APQR highlights the combination of quantitative assessment and qualitative assessment. Originality/value Today on the international stage of QA, APQR has emerged as “the watchman of quality” in the Asia-Pacific region as counterpart of EQAR in Europe. How far away does such newly emerging form of guaranteeing the QAAs’ quality go forward, what is its future prospects and other concerning issues, are some of the question that need enthusiastic attention and contribution.

The prediction of the cyclic mechanical behavior of stainless steel 304L at room temperature

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hala Messai ◽  
Salim Meziani ◽  
Athmane Fouathia
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Type Model ◽  
Good Prediction ◽  
304L Stainless Steel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
Chaboche Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the performance of the Chaboche model in relation to the database identification, tests with imposed deformations were conducted at room temperature on 304L stainless steel specimens. Design/methodology/approach The first two tests were performed in tension-compression between ±0.005 and ±0.01; in the third test, each cycle is composed of the combination of a compression tensile cycle between ±0.01 followed by a torsion cycle between ±0.01723 (non-proportional path), and the last, uniaxial ratcheting test with a mean stress between 250 MPa and −150 MPa. Several identifications of a Chaboche-type model were then performed by considering databases composed of one or more of the cited tests. On the basis of these identifications, the simulations of a large number of ratchet tests in particular were carried out. Findings The results present the effect of the optimized parameters on the prediction of the behavior of materials which is reported in the graphs, Optimizations 1 and 2 of first and second tests and Optimization 4 of the third test giving a good prediction of the increasing/decreasing pre-deformation amplitude. Originality/value The quality of the model's predictions strongly depends on the richness of the database used for the identification of the parameters.

Who is a “Senior”? Looking for a definition in the healthcare system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Consolandi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose Seniors are nowadays at the core of important reflections to understand both how to ensure them a proper quality of life and better recognize their social role, providing them services and proper health care to value them as persons and resources. This paper aims to find a through definition about who is a senior, in the author’s opinion the starting point to help them flourishing. Design/methodology/approach As an example of definitions, an online dictionary and two geriatric text-books are quoted, highlighting qualities and rights referred to seniors especially in the delicate context of the health-care system. Findings The lack of a commonly shared perspective on this delicate kind of patient entails the difficulty to reach a coherent and satisfying definition about who a senior is. Originality/value The lack of a commonly shared definition leads to inevitable misunderstandings and could explain the arduousness of considering seniors in all their aspects. Further investigations are suggested.

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