scholarly journals Enhancing Black Belts via academic mastery

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 909-923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara M Savage ◽  
Sampath Kumar Sreevathsan
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Business School ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Participant Observer ◽  
Strategic Quality Management ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – In May 2010, a new collaborative initiative was launched between the Portsmouth Business School and Hewlett Packard, wherein trained Black Belts (BB) were enabled to pursue an MSc in strategic quality management. Five years on from its commencement, the purpose of this paper is to explore the development and impact of this initiative. Design/methodology/approach – Inductive, exploratory, multi-viewpoint participant-observer case study that triangulates the academic, student and employer reactions to the programme. Findings – The paper evaluates how the academic dimension provided by the MSc has impacted on candidates’ work as BB. Practical implications – Employee engagement and enthusiasm has been increased, as has the depth and breadth of the knowledge base among the participating BB, who are then applying these new skills in their improvement projects to make them more sustainable as well as financially valuable. They have been able to transfer knowledge to team members. Originality/value – This approach provides a model for accelerated development of groups of quality professionals within larger organisations. There is evidence that the community spirit that grows within and across cohorts has a multiplying effect that enhances the impact for the sponsoring organisation beyond the simple sum of the performance and skills improvement on a student by student basis.

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.

Do Millennials prefer to be shown appreciation differently?

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 22-26
Author(s):  
Paul White
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Gender And Work ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Research demonstrates that feeling appreciated in the workplace increases employee engagement, reduces turnover, and increases profitability. Despite the fact that people differ in how they feel most appreciated, no work to date has explored the impact of age differences on appreciation preferences. The purpose of this paper is to determine if Millennial workers vs their older colleagues differ in the manner they prefer to be shown appreciation. Design/methodology/approach From 2014 to 2018, 62,156 workers completed the Motivating by Appreciation Inventory (White, 2011) and provided age, gender, and work industry information. Each person’s primary and the least valued languages of appreciation in the workplace were identified. Four age groups were created of approximately equal numbers: ≤29-, 30-39-, 40-49-, and 50+ years old. Findings Words of Affirmation was the most prominent primary language of appreciation across all four age groups and most pronounced in the oldest group (50+). The ≤29-year-old group valued Quality Time more and Acts of Service less than the other three age groups. There were no age group differences in the least valued language of appreciation. Practical implications The results suggest that supervisors and staff members must be mindful to include opportunities for quality time interactions with Millennial workers, as well as provide words of affirmation, to show appreciation for their work. Originality/value This is the first study to assess age differences in preferred ways to be shown appreciation in the workplace.

The contradiction of Indian innovation: an epistemological explanation

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nimruji Jammulamadaka
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Surgical Innovation ◽  
Innovation Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Hermeneutic ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of decolonial approaches (DAs) such as epistemic locus (Mignolo, 1995, 2000) in studying innovation. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a case study of a stem cell surgical innovation developed in India. A critical hermeneutic analysis method has been followed for data analysis. Findings Epistemic locus influences the framing of the problem, perceptions of risks/opportunities as well as the envisioning of alternate institutional systems. Persistent and strategic effort at building connections changes local improvisation into a globally legitimate innovation. Research limitations/implications It indicates the value of using DAs for innovation studies especially epistemic locus, enactment and connections in understanding knowledge generation and innovation. Practical implications Innovation in Global South can be encouraged by giving more space to the innovator to attempt or experiment. More conscious conversation of epistemic locus of the researcher could help. Social implications Countries have to move beyond a mere technological imitation to include discussions on epistemic imitation. Epistemic imitation prevents one from seeing what one has and one only looks at conditions from the eyes of the dominator. Originality/value This study documents the development of an innovation from an Indian epistemic locus which differs from a western epistemic locus and the impact this has on an innovation.

You’re talking but is anyone listening? Connecting and communicating with employees in a hyper-connected world

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 211-215
Author(s):  
Lisa Sterling
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Communications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this case study is to outline the internal communication strategies, tools, techniques and messages that can help organizations to foster transparent, deliberate communication with employees. Design/methodology/approach The author synthesizes three years of learnings and internal research, including regular focus groups and surveys with employees at all levels, to identify the specific steps organizations can take to achieve open and regular communication – and engage employees across the organization. Findings The case study explains key areas to connect and communicate with employees. Practical implications The author believes that the lessons and tactics described in this case study can be applied in all organizations. Originality/value The case study provides a unique set of lessons and best practices the author has uncovered firsthand which organizations can use to shape their own internal communications strategies and boost employee engagement.

Using employee surveys to attract and retain the best talent

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-62
Author(s):  
Kate Pritchard
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advanced Analysis ◽  
Employer Brand ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This feature seeks to demonstrate the importance of organizations understanding how they are perceived externally as an employer, and how regularly tracking the opinions of staff can ensure the best talent are engaged and stay with an organization. Design/methodology/approach – ORC International is an expert in employee engagement research. This article incorporates findings from its global HR survey “HR Reflections”, and includes two case studies that demonstrate how regular tracking and deep analysis of staff opinions can help organizations to boost their employer brand and retain their best talent. Findings – Advanced analysis of employee surveys can predict how employees are feeling to help organizations retain their most valuable staff. Practical implications – This is a practical paper designed to give ideas and good practice to readers facing similar situations. Originality/value – The paper combines findings from a global survey with case study content to help employers to understand how to improve engagement and retention of staff through effective use of regular employee surveys.

Full engagement: the integration of employee engagement and psychological well‐being

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan T. Robertson ◽  
Cary L. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Direct Relevance ◽  
Single Construct ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeBy introducing the concept of “full engagement,” this article aims to propose that employee engagement is more likely to be sustainable when employee well‐being is also high.Design/methodology/approachResearch evidence covering the separate concepts is reviewed and evidence of the benefits that both engagement and well‐being confer on organizations is presented.FindingsMost current perspectives on employee engagement include little of direct relevance to well‐being and reflect a narrow, commitment‐based view of engagement. This view focuses too heavily on benefits to organizations. A broader conception of engagement (referred to as “full engagement”), which includes employee well‐being, is a better basis for building sustainable benefits for individuals and organizations.Research limitations/implicationsResearch exploring the links between employee engagement and well‐being is needed to validate and develop the propositions put forward in this article.Practical implicationsA model for improving full engagement in organizations is presented and brief; case study illustrations are also given.Originality/valueThe integration of well‐being and commitment‐based engagement into the single construct of full engagement provides a novel perspective.

The impact factor: a case study of medical journals

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 413-427
Author(s):  
Linda Cox ◽  
David Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Medical Journal ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Medical Journal ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Main Factor ◽  
Highly Cited

Purpose – This paper aims to look at two well-respected cardiothoracic journals and one general medical journal over the period of a decade to find out any major differences in content and referencing to warrant the fact that the general journal should be ranked far higher than the specialist journals. Design/methodology/approach – The paper conducted citation analysis and comparison with impact factors (IFs) of two cardiothoracic journals, one American and one European, and one general medical journal over the period. Findings – The study concludes that although there was a significant amount of self-referenced non-citable material in the general medical journal, this probably did not alone account for its higher ranking. Research limitations/implications – The original articles were actually very highly cited, and perhaps, the visibility of the general medical journal could possibly be the main factor contributing to its high IF. Practical implications – In terms of citation, all contribution in an issue of a journal is not equal, and therefore, to evaluate work by looking at the IF of the journal in which it is published is not reliable. Originality/value – The study is based on an original citation and IF analysis, and the results should be of interest and value to all those concerned with the use of the IF to evaluate journals.

Flexible working and engagement: the importance of choice

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Anderson ◽  
Clare Kelliher
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flexible Working ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to report findings from a major study into flexible working and to examine the link with employee engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted within seven case organizations using a mixed method of semi‐structured interviews and an electronic questionnaire.FindingsThe findings show that flexible working has an impact on employee engagement through a positive relationship with organizational commitment, job satisfaction and employee discretionary behavior.Practical implicationsAllowing employees a degree of choice over when, where and how much work they do has benefits for the organization. However, for these gains to be realized, support is needed for the implementation of a flexible working policy.Originality/valueThe study included both quantitative and qualitative data and examined the impact of flexible working from the point of view of managers and co‐workers of flexible workers, as well as those who worked flexibly themselves.

Corporate acceleration process: a systems psychodynamics perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1163-1180
Author(s):  
Piotr Wójcik ◽  
Krzysztof Obłój ◽  
Aleksandra Wąsowska ◽  
Szymon Wierciński
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Acceleration Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Third Phase ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Social Defenses ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the emotional dynamics of the corporate acceleration process, using the systems psychodynamics perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies inductive multiple case study of embedded 10 cases of corporate acceleration, covering both incumbent and startup perspectives, occurring in the context of a corporate accelerator.FindingsWe find that (1) the process of corporate acceleration involves three phases, each of them is dominated by a different emotional state (hope, anxiety and acceptance), triggering different behavioral responses; (2) as a means to deal with negative emotions, entrepreneurs and corporate acceleration program's team members develop different mechanisms of dealing with contradictories in subsequent acceleration phases (defense and copying mechanisms), which are reflected in their behaviors. Coping mechanisms with goal reformulation (i.e. refocus from the officially declared “open innovation” goals toward mainly symbolic ones) is an effective strategy to manage negative emotions in third phase of the acceleration.Research limitations/implicationsOur sample is limited to two relatively similar accelerators established by telecom companies, and therefore, our theoretical and practical conclusions cannot be generalized.Practical implicationsWe supplement the studies of corporate accelerators that imply how to design them better and improve decision-making rules with recommendation that in order to improve their effectiveness in terms of learning and innovations, their managers need not only to learn how to manage structural and procedural differences but also how to overcome social defenses triggered by corporate–startups cooperation.Originality/valueBy documenting a multidimensional impact of acceleration process, and especially shedding light on psychodynamic aspects behind such liaisons, this paper contributes to richer understanding of corporate–startup relationships, typically examined through a rationalistic lens of strategy literature. The study contributes to interorganizational research and open innovation literature, by showing that corporate acceleration process is marked by phases based on the type of emotions intertwined with the nature and dynamism of its life cycle. It indicates how these emotions are managed depending on their type.

Embedding employability within higher education for the profession of policing

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-328
Author(s):  
Ian Pepper ◽  
Ruth McGrath
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Provision ◽  
Professional Body ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of an employability module, the College of Policing Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP), on students’ career aspirations, their confidence and wish to join the police along with the appropriateness of the module. This will inform the implementation of employability as part of the College of Policing-managed Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). Design/methodology/approach A three-year longitudinal research study used mixed methods across four points in time to evaluate the impact on students studying the employability module. Findings The research suggests that the employability-focussed CKP was useful as an introduction to policing, it developed interest in the police and enhanced the confidence of learners applying to join. Lessons learnt from the CKP should be considered during the implementation of the PEQF. Research limitations/implications The ability to generalise findings across different groups is limited as other influences may impact on a learner’s confidence and employability. However, the implications for the PEQF curriculum are worthy of consideration. Practical implications As the police service moves towards standardised higher educational provision and evolution of policing as a profession, lessons can be learnt from the CKP with regards to the future employability of graduates. Originality/value Enhancing the employability evidence base, focussing on policing, the research identified aspects which may impact on graduates completing a degree mapped to the PEQF. The research is therefore of value to higher education and the professional body for policing.

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