Do public sector mergers (re)shape reputation?

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vilma L. Luoma-aho ◽  
Mirja E. Makikangas
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The public sector worldwide is under pressure to downsize, which has led to mergers of public sector organisations. This paper seeks to bridge the unstudied gap of what happens to organisational reputation after a merger. The paper discusses change and reputation in the public sector, and reports findings of a longitudinal study on stakeholder assessments of four public sector organisations undergoing mergers recently. Design/methodology/approach – Following a theory-driven content analysis, this longitudinal study compares stakeholder assessments of four public sector organisations' reputations a year before an organisational merger with assessments of the two resulting organisations' reputations two years after the merger. Findings – The paper finds that the mergers did not really re-shape reputation, but the once established reputation persevered. Although the organisations faced greater expectations after the merger, only minor changes in reputation were detected post-merger: the reputation for expertise, heavy bureaucracy and trustworthiness remained strong after the merger, but certain traits, such as being international and esteemed, were lost. In both cases, one organisation's prior reputation slightly dominated the new reputation. Research limitations/implications – The findings may be limited to Finland and other Nordic countries, as well as those countries where trust in the public sector is high. Practical implications – Mergers may not change once-established reputations, and hence the improvements desired by mergers may go unnoticed by the different stakeholders. Organisations merging must prepare for increased stakeholder expectations, as the new organisations arise questions. Previous organisational traits may remain in stakeholders' assessments despite any achieved improvements. Originality/value – This paper addresses the gap in studying organisational reputation after public sector mergers, and contributes to both theory and practice by providing insight into the stability of once-established reputations.

The kids aren’t alright

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 8-10
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

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 own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This review gives not only a frightening but also helpful insight into the future of work in the public sector. While a solution presents itself so easily, the way forwards toward it must be regarded with trepidation, as if calls to increase youth employment through additional workers being drawn to the aged healthcare sector are unsuccessful, there will be a very bleak future indeed for those at both ends of the employment spectrum. Practical implications This 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 the very best and most pertinent information and by presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Role reflections of police reservists: a study of volunteer reserve officers in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 813-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phaik Kin Cheah ◽  
N. Prabha Unnithan ◽  
Suresh Suppiah
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Role Orientations ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the work roles of the Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve officers.Design/methodology/approachA grounded theory approach was utilized for the generation and analysis of the data. Data were collected through interviews, observations and follow-ups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 male and female volunteer reserve officers and 5 regular police officers aged between 24 and 58 years of mixed socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities and ranking in the Royal Malaysia Police force. Two civilian respondents (spouses of the Police Volunteer Reserve officers) were also interviewed for this study for the purpose of theory sampling.FindingsThe data were analyzed qualitatively resulting in a model of Royal Malaysia Police Volunteer Reserve officer roles consisting of four orientations.Research limitations/implicationsStudy outcomes are discussed theoretically and administratively. The four role orientations identified will assist researchers studying police reserve volunteerism.Practical implicationsStudy outcomes allow administrators to utilize and deploy police reservists in consonance with the four role orientations identified.Social implicationsThis study provides insight into how police reservists conceive of and execute their roles as they negotiate them in relation to the regular police officers they work with and the public from which they are drawn.Originality/valueThis is the first study of police volunteerism in Malaysia.

Reimagining leadership – and its relationship with management – for the public sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-111
Author(s):  
Don Dunoon
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Distinct Form ◽  
Dominant Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review and critique three conventional assumptions about leadership and put forward an alternative framing, with leadership presented as a distinct form of intervention in particular moments to management. The paper also presents a structure for supporting leadership action by individuals and groups as an alternate to management action, which is seen as the dominant form. Design/methodology/approach Reflects an elaboration and distillation of concepts developed by the author since an earlier paper on essentially the same topic, drawing on his 20-plus years’ experience as a leadership developer. Findings Although not an empirical account, the paper seeks to demonstrate how, when conventional but infrequently challenged assumptions about leadership are “peeled back”, a new way of understanding leadership, especially in connection with management, is revealed. Research limitations/implications Suggestions are offered as to how the concepts and tools presented here could be evaluated, including in comparison with established leadership frameworks. Practical implications Outlines three practices for supporting leadership action in public sector organisations. These practices are working from observation, attributing reasonableness (allowing that others are reasonable) and speaking with authenticity. Collectively, these are known as the OBREAU Tripod (with “OBREAU” comprised of the first two letters in each of the pivotal words, observation, reasonableness and authenticity). Originality/value Conceiving of leadership as a different form of in-the-moment action to management in a public sector context is a distinctive contribution to the literature.

A content analysis of influential wine blogs

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Beninger ◽  
Michael Parent ◽  
Leyland Pitt ◽  
Anthony Chan
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Analysis Software ◽  
Product Attributes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Study ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze the content of influential wine blogs. Design/methodology/approach – The study used content analysis software, Leximancer, to analyze the entire contents of five influential amateur wine blogs. Findings – A key finding is that these blogs all balance self-promotion with the content of their blogs, namely, wine and wine-related topics. The wine blogs, though evaluating wines in different ways, review not only the product attributes but also the experience surrounding wine. Research limitations/implications – Limitations of this study include that the analysis only included five wine blogs and the content analysis was conducted by a sole researcher using a computerized approach. Practical implications – Wine blogs have increasing influence in the wine industry, especially those written by amateur wine bloggers. As such, understanding the tactics used by wine bloggers is of interest to practitioners who aim to market their wines using such channels as well as providing insight into this contemporary platform for current and aspiring wine critics. Originality/value – This is the first content analysis study that analyzes the content of wine blogs as the readers themselves see it. It provides insights of value not only to those involved in marketing in the wine industry but also to those interested in the developments of amateur blogs in marketing.

scholarly journals The future of auditing research in the public sector

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Hay ◽  
Carolyn J. Cordery
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Opportunities ◽  
The Public ◽  
What Works ◽  
The Future ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review opportunities for future research about auditing in the public sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the viewpoints of two researchers, supported by research that is cited in the paper.FindingsPublic sector auditing research has grown considerably. The authors expect further growth. The authors debunk some myths about public sector auditing. The authors suggest areas where there are opportunities for research. In particular, researchers can examine a broader range of jurisdictions, investigate differences among countries and develop suggestions about what works best.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents the views of the authors.Practical implicationsThere are opportunities for further research across different jurisdictions.Originality/valueThe paper makes a contribution by outlining research opportunities.

Security of classified information: one standard or many?

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Michael Weaver
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Department Heads ◽  
Government Employee ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Single Standard ◽  
Political Appointee ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose There should be one standard for those with access to classified data. Leadership by example should be required by all managers, supervisors and department heads. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint and does not have a methodology. Findings Leaders who work in the public sector have an inherent responsibility to earn and maintain the trust of the public for whom they serve. Regardless of whether one is a career government employee, a politician or a political appointee, all who have access to classified material should respect the necessity of safeguards to keep one’s nation’s secrets – secret. Research limitations/implications If leaders fail to set the example, then nations risk further breaches of their classified information. Practical implications This viewpoint applies to anyone who works in an environment dealing with classified material. Social implications This viewpoint serves to educate the public on maintaining a single standard for those who handle classified material. Originality/value The author has yet to see much covered in peer-reviewed publications on this topic and believe that the subject is particularly relevant at this time.

The evaluation of core competencies in networks: the network competence report

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Francioli ◽  
Massimo Albanese
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Network Competence ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to disclose, report, and manage intellectual capital (IC) in a network of companies. To this end, it provides a monetary evaluation of core competencies (CCs), which may be defined as a bundle of various types of intangibles, aggregating their value into a network statement, called a network competence report (NCR). Design/methodology/approach The paper utilises the interventionist approach. The intervention was conducted by the authors and studied through joint reflections on documentation from meetings and individual, semi-structured interviews. Findings The NCR makes IC more transparent, thereby allowing companies and network managers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of CCs with a consequent potential insight into their potential earnings. Research limitations/implications This method is labour-intensive, especially in its first application, and the data collection requires considerable company involvement. The interventionist approach may have influenced the empirical results, which may be affected by subjectivity. As the paper involves a single network, care should be taken in generalising its empirical evidence. Practical implications In making IC management more effective, the NCR is valuable for academics, management, political authorities and, more generally, for a network’s stakeholders. The NCR is a tool for internal and external communication purposes, creating the conditions to mobilise IC. The proposed model supports the diagnosis of networks by providing CC maps and assessments relevant to their governance and competitiveness. The NCR depicts company and network CCs, allowing intertemporal comparisons that facilitate understanding of the effectiveness of the network’s actions and the importance of belonging to it. Originality/value This paper represents a first attempt to evaluate, in monetary terms, CCs in a network. Its value lies in its practical implications. Moreover, the paper investigates IC in applied terms, contributing to reducing the gap between theory and practice.

Contextualising the antecedents of organisational innovativeness

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 178-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Ahrens ◽  
Aishah A.K. Al-Sereidi ◽  
Halimah F. Al-Shaebi ◽  
Asra H. Rahmdel
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Organisational Capabilities ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the specific meanings underlying the general antecedents of organisational innovativeness (OI) in one specific public sector context, to fill empirically the categories employed in prior quantitative research and to understand better some of the opportunities for strengthening facilitators of OI and overcoming barriers to OI that present themselves in particular contexts. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a field study. It uses 29 semi-structured interviews with the members of UAE government and semi-government organisations. The research methodology is qualitative: it seeks to elucidate the meanings that structure the respondents’ understandings of innovation at work. Findings Across the UAE public sector there are great differences in organisational members’ interest in, and readiness to engage with, OI. Members of the public sector tended to conceptualise OI as a set of individual efforts and relationships in which the trust with superiors played a key role, as did the availability of individual rewards. For some respondents communication served as an umbrella term to denote organisational characteristics that would enable individuals to join efforts to make the public sector more innovative. Overall, the great variations in respondents’ ability to articulate and conceptualise the antecedents of OI suggests that organisational capabilities to support OI need strengthening. Research limitations/implications The paper’s insights are based on the study of the public sector of only one country and may be difficult to generalise to other countries. Practical implications The paper suggests ways in which Emirati public sector organisations can strengthen the facilitators of OI and overcome the obstacles presented by the barriers to OI in order to help public sector leaders and employees make innovation a routine element of their day-to-day work. Originality/value The paper presents a first attempt at using qualitative research to deepen our understanding of the antecedents of organisational innovativeness in the public sector.

Housing and health – a public health perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-22
Author(s):  
Adrian Phillips ◽  
Andy Baker
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Major City ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint on homelessness and health gained from a practical public health perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Views derived from local review as well as other national epidemiology and research. Findings – That housing has real impacts upon health especially for those who are homeless. Research limitations/implications – This is a viewpoint from a major city in England. Practical implications – Homelessness leads to extreme vulnerability. There are other aspects of the home environment that impact elsewhere in the public sector, especially the health service. Vulnerable individuals are more likely to become homeless which can lead to exacerbation of vulnerability. Originality/value – This is a viewpoint derived solely from local practice.

In the public eye

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Public Sector Entrepreneurship

Purpose of this paper Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints 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 For many, the idea of public sector entrepreneurship will seem something of an oxymoron. The public sector, particularly in many developed countries, often suffers from a series of drab stereotypes – that everything within its institutions moves at a glacial pace, that any progress is stymied by labyrinthine bureaucracies, and that both of these factors work together to hold back creative thinking or agile solutions. In short, if you were to design a mechanism that would prevent entrepreneurship from flourishing, it would be something very much akin to this nightmare vision of the public sector. Practical implications Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. What is original/value of paper? 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.

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