scholarly journals Reciprocal benefits, legacy and risk

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Campbell ◽  
Peter Evans
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Role Modelling ◽  
Learning At Work ◽  
Managerial Beliefs ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the beliefs held by managers about their roles as facilitators of learning with their employees in a public utilities organisation. Design/methodology/approach – The research was based on Ellinger and Bostrom’s (2002) study on managers’ beliefs on their role as facilitators of learning in learning-orientated firms. Abductive research logic was used in a small sample in depth qualitative study using critical incident interviews. Findings – Managers in the study conveyed strong self-efficacy and outcome beliefs confirming the central role in workplace learning of line managers who adopt a coaching approach. Key new insights were also found in managers’ beliefs on acting as role models within the organisation and their beliefs on the need to manage skills-related organisational risk. Research limitations/implications – A key limitation of the research is inherent in the use of critical incident technique, as it provides information on the nature of “atypical events” as opposed to more gradual, tacit and typically ongoing learning at work. Practical implications – The managers’ belief map derived from the data provides a context-specific “target of change” with which to challenge the wider organisation regarding learning facilitation. The research also shows how industry-specific contexts may provide specific pathways for developing managers in their role as facilitators of learning. Originality/value – The value of the research is twofold: first, providing further validation of the findings from Ellinger and Bostrom’s (2002) research on managers’ beliefs on the effective facilitation of workplace learning; second, additional insights on managerial beliefs regarding role modelling and succession planning are identified, and the implications for management development are discussed.

scholarly journals How do managers promote workplace learning? Learning-oriented leadership in daily work

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Wallo ◽  
Henrik Kock ◽  
Cathrine Reineholm ◽  
Per-Erik Ellström
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Learning At Work ◽  
Lack Of Commitment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore managers’ learning-oriented leadership, and what conditions managers face when working with the promotion of employees’ learning. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with managers in three manufacturing firms. Verbatim expressions of the interview participants were analysed using stepwise analytical procedures. Findings The managers used many kinds of activities to promote learning. Most common were activities related to learning opportunities that arose during daily work. The identified activities ranged from being planned to occurring more spontaneously. Depending on the situation or the learning activity, the managers used different behaviours to promote learning. They supported, educated and confronted employees, and they acted as role models. Factors constraining the implementation of learning-oriented leadership included limited resources, and a lack of commitment from top management, employees or the managers themselves. Research limitations/implications Future research should study learning-oriented leadership from the employees’ perspective. Practical implications Managers’ notions about learning and development constitute an important condition for learning-oriented leadership. Therefore, managers need to be trained in how to promote their employees’ learning at work. Originality/value This study adds to the limited knowledge of how managers carry out a learning-oriented leadership in their daily work. The findings contribute knowledge regarding managerial practices of promoting employees’ workplace learning by identifying different activities and behaviours that managers could incorporate into their leadership.

scholarly journals Growth management of eHealth service start-ups

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martti Saarela ◽  
Anna-Mari Simunaniemi ◽  
Matti Muhos ◽  
Pekka Leviäkangas
Keyword(s):  
Early Development ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Growth Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Business ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
Ehealth Service

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the early development of eHealth service start-ups. To elaborate the research problem, the study addresses the following research questions: How do managerial experiences in eHealth service start-ups relate to the central findings of the recent empirically based stages-of-growth literature? What context-specific viewpoints should be considered when using the stage framework in relation to eHealth service start-ups? Design/methodology/approach In this explorative multiple case study, the authors test a growth framework describing the early stages of eHealth service firms through eight case studies. The authors utilise the critical incident technique and semi-structured interviews in the data collection. Findings When taking into account the key contradictions assessed in the study as well as context-specific features of eHealth businesses, the empirically based stage framework seems to be a useful starting point for reflecting on and predicting the challenges faced during the early development of eHealth service start-ups. Slow growth due to several factors and the essential role of the public sector were commonly emphasised elements of the context-specific viewpoints of the eHealth service business. Practical implications The results may be used in start-ups and intermediary organisations as a framework for predicting managerial challenges during the start-up stage of an eHealth service business. Originality/value Numerous universal models and frameworks have attempted to clarify management priorities during the early stages of business. However, context-specific viewpoints and their effects on start-ups have not been broadly studied. This study provides new insights into growth management in the eHealth context.

scholarly journals Tacit knowledge sharing among library colleagues: a pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Burnette
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tacit Knowledge Sharing

Purpose This study aims to explore the nature of tacit knowledge (TK) sharing among library colleagues, with a focus on the characteristics of TK and contextual factors such as organizational culture or the mentor/mentee relationship. Design/methodology/approach Using a critical incident approach, participants self-selected based on pre-established criteria to report knowledge sharing incidents between colleagues at either an in-person or virtual reference desk. Subsequent semi-structured interviews were transcribed from recordings and coded for thematic elements. Findings Three thematic areas emerged. First are the influence of organizational culture and the importance of trust on knowledge sharing behavior. Second, the value of teamwork and the significance of mentor/mentee roles surface as significant drivers of TK exchange. Last but not least is a better understanding of the nature of TK, as it relates to types of knowledge and characterizations of experience and expertise. Research limitations/implications The relatively small sample size nevertheless revealed some important findings that contribute to the understanding of the role of TK sharing in libraries. Originality/value The value of knowledge sharing in libraries is not well understood. This study demonstrates the value on several levels, including the influence of culture and trust, and the power of mentoring to harness TK held by experts. The proposed Tacit Knowledge Alignment Framework contributes to the understanding of the nature of TK in libraries. These findings begin to fill a research gap by furthering our understanding of TK and informing future retention efforts that are lacking in many libraries.

scholarly journals Conditions for workplace learning: a gender divide?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Sjöberg Forssberg ◽  
Karolina Parding ◽  
Annika Vänje
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Social Constructions ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Interactive Approach ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Conditions ◽  
Gender Divide

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine and discuss conditions for workplace learning in gender-segregated workplaces in the public sector, how social constructions of gender contribute to (or constrain) the workplace learning conditions within two workplace contexts. Design/methodology/approach The research was carried out through an interactive approach with data from 12 semi-structured interviews with workers and first-line managers from technical maintenance and home care in a Swedish municipality, validated at an analysis seminar with 27 participations, from both workplace contexts the Swedish Work Environment Authority and us researchers. Findings The results indicate that gender affects conditions for workplace learning and contributes to an enabling learning environment in the male-dominated workplace context and to a constraining learning environment in the female-dominated workplace context. The identified differences are created in both organisational structures and the organisations’ cultures. Research limitations/implications When analysing conditions for workplace learning from a gender perspective, the approach of comparative, cross-case analyses is useful. An interactive approach with women and men describing and analysing their work experiences together with researchers is a fruitful way of making gender visible. Practical implications The theoretical approach in this study illuminates how social constructions of gender operate and affect conditions for workplace learning and contributes to a deeper understanding of underlying causes to unequal conditions in different workplace contexts. Social implications The findings imply a gender divide which, from the theoretical strands, can be seen as an expression of asymmetrical power relations and where these gendered learning conditions probably also affect the quality of the services. Originality/value The findings contribute to existing gender theoretical literature by demonstrating that gender is essential to take into consideration when understanding working conditions in different workplace contexts. This study contributes to workplace learning literature by exploring the different ways in which social constructions of gender contribute to enabling and constraining learning environments.

scholarly journals Action design research as a means for organizing workplace learning: case studies of e-learning platforms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Haj-Bolouri ◽  
Christian Master Östlund ◽  
Matti Rossi ◽  
Lars Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Action Design Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Learning At Work

Purpose Although there is a large body of literature available on the foundations of workplace learning (WPL), little is known about designated research methods that systematically combine intervention, design and learning at work. The purpose of this study is to propose action design research as an alternative method for organizing WPL in general and facilitating pedagogically rich activities in particular. Design/methodology/approach This research used a case study approach to focus the action design research method and exemplify its utility through two case studies that emphasize WPL in general and how the method can be used to facilitate pedagogically rich activities in particular. Findings The results of the case studies indicate that the action design research method had a significantly positive effect on organizing WPL in organizations systematically, as well as creating a narrative that structures the research process and its outcomes. Originality/value The findings help scholars that are in need of organizing WPL research in a systematic way. The findings do also help practitioners in organizations to solve real-world problems and develop new knowledge jointly together with scholars. Consequently, the findings contribute to the existing literature by exemplifying how to facilitate pedagogically rich activities and disseminate the outcomes of doing so in a formalized way.

scholarly journals Culture, consent and confidentiality in workplace autoethnography

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-319
Author(s):  
Catherine Lee
Keyword(s):  
Role Models ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
School Teacher ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Professional Identities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the author’s experiences as a school teacher and a lesbian. It considers the culture and discourses of power in the school and the ethical implications of telling the author’s story. Utilizing autoethnography as a method of inquiry, it draws on a critical incident to explore the incompatibility of the author’s private and professional identities, and reflect on the impact of homophobic and heteronormative discursive practices in the workplace, on health, well-being and identity. Design/methodology/approach This research is grounded in an interpretivist philosophy. It utilizes writing about the self as a method of inquiry. Findings This research examines the incompatibility of the author’s private and professional identities and offers insight into the steps that those in positions of power will take to protect and perpetuate the heteronormative discourse of rural life. Research limitations/implications This research presents the perspective of only one lesbian teacher in a rural context. Consequently, generalizations are inappropriate and recommendations are difficult. Whilst the absence of clear ethical regulation presents an infinite number of possibilities for autoethnographers, the silence that surrounds the prescription of the ethics of autoethnography leaves those of us at the beginnings of our research careers without clear guidance. Originality/value This research specifically addresses a dearth of research examining the experiences of the rural lesbian (or gay) teacher in the UK. Headteachers of rural schools must ensure that their schools are inclusive and welcoming environments for teachers, and their equalities policies are living documents that are not simply cast aside in the face of rural parent power. Young people in the countryside deserve access to the full pool of teaching talent and should have access to the diverse role models that their urban and suburban counterparts are beginning to enjoy.

Learning from errors in insurance companies

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Anselmann ◽  
Regina H. Mulder
Keyword(s):  
Critical Incident ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Learning From Errors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Cover Up

Purpose The study pursues two goals: first, as a replication study, the purpose of this paper is to test a model of learning from errors in the domain of insurance industry. Second, to increase insights in learning from errors, the authors focussed on different types of errors. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey in the insurance industry (N=206). The authors used structural equation modelling and path modelling to analyse the data. To be able to analyse different types of errors, the authors used Critical Incident Technique and asked participants to describe error situations. Findings Findings from the study are that the model of learning from errors could partly be replicated. The results indicate that a non-punitive orientation towards errors is an important factor to reduce the tendency of insurance agents to cover up errors when knowledge and rule-based errors happen. In situations of slips and lapses error strain has a negative influence on trust and non-punitive orientation which in turn both reduce the tendency to cover up errors. Research limitations/implications Limitation is the small sample size. By using Critical Incidents Technique, the authors were able to analyse authentic error situations. Implications of the results concern the importance of error-friendly climate in organisations. Originality/value Replication studies are important to generalise results to different domains. To increase the insight in learning from errors, the authors analysed influencing factors with regard to different types of errors.

The multiple faces of front line managers

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 410-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Kilroy ◽  
Tony Dundon
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Employee Outcomes ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Leader ◽  
Line Manager

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present exploratory research on the potential variation of front line manager (FLM) types and attendant causal links between FLM style and employee outcomes. It challenges the value of a homogenous FLM construct and tests for variation in FLM styles which may affect behaviours and employee outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – A set of discreet FLM types is defined from extant theory and literature (named here as Policy Enactor; Organizational Leader; and Employee Coach). Each type and its relationship to employee outcomes is explored empirically using survey data and qualitative interviews with a small sample of employees (n=46 employees across eight FLM groups) within a multi-national manufacturing plant. Findings – The findings provide preliminary support for an FLM “type” construct. Employees reported a significant dominance of the “Organizational Leader” type for one FLM, while across a broader set of FLM’s the proportions showed measurable variation. The qualitative data provides context examples that help explain FLM typologies and link to employee outcomes. Originality/value – Much of current literature explores the FLM construct as a singular construct, relying on its contextual relevance for definition within a certain discipline. This paper focuses on combining these contextual experiences to present a multi-faceted construct for the role of FLMs within the employment relations literatures. By moving from the implicit to the explicit, the paper offers a conceptual lens for quantitative and qualitative exploration of the role of FLM types. As a result, attendant and subsequent FLM and employee behaviours may be better examined and possibly better specified. To add value to this contribution longitudinal and more extensive data sets could be examined and tested in the future.

Self-initiated expatriation (SIE) by older women: an exploratory study

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Myers ◽  
Kerr Inkson ◽  
Judith K. Pringle
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the SIE experiences of women over 50, its drivers, nature and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on participant data from in-depth life story interviews with 21 women who had undertaken SIE from New Zealand and later returned. From this sample two subgroups (aid volunteers and contract carers) are utilized as “vignette” exemplars, and common factors elicited. Findings SIE provided a desirable liberation from pressing mid-life issues. It was transformational for all participants, sometimes through serendipitous career development, but more commonly, after return, through personal development, changes in values, decreased emphasis on paid work, and simpler lifestyle. Research limitations/implications The small sample size and qualitative methodology make the study exploratory rather than definitive and the specific location and small sample size limit transferability. The snowballing recruitment method may have disproportionately encouraged similar, and positively disposed, participants. Practical implications The availability and special characteristics of this expatriate and repatriate group for potential employing organizations are considered, as are the gains in human capital and individual well-being to society as a whole. The women studied provide excellent role models for older women considering independent overseas travel and employment. Originality/value By focusing on older women, this study extends the boundaries of the SIE literature. The findings highlight the limitations of work-centric theories of SIE, careers and older workers, the non-linear nature of women’s careers and the heterogeneity of later life pathways. The study is also original in demonstrating major positive transformational effects of expatriation on all its participants.

scholarly journals Compassionate leadership in palliative and end-of-life care: a focus group study

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair Hewison ◽  
Yvonne Sawbridge ◽  
Laura Tooley
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Role Modelling ◽  
Leadership Capability ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore compassionate leadership with those involved in leading system-wide end-of-life care. Its purpose was to: define compassionate leadership in the context of palliative and end-of-life care; collect accounts of compassionate leadership activity from key stakeholders in end-of-life and palliative care; and identify examples of compassionate leadership in practice. Design/methodology/approach Four focus groups involving staff from a range of healthcare organisations including hospitals, hospices and community teams were conducted to access the accounts of staff leading palliative and end-of-life care. The data were analysed thematically. Findings The themes that emerged from the data included: the importance of leadership as role modelling and nurturing; how stories were used to explain approaches to leading end-of-life care; the nature of leadership as challenging existing practice; and a requirement for leaders to manage boundaries effectively. Rich and detailed examples of leadership in action were shared. Research limitations/implications The findings indicate that a relational approach to leadership was enacted in a range of palliative and end-of-life care settings. Practical implications Context-specific action learning may be a means of further developing compassionate leadership capability in palliative and end-of-life care and more widely in healthcare settings. Originality/value This paper presents data indicating how compassionate leadership, as a form of activity, is envisaged and enacted by staff in healthcare.

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