Older workers: some critical societal and organizational challenges

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anselmo Ferreira Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Older Workers ◽  
First Century ◽  
Aging Workforce ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Challenges ◽  
Moral Principles ◽  
Change Motivation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mature Workers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine some societal contemporary challenges that encompass both older workers and organizations likewise. Rather, it focusses especially on those ones related to ageist mindset, myths and misinformation about that cohort of workers. Design/methodology/approach – It draws on a literature review by first approaching the problem of ageism, given that it is a social phenomenon that, to a large extent, impairs mature workers by putting them aside, as well as disdains the value of their experience and knowledge. Second, it offers some counterarguments against such mindset by discussing positive aspects related to older workers in order to clarify the widespread myths and misinformation about them. Third, it depicts a conceptual framework composed of some challenging issues toward improving the workplaces for older workers. Findings – It reassures that the broader challenges of dignifying older workers may be better addressed through initiatives such as acknowledgment and sensitivity; diversity; learning and development; legislation; wise leadership and HR policies; change; motivation; accommodation of different generations; and ethical and moral principles. Practical implications – The majority of organizations have nowadays to handle with an aging workforce and, at the same time, keep their competitiveness. This scenario requires pertinent interventions and approaches in order to meet mature workers’ needs. Social implications – It argues that age discrimination can be regarded as a bizarre human creation that requires the involvement of all sectors of society so as to get rid of it. As a result, the first decades of twenty-first century likely will place the additional challenge (perhaps it may be regarded as an opportunity) for building more humanized and spiritual workplaces. Further, it is very clear that an ageist behavior does not fit in such a view. Originality/value – This paper examined some of the greatest problems related to aging workforce worldwide. In this sense, by reviewing the pertinent literature was possible to identify some challenges, integrate them into a conceptual frame and address their implications for organizations.

Fostering hope: a leader's first and last task

2006 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 540-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith D. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Educational Leadership ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Educational Leaders ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Essential Component ◽  
Organizational Challenges ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to call upon educational leaders to consider the forces that hinder hope‐giving and to consider viewing their work as inspiring warranted hope among their constituents in situations of well‐defined reality.Design/methodological/approachThe author argues that hope is an essential component of leader agency which when unhindered and defined in a multidimensional fashion may be used to transform the experiences of learning communities.FindingsThe author argues that leaders who foster warranted hope in constituents will gain transformational leverage to improve educational practice and the experiences of learners and their communities.Practical implicationsThe author provides leaders with an overview of the utility of a reality‐based notion of hope that may serve to legitimate and focus constituent energies and make sense of key organizational challenges.Originality/valueProvides a unique framing and synthesis of the multi‐dimensional concept of hope into the context of educational leadership, association with relevant allied constructs, and the challenges of education in the twenty‐first century.

Macau’s Pataca and identity

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-433
Author(s):  
Paul B. Spooner
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Monetary Authority ◽  
First Century ◽  
Core Component ◽  
Investment Funds ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bank Of China ◽  
Banking Institutions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – For over a 100 years, Macau’s Pataca has been tied to Macau’s identity, its independent financial existence and its links to the Lusophone world. Its role as a supporter of the Macau identity relies upon the strength and capabilities of its financial institutions, the Macau Monetary Authority and banking institutions that issue its currency (Banco Nacional Ultramarino and Bank of China). The paper aims to discuss the above issue. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses statistics and data from the Macau Monetary Authority. Findings – There are three possible scenarios that could emerge: first, retired in favor of the RMB, the HK dollar; second, maintained with its use expanding as Macau’s revenues and investment funds grow, or third, become a force for stronger economic cohesion and identity among the Lusophone nations. Practical implications – Which of these scenarios will offer Macau the highest possibility of maintaining its international network of relationships and representation, diversifying its economy into new growth markets and playing a unique role in China’s twenty-first century destiny? Originality/value – This paper studies a rarely discussed topic and focuses on a core component of Macau’s existence.

A framework for designing retrieval effectiveness studies of library information systems using human relevance assessments

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Behnert ◽  
Dirk Lewandowski
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Public Access ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modern Library ◽  
Retrieval Effectiveness ◽  
Effectiveness Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to apply traditional information retrieval (IR) evaluation methods based on standards from the Text REtrieval Conference and web search evaluation to all types of modern library information systems (LISs) including online public access catalogues, discovery systems, and digital libraries that provide web search features to gather information from heterogeneous sources. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply conventional procedures from IR evaluation to the LIS context considering the specific characteristics of modern library materials. Findings The authors introduce a framework consisting of five parts: search queries, search results, assessors, testing, and data analysis. The authors show how to deal with comparability problems resulting from diverse document types, e.g., electronic articles vs printed monographs and what issues need to be considered for retrieval tests in the library context. Practical implications The framework can be used as a guideline for conducting retrieval effectiveness studies in the library context. Originality/value Although a considerable amount of research has been done on IR evaluation, and standards for conducting retrieval effectiveness studies do exist, to the authors’ knowledge this is the first attempt to provide a systematic framework for evaluating the retrieval effectiveness of twenty-first-century LISs. The authors demonstrate which issues must be considered and what decisions must be made by researchers prior to a retrieval test.

“Fuller” or “extended” working lives: a critical commentary

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Phillipson
Keyword(s):  
Older Workers ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Critical Assessment ◽  
Older Worker ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
Critical Commentary ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to, first, provide some background to the treatment of older workers; second, highlight the distinction between a “fuller” and an “extended” working life; third, note the importance of separating out different groups within the category “older worker”; finally, identify areas for action to suppose those now facing working into their 60s and beyond. Design/methodology/approach – Commentary paper analysing development of policies towards older workers. Findings – This paper identifies problems implementing policy of extending working and provides various areas of action to support older workers. Research limitations/implications – This paper suggests extending work unlikely to be achieved without ensuring greater security for older workers. Practical implications – Importance of developing more support for older workers. Social implications – Challenge of resolving insecurity in the labour force as an impediment to extended working. Originality/value – This paper outlines a critical assessment of current government policy towards older workers.

Smoothing the passage to India

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-43
Author(s):  
Graham Cole
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
First Century ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
China And India ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Global Nature ◽  
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 global nature of business in the twenty-first century has opened up new opportunities for multinational corporations (MNCs). Many are increasingly paying attention to the key emerging markets, where robust growth has largely been the norm over recent decades. China and India are the obvious targets. Both the nations consistently exceed the average growth worldwide and have experienced a meteoric rise through the economy rankings. Where the rate of expansion is concerned, China has long been the benchmark. However, by 2030, India is predicted to become the leader in this respect. 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.

The changed paradigm of business progress: a moral step forward for humanity

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-193
Author(s):  
Joan Marques
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
First Century ◽  
Competitive Environment ◽  
Business Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Through an overview of the perceptional evolution of progress over the past two centuries, this paper aims to review a changed, yet constructive paradigm that has emerged in business leadership. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a general review-based deliberation presenting standards of the twentieth century, the need for a shift in paradigms and the shift as it unfolds in the twenty-first century. Findings Focusing on optimal stakeholder inclusion, yet not disregarding the concept of progress in a competitive environment, this paper presents a set of interrelated leadership skills and characteristics, including a discussion about their applicability and ways to develop them. Research limitations/implications While globally applicable, the views in this paper are primarily based on the American performance environment. Practical implications Management practices would not have evolved to today’s level if we did not have the past experiences to learn from. The deliberations and insights shared in this article should be seen as a way of evaluating the path that led us to our current, multi-tiered leadership paradigm. Social implications The model presented in this article should be seen as a useful, yet incomplete set of skills and characteristics to be considered by today’s and future leaders to ensure greater stakeholder inclusion. Originality/value Within the framework of focusing on the management horizon, this paper places the driving motives of two centuries that influenced our current society alongside each other and contemplates on the necessary shifts needed to move forward.

Protirement is coming – is your organization ready?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Alan Ringo
Keyword(s):  
Early Retirement ◽  
Aging Workforce ◽  
Organization Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Traditional Sense ◽  
Workplace Challenges ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to outline an emerging trend that is replacing traditional retirement; this trend is called “protirement.” Protirement is defined as early retirement from professional work with the positive idea of pursuing something more fulfilling and has originated from the “blend of pro- and retirement.” Design/methodology/approach This paper’s approach is to define the trend of protirement and then back the idea with data and cases of where and how this is implemented by human resources (HR) organizations. Findings Retirement, in its traditional sense, is becoming increasingly unattainable for individuals but is also less necessary than it has been in the past. People are living longer and healthier lives, and in fact, data show that working in some meaningful and valuable manner actually increases life-span and allows more time to save for the day when one cannot work anymore. Research limitations/implications The findings in this paper should spark others to do more research into the area of aging workforce and new models that will leverage senior workers for the benefit of individuals, organizations and society at large. Practical implications HR executives and their organizations will need to drive change in the areas of recruitment (senior workers), pension planning and saving and HR policies around retirement. Social implications People productivity has been in decline for over 10 years now. The authors are going to need all hands on deck to help fix this and overcome the economic challenges created by the 2020 pandemic. Leveraging senior workers brings deep expertise into the workplace that could be lost otherwise, improving productivity and organization learning. Originality/value This paper takes an idea coined in the 1960s and brings it into the 21st century, when and where it is really needed. This long-forgotten idea is being resurrected to help deal with today’s workplace challenges.

Exploring linkages of performance with metacognition

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R. Lyons ◽  
Randall Paul Bandura
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Secondary Purpose ◽  
Core Self ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeIn this exploratory, correlational study the authors set out to demonstrate the relationships as well as inter-correlations among direct and indirect performance measures, along with measures of knowledge of cognition, and evaluation of cognition. The information helps inform manager learning and development. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, primary purpose, to identify linkages of performance with individual’s efforts to improve their learning processes via metacognition; and second, secondary purpose, primarily for the benefit of practitioners, is the provision of detailed information regarding performance measures and practical measures of metacognition.Design/methodology/approachThe study made use of correlation analysis among performance measures and measures of metacognitive effort. The design is not intended to support cause and effect relationships, nor demonstrate the technical, predictive value of measures.FindingsA majority of associations among indirect performance measures with one another and with nearly all of the measures of knowledge of cognition, and evaluation of cognition were positive and significant (mostly at the 0.01 level). Findings offer broad support for the linkage of self-efficacy (SE), and core self-evaluation (CSE) with performance.Practical implicationsRelationships identified in this study may help practitioners alter and improve their practices/methods of identifying individuals who possess attributes that are highly related to performance and learning. The new knowledge may influence decisions about recruitment, selection and training.Originality/valueLittle research has focused on relationships among indirect performance indicators such as SE, CSE and established measures of metacognition. The present study helps to identify important relationships.

Neuroscientific Approaches for Maintaining, Balancing, and Developing Mature Workers

2020 ◽  
pp. 85-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doo Hun Lim ◽  
Sunyoung Park ◽  
Cho Hyun Park ◽  
Chang Sung Jang
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Support ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Economic Issue ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Brain Based Learning ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Mature Workers

As the aging population is rapidly increasing worldwide, keeping older workers to address the skilled labor shortage has been an important economic issue. This study pursues the current status of the older workforce in the U.S., identifies organizational support systems for mature workers, and proposes neuroscientific approaches and methods to maintain and develop effective mature workers through an integrative review of recent research findings in neuroscience and brain-based learning and development.

Three-dimensional sustainability of Kaizen

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Mendez ◽  
Mercedes Vila-Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Know How ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to know, from a three-dimensional perspective (operational, emotional and behavioral), the process of “putting down roots” related with the implementation of Kaizen until it becomes sustainable. The research aims to know how this “putting down roots” process is carried out, what transformations occur, what elements are involved and what role they represent in achieving sustainability. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a methodology based on the case study has been used, an interpretive approach to reality has been adopted as a paradigm and the Grounded Theory has been applied as an analytical technique. Findings The results suggest the existence of a transformation process that leads to creating new habits, beliefs and feelings, a phenomenon that the authors identify as a three-dimensional learning process (operational, emotional and behavioral). Practical implications This type of learning is perceived as a transition toward an organizational culture that ensures the roots of the Kaizen principles, which is essential for its sustainability and which favors the creation of talent and the well-being of employees, two challenges that the Kaizen of the twenty-first century must face. Originality/value The document includes innovative contributions to the Kaizen sustainability phenomenon, as it is dealt with from a three-dimensional perspective that underlies the inhibitors and enablers known in the current literature.

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