Exploring the impact of technology capabilities on trust in virtual teams

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 157-178
Author(s):  
Dawn Owens ◽  
Deepak Khazanchi
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Design Collaboration ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Collaboration Technologies

Purpose In an environment of constant technological change, the use of virtual teams (VTs) has become commonplace for many organizations. VTs bring together dispersed individuals with varying knowledge and skill sets to accomplish tasks. VTs rely heavily on information technology (IT) as the medium for communication and coordination of work. The issue of establishing and maintaining trust in VTs poses challenges for these dispersed workers. Previous research has established that higher trusting teams have better cooperation and experience improved outcomes. The authors hope to contribute to the literature on trust in VTs by exploring how technology can facilitate high trusting teams. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to report the results of the research addressing the following question: how does the use of technology capabilities (TCs) afforded by virtual worlds (VWs) affect the development of trust in VTs? Design/methodology/approach A multiple case-study approach was used as the primary research design. Each case spanned a two-week period allowing for longitudinal data collection. The research was conducted within a VW setting with an emphasis on IT capabilities that are unique to three-dimensional VWs. Both qualitative and quantitative data collected during this process were analyzed at the group level. Findings The authors found that communication, rendering and interaction TCs allowed participants to use the technology to assess individual capabilities. While this paper answers some questions about how TCs can help develop trust in VTs, it also raises many questions. This study offers a model and framework for further work on this topic and encourages researchers to investigate other social and behavioral issues faced by VTs in a VW setting. Research limitations/implications While this paper answers some questions about how various TCs can help develop trust in VTs, it also raises many questions. The study results may not be generalizable if the respondents who visit an immersive VW are different from those who do not have sufficient VW experience. However, the authors believe that the relationships between the constructs would remain. Another potential limitation has to do with how often trustfulness/trustworthiness were measured in the study. Measuring trustfulness/trustworthiness at additional points in the study would help determine specific points where these constructs changed. Finally, the study suffers from the common criticisms of case study research. Case research requires direct observation which includes cost, time and access hurdles. However, many of these challenges were addressed by using various data collection methods. Another difficulty is the need for multiple methods for triangulation and lack of controls. Again, the study addressed these difficulties by combining qualitative and quantitative data sources. Practical implications This research provides deeper insight for organizations using VTs in terms of how TCs can be used to engender trust. This has implications for how we design collaboration technologies. Social implications The fundamental societal implication of this research is the conclusion that human behavior in the present world can potentially carry over in the VW and that TCs can be adapted and used to influence trust in VTs. This has implications for how we design collaboration technologies. Originality/value This paper offers practical implications for developing trust in VTs, specifically, how the use of TCs can facilitate trust development. The goal was not to recommend a specific technology platform, but rather explore how unique TCs impact behaviors in VTs. The study identified interesting findings relating to how people use TCs to complete tasks and collaborate on a team. These findings may be used to help develop guidelines and recommendations for using technology to enhance work practices in VTs.

Post-occupancy evaluation of outdoor spaces on the campus of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Carvalho Tourinho ◽  
Sabrina Andrade Barbosa ◽  
Özgür Göçer ◽  
Klaus Chaves Alberto
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeUsing the campus of a Brazilian university as case study, this research aims to identify which aspects of the outdoor spaces are the most significant in attracting people.Design/methodology/approachThis research relies on the application of different post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methods, including user tracking, behavioural mapping and questionnaires, on one plateau of the campus.FindingsThree group of aspects (socialization, proximity and infrastructure) were identified as key elements in explaining the impact of the campus physical characteristics on users’ behaviour. The results indicate that having characteristics of at least one group of aspects in those spaces can guarantee their vitality and, if there is presence of attributes of more than one group, liveliness can be increased.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies should be conducted on an entire campus to identify other spatial elements in the three groups.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the planning of future campuses and to solutions to the existed ones, indicating the most relevant spatial characteristics to be considered. Additionally, the combination of different methods may be useful to future research.Originality/valueMost of the investigations on the university campuses focus on the buildings, and little research has investigated the outdoor spaces, although they play a critical role in learning and academic life, where people establish social, cultural and personal relationships. In addition, studies using several POE allowed a consistent and complete diagnostic about the aspects of the campus, giving recommendations for future projects.

scholarly journals Integrated working and intergenerational projects

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 300-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Clark ◽  
Charlie Murphy ◽  
Tony Jameson-Allen ◽  
Chris Wilkins
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Materials ◽  
Case Discussions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to promote discussion about, and the development of the evidence-base underpinning integrated working for intergenerational working. It discusses perspectives on intergenerational work in general and specifically draws on case experiences of the use of intergenerational reminiscence based on sporting memories to highlight issues pertaining to integrated working. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a general discussion of issues of intergenerational projects and integrated working, with case discussions of the use of sporting memories as an intervention for focusing intergenerational contact. Findings It is concluded that intergenerational work has much to offer but that it is far from clear how best to organise integrated working for this type of work. There are interesting lessons to be drawn for intergenerational interventions and integrated working from the case study discussions. Research limitations/implications Although case studies can provide crucial in-depth knowledge they can be limited in developing evidence we can be sure is more generalisable across contexts. Hence, further research is required into the impact of intergenerational projects, and how best to maximise this through effective integrated working. Practical implications The discussion and case study materials suggest there is much potential in using intergenerational projects to achieve a range of possible outcomes but it is not clear how integrated working is best operationalised in such work. Care is required about clarity concerning the aims of specific projects, but practitioners and others should be encouraged to carefully explore this area of work. Social implications The challenges of an ageing society are significant, as is the need to maintain intergenerational contact, mutuality and the implicit social contract across generations. Specifically developing opportunities for such contact may help achieve this and a range of other positive outcomes. Originality/value This paper brings together a discussion of intergenerational projects with consideration of the challenges of integrated working, and adds specific case study lessons from the use of sports-based reminiscence.

Integrating lesson study in Myanmar teacher training

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-47
Author(s):  
Alison Victoria Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Education Reform ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Teacher Educators ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper documents a case study implementing Lesson Study (LS) study into a two-year teacher training project in an education university training secondary school teachers in Lower Myanmar. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate interest and discussion about whether Lesson Study is a useful tool in continuing professional development (CPD), particularly within the unique context of developing country educational development. Design/methodology/approach Two LS cycles were evaluated by participants using a quantitative-qualitative questionnaire and the case study analysed by the author. Findings LS was a useful tool to encourage structured collaboration between university-level teacher educators, however, continued supported practice is needed to expand the benefits and ensure sustainability. Research limitations/implications A limitation of the case study is that the respondents were small in number compared to the number of participants. Furthermore, the questionnaire was not in respondents’ native language which will have affected how well they could communicate. Finally, it was difficult to separate the impact of other project activities from the perceived effects of LS. Practical implications This paper has practical implications not only for educators within Myanmar as the country continues its journey of education reform, but also for others implementing LS as a form of CPD, particularly in contexts where it is being introduced for the first time. Originality/value Until recently, little was known about Myanmar’s education system internationally. The paper documents the country’s first collaboration with outsiders since the start of the dictatorship to improve educational standards and the effects of introducing LS into this context.

Modelling the subjective experience of fun at work

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 520-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maeve Clancy ◽  
Carol Linehan
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Fresh Insight ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain some divergent findings on experiences of fun at work. It explains conflicting findings by moving from a focus on classifying the activity (as, e.g. task/managed/organic) to foregrounding the dynamics of the experience, adding to the growing conceptualisation of fun at work as a multi-dimensional construct.Design/methodology/approachThis research draws on empirical data obtained through case study and interviews with 13 participants from two organisations. These interviews were subjected to intense thematic analysis.FindingsIt was found that an individual’s underlying beliefs about the organisation; the perceived drivers of the fun practice; and the level of control exerted over a fun practice significantly shape the experience. The paper draws on the concept of the psychological contract to frame the relationship between these three key interacting elements.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a greater understanding of the dynamics of fun experiences, enabling management to better recognise and contextualise the impact of fun practices.Originality/valueGiven conflicting findings on both the experience and outcomes of fun at work, this study elucidates the dynamics underpinning the experience of fun at work. It is novel to consider experiences of fun through the lens of psychological contracts, which offers fresh insight into the understanding of individual experiences of fun.

“Everybody needs everyone”: a case study of workplace learning after a downsize

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 159-170
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Miller ◽  
JungHwan Kim ◽  
Doo Hun Lim
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emotional Factors ◽  
The Social ◽  
Layoff Survivors ◽  
Axial Coding ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to explore how employees’ emotions after downsizing impact their learning that they partook in after the downsizing event. Design/methodology/approach The methodological approach was a qualitative case study. Nine employees, considered layoff survivors in a downsized organization, participated in semi-structured interviews. For data analysis, authors performed an initial, focused and axial coding. Findings The findings highlight three themes: “resilience,” “loyalty” and “moral support.” These themes show the empathy that layoff survivors experienced and the impact the layoff had on their commitment to the organization, as well as the social learning that occurred after downsizing. Practical implications Downsized organizations need to consider the emotions of employees who survive layoffs and how layoffs impact their behavior at work, particularly their learning behavior. Organizations need to understand how to positively impact layoff survivors’ emotions to influence the survivors’ willingness to learn and implement the changes within the organization. Providing outlets for survivors to network within the company, as well as meaningful opportunities, is one of the few ways of addressing employees’ emotions and ensuring they will be encouraged to change with the organization. Originality/value Research that explores how emotions resulting from an organizational downsize impact employees’ learning is minimal. Although much of the downsizing research does explore layoff survivors’ experiences after a downsizing, it does not address the emotional factors or the learning experiences. This study seeks to fill this gap.

scholarly journals Identification of organisational pathologies

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Pablo Cardoso Castro ◽  
Angela Espinosa
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Participative Methods ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this is to explore the potential of the combined use of the viable system model (VSM) and social network analysis (SNA) to identify organizational pathologies. Design/methodology/approach Using a well-documented case study based on an academic consultancy intervention and Action Research Project, participative methods for the diagnostic of the VSM and questionnaires for the collection of connectivity data for the SNA were used to develop a heuristic to integrate these two tools and identify organizational pathologies. Findings This study provides empirical evidence of the benefits of the combined use of SNA to enhance the identification of organizational pathologies in VSM interventions, by providing an additional qualitative and quantitative framework for the interpretation of findings coming from VSM organizational diagnostics. Research limitations/implications This work explores some analytic routines of SNA frequently used in management. The validation is constrained to the nature of the data set from a case study. The document invites to a discussion of further and more advanced applications on the integration of the VSM and SNA. Practical implications The enhanced identification of organizational pathologies can contribute to the emerging new interest in applications of the VSM in management, providing robustness to the structural analysis of organizations. Originality/value This paper proposes a guideline to exploit the potential of the combined use of SNA and VSM. It opens new avenues for the study of organizational pathologies.

Creating the asset of foreignness: Schrödinger’s cat and lessons from the Nissan revival

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jusuke J.J. Ikegami ◽  
Martha Maznevski ◽  
Masataka Ota
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Senior Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Cross Cultural Research ◽  
Patterns Of Behavior ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper challenges the assumption in cross-cultural research of liability of foreignness (LOF). The literature review demonstrates that LOF comes from pressures for isomorphism, while asset of foreignness (AOF) can derive from the active process of breaking norms. The purpose of this paper is to explore how leaders can initiate and sustain AOF. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyzes the case of the Nissan revival led by Carlos Ghosn and the impact in the years after. The analysis is based on the authors’ interviews and discussions with Ghosn and senior leaders at Nissan and Renault, complemented with published interviews and assessments. Findings Analysis confirmed the potential for AOF, and further uncovered four patterns of behavior that created AOF virtuous cycles among Nissan leaders: initiating trust, shaping identity, anchoring and transcending common language, and acting positively on ignorance. The virtuous cycles were sustainable and transformed into new global strategic perspectives. Research limitations/implications The paper proposes a research model identifying moderators between foreignness and performance. Generalizability is limited by the focus on a single case study. Practical implications The four sets of behaviors can serve as guides to action for leaders when working in foreign contexts. Originality/value This research goes beneath the surface of a famous example to analyze leadership dynamics over time, and provides insight on positive aspects of foreignness.

A local case study of the crime decline

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-114
Author(s):  
Garner Clancey
Keyword(s):  
Crime Prevention ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crime Decline ◽  
Local Case ◽  
Case Study Site ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the local dimensions of the “crime decline”. Design/methodology/approach – Two focus groups and 15 semi-structured interviews with local practitioners. Findings – Some offences have fallen significantly in the case study site in the last ten to 12 years. Local practitioners tended to explain these declines with reference to local services and programmes. These declines have potentially contributed to the reduction in crime prevention infrastructure and there is concern that funding will be reduced as crime falls. Research limitations/implications – The findings have been generated from a single case study site. While aspects of the findings resonate beyond the case study area, there are some characteristics of the site that limit the application of the findings to other areas. Practical implications – The findings from this research have few practical implications. The research sought to understand dimensions of local crime and the impact on local activities. Social implications – This research provides some insights into crime trends and local responses to crime. The findings will be of interest to crime prevention and community safety practitioners and policy makers. Originality/value – There has been little analysis of the impact of the “crime decline” on local communities and community safety infrastructure. Therefore this paper is original and adds to the growing knowledge of the “crime decline”.

scholarly journals Integrating perspectives: proposal for the analysis of work as a multifaceted phenomenon

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Koch Colomby ◽  
Andrea Poleto Oltramari ◽  
Maria Beatriz Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Single Source ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Public ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
The One ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the phenomenon of work from eight different and subsidiary perspectives: physiological, cultural, spiritual, ideological, economic, political, legal and psychosocial. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an exploratory quantitative survey with a probability sample composed of 407 cases. The bibliographic review resulted from several readings about the phenomenon of work and the impacts arising from these different perspectives. Findings The analysis of the data collected confirmed that the meaning and the sense of work are multifaceted. The authors also found that work is an important source of reflection and learning in people’s life. The research instrument promoted thinking and analysis of the participants’ careers. The research process resulted in mutual and interactive learning of investigators and investigation. Research limitations/implications The data collection came from a single source: a written questionnaire. This limits the scope of the data and raises interpretative discussion concerning the contents of the answers. For future reference, the authors suggest to complement it with different techniques of data collection, associating qualitative and quantitative approaches. Practical implications The main contributions of the paper are, on the one hand, the effort of synthetizing and recording eight different categories of analysis of the multiple and possible meanings of work, which were elaborated using the available literature, and on the other hand, to understand and analyze those categories using the perception of a numerically meaningful sample of the public, coming from different backgrounds. Social implications The purpose of this paper is to propose a guideline for future studies so that they could choose with increased awareness the initial perspectives at the basis of the analyses. This study could encourage continuity and provide greater incentives on this increasingly relevant subject. Originality/value After analyzing the data, it was acknowledged that work cannot be seen from a single perspective, but it must be viewed in its multifaceted character and sense. The published material on the meanings of work usually focuses on specific professions and careers, the authors argue that this fact limits the scope of perspectives and interpretations of the phenomenon.

scholarly journals Corporate governance practices and the pandemic crisis: UK evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheeja Sivaprasad ◽  
Sudha Mathew
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
External Information ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the corporate governance practices in the UK. The authors adopt a case study approach and use content analysis, using internal and external media releases as well as annual reports to analyse the impact of the pandemic on governance practices. Design/methodology/approach The research design is qualitative in nature and adopts a case study approach. HSBC, an international bank, is used as the case study and a content analysis of internal and external information released after the COVID-19 outbreak is used. Themes arising from the analysis are discussed and recommendations are made. Findings Results from the thematic analysis show that firms must be resilient in difficult times, follow sustainable practices and are attentive to the well-being of their employees. Firms must address the adequacy of IT Infrastructure and assess the IT related risks during these times. Practical implications The pandemic crisis triggered unprecedented changes in the manner the firms are governed and managed. The recommendations made by the study have practical implications for firms who can adopt them to be make the business resilient and sustainable. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the impact of the pandemic and analyse firms’ responses to the crisis in the corporate governance context. This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by providing insights of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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