Challenges and opportunities with H-2B visas: can luxury resorts survive without them?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marketa Kubickova ◽  
Rebecca Neal
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Employee Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Human Labor ◽  
The Many ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Adequate Staffing

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.

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

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 18-20
Author(s):  
Vibhav Singh
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Human Resource Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Resource Managers ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

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.

Turning expatriates’ cultural intelligence into strategic advantage

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-136
Author(s):  
Aideen O’Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Cultural Intelligence ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Intercultural Adaptation ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the importance of cultural intelligence for expatriates and offer several recommendations for human resources professionals to help enhance expatriates’ performance. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a review of relevant literature and in-depth interviews with 12 experienced expatriates who had collectively completed 39 assignments across 26 different host countries. The participants represent ten ethnicities and seven industries. Findings The expatriates used all four types of cultural intelligence while on assignment and found those to be critical for their success. Practical implications Human resources professionals are advised to actively screen for cultural intelligence when selecting expatriates for assignment; develop expatriates’ cultural intelligence in a holistic, ongoing manner; and involve external professionals as needed to support expatriates’ success. Originality/value Much of the past research on intercultural adaptation and cultural intelligence has been quantitative in nature and based on student populations. This paper provides detailed insights in the participants’ own words regarding the way cultural intelligence promotes intercultural adaptation and success on assignment.

Consumer value creation through WhatsApp use

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-471
Author(s):  
Jorge Cruz-Cárdenas ◽  
Jorge Guadalupe-Lanas ◽  
Ekaterina Zabelina ◽  
Andrés Palacio-Fierro ◽  
Margarita Velín-Fárez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Role Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Value ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand in-depth how consumers create value in their lives using WhatsApp, the leading mobile instant messaging (MIM) application. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the perspective of customer-dominant logic (CDL) and uses a qualitative multimethod design involving 3 focus groups and 25 subsequent in-depth interviews. The research setting was Ecuador, a Latin American country. Findings Analysis and interpretation of the participants’ stories made it possible to identify and understand the creation of four types of value: maintaining and strengthening relationships; improving role performance; emotional support; and entertainment and fun. In addition, the present study proposes a conceptual model of consumer value creation as it applies to MIM. Practical implications Understanding the way consumers create value in their lives using MIM is important not only for organizations that offer MIM applications, but also for those companies that develop other applications for mobile phones or for those who wish to use MIM as an electronic word-of-mouth vehicle. Originality/value The current study is one of the first to address the topic of consumer behavior in the use of technologies from the perspective of CDL; this perspective enables an integrated qualitative vision of value creation in which the consumer is the protagonist.

Feasibility study of automatically performing the concrete delivery dispatching through machine learning techniques

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 573-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mojtaba Maghrebi ◽  
Claude Sammut ◽  
S. Travis Waller
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Mixing Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Solution ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Ready Mixed Concrete ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the implementation of machine learning (ML) techniques in order to automatically measure the feasibility of performing ready mixed concrete (RMC) dispatching jobs. Design/methodology/approach – Six ML techniques were selected and tested on data that was extracted from a developed simulation model and answered by a human expert. Findings – The results show that the performance of most of selected algorithms were the same and achieved an accuracy of around 80 per cent in terms of accuracy for the examined cases. Practical implications – This approach can be applied in practice to match experts’ decisions. Originality/value – In this paper the feasibility of handling complex concrete delivery problems by ML techniques is studied. Currently, most of the concrete mixing process is done by machines. However, RMC dispatching still relies on human resources to complete many tasks. In this paper the authors are addressing to reconstruct experts’ decisions as only practical solution.

An exploratory study into organizational repatriates’ emotional support network

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lore Van Gorp ◽  
Smaranda Boroş ◽  
Piet Bracke ◽  
Peter A.J. Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Support ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Support Providers ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informative Characteristic ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how repatriates’ emotional support network affects their experience of re-entry. Design/methodology/approach This inductive, qualitative study is based on 27 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with Belgian organizational repatriates. Findings The analyses suggest that expatriation empathy is a key attribute of organizational repatriates’ main emotional support providers. In addition, the results show that although partners are a main source of emotional support on re-entry, they are also important potential causes of distress. Lastly, the results suggest that the cultural diversity of a repatriate’s emotional support network is linked with characteristics of the assignment and that it affects the experience of repatriation. Research limitations/implications The results provide empirical evidence that the expatriation empathy of repatriates’ support providers is a more informative characteristic to consider compared with whether they have personal experience of expatriation. In addition, the results suggest that research should also take into account the negative side of social support, and, for example, consider the influence of crossover distress of partners who experience relocation difficulties themselves. Practical implications This study points to the possible benefits of organizing social activities or training for repatriates and their partner and any children, as well as the advantages of encouraging expatriates to invite home-country friends to visit. Originality/value Although most scholars agree on the importance of support for expatriates’ well-being, the sources of relevant emotional support have received little research attention so far, as has how this influences the repatriation experience.

The many faces of suzhi in the Chinese organization and society

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Upton-McLaughlin
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Culture ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chinese Society ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mainland Chinese ◽  
Foreign Companies ◽  
Expatriate Managers ◽  
The Many ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to explore the Chinese concept of suzhi and how it relates to behavioral standards within mainland Chinese society and the workplace. The article provides a general discussion of suzhi and its inherent elements to act as a foundation for the education of expatriate managers and executives and for future research by Chinese human resource management (HRM) scholars. Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws on the author's first-hand experience and observations from five years of living and working abroad in mainland China with Chinese companies and executives. Findings – The concept of suzhi in China is a reflection of multiple behavioral standards throughout China. And while suzhi's roots are in ancient Chinese culture and Confucianism, it is also subject to influence and change. Practical implications – The paper may serve as a foundation both for expatriate managers seeking to improve HRM practices in foreign companies in China and future scholars who wish to conduct further research on suzhi and Chinese behavioral standards as they can be applied to the workplace. Originality/value – This is an attempt to enlighten expatriate managers and executives in China on the concept of suzhi and its implication for HRM in China.

Configurational examination of successful human resources outsourcing

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (8) ◽  
pp. 1681-1697
Author(s):  
Thuy Thi Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Man-Ling Chang
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Task Interdependence ◽  
It Use ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Provider Quality ◽  
Core Condition ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The causal conditions leading to successful human resources outsourcing (HRO) have until now attracted only limited research attention. To address this shortcoming, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how a firm and a HR provider should work together to ensure successful HRO. Design/methodology/approach By applying a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, the authors demonstrate how combining in different ways provider quality, business understanding, trust, and closed HRO networks can lead to HRO success. In addition, this study compares the causal combinations between cases with differing levels of HR-task interdependence and IT use. Findings The results of this study reveal three common solutions that lead to successful HRO from both economic and relational viewpoints. The findings also indicate that, from an economic viewpoint, trust is a core condition for achieving HRO success. Moreover, HR-task interdependence and IT use alter the number of solutions and the conditions for attaining HRO success. Practical implications Based on the solutions proposed herein, firms can consider different ways to achieve HRO success under diverse conditions. Originality/value This work also contributes to building new theories regarding HRO, trust, knowledge sharing, and IT use.

Artificial intelligence research in agriculture: a review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Sood ◽  
Rajendra Kumar Sharma ◽  
Amit Kumar Bhardwaj
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Market Factors

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review on the academic journey of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture and to highlight the challenges and opportunities in adopting AI-based advancement in agricultural systems and processes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a bibliometric analysis of the extant literature on AI in agriculture to understand the status of development in this domain. Further, the authors proposed a framework based on two popular theories, namely, diffusion of innovation (DOI) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), to identify the factors influencing the adoption of AI in agriculture.FindingsFour factors were identified, i.e. institutional factors, market factors, technology factors and stakeholder perception, which influence adopting AI in agriculture. Further, the authors indicated challenges under environmental, operational, technological, economical and social categories with opportunities in this area of research and business.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed conceptual model needs empirical validation across countries or states to understand the effectiveness and relevance.Practical implicationsPractitioners and researchers can use these inputs to develop technology and business solutions with specific design elements to gain benefit of this technology at larger scale for increasing agriculture production.Social implicationsThis paper brings new developed methods and practices in agriculture for betterment of society.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive review of extant literature and presents a theoretical framework for researchers to further examine the interaction of independent variables responsible for adoption of AI in agriculture.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2020-0448

Ethical listening to employees during a pandemic: new approaches, barriers and lessons

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlene S. Neill ◽  
Shannon A. Bowen
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Feedback Loop ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Communication Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Management Professionals ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify new challenges to organizational listening posed by a global pandemic and how organizations are overcoming those barriers.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers conducted 30 in-depth interviews with US communication management professionals.FindingsCommunication management professionals value listening, but do not always make it the priority that it merits. They listed lack of desire of senior management, time, and trust of employees as barriers to effective organizational listening. The global COVID pandemic has made it more challenging to connect to employees working remotely and to observe nonverbal cues that are essential in communication. Organizations are adapting by using more frequent pulse surveys, video conferencing technology and mobile applications. Most importantly, this pandemic has enhanced moral sensitivity and empathy leading organizations to make decisions based on ethical considerations.Research limitations/implicationsThe researchers examined organizational listening applying employee-organization relationships (EOR) theory and found that trust is essential. Trust can be enhanced through building relationships with employees, ethical listening and closing the feedback loop by communicating how employers are using the feedback received by employees to make a positive change.Practical implicationsCommunication managers need to place a higher priority on listening to employees. Their listening efforts need to be authentic, morally autonomous or open-minded, and empathetic to respect the genuine concerns of employees and how organizational decisions will affect them. Listening is essential to serving as an ethical and effective strategic counselor.Originality/valueThe study examines organizational listening in the context of a global pandemic.

How do I know I am valued?

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 188-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Claxton
Keyword(s):  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shared Purpose ◽  
Rich Data ◽  
Glaserian Grounded Theory ◽  
Authentic Pride ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the phenomena of an employee “being valued” in the context of a manufacturing SME. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative study using rich data from in-depth interviews following a classical (Glaserian) grounded theory. Findings – A three dimensional concept of authentic pride enablement, altruistically-orientated shared-purpose and servant leadership explained the reasons people felt valued. Research limitations/implications – The limitations were that this study was in one context Practical implications – The implications are that if organisations consider a servant leadership approach, enabling of authentic pride and fostering of altruistically-orientated shared-purpose, this may help employees feel valued. Social implications – This has implications for how organisations can show their employees that they are valued. Originality/value – “Being valued” is a concept/construct that is widely quoted as a driver for employee engagement and yet rarely unpacked.

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