New ways to get policy into practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 809-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Nugus ◽  
Geetha Ranmuthugala ◽  
Josianne Lamothe ◽  
David Greenfield ◽  
Joanne Travaglia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Mutual Influence ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Effectiveness ◽  
Street Level ◽  
Social Organizational ◽  
Street Level Bureaucracy

Purpose Health service effectiveness continues to be limited by misaligned objectives between policy makers and frontline clinicians. While capturing the discretion workers inevitably exercise, the concept of “street-level bureaucracy” has tended to artificially separate policy makers and workers. The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of social-organizational context in aligning policy with practice. Design/methodology/approach This mixed-method participatory study focuses on a locally developed tool to implement an Australia-wide strategy to engage and respond to mental health services for parents with mental illness. Researchers: completed 69 client file audits; administered 64 staff surveys; conducted 24 interviews and focus groups (64 participants) with staff and a consumer representative; and observed eight staff meetings, in an acute and sub-acute mental health unit. Data were analyzed using content analysis, thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings Based on successes and shortcomings of the implementation (assessment completed for only 30 percent of clients), a model of integration is presented, distinguishing “assimilist” from “externalist” positions. These depend on the degree to which, and how, the work environment affords clinicians the setting to coordinate efforts to take account of clients’ personal and social needs. This was particularly so for allied health clinicians and nurses undertaking sub-acute rehabilitative-transitional work. Originality/value A new conceptualization of street-level bureaucracy is offered. Rather than as disconnected, it is a process of mutual influence among interdependent actors. This positioning can serve as a framework to evaluate how and under what circumstances discretion is appropriate, and to be supported by managers and policy makers to optimize client-defined needs.

Mental health, social inclusion and the development of vocational services in the NHS – what can be learnt?

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Bertram
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Personal Bias ◽  
Vocational Goals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the learning from a historical NHS vocational service development that focused on: mental health, employment and social inclusion – in an inner city area – involving service users, staff and commissioners. Design/methodology/approach It is a descriptive case study. A range of historical documents was content analysed and described through a first-person narrative: service user consultations, service specifications, audit records, outcome frameworks, internal service evaluations and published literature. Findings When vocational NHS service developments are grounded in what service users say helps them (person-centred, networked and co-ordinated approaches) the evidence indicates people can achieve their vocational goals. Research limitations/implications The range of documents described is factual, although the learning insights from some of the service developments are based on personal judgements. The author was the responsible manager – personal bias is high. There is not enough robust evidence to warrant generalisation. Practical implications When employment and social inclusion are prioritised, as core business in NHS, outcomes and health impact can increase. Greater detail is needed from healthcare policy makers – focusing on who exactly should undertake this work and what the key commissioning social inclusion performance indicators are. Originality/value The bulk of literature on employment support focuses on promoting evidence from one model: individual placement and support. Evidence here indicates a broader range of activity (education, training and volunteering) can have value and health impact.

Recent innovative measures across different functions in the Indian hospitality industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kakoli Sen ◽  
Tanuja Kaushik
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Effectiveness ◽  
Food And Beverage

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide exploratory insights on recent innovative measures taken across different functions in the Indian hospitality industry. Design/methodology/approach The study draws on data from senior management of a newly developed Pullman Hotel, part of the group of Accor Hotels located in Aero City, Delhi. The study data was collected using structured interviews. Findings The study explores the various innovative measures adopted in marketing, human resource management and information technology to leverage operations, improve manpower efficiency and maximizing service effectiveness while keeping costs low for long-term sustainability. The study also gives some useful insights on other functions that need to be addressed such as food and beverage, operations, security, guest relations and finance. Research limitations/implications The study is exploratory in nature though the findings will be of interest to existing and newly opened hotels and to policy makers who need to know about the innovation trends in the hospitality industry. Originality/value This study reveals some of the recent innovative measures adopted by the Indian hospitality industry.

Financing social marketing programs through sponsorship: implications for evaluation

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Madill ◽  
Norm O'Reilly ◽  
John Nadeau
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Marketing ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Campaign ◽  
Social Marketing Campaign ◽  
The Social ◽  
Mental Health Association ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on research designed to assess the impact of sponsorship financing of social marketing initiatives on the evaluation of those social marketing programs. Design/methodology/approach – The research utilizes an in-depth, multi-method case study of the Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary Region (CMHA-CR) who carried out a social marketing campaign concerning mental health behaviors that was largely financed by sponsors. Findings – The sponsorship of the CMHA-CR social marketing program was complex with a total of 15 stakeholders involved as sponsors, partners and grantors. The research reveals that while there is considerable sharing of objectives among the stakeholders in this sponsorship, not all objectives are shared between sponsors and sponsees, and not all objectives are shared between the public and private sector sponsors of the program. Practical implications – The research showed that because sponsors and sponsees share in many of the objectives of the social marketing campaign, the evaluation of the social marketing campaign, particularly its ability to achieve the social marketing-specific objectives, is of interest to all the stakeholder parties, and effective social marketing evaluation must also incorporate evaluation of the non-shared objectives of all sponsorship stakeholders. Originality/value – Increasing social needs, accompanied by reduced government funding and increased competition amongst not-for-profit (NFP) organizations for that funding, are driving NFPs to seek innovative approaches to financing their social programs. The research reports initial findings critical in this environment, as well as raises issues and questions related to future research.

Professionals, discretion and public sector reform in the UK: re‐visiting Lipsky

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 629-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Taylor ◽  
Josie Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Managerial Control ◽  
Public Sector Reform ◽  
Sector Reform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Street Level ◽  
Street Level Bureaucrats ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Rule Making ◽  
Street Level Bureaucracy

PurposeSeeks to examine how far Michael Lipsky's theory of discretion as it relates to public sector professionals as “street‐level bureaucrats” is still applicable in the light of public sector reform and in particular the introduction of increased managerial control over professionals.Design/methodology/approachThe main thesis in Lipsky's work, Street‐Level Bureaucracy, that street‐level bureaucrats devise their own rules and procedures to deal with the dilemmas of policy implementation is linked to public sector reform over the past 25 years or so. The article differentiates between three forms of discretion, rule, task and value and assesses the extent to which these different forms of discretion have been compromised by reform. Examples are drawn principally from the literature on school teachers and social workersFindingsThe findings suggest that the rule‐making (hence bureaucratic) capacity of professionals at street‐level is much less influential than before although it is questionable whether or not the greater accountability of professionals to management and clarity of the targets and objectives of organisations delivering public policy has liberated them from the dilemmas of street‐level bureaucracy.Research limitations/implicationsThe work has focussed on the UK and in particular on two professions. However, it may be applied to any country which has undergone public sector reform and in particular where “new public management” processes and procedures have been implemented. There is scope for in‐depth studies of a range of occupations, professional and otherwise in the UK and elsewhere.Practical implicationsPolicy makers and managers should consider how far the positive aspects of facilitating discretion in the workplace by reducing the need for “rule‐making” to cope with dilemmas have been outweighed by increased levels of bureaucracy and the “de‐skilling” of professionals.Originality/valueLipsky's much cited and influential work is evaluated in the light of public sector reform some 25 years since it was published. The three forms of discretion identified offer the scope for their systematic application to the workplace.

Research-based knowledge utilization in a community sport evaluation: a case study

2014 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-172
Author(s):  
Laura Hills ◽  
Alison Maitland
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Context ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Knowledge Utilization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sports Organizations ◽  
Community Sport ◽  
Community Sports ◽  
Social Organizational ◽  
Use Of Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore key determinants of knowledge utilization in a community sport initiative, with particular attention to key facets of social-organizational approaches including: organizational context including perceived user needs, characteristics of the researcher-user relationship, and adaption of dissemination materials. Design/methodology/approach – The case study applies established theoretical and conceptual understandings of knowledge utilization to a research evaluation of a national initiative to increase young women's participation in sport. Findings – This case study illustrates that academics engaging in evaluation work with sports organizations are well-placed to develop relationships with organizations that will be conducive to the use of research. Qualities that facilitate the use of research include an organizational context that is positively disposed towards using research. This can entail developing a researcher-practitioner relationship that involves shared learning and appreciating each other's aims, values and priorities. Research limitations/implications – The research initiates a discussion on the knowledge utilization in community sport evaluation; however, it is limited to a particular case which may not be representative of the spectrum of sports development initiatives. Practical implications – This case study highlights some useful features of how researchers and practitioners can work together effectively and use research to improve delivery. Originality/value – This case study contributes to new understandings of the immediate as well as long-term value of research in the evaluation of community sports initiatives.

Developing a conceptual framework of waste management in the organizational context

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 786-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aarti Singh ◽  
Sushil
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Qualitative Modeling ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modeling ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Policies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of waste management by using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) technique in the Indian organizational context. Design/methodology/approach TISM technique has been used to develop a conceptual framework of waste management in the organizational context, where the waste management factors have been identified and verified through content analysis. Findings The conceptual framework of waste management in the organization has been developed using TISM that contributes to the development of important links and the hierarchical relationships among the factors. In addition to it, the model also figures out the driving and dependent factors of waste management. Research limitations/implications This study has its implication for both organizations and policy makers. It provides the important factors for managing waste in the organization which must be considered before planning the waste management practice in an organization. For policy makers, it highlights the waste management paths and important linkages required for the development of waste management policies in the organizations. Originality/value This study has made its contribution by providing the conceptual framework for waste management in the Indian organizational context which has been developed through qualitative modeling technique. The conceptual framework also provides important paths of managing waste in the organization which is a new effort in the Indian organizational context.

Organisational contexts and practice developments in mental health peer provision in Western Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 569-585
Author(s):  
Grace Zeng ◽  
Donna Chung ◽  
Beverley McNamara
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Legal Mandates ◽  
The Way

PurposeOver the past decade, the push for recovery-oriented services has birthed a growth in the recruitment of peer providers in mental health services: Persons who live with and manage their mental health challenges and are employed to support persons currently using mental health services. The aim of this paper is to compare the responses of government and non-government organisations to the implementation of peer provision.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a qualitative study design, 15 people who supervised peer providers or who were strategically involved in peer provision were recruited using snowball sampling. Participants completed an in-depth interview that explored how peer provision services operated at their organisation and factors that shaped the way peer provision operates. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using Moore's Strategic Triangle. Synthesised member checking and researcher triangulation ensued to establish trustworthiness.FindingsThe way in which peer provision operated sat along a continuum ranging from adoption (where practices are shaped by the recovery ethos) to co-option (where recovery work may be undertaken, but not shaped by the recovery ethos). Political and legal mandates that affected the operational capacities of each organisation shaped the way peer provision services operated.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of the study highlight the need to reconsider where peer provision services fit in the mental health system. Research investigating the value of peer provision services may attract the support of funders, service users and policy makers alike.Originality/valueIn employing Moore's strategic triangle to evaluate the alignment of policy (the authorising environment) with the operational capacity and practice of peer provision services (the task environment), this study found that organisational response to peer provision is largely influenced by political and legal mandates externally. The successful implementation of peer provision is mediated by effective supervision of peer providers.

Religion in inpatient mental health: a narrative review

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Heffernan ◽  
Sandra Neil ◽  
Stephen Weatherhead
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Topic Area ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spiritual Assessment ◽  
Inpatient Mental Health ◽  
Inpatient Services ◽  
Informed Group

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which inpatient mental health services attend to the religious needs of service-users. Literature is presented to argue that whilst the importance of religion is highlighted in consumer accounts, research and policy; inpatient services continue to neglect religion and service-users consistently report insufficient attention to religious needs during hospitalisation. Design/methodology/approach – This review adopts a narrative approach to the literature, drawing upon published journal articles, book chapters and policy documentation. Findings – Literature into the topic area is reviewed and discussed within three themes. First, the extent to which religious needs are currently met is explored. Second, potential reasons for neglect of religion are considered. Finally, examples of religiously informed group programmes, individual psychotherapy and the use of traditional healers are detailed. Practical implications – Findings of the review point towards the requirement for inpatient services to more adequately meet religious needs in terms of available facilities. The need for spiritual assessment and collaboration with hospital chaplains is also highlighted, along with the call for increased staff training. Originality/value – It is expected that this review will be of interest to a range of stakeholders including professionals, policy makers and service users. It highlights the void in clinical attention to religious needs and offers practical suggestions for meeting this need.

Becoming digital – passages to service in the digitized bureaucracy

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Svejgaard Pors
Keyword(s):  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Street Level ◽  
Digital Era ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Personal Competencies ◽  
Government Reforms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Citizen Service ◽  
Street Level Bureaucracy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of e-government reforms on street-level bureaucrats’ professionalism and relation to citizens, thus demonstrating how the bureaucratic encounter unfolds in the digital era. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on an ethnographic study of frontline work at a citizen service centre in a Danish municipality, and draws on empirical material generated through observations, field notes, interviews and policy documents. Findings – The paper shows that e-government changes the mode of professionalism in citizen service from service to support. An ethnographic account of how digital reforms are implemented in practice shows how street-level bureaucrat’s classic tasks such as specialized casework are being reconfigured into educational tasks that promote the idea of “becoming digital”. In the paper, the author argues that the work of “becoming digital” in client processing entails two interconnected changes in frontline agents’ practice: de-specialization of the task and intensified informality in relation to citizens. As a result, the frontline agent works as an explorative generalist whose professional skills and personal competencies are blurred. Originality/value – The study contributes to ethnographic research in public administration by combining two separate subfields, e-government and street-level bureaucracy, to discern recent transformations in public service delivery. In the digital era, tasks, control and equality are distributed in ways that call for symmetrical and relational approaches to studying street-level bureaucracy. The argument goes beyond technological or social determinism to find a fruitful intermediary position pointing at technological change as having both constraining and enabling effects.

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