The communication consultant: an important translator for communication management

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara von Platen
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Communication Research ◽  
Communication Management ◽  
Organizational Boundaries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Contexts ◽  
Public Sector Organizations ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Empirical Material

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to put forward a theoretical model which conceptualizes and clarifies the function and skills of communication consultants in terms of translation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper combines theoretical underpinnings from Scandinavian institutional theory with empirical examples from an interview study with ten senior communication managers in Swedish public sector organizations. Findings – Communication consultants are explained to perform varying translator functions ranging from a neutral transcoder to a freely interpretive translator and sensegiver. These functions are enacted as the consultant span organizational boundaries and contexts inside and outside the organization. The consultants are apt to carry out these tasks due to their translator expertise which resides in, e.g. multicontextual knowledge and bilingual skills, something which their clients lack. Research limitations/implications – The scope of the empirical material is limited to public organizations and a Swedish setting, and may therefore not be valid in other cultural contexts. Practical implications – The model highlights the intersecting work of communication consultants and their clients and thus raises questions concerning the legitimacy and core responsibilities of communication managers. The paper also argues that managers and consultants need to develop their translator skills, and that higher education in communication and PR should prepare students for professions where translator skills may be of great importance. Originality/value – The functions and tasks of communication consultants is a neglected area in communication research. By providing a comprehensive and pragmatic framework for communication consultants work as translation, the present research adds knowledge about the essential functions these actors perform and how they contribute to communication management as well as to organizational performance.

Stories and metaphors in retail selling

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Gilliam ◽  
Casey C. Rockwell
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Communication Research ◽  
Retail Sales ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Techniques ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Fast Pace ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose future directions for research into stories and metaphors as concise communication tools that are particularly salient for the fast pace of today’s retail sales environment.Design/methodology/approachA cross disciplinary approach is taken to propose new avenues for sales communication research.FindingsThis work highlights research possibilities into the contextually sensitive constructs of stories and metaphors with associated theoretical approaches. This could improve research into stories and metaphors as communication techniques for retail selling.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that stories and metaphors are highly engaging sensemaking tools that salespeople can use in retail sales encounters. The lack of existing literature within the sales domain suggests a significant learning curve in demarcating the use of these tools.Practical implicationsStories and metaphors are presently used by salespeople but without the benefit of extensive scientific understanding. This paper builds a foundation for research that could bring clarity to the use of these tools in retail selling.Originality/valueResearchers will benefit from a finer grained conceptualization with which to examine sales communication. The proposed research should get sales practitioners a clearer understanding of using stories and metaphors in sales encounters.

Improving organizational performance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
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 Potential exists for businesses to considerably boost performance through the development and execution of an appropriate strategy. The structure of the organization is likewise key as it possesses scope to influence this relationship. Creating a structure which is highly decentralized can prove especially significant under certain conditions. 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.

How to increase employee engagement

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Growth Mindset ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
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 An engaged workforce is critical to organizational performance. Firms can increase engagement levels by developing a learning culture and empowering its employees. Positive outcomes are likelier still with individual workers who possess a strong growth mindset. 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.

Increasing the impact of SHRM on organizational performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 7-8
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Overall Effectiveness

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 role of HRM is increasingly being viewed in strategic as well as functional terms. The impact of SHRM on firm performance is also determined by factors in its internal and external contexts. Balance between these contextual dimensions and input from various actors in the organization can help increase the overall effectiveness of a SHRM system. 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.

#50+ fashion Instagram influencers: cognitive age and aesthetic digital labours

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-413
Author(s):  
Ashleigh McFarlane ◽  
Emma Samsioe
Keyword(s):  
Social Construction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Contexts ◽  
Fashion Studies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Cognitive Age ◽  
Critical Visual Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper demonstrates how #50+ fashion Instagram influencers contribute to the social construction of cognitive age through their aesthetic digital labours.Design/methodology/approachNon-participative netnography was used in the form of visual and textual analysis of over 300 Instagram posts including images, captions and comments.FindingsFindings reveal how outfit selection, background choices and bodily poses redefine expressions of look age through forms of aesthetic labour. Post-construction, hashtag and emoji usage illustrates how influencers refrain from directly posting about the fashion brands that they endorse. Instead, image and personality work visually attracts followers to politically charged posts which directly impact upon the social and cultural contexts where influencers are active. This ties into present-day wider societal discourses.Practical implications50+ fashion influencers have high spending power. Fashion brands should refrain from using #brand and collaborate in more subtle ways and concentrate on challenging the negativity of the old-age cliché.Originality/valueThe study advances theory on the social construction of age in fashion studies by combining cognitive age with aesthetic labour to identify the characteristics of the social phenomenon of the 50+ Instagram influencer. It applies principles from critical visual analysis to digital context, thereby advancing the qualitative netnographic toolkit.

Reflective leadership review: a framework for improving organisational performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Ann Castelli
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Effective Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scholarly Literature ◽  
Potential Efficacy ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe, examine and discuss scholarly literature on reflective leadership, a topic gaining momentum as a result of globalization. Despite the growing popularity of reflective leadership techniques, current and aspiring leaders are struggling to find ways in which to effectively practice reflection as a consequence of a lack of tangible available guidance. Design/methodology/approach – Scholarly literature on reflective leadership was examined and presented in this paper. Discussion on the potential efficacy of reflective leadership is also included as the available literature on the topic is scarce in comparison to other more established leadership techniques. Findings – Reflective leadership has been shown to improve organizational performance. The advent of globalization further intensifies the need for an effective approach leaders may deploy when assessing the long-term consequences of their actions and decisions. Therefore, methods to extend the theory and effective practice of reflective leadership are necessary to enable the future development of leaders. Practical implications – This paper provides leaders with strategies for improving their leadership effectiveness. Practical techniques for utilizing reflective leadership are offered. Originality/value – This paper describes the challenges faced by leaders when adopting reflective leadership as a way to improve organizational performance. A universal framework is presented for the effective practice of reflective leadership. This framework provides a basis for future research to test the efficacy of the model.

Determinants of organizational performance: a proposed framework

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 844-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bashaer Almatrooshi ◽  
Sanjay Kumar Singh ◽  
Sherine Farouk
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Leadership Competencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Competencies ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on determinants that influence organizational performance and to develop a framework that could be beneficial for leaders. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a systematic review of articles on the factors that influence organizational performance. The purpose of this systematic review is to collect and summarize all empirical evidence from literature that fits the context of this study. Findings – The findings of the study have been weaved together in a proposed framework for the role of cognitive, emotional, and social competencies on leadership competencies that in turn influence both employee and organizational performance. Research limitations/implications – This paper is a literature review, a framework on the determinants of organizational performance has been proposed but has not yet been tested empirically. Practical implications – Leaders can leverage the results of this study to enhance their leadership competencies for the purpose of improving the performance on both individual employee and organizational levels. Originality/value – There are few research-based studies on the determinants of organizational performance. This paper has identified key variables that play a significant role in helping organizations perform effectively.

The mediate effect of learning and knowledge on organizational performance

2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (7) ◽  
pp. 1066-1083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chin‐Yen Lin ◽  
Tsung‐Hsien Kuo
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Structural Equation Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Management Capability ◽  
Knowledge Management Capability ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper seeks to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationships among human resource management (HRM), organizational learning (OL), knowledge management capability (KMC) and organizational performance (OP) and to demonstrate the direct and indirect effect of HRM on OP from the perspectives of KMC and OL.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study is conducted in financial training centers in Taiwan and the collected survey data are used to test the relationships among the four dimensions expressed in the proposed structural equation model.FindingsThe results show that HRM has a direct and significant impact on OL and KMC. HRM influences OP indirectly through OL and KMC. In addition, OL and KMC have direct and significant influences on OP.Research limitations/implicationsOnly data from Taiwan were collected. Therefore, the results may not be easily generalized to other areas or countries, but are useful for managers' reference, especially for those whose circumstances are similar to those in Taiwan.Practical implicationsThe conceptual structural equation model provides useful information for managers to enhance OP through the adoption of appropriate HRM, OL and KMC policies.Originality/valueThe study demonstrates how HRM indirectly impacts OP and illustrates the paths of influence through either OL or KMC.

Mitigating workplace adversity through employee resilience

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 279-283
Author(s):  
Stephanie Douglas
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Job Design ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to present the how resilience can mitigate workplace adversity and human resource practices (HRPs) to build capacity for resilience in employees. Design/methodology/approach A review of the literature was conducted for employee resilience. Findings Resilience can mitigate the negative effects of occupational and workplace adversity on employees. HRPs through job design, training and development and social support were found to foster capacity for resilience in employees and support organizational performance. Practical implications Organizations can use the findings to build organizational and human resource (HR) strategies to develop employee resilience. Originality/value The value of the paper is in presenting how employee resilience can lessen negative effects from workplace adversity and provide HR strategies to build resilience.

Towards greater likelihood of project success

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-29
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Transactional Leadership ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Team Member ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Successful Completion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
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 Leadership style can have a significant effect on organizational performance and successful completion of projects. Transformational leadership is potentially the most ideal option because of its emphasis on relationships, collaboration, and team member autonomy. However, the contingent reward element of transactional leadership might also be incorporated into a strategy that is more likely to prove effective if project goals and the responsibilities of those involved are clearly defined. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researcher’s 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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