scholarly journals Applying adult development theories to improvement science

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 617-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Kjellström ◽  
Ann-Christine Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Adult Development ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Improvement Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Developmental Capacity ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
System Knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address how adult development (AD) theories can contribute to quality improvement (QI). Design/methodology/approach A theoretical analysis and discussion on how personal development empirical findings can relate to QI and Deming’s four improvement knowledge domains. Findings AD research shows that professionals have qualitatively diverse ways of meaning-making and ways to approach possibilities in improvement efforts. Therefore, professionals with more complex meaning-making capacities are needed to create successful transformational changes and learning, with the recognition that system knowledge is a developmental capacity. Practical implications In QI and improvement science there is an assumption that professionals have the skills and competence needed for improvement efforts, but AD theories show that this is not always the case, which suggests a need for facilitating improvement initiatives, so that everyone can contribute based on their capacity. Originality/value This study illustrates that some competences in QI efforts are a developmental challenge to professionals, and should be considered in practice and research.

scholarly journals Valarie Zeithaml: autobiographical reflections

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valarie A. Zeithaml
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Chronological Order ◽  
Career Trajectory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Look Back ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Research Philosophy ◽  
The Right ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose By examining my personal development and career trajectory, I hope to share some insights into life as an academic. My particular path has contained, as most paths do, twists and turns. As I look back, they all seem somehow related to each other, but they were not all planned. Design/methodology/approach I will discuss my life and career in chronological order, then reflect on my career and research philosophy. I will also discuss several of my most cited articles and how they emerged. Findings I emphasize research that is both academically rigorous and relevant to business. I also show that passion for a subject, even one that is risky and not encouraged by others, has resulted in lifelong interest and inspiration for me. While not appropriate for all because of the risk, I found it worth taking a chance, largely because I was highly inspired by the subject. Practical implications Research that is programmatic has benefits because it allows a scholar to own an area. Also, working with the right co-author teams – sometimes ones where different talents are distributed across the team is effective. Originality/value The story and opinions are mine alone.

Means-ends based know-how mapping

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 454-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnon Sturm ◽  
Daniel Gross ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Eric Yu
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Know How ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Prototype Tool ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on research that aims to make knowledge, and in particular know-how, more easily accessible to both academic and industrial communities, as well as to the general public. The paper proposes a novel approach to map out know-how information, so all knowledge stakeholders are able to contribute to the knowledge and expertise accumulation, as well as using that knowledge for research and applying expertise to address problems. Design/methodology/approach This research followed a design science approach in which mapping of the know-how information was done by the research team and then tested with graduate students. During this research, the mapping approach was continuously evaluated and refined, and mapping guidelines and a prototype tool were developed. Findings Following an evaluation with graduate students, it was found that the know-how maps produced were easy to follow, allowed continuous evolution, facilitated easy modification through provided modularity capabilities, further supported reasoning about know-how and overall provided adequate expressiveness. Furthermore, we applied the approach with various domains and found that it was a good fit for its purpose across different knowledge domains. Practical implications This paper argues that mapping out know-how within research and industry communities can further improve resource (knowledge) utilization, reduce the phenomena of “re-inventing the wheel” and further create linkage across communities. Originality/value With the qualities mentioned above, know-how maps can both ease and support the increase of access to expert knowledge to various communities, and thus, promote re-use and expansion of knowledge for various purposes. Having an explicit representation of know-how further encourages innovation, as knowledge from various domains can be mapped, searched and reasoned, and gaps can be identified and filled.

Defining and exploring pracademia: identity, community, and engagement

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trista Hollweck ◽  
Deborah M. Netolicky ◽  
Paul Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Professional Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community Membership ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to define pracademia and conceptualise it in relation to educational contexts. This paper contributes to and stimulates a continuing and evolving conversation around pracademia and its relevance, role and possibilities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a conceptual exploration. It draws upon existing and emerging pieces of literature, the use of metaphor as a meaning-making tool, and the positionalities of the authors, to develop the concept of pracademia.FindingsThe authors posit that pracademics who simultaneously straddle the worlds of practice, policy, and academia embody new possibilities as boundary spanners in the field of education for knowledge mobilization, networks, community membership, and responding to systemic challenges. However, being a pracademic requires the constant reconciling of the demands of multi-membership and ultimately, pracademics must establish sufficient legitimacy to be respected in two or more currently distinct worlds.Practical implicationsThis paper has implications for knowledge mobilization, networks, boundary spanners, leadership, professional learning, and connecting practice, policy, and research. While the authors are in the field of education, this exploration of pracademia is relevant not only to the field of education but also to other fields in which there is a clear need to connect practice/policy with scholarship.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new definition of pracademia and argues that pracademia identifies an important yet relatively unknown space with many possibilities in the field of education.

Organizational play: within and beyond managing

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virpi Tökkäri
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthetize qualitative research on play in the organizational context. Design/methodology/approach – Through a metasynthesis, the research premises and findings of 12 individual empirical studies were examined. Findings – The findings of the metasynthesis showed that the research on organizational play has focussed on three central themes addressing play as fun, pros and cons of organizational play, and management of play. In interpreting the findings, seven perspectives of organizational play are constructed as follows: authenticity, belongingness, experience, social activities, generating, functions, and artifacts. The perspectives are conceptualized into three dimensions of play as the orientation of being-in-the-world, play as meaning-making and enactment, and play as creations. Research limitations/implications – The sample consisted of 12 studies, which provided a limited insight into organizational play. However, following the guidelines of metasynthesis, the sample was appropriate and of good quality. The research suggests guidelines for further research into organizational play. Practical implications – Achieving psychosocial well-being at work and success in management requires understanding of essential personal and social processes, such as play. The findings provide knowledge that can be applied in management and other workplace practices. Originality/value – The study highlights the divergent perspectives of the organizationally important phenomenon of play. The paper contributes to a better understanding and the development of play in organizations.

Professional development: investigating the relationships between employee motives, learning opportunities, and activities

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 32-35
Author(s):  
Kelly Dutton
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Career ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
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 their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Employees are increasingly becoming facilitators of their own professional career path and development. A highly motivated employee wanting to learn and train for their own personal development will be more aware of potential learning opportunities available to them, and will be more inclined to engage in them. For improved productivity and success, organizations need both engaged and committed employees and to offer a range of learning opportunities. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. 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.

Spatial change management secrets

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 22-24
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Physical Change ◽  
Spatial Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Space Management ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
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 their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The study indicates that space management strategies may fail because of the lack of understanding of how organizational events and other contextually specific aspects correlate with the physical change initiative. Succeeding with the spatial strategy requires a strong focus on socio-material relationships and the employee meaning-making process during the spatial change process. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. 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.

Working to your strengths

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 21-23
Keyword(s):  
Pharmaceutical Company ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Culture Change ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Consultancy ◽  
Change Team ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Sets out ways in which a pharmaceutical company embedded a strengths-based approach to the assessment and development of field-based staff during a period of structural and cultural change. Provides an overview of how strengths-based methods were implemented and embedded. Design/methodology/approach – Describes how collaboration with a people-management consultancy introduced strengths through recruitment and development to the company. Findings – Relates the positive perception of the assessment and development program by candidates and assessors. Practical implications – Provides advice for how other organizations could introduce strengths-based solutions into similar culture change, team and personal-development projects. Originality/value – Points out that the pharmaceutical company – Boehringer Ingelheim – is one of the first UK-based organizations to take a strengths-based approach to aid culture change.

Workplace authenticity as an attribute of employer attractiveness

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1962-1976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Germano Glufke Reis ◽  
Beatriz Maria Braga ◽  
Jordi Trullen
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Job Applicants ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Employer Attractiveness ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Psychological Benefit

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relevance of authenticity as a possible attribute of employer attractiveness. Additionally, the study compares authenticity to other factors of attractiveness, such as economic, development, social, interest and application values. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with a total of 937 respondents. The questionnaire consisted of the employer attractiveness scale developed by Berthon, Ewing, and Hah (2005) and an adapted version of the authentic living scale (Wood et al., 2008). Findings The results show that workplace authenticity is equally valued as an attractiveness attribute as having opportunities for economic and personal development, and that it is significantly more highly valued than other attractiveness dimensions of the work environment, such as interest value, social value, and application value. The results also show that authenticity matters more as an attribute of attractiveness for top management, older professionals as well as women. Practical implications The findings suggest that firms become more competitive in attracting talent if their recruitment strategies place more emphasis on authenticity as a psychological benefit that can be obtained through working in the company. The use of social media (e.g. employee testimonials, chats, and blogs) can help to this end. Originality/value The subject of workplace authenticity has been receiving increasing attention in the academic literature, and the studies reveal the benefits that it may entail for both developing and retaining a more engaged and productive workforce. However, previous research has not considered how perceptions of workplace authenticity may also help organizations become more attractive in the eyes of potential job applicants.

Smart destination brands: semiotic analysis of visual and verbal signs

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 560-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Gretzel ◽  
Maria Collier de Mendonça
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Brand Identity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Semiotic Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Branding Strategies ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Smart Tourism

Purpose Smart tourism is a destination management approach that requires the buy-in of a myriad of stakeholders. Its many audiences and complexity demand the creation of meaningful brands to effectively position and communicate smart tourism initiatives. The purpose of this paper is to explore how smart tourism branding strategies have been implemented to communicate relevant values, benefits and attributes to industry stakeholders through institutional websites. Design/methodology/approach Based on a semiotic analysis of two smart tourism-related sites (destinosinteligentes.es and smarttourismcapital.eu), the research interprets the brand-related visual and verbal signs. Findings The findings highlight how brand elements embedded in websites communicate a brand identity and facilitate particular interpretations of smart tourism. Both brands use similar signs to promote a techtopian vision of smart destinations but employ different strategies to motivate stakeholder buy-in. Research limitations/implications Smart tourism is currently largely embedded in overall smart city initiatives and finding tourism-specific examples online is difficult. However, the two selected websites reflect the brands of multiple destinations and permit a detailed analysis of meaning making. Future research can focus on how brand-related signs are perceived by different stakeholders. Practical implications Identifying the strategies and shortcomings of current smart tourism brands informs future smart tourism branding efforts and effective communication with smart tourism stakeholders. Originality/value Semiotics is a relevant but underutilized method to understand how smart tourism initiatives conceptualize “smartness.”

Stressful sustainability: a hermeneutic analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 550-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Valor ◽  
Paolo Antonetti ◽  
Isabel Carrero
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Lifestyles ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Research on sustainable consumption (SC) has shown how, faced with barriers that prevent them from embracing a sustainable lifestyle, consumers experience classic symptoms of distress. Although distress emerges as a constitutive dimension of sustainable lifestyles, research has not yet provided a comprehensive account of how consumers cope with it. This paper aims to provide such an account. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 people who defined themselves as sustainable consumers. A hermeneutic approach was adopted for the analysis. Findings The analysis shows that consumers enact two different coping strategies: adjustment or episodic coping and structural coping or deradicalization. Both sets encompass reappraisals and meaning-making strategies to maintain motivation while simultaneously appeasing tensions. They also comprise the strategic enactment of emotions to energize the self and/or to appease distress. Coping influences how SC is appraised and lived, as these practices are dynamically changed to navigate structural constraints. Practical implications SC campaigns have traditionally focused on cognitive empowerment. However, the evidence suggests that emotional empowerment could be a more effective way to promote the practice. Originality/value This paper provides the first in-depth examination of the strategies adopted to cope with distress. The analysis shows that consumers reconfigure how SC is appraised and implemented, while emphasizing the crucial role of emotion work in the coping repertoire. Although SC is stressful due to structural and social constraints, consumers are able to remain committed to it to varying degrees.

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