Financing employee healthcare: fusing the preferences of employees in decision-making

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Ouma Ochieng'a ◽  
Maurice Ogada

Purpose Good health is important for the happiness and productivity of employees of any organization and a nation. With the declining government funding for public Universities in Kenya, providing health cover for employees is a real challenge. Thus, the universities have to explore widely acceptable and sustainable options. This study aims to explore the correlations of employee preferences for health care schemes and evaluated the cost implications of each of the available Schemes.Design/methodology/approach The study applied a multinomial probit analysis on cross-sectional data from Taita Taveta University (TTU) in Kenya's coastal region. Cost-benefit analysis was used to rank alternative healthcare schemes. For triangulation of information, individual interviews were supplemented with key informant interviews.Findings Two sets of factors, personal attributes of employees and the attributes of the health care provider, were found to drive employee preferences for health care schemes. Thus, the universities need to consider these attributes in their choice sets of health care schemes to gain employee support.Research limitations/implications The study was based on a cross-sectional survey that may not capture the dynamic elements in institutional management. Thus, future research may build panel data on the current one for further analysis.Practical implications The study found that household characteristics and the perceived attributes of the healthcare providers are key drivers of the preferences. Thus, it is important to consider the characteristics of the employees (for example, age, family sizes, etc.) and attributes of healthcare providers before selecting a healthcare scheme for the workersOriginality/value This is a pioneer study on the choice of healthcare scheme for institutions of higher learning in Kenya. Universities are made aware of what informs employee's preferences for health schemes. This is important for tailoring health care schemes to match employee preferences for greater satisfaction.

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 337-351
Author(s):  
Ki Ho Kim ◽  
Eugene Y. Roh ◽  
Young Joong Kim ◽  
Samuel A. Spralls

PurposeThe primary purpose of this article is to develop and test a model of the antecedents and consequences (Cho et al., 2016) of bullying in Korean hotel kitchens.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional survey data were collected from 288 kitchen workers at 12 upscale Korean hotels. Proposed path models were tested using Hayes' (2013) PROCESS syntax in SPSS for mediation and moderated mediation analyses.FindingsThe empirical results indicated that an employee's acquiescent silence behavior increases the likelihood of being bullied. As a result, bullied employees are more likely to respond by engaging in a person-related counterproductive work behavior (CWB-P) or in defensive silence out of fear with temporary employees reacting less aggressively compared to regular employees.Research limitations/implicationsCross-sectional design and self-report data risk common method variance and attributions of causality. Future research should use longitudinal designs to avoid common method bias and make causal inferences. Theoretical and practical implications for kitchen productivity are presented. The study should offer valuable insights for prospective employers to develop on-going training and create a positive working environment within the organization.Originality/valueWhile bullying is a widespread and even an epidemic problem for the commercial kitchen environment, research into abusive behavior among chefs has been limited. By utilizing a specific segment of the hospitality industry, this research identified different behavioral aspects of bulling between temporary and regular employees in the commercial kitchen environment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arbaiah Abdul Razak ◽  
Peter A. Murray

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies performed by innovation actors to ensure commercialisation success, and to determine which of these strategies significantly predict a successful commercialisation within a public university context. Design/methodology/approach The strategies conceptualised for this study included open innovation, strategic leadership and collaborative advantage. A total of 222 public university academics participated in an anonymous survey and were asked to provide responses on their innovation strategies. These responses were then explored to assess the construct validity of the survey instrument and further analysed using a hierarchical multiple regression technique to test the hypotheses and to compare several regression models. Findings The results suggested that strategic leadership and open innovation strategies are significant predictors for successful commercialisation with coefficient of multiple determination (R2) of 21 per cent. This study, however, found that collaborative advantage does not significantly determine commercialisation success. Research limitations/implications The study was limited by the empirical evidence that was based on cross-sectional survey data of public university academics. A qualitative study with other groups of participants such as from the industries would further confirm the relationship between innovation strategies and commercialisation success. Future research should replicate this study in other settings to improve the generalisation of the findings. Originality/value This study discovered strategic leadership as the most dominant predictor for commercialisation success in a public university context followed by open innovation strategy. It confirms the strategic roles of leaders in innovation attempts and provides further understanding about the openness strategy in innovation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-77
Author(s):  
Aadil Ameer Ali ◽  
Noman Haq ◽  
Muhammad Rafiq ◽  
Amjad Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Ismail ◽  
...  

This observational study was conducted to assess the attitude, knowledge and practices of health-care providers in context of novel corona virus or COvid-19 in Pakistan. A cross sectional survey has been conducted among the physicians, dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists and nurses in a number of medical and health related facilities of Pakistan from April to June 2020. A self-constructed questionnaire was used among the 277 health care providers and SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. Male participants constituted 55.6% (n=154) of the total sample size. However, 91% of total participants aged between 23 to 33 years (n=252). In addition to this 71% participants were unmarried. In academic perspective 74.4% of the candidates were graduates and most of them were MBBS. Around 46.6 % people were permanent residents of Sindh while others belong to different regions of the country. Assessment revealed of knowledge, attitude and practice results showed that the great majority i.e. 96% (n=266) of the healthcare providers had adequate knowledge with respect to Covid-19. Moreover, 59.2% people (n=164) demonstrated positive attitude towards covid-19. Contrastingly, practices of a large number of healthcare providers were not found appropriate that makes up to 57.4% (n=159). The study concluded that the health care providers working in Pakistan have good knowledge and positive attitude towards covid-19, whereas the practice of Pakistani health care providers needs serious attention, because the results reveled the practice is below the mark.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 948-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linlin Chai ◽  
Jin Li ◽  
Thomas Clauss ◽  
Chanchai Tangpong

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedents and the conditions of coopetition at the inter-organizational level. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on survey research methodology and analyzes the data from 138 companies regarding the antecedents and the conditions of their coopetition. Findings The results indicate that the interdependence between partners (i.e. the antecedent) positively affects interfirm coopetition, and that this relationship is contingent on the joint occurrence of opportunism (a behavioral condition) and technology uncertainty (a contextual condition). Specifically, highly interdependent firms are more likely to be involved in a coopetitive relationship when both opportunism and technology uncertainty are high. Interestingly, the authors’ data also show that opportunism or technology uncertainty alone may not be adequate in moderating the interdependence–coopetition relationship. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the current literature in two meaningful ways. First, it empirically examines interdependence as a potential antecedent of interfirm coopetition. Second, it improves our understanding of the behavioral and contextual conditions that facilitate the formation of coopetitive relationships by examining the moderating roles of opportunisms and technology uncertainty in the relationship between interdependence and interfirm coopetition. The limitations of this study lie in its confined method of cross-sectional survey from the focal firm’s perspective. Future research may advance beyond this study through experimental and/or longitudinal research designs. Practical implications This study provides managers with two important practical insights in coopetition management. First, the findings suggest a two-step approach to help a firm assess and manage the level of coopetition in its relationship with a business partner. In addition, the findings provide a counterintuitive suggestion to managers that the joint conditions of high opportunism and high technology uncertainty indeed prime the relationship for the rise of coopetition, provided that managerial efforts are made to somewhat increase the level of interdependence in the relationship. Originality/value Despite the growing number of studies on coopetition, research still lacks knowledge about the antecedents and the conditions of inter-organizational coopetition, and this study aims to fill this gap.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irewolede Aina Ijaola ◽  
Godwin Iroroakpo Idoro ◽  
Michael Gbolagade Oladokun

Purpose The skills and knowledge of site supervisors play an important role in the outcome of construction projects. Evidence gleaned from the literature indicates that poor performance of construction projects remains a central concern for stakeholders in the construction sector. This suggests that the site supervisor’s training is important in the construction project outcomes. Various training programmes are available for site supervisors, yet construction firms are not satisfied with them. The purpose of this study is to determine the key training practice indicators for optimal site supervisor’s usage in construction firms. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a cross-sectional survey research design. In the approach, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to determine the key training practice indicators for site supervisors. Data were collected from 218 construction site supervisors using a questionnaire. Findings Findings show that training practices are a multidimensional concept consisting of training needs assessment, training delivery, training evaluation and transfer. From the 50 training practice variables, this study establishes 12 key training practice indicators for training site supervisors in construction firms. Research limitations/implications Future research should adopt a longitudinal survey for examining training practices in construction firms. Practical implications The identified key training indicators can inform the policies and practices used in the training of site supervisors. Originality/value This study contributes to knowledge by establishing 12 significant training practice indicators for optimal site supervisors’ usage in construction firms.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
sarah idriss ◽  
walaa alasaadi ◽  
abdullah Aldhuhayyan ◽  
Ahmed alenzi ◽  
Reem alharbi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The use of communication technologies to deliver health care remotely is known as telemedicine. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a variety of consequences for health-care delivery in 2020. As a result, it was necessary to adapt and deliver high-quality care to patients while limiting possible viral exposure for both patients and health-care workers. During the pandemic, physicians employed video visits, phone visits, and electronic written visits (e-consultations), all of which have the ability to provide a comparable quality of care while removing social barriers. OBJECTIVE The study’s aim is to assess physicians’ perspectives and attitudes concerning the usage of telemedicine in Riyadh hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main domains of the assessment are physicians’ overall experience with telemedicine use before and during COVID-19, future adaptability to using telemedicine, perceptions about patients’ experience, and the influence of telemedicine on burnout. METHODS Methods: An anonymous 28-question cross-sectional survey was developed using SurveyMonkey and distributed to all physicians from all specialty disciplines across Riyadh city hospitals. RESULTS A total of 362 doctors were included in the study. Among them, 28.7% were consultants, 30.4% were specialists, and 40.9% were residents. Male doctors formed the majority (56.1%). When asked about the frequency of using telemedicine, 41.4% answered “frequently,” 26% responded “occasionally,” and 32.6% said “never.” Thirty one percent of doctors agreed and somewhat agreed that the “quality of care during telemedicine is comparable with face-to-face visits.” About 55% doctors believed that telemedicine consultation is a cost-effective way, compared to face-to-face visits. Most of the doctors were skilled (70%) at telemedicine, and they were also able to solve technology issues during telemedicine visits (54%). Overall, the physicians felt that their patients liked telemedicine: 68% said they felt comfortable using telemedicine and 76% said theyfound that it saved time. As per the burnout question, 4.1% of doctors felt burnout every day, 7.5% felt burnout a few times a week, and 27.3% felt burnout a few times per month. CONCLUSIONS Physicians had a generally favorable attitude toward telemedicine, believing that the quality of health-care delivery using it was comparable to that of in-person care. Future research is needed to investigate how physicians’ attitudes toward telemedicine have changed since the pandemic, as well as how this virtual technology might be used to improve their professional and personal well-being.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olajide Julius Faremi ◽  
Oluranti Olupolola Ajayi ◽  
Kudirat Ibilola Zakariyyah ◽  
Olumide Afolarin Adenuga

PurposeThe study investigates the extent to which defects in coastline buildings are influenced by the climatic conditions within the coastal zones.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted both desk study and field survey. The primary data for the study were collected through a cross-sectional survey of facilities and maintenance managers of randomly selected coastline buildings. Of the 120 self-administered structured questionnaires, 102 were successfully retrieved representing an 85% response rate. Data collected were analysed using charts, relative prevalence index and Spearman's rho correlation visualization technique.FindingsSaltwater intrusion, ocean overflow, extreme rainfall, debris flow, floods and droughts are the prevalent climatic conditions along the coastline. Steel corrosion, foundation settlement, spalling of concrete and fading of finishes are prevalent defects in coastline buildings. The result shows a positive significant correlation between climatic conditions and defects in coastline buildings.Research limitations/implicationsThe study compliments literature on buildings resilience and maintenance management, and also provides a basis for streamlining future research on coastline buildings.Practical implicationsThe results provide information on climatic conditions and prevalent defects that should be considered during the design and construction of coastline buildings. The information provided could assist construction stakeholders in improving the resilience of coastline buildings.Originality/valueThe study established that coastline buildings are vulnerable to a rapid rate of defect and deterioration which threatens the sustainability of coastline cities. It suggests measures that could improve the resilience of the elements and components of coastline buildings and consequently enhance the safety of life and property, and improve the physical and economic performance of coastline buildings.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-234
Author(s):  
Michelle Sandoval-Rosario ◽  
Theresa Marie Hunter ◽  
Adrienne Durnham ◽  
Antoniette Holt ◽  
Pam Pontones ◽  
...  

Purpose Migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs) have many health challenges due to the nature of their work, low wages, living conditions, mobility, and lack of health insurance. The purpose of this paper is to assess the availability of health services, barriers to accessing health care, and the prevalence of chronic conditions among MSFWs in Indiana. Design/methodology/approach A site-based convenience sample of MSFWs aged 14 years and older completed a cross-sectional survey. A total of 97 participants who currently or previously identified as farmworkers completed the questionnaire. Findings Almost one-third of the respondents reported no access to a health care provider. Of those, 43 percent reported that cost prevented them from seeking care. Of those who reported chronic conditions ( n=22), over 50 percent did not have access to a health care provider. These findings highlight the need to further investigate the magnitude of the problem and begin exploring ways to improve affordable health care access among MSFWs in Northeastern Indiana. Originality/value The results from this study highlight the need for the development and implementation of community health education programs that target MSFWs in Indiana. The findings, although not generalized, offer important insights into health care challenges and barriers to access in Indiana. The authors recommend that assistance programs should be implemented for providing affordable health care services for Hispanic MSFWs.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Torbjørn Waaland

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cognitive tasks on mentoring provided and the moderating influence of having an educational leadership position.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional survey was based on a questionnaire sent to 435 employees of 29 preschools in Norway. A total of 284 responses were returned, with a response rate of 65.3%. A total of three research hypotheses were formulated. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to develop three measurement models, and structural equation modelling (SEM) based on the multigroup analysis was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsResults revealed that cognitive tasks increase the occurrence of mentoring provided at work for employees with and without an educational leadership position. Furthermore, educational leadership moderates the relationship between cognitive tasks and mentoring provided.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of convenience sampling and self-reports are discussed, especially related to representativeness and reporting biases. Implications for practice and future research are also discussed.Originality/valueThis is an understudied area, and no previous research has used a confirmatory approach to investigate how cognitive tasks and educational leadership influence the occurrence of mentoring provided.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond Pasko ◽  
Rosemary Maellaro ◽  
Michael Stodnick

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the differences in preferred work-related attributes across generational cohorts. Specific focus is given to investigating whether millennials have different preferences than previous generations.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses cross-sectional survey data of 300 employees of a large firm in the southwest USA. Conjoint analysis is used to collect employee responses that are then subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA).FindingsThe results of this study demonstrate that employees from different generations have significantly different preferences on four work-related attributes: job security, potential for advancement, work/life balance and company leadership.Research limitations/implicationsThis study extends the generational cohort theory by employing psychological contract theory to discover and explain significant differences in preferences for varying work-related attributes for different generations. Like much cross-sectional research, these findings have to be validated and generalized.Practical implicationsFirms can use the results of this study to help understand how different generations value different work-related attributes, thus helping improve employee satisfaction and retention.Originality/valueThe originality of this research lies in its very unique approach, conjoint analysis, to be one of the first studies to test empirically the preferences for work-related attributes across generational cohorts. It lays the foundation for future research to expand upon while also giving practicing managers a useful tool to understand the needs of their employees.


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