Intellectual virtue and virtue epistemology: Leveraging knowledge for sustainable results

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24
Author(s):  
Kenneth Bohl
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Development ◽  
Virtue Epistemology ◽  
Intellectual Virtue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Robust Learning ◽  
Difficult Decision ◽  
Complementary Approach ◽  
History Of ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce virtue epistemology as a complementary approach to how we learn and make wise decisions within organizations. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a philosophic history of intellectual virtue and recent research into virtue epistemology, this article presents an applied theoretical approach for practitioners to use in developing a more robust learning environment. Findings With robust market and operational databases of information, organizations continue to face the difficult decision of what this data means and what they can do with it. This article suggests intellectual virtue as a tool to develop appropriate knowledge, informed practical actions and sustainable outcomes. Practical implications Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity have led to increasing rates of change in organizations. Organizations rely increasingly on their ability to observe, analyze, interpret and ultimately make decisions and act in ways that ensure sustainable results. This article provides an alternative perspective to complement traditional problem solving and decision-making processes. Originality/value There is currently limited research into the applicability of intellectual virtue or virtue epistemology to the field of organizational development and learning.

The sediment of the Hostivar Reservoir (Prague, Czech Republic) as a memory of 45 years of pollution

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-213
Author(s):  
Lucie Soucková ◽  
Dana Kominkova
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Reservoir Sediment ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sediment Extraction ◽  
History Of ◽  
Us Epa ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the historical pollution of the Hostivar Reservoir (largest reservoir in Prague) sediment by metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and identify the trends in pollution of aquatic environment. Design/methodology/approach Core samples, 140 cm long, recording the 45-year history of the reservoir, were separated to 5 cm width subsamples (approximately 1.5 years of sedimentation) and analyzed for metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Al), PAH and PCB. Following methods were used: US EPA 3051 for metals, US EPA 505 and US EPA 8082 A for PCB, and ISO 18287:2006 for PAH. Findings Most of the contaminants had the highest concentration at the beginning of the existence of the reservoir, suggesting that the contamination results from construction activities. Significant decrease of Pb occurred in the second half of the 1990s. It was caused by termination of the addition of lead as a detonation suppressant to the gasoline. Most concentrations of PAHs, PCBs and metals, except copper do not present eco-toxicological risk. Practical implications The results show the volume of priority pollutants removed from the reservoir by sediment extraction, and point risk to the terrestrial environment due to application of the sediment in the construction of a noise protecting wall. Originality/value The paper presents unique data about historical contamination of the largest reservoir in Prague, the capital of Czech Republic. It shows how the watershed and the construction phase of the dam cause a pollution of the reservoir sediment and possible environmental risk for aquatic biota.

Economic thought in the 17th and 18th centuries: a linguistic approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-270
Author(s):  
Iara Vigo de Lima
Keyword(s):  
Economic Thought ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Front Position ◽  
History Of ◽  
Epistemological Model ◽  
Theory Of Language ◽  
Theory Of Value ◽  
Linguistic Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse Michel Foucault’s new epistemological model regarding an analogy between the theory of language and economic thought in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Design/methodology/approach – Through the scrutiny of language, Foucault intended to demonstrate that some analogies, among different branches of knowledge (interdiscursive practice), allow us to apprehend the underlying configuration of thought regarding ontological and epistemological conditions that have historically determined knowledge. He draws a parallel between four theoretical segments borrowed from general grammar (Attribution, Articulation, Designation and Derivation) and economic thought on wealth. Findings – One of the most remarkable propositions of this approach is that the theory of language and economic thought were epistemologically isomorphic in that context. What the theory of language stated in relation to “attribution” and “articulation” corresponded to the “theory of value” in economic thought. What grammar investigated regarding “designation” and “derivation” was analogous to the “theory of money and trade” in economic thought. The relationships that were – directly and diagonally – identified between and among them led to the conclusion that there was ‘a circular and surface causality’ in economic thought insofar as “circulation” preceded “production”. It was “superficial” because it could not find an explanation for the cause of “wealth”, which was only possible when “production” was placed in the front position of theories. Practical implications – Such an epistemological point of view can inspire other studies in the history of economic thought. Originality/value – This paper offers a perspective on how to think about the history of ontological and epistemological conditions of economic thought.

Developing organizations: a system of enquiry, action and learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-14
Author(s):  
Wayne Graham
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Small Business ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Organizational Outcomes ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Practitioners ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to demonstrate the applicability of an action learning model to improve organizational outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This paper extends previous work by applying the system of enquiry, action and learning (SEAL) model using an action research methodology to a small business operating in the health services industry. Findings The SEAL model is a useful approach to introduce small business practitioners to the principles of organizational development (OD). Research limitations/implications The application is limited to one small business, and subsequent studies could apply the model to more organizations that operate in industries other than health services. Practical implications Business owners from this study and previous studies have found the model to be useful in the improvement of organizational outcomes. Originality/value The SEAL model is a simplified model that introduces principles of OD and has provided value to the business owners of this study.

3D printing technology in musical instrument research: reviewing the potential

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1511-1523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antreas Kantaros ◽  
Olaf Diegel
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Musical Instruments ◽  
Wind Instruments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Class ◽  
History Of ◽  
New Applications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss additive manufacturing (AM) in the context of applications for musical instruments. It examines the main AM technologies used in musical instruments, goes through a history of musical applications of AM and raises the questions about the application of AM to create completely new wind instruments that would be impossible to produce with conventional manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach A literature research is presented which covers a historical application of AM to musical instruments and hypothesizes on some potential new applications. Findings AM has found extensive application to create conventional musical instruments with unique aesthetics designs. It’s true potential to create entirely new sounds, however, remains largely untapped. Research limitations/implications More research is needed to truly assess the potential of additive manufacturing to create entirely new sounds for musical instrument. Practical implications The application of AM in music could herald an entirely new class of musical instruments with unique sounds. Originality/value This study highlights musical instruments as an unusual application of AM. It highlights the potential of AM to create entirely new sounds, which could create a whole new class of musical instruments.

Determinants of bank branch density: a case study of Slovakia

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 933-959
Author(s):  
Martin Boďa ◽  
Katarína Čunderlíková
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Oversight ◽  
Bank Branch ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bank Branches ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Branch Density ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper studies the density of bank branches in districts of Slovakia and aims to identify determinants that explain or justify districtural differences in the density of bank branches.Design/methodology/approachBank branch density is measured by the number of branches in a district, and banks are further differentiated by size and profile. Potential determinants of bank branch density are sought through univariate and bivariate Poisson regressions amongst economic factors, socioeconomic factors, technological factors, urbanization factors, and branch market concentration.FindingsUsing data from 2016, it has been found that branch numbers in districts are determined chiefly by five factors that describe their economic development, population size with its characteristics, and existent branch concentration. The spatial distribution of bank branches in the territory of Slovakia is not random, but is found to be affected by environmental factors measurable at the districtural level. Only 22 Slovak districts representing administrative or economic centers are expected to be over-branched.Practical implicationsThe study helps to identify factors that need be accounted for in planning and redesigning of branch networks or in implementing mergers and acquisitions on a bank level. The results are also useful in regional policy and regulatory oversight.Originality/valueThe present study is unique since the decision-making processes of Slovak commercial banks in planning the location and density of their branch networks have not been rationalized and researched as of yet.

How can European museums reach sustainability?

2017 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria Recuero Virto ◽  
Maria Francisca Blasco López ◽  
Sonia San-Martín
Keyword(s):  
Market Orientation ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Value For Money ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Perceptions ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This research aims to provide evidence of the impacts of market orientation, customer value approach (through prestige, value for money and reputation for quality) and innovation on museum sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The model is analysed through partial least squares (PLS-SEM), using a sample of 549 European museums. Findings The results reveal that reputation for quality, prestige, innovation and value for money positively and significantly influence museum sustainability. Interestingly, the most meaningful linkage is between market orientation and innovation. Practical implications This research helps museums that need to increase their customer value and innovativeness so as to ensure museum sustainability. It proves that museum managers have to increase employees’ involvement in decision-making processes. Originality/value By using a wide sample of European museums, this study suggests that museum managers need to consider the impact of marketing strategies and customer value perceptions on the economic and social sustainability of museums.

scholarly journals Health literacy and libraries: a literature review

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Barr-Walker
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Literacy Programs ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
History Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the involvement of libraries in health literacy programs and initiatives based on a review of the literature. Design/methodology/approach Four databases were searched for papers that described health literacy programs and initiatives within libraries. Findings Several themes of health literacy programs in libraries emerged: health literacy for older adults, underserved populations, the general public, healthcare professionals, and medical students, and patients. Collaborations between libraries and community organizations were frequently used. Practical implications Librarians may use this review to understand the history of health literacy efforts and libraries to inform future programming. This review will contextualize current research on health literacy and libraries. Originality/value Despite the currency and relevance of this topic, there are no literature reviews on health literacy and librarianship.

The emotional mechanics of maintaining occupational boundaries between change professionals

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Development ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Human Resource Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Managers ◽  
Patterns Of Behavior ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Being There ◽  
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 his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on patterns of behavior exhibited by human resource managers and external organizational development practitioners to retain their occupational boundaries. A sense of competitive occupational threat is pervasive and often erodes the value added by both professionals when organizations proceed through change processes, despite the potential for mutually valuable and organizationally beneficial learning opportunities being there for the taking. 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.

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.

Management and Michael Polanyi’s thought

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-387
Author(s):  
Struan Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Science And Society ◽  
Historical Scholarship ◽  
Content Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
Understanding Of Science ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Scientific Life

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of management ideas as a resource for developing a new understanding of science and society. Design/methodology/approach Three important articles of Polanyi are studied in detail. Findings That writings of Graicunas, Foch and Liddell Hart definitely influenced the development of Polanyi’s thinking and writings of Gulick, Mooney among other management/organization theorists also likely contributed to Polanyi’s thought. Research limitations/implications The study opens a new seam for Polanyi intellectual – historical scholarship. Practical implications The article sheds light on facets of scientific life, including how scientists themselves participate in the overall management of science. Social implications This discussion of Polanyi deepens the appreciation of Liberal society’s functioning. Originality/value No other Polanyi scholar has dug deeply into the history of management, considering its intellectual value to Polanyi.

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