“We are not phobic but selective”: the older generation’s attitude towards using technology in workplace communications

Author(s):  
Vibhav Singh

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study and understand the older generation’s attitude toward use of technology for workplace communications. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth interviews were conducted with the older generation employees of an Indian Oil and Gas Public Sector Undertakings. Data gathered from the interviews were then analyzed to draw broad themes. Findings – Although the older generation is aware of the importance of technology and has adequate knowledge of its use, they are reluctant to use it. The reluctance is not on account of techno-phobia; it is more in the nature of approach-avoidance. Research limitations/implications – Organizations and human resource managers should focus on addressing the mental block of the older generation regarding the use of technology. Practical implications – Reverse mentoring and formation of cross-generational teams can be used to alter older generation’s selective mindset in relation to technology. Originality/value – This paper discusses the role of technology in intergenerational communication in the Indian context.

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 701-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun Elembilassery ◽  
L. Gurunathan

PurposeAn exploration of the global corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature unveils the inadequate focus on two aspects. First, CSR in the context of non-Anglo–Saxon countries and second the pertinent question of “How CSR”. The purpose of this study is to theoretically explore the available CSR literature and empirically assess the CSR implementation in India.Design/methodology/approachThis study offers insights into the mode of CSR implementation in India deriving from an analysis of qualitative data, obtained through in-depth interviews using semi-structured questionnaire with functional leaders of nine Indian Firms.FindingsObservations are made on the different mode of implementation and role of professionals in each mode. The various factors determining the objective of each implementation mode are identified and the rationale behind adopting different mode of CSR implementation is explored.Research limitations/implicationsThis study makes five propositions on the rationale and the characteristics of the two predominant CSR implementation modes. Suggestions are also made for further research on corporate (CSR) foundations in India.Practical implicationsBusiness firms can decide on a suitable mode of CSR implementation based on the preeminence they attach to various factors discussed in the study. The need and importance of focusing on CSR competence in teams is highlighted.Originality/valueThis study attempts to fill the gap in literature pertaining to mode of CSR implementation. This study also contributes to the understanding of the Indian context of CSR.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maninder Singh ◽  
P.S. James ◽  
Shirshendu Ganguli

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify future directions for human resource managers to provide work accommodations to chronically ill employees. Design/methodology/approach The authors researched empirical studies in management, occupational health journals, and reports on chronically ill employees. Findings The paper provides research-based practical insights for human resource practitioners to deal with the growing number of chronically ill employees. Practical implications The paper highlights solutions for human resource managers to create an inclusive workplace for employees with chronic illness. Originality/value The authors identified effective human resource and health practices for chronically ill employees, which would help to increase their productivity.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah P. Lonbay ◽  
Toby Brandon

Purpose The increased involvement of adults at risk in the safeguarding process has become a prominent issue within English safeguarding policy. However, there is evidence to suggest that actual levels of involvement are still low. The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a PhD study in relation to the benefits of advocacy in supporting this involvement in adult safeguarding for older people. Design/methodology/approach Participants in the study included advocates and social workers who had experience of working with older people through the safeguarding process within two North East England local authorities. A critical realist approach through in-depth interviews was taken with all the participants. Findings The research findings in relation to the benefits of advocacy in supporting older people going through safeguarding processes are reported. The practical limitations and factors which help and hinder advocacy support within the process are also considered. The theoretical implications for power, empowerment, and advocacy are also explored. Research limitations/implications A key limitation of this research is that it did not include older people who had been through safeguarding amongst the participants. Practical implications Key implications for practice and policy are discussed. Originality/value The paper provides an overview and critique of empowerment in adult safeguarding and the role that advocates play in promoting this key principle.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-32

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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 622-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy Mpinganjira

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of trust in understanding usage of e-government services in South Africa. Of interest are services that involve two way interactions between citizens and government. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from members of the public using in-depth interviews and a structured questionnaire, respectively. Findings – The findings show that trust in internet and in government as a provider of e-services are important factors that differentiates users and non-users of e-government services. The two factors are also significantly related to willingness to start using e-government services. Trust in e-service provider unlike trust in internet was however found to be a stronger differentiator of users and non-users and to have a stronger relationship with willingness to start using e-government services. Practical implications – Efforts aimed at promoting use of e-government services need to be based on a good understanding of factors that impact on citizens’ decisions in this regard. Such efforts need to include activities targeted at improving people’s trust in government’s ability to provide reliable and secure e-services. Originality/value – While provision of government services using the online channel is a growing phenomenon in most African countries, not much research has been done into what governments should focus on in order to entice more citizens to take up this channel. This study contributes to addressing this gap.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marketa Kubickova ◽  
Rebecca Neal

Purpose This study aims to provide a deeper look into why luxury resorts engage in the H-2B visa program and the opportunities and challenges from the human resources employee perspective. Adequate staffing is a well-documented challenge for luxury resorts due to their location, seasonality and access to qualified labor. Many resorts turn to the H-2B non-immigrant visa to mitigate the issue. Design/methodology/approach This study consists of in-depth interviews with human resource employees. An additional survey centering on descriptive statistics, the level of engagement, cost and experience with H-2B visa programs was collected. Findings The findings of this study provide a deeper understanding why luxury resorts use H-2B employees in their operations. The results shed a deeper light on issues centering around the H-2B visa process, its uncertainty, cost and complexity. Practical implications Temporary H-2B workers are essential to the success of resort operation. Collaboration between the resort management and government agencies is essential as strategic solutions must be implemented. Resorts must explore diversified recruitment opportunities and the use of technology while keeping human labor in the center of its core operation. Originality/value The first exploratory study providing a deeper look into the many challenges’ luxury resorts face when using the H-2B visa program from the human resources employee perspective. A call for change is being made as the respondents established the need for H-2B workers, however, the system in place makes it difficult to obtain such employees and to continue resort operations.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pearl M.C. Lin

Purpose In view of the intense competition between businesses in the sharing economy and the conventional hospitality industry, this study aims to compare consumers’ private social dining and restaurant dining experiences. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews with 29 private social diners were conducted to yield 10 dining experiential domains, which were then validated using online survey data from 840 diners across four sample groups – local (Hong Kong) private social diners, local (Hong Kong) restaurant diners, overseas private social diners and overseas restaurant diners – to empirically examine a mechanism through which the dining experience influences diners’ psychological and behavioral responses. Findings The significant differences emerged among the four sample groups in their evaluations of dining experiences. The mediating role of memorability appeared weaker in overseas settings than in local settings. Practical implications The findings suggest restaurateurs be creative and open-minded in designing dining experiences that go beyond food-related satisfaction. Destination marketers should also find the findings insightful because they can diversify their catering offerings by differentiating private social dining with conventional restaurants. Originality/value The study presents a novel angle on experiential consumption in the sharing economy to focus on food-sharing activities, which is thought to complement the currently skewed research focus in the sharing economy. A theoretically driven mechanism was also validated to explain the experiential differences between conventional restaurants and private social dining.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Galloway ◽  
Abigail Marks ◽  
Shiona Chillas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report a study of the role of internships for IT students and for the IT sector. The contribution of internships for career-readiness, and for the development of existing IT organisations and the creation of new ones is explored. Design/methodology/approach – Surveys of interns and managers from host firms were conduced, followed by in-depth interviews with six interns and five organisations. Findings – Internships are useful for increasing enterprise and employability skills and commercial awareness for IT students. IT organisations also benefit in that internships are used to recruit fresh talent. Findings regarding entrepreneurship were disappointing, with little reportage of ambitions to create new firms, nor awareness of the high likelihood of self-employed contractual work in the sector. Research limitations/implications – Implications for research include that self-employment and business ownership are not always “successful” entrepreneurial outcomes born of agency. This requires further study. Practical implications – Development of opportunities for experiential, real-world learning for IT students is implied, as is increased educational focus on employability and enterprise skills to best advantage students for the realities of employment in IT. There is a strong suggestion that much more needs to be done in terms of encouraging entrepreneurship. Originality/value – The paper reports the potentials of internships to interns and to organisations, and through combining these perspectives, provides comment on the utility of internships for the IT sector as a competitive, opportunity-rich global industry.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beate Elizabeth Stiehler

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore consumer meaning-making and brand co-creation and the role of brand value and the consumption context of luxury goods in the emerging South African market. Design/methodology/approach An extant segmentation approach that classifies luxury brand consumers into four different segments was used to guide the identification of a total of 16 luxury consumers with whom in-depth interviews were conducted. Findings The findings identify differences between four consumer segments’ levels of brand knowledge and indicate how these differing levels produce interesting meanings assigned to luxury brands which in turn co-create the brands. A framework is also proposed that maps each of the four luxury segments according to the value they derive from luxury brands and the context in which luxury consumption holds the most meaning for each segment. Practical implications Managerial recommendations concerning the implications of consumers assigning meaning and value to luxury brands and recommendations pertaining to the managing and positioning of luxury brands to each of the four luxury segments in this market are proposed. Originality/value The study provides interesting insights with regards to how consumers assign meaning and value to luxury brands in the emerging South African market. The proposed framework also uniquely demonstrates underlying behaviours within each of the four luxury segments and contributes to a better understanding of how and why these segments consume luxury brands.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk De Clercq ◽  
Muhammad Umer Azeem ◽  
Inam Ul Haq

PurposeThis study investigates the connection between employees' dissatisfaction with the organizational status quo and their job performance, with a particular focus on the mediating role of their problem-focused voice behavior – through which they pinpoint possible causes of organizational problem situations – and the moderating role of their Machiavellianism.Design/methodology/approachThree-wave survey data were collected from employees and their supervisors in Pakistani organizations.FindingsAn important reason that employees' beliefs about organizational underperformance spur their own performance, as rated by supervisors, is that they spend significant energy expressing their concerns about shortcomings. The mediating role of such constructive voice behaviors is mitigated though, to the extent that employees have stronger Machiavellian tendencies.Practical implicationsFor human resource managers, the findings reveal problem-focused voice as a key mechanism by which employees' negative perceptions about how well their organization fares can be channeled into higher job performance. They also elucidate how this process is less likely among employees who are self-centered and less concerned about their organization' well-being, such that they hold back pertinent information about organizational failures from others.Originality/valueThe study pinpoints problem-focused voice as an unexplored behavioral response by which employees' beliefs about organizational underperformance can enhance their job performance. It also details how the tendency of Machiavellian employees to stay away from such voice activities may backfire in the form of lower performance evaluations.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document