scholarly journals Conceptualizing social well-being in activity-based offices

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Colenberg ◽  
Rianne Appel-Meulenbroek ◽  
Natalia Romero Herrera ◽  
David Keyson

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to aid conceptualization of social well-being at work by identifying its components in a contemporary office context, so adequate measures can be developed to monitor social well-being and to assess the impact of interventions in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachThis study used existing interview data from recent post-occupancy evaluations of two large activity-based flexible offices in the Dutch public sector. Data-driven concept mapping of 182 different employees' statements on social aspects of well-being was used to find communalities in their perceptions.FindingsFrom the data 14 key concepts emerged referring to employees' social needs, reactions to (anti-)social behaviour of others and perceived social affordances of the work environment. Contrary to established theory, social well-being appeared to be a context-bound phenomenon, including components of both short-term hedonic and long-term eudaimonic well-being.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings serve as an inductive source for the further development of adequate measures of social well-being at work. Limitations concern the specific (cultural) setting of the cases and the use of existing data.Practical implicationsPreliminary suggestions for fostering social well-being include change management, participatory design, being alert of the identified risks of activity-based offices and supporting privacy regulation, identity marking and a sense of community, as well as a diversity of informal face-to-face interactions balanced with quiet spaces.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the conceptualization of social well-being in contemporary offices by discussing established social well-being theory and analysing real-world data, using a method novel to management research.

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen McGill ◽  
Anna Robinson

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the long-term impacts autistic adults experienced from childhood participation in the applied behavioural analysis (ABA). Design/methodology/approach Possible participants were recruited through advertisements on social media and autism and ABA organisations. Possible participants were given the choice between an online or face-to-face interview or an anonymised online questionnaire. Findings Reflections from 10 participants were indicative of a predominantly detrimental impact of ABA. Reflections gave rise to a core theme “recalling hidden harms of childhood experiences of ABA”. Outcomes are discussed in relation to the impact on autistic identity, current research and progressing understanding of the impacts of early intervention from the autistic perspective. Research limitations/implications The practical implications of ABA are discussed alongside recommendations for future practice and research with the involvement of autistic individuals within interventive processes. Originality/value This is the first paper to take an in-depth, qualitative approach to autistic experiences of ABA. The findings themselves are driven to conceptualise and give voice to the core impacts which carried through participants’ exploration and understanding of self.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique-Javier Díez-Gutiérrez ◽  
Katherine Gajardo Espinoza

PurposeMarch 14, 2020, marked the beginning of an unexpected state of emergency in Spain due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). From that moment on, the educational system had to adapt so that millions of students could continue their education at home. Through a descriptive study, the reality and perceptions that Spanish families have about the educational actions that took place during the compulsory lockdown of the Spanish population is presented.Design/methodology/approach3,400 representatives of family units from 17 autonomous communities answered a survey, the data were analyzed using descriptive and frequency statistics.FindingsRelevant conclusions were drawn from the results. Despite the efforts of the authorities, the economic, cultural, social and digital divides leave many households without access to the fundamental right of education; families value the support of technologies but consider that they should not replace the face-to-face education that is necessary for the development process of minors; it is necessary to adapt the school content for a future postpandemic, discriminating the expendable from the essential in the school curriculum; priority must be given to the integral well-being of people in educational policies and also to the most vulnerable ones.Originality/valueThe study allows progress in the analysis of educational policy proposals in the face of future crisis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 2238-2256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirajo Aliyu ◽  
Rosylin Mohd Yusof ◽  
Nasri Naiimi

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose the use of Islamic moral transaction mode as a moderator in sustainable Islamic microfinance banks (IMFBs) business model. Design/methodology/approach The paper highlighted the major issues of microfinance banks in Nigeria and presented an integrated model that will suffice the long-term survival of the institution. Moreover, regression analysis is also employed to examine the impacts of financial outreach on the Nigerian economic growth. Findings The authors find that Islamic moral transaction mode will moderate the sustainable Islamic banking business which can influence the sustenance of IMFBs and the well-being of the society through financial outreach. Research limitations/implications The paper has empirically tested the impact of financial outreach on growth, and suggested future studies to investigate the existing relationships among the proposed model components. Therefore, further studies have the opportunity to develop measurements that will guide in testing the model, as well as strengthening its components. Practical implications Implementing this model will enhance the sustainability of IMFBs and socio-economic well-being of the society through financial outreach. Consequently, this study also suggests other policy measures that will improve the sustenance of IMFBs and the society as a whole. Originality/value The paper contributes to the existing literature of microfinance banks by linking the components of the sustainable business model to primary evidence of Sharia coupled with an in-depth link to generosity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riaz Ahmed

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the flood on marriages in flooded households compared to marriages in unaffected households by utilizing the 2010 Pakistani flood as a type of natural experiment. Design/methodology/approach A difference-in-difference approach is used to estimate the effect of the flood on marriages in 62 flooded districts compared with those in 53 non-flooded districts by utilizing the six waves of the household level surveys data from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement, 2004-2005 to 2014-2015. Findings Results show that the flood decreased marriages; by 17 marriages per 1,000 individuals aged 15-50 years in flooded districts during the flood year and the effect disappeared after the flood year. The negative impact of the flood on rural marriages is significantly higher and robust. Social implications The flood seemingly discouraged individuals in flooded districts to be engaged in long term relationship mainly due to the flood related economic and financial losses. In order to acquire and maintain individual overall well-being, sexual health in vital to maintain mental and physical health, so policy makers/humanitarian aid-providers should assist the affected adults financially or by arranging their marriages at least during the flood year. The study also suggests that the delay of marriages means the accumulation of human capital in the form of school attainment of male marriages, so younger adult should be discouraged marrying at early age. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature in the following ways: first, the study empirically investigates the impact of flood – both immediate and long term – on marriage rates by using a natural experiment. Second, it examines the relationship based on geographic location and gender. Third, it investigates the impact of natural hazards on child marriage.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharan Srinivas ◽  
Kavin Anand ◽  
Anand Chockalingam

PurposePrior research suggests that 80% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events can be prevented by modifying certain behaviors, yet it remains the primary cause of mortality worldwide. Early detection and management of critical modifiable factors have the potential to improve cardiovascular care quality as well as the associated health outcomes. This study aims to assess the independent impact of psychological well-being in adolescence, a modifiable factor, on long-term CVD risk and promote targeted early interventions through quality management principles.Design/methodology/approachData from the Add Health study, which employed a series of surveys and health tests (Wave 1 – Wave 4) on individuals for 14 years (from adolescence to adulthood), were obtained and analyzed longitudinally. Psychological well-being in adolescence was assessed using four Wave 1 survey questions, and 30-year CVD risk was estimated 14 years later with Wave 4 data. Three different logistic regression models were examined to understand the impact of adding covariates.FindingsThis study’s sample included 12,116 individuals who responded to all the relevant questions and underwent clinical risk factor measurements in Wave 1 (adolescence) and Wave 4 (young adulthood). Psychological well-being was protective with reduced risk for CVD across the three models tested. There is a statistically significant association, where increasing psychological well-being reduced the 30-year CVD risk exponentially in all the models. The analysis also suggested an exposure–response relationship, where the 30-year risk category of adulthood CVD decreased with an increase in psychological well-being.Practical implicationsThis research uncovers an inverse association between adolescent psychological well-being and adulthood CVD risk. This study also identifies quality management-based preventive tools/techniques to improve psychological well-being in adolescence and therefore reduce CVD risk later in life.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to establish a long-term association between positive well-being and CVD risk. Also, unlike the existing literature, this work provides implications for improving CVD care from a quality management perspective.


2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 42-49
Author(s):  
D. Chupina

Received 25.10.2020. The spread of the new coronavirus infection and the ensuing lock-down dealt a devastating blow to the EU economy. The depth of the crisis, as well as the difficulties of developing a common recovery program, put under question the EU ability to overcome this challenge. As long as the first wave of COVID‑19 is over, the stage of urgent measures responding to unexpected threats is over, the long-term anti-crisis program is negotiated, it is possible and necessary to summarize the interim results of the impact of the COVID‑19 outbreak on the European economy. The purpose of this article is not only to assess the impact of the first wave of the pandemic on the European economy and systematize the anti-crisis measures taken, but also to analyze the role of the coronacrisis in the further development of the EU through the prism of the main integration theories. The study revealed that the coronavirus crisis has not (yet) brought the European integration to its final. Faced to a huge threat to security and well-being, European leaders managed to negotiate a recovery plan. The disadvantages of the deal are the risk of erosion of the supranational governance and the threat of politicization due to belated decisions with limited potential. However, the majority of EU citizens still support further strengthening of the integration. To maintain this momentum, it is important to quickly finalize the mechanisms for implementing the recovery program in order to reduce public discontent and prevent the replacement of supranational governance by intergovernmental interaction.


2021 ◽  
pp. 152483802110302
Author(s):  
Caroline Bailey ◽  
Jessica Shaw ◽  
Abril Harris

Adolescents experience alarmingly high rates of sexual violence, higher than any other age-group. This is concerning as sexual violence can have detrimental effects on teens’ personal and relational well-being, causing long-term consequences for the survivor. Still, adolescents are hesitant to report the assault or seek out services and resources. When an adolescent survivor does seek out services, they may interact with a provider who is a mandatory reporter. This scoping review sought to synthesize the current U.S.-based research on the role, challenges, and impact of mandatory reporting (MR) in the context of adolescent sexual assault. Database searches using key words related to MR, sexual assault, and adolescence identified 29 peer-reviewed articles. However, none of these articles reported on empirical investigations of the phenomenon of interest and instead consisted of case studies, commentaries, and position papers. The scoping review was expanded to provide a lay of the land of what we know about the intersection of adolescent sexual assault and MR. Results of the review indicate that though implemented broadly, MR policies vary between individuals, organizations, and states and have historically been challenging to implement due to this variation, conflicts with other laws, tension between these policies and providers’ values, and other factors. Based on the available literature, the impact of MR in the context of adolescent sexual assault is unknown. There is a critical need for research and evaluation on the implementation and impact of MR policies, especially in the context of adolescents and sexual violence.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7906
Author(s):  
Nikola Medová ◽  
Lucie Macková ◽  
Jaromir Harmacek

This paper focuses on the dynamic of the recent upheaval in the tourism and hospitality sector due to the COVID-19 epidemic in Greece and Santorini island. It uses the case study of a country one-fourth of whose GDP consists of tourism. We compare the available statistical data showing the change in variables in the previous years with 2020 and look into the new challenges and opportunities posed by the drop in the numbers of visitors and flights. We focus mainly on the economic and social impact on the destination and possible future scenarios for further development in the area. Data show a significant effect of the pandemic on multiple variables, such as the long-term trend of the importance of tourism sector in GDP in Greece, the number of flights and visitors to Greece and Santorini island, and the contribution of tourism and travel to GDP. Based on the available data, we also construct three foresight scenarios that describe the possible futures for Santorini island in terms of the pandemic evolution. These scenarios may help various stakeholders and policymakers to be better prepared for different developments that may appear.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Lynette Harvey ◽  
Jonathan Sibley ◽  
Janine Palmer ◽  
Andrew Phillips ◽  
Eileen Willis ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline a conceptual plan for innovative, integrated care designed for people living with long-term conditions (LTCs). Design/methodology/approach The conceptual plan delivers a partnership between the health system, the person with LTCs (chronic), their family, and the community. The partnership aims to support people at home with access to effective treatment, consistent with the New Zealand Government Health Strategy. This concept of people-owned care is provided by nurses with advanced practice skills, who coordinate care across services, locations and multiple LTCs. Findings With the global increase in numbers of people with multiple chronic conditions, health services are challenged to deliver good outcomes and experience. This model aims to demonstrate the effective use of healthcare resources by supporting people living with a chronic condition, to increase their self-efficacy and resilience in accordance with personal, cultural and social circumstance. The aim is to have a model of care that is replicable and transferable across a range of health services. Social implications People living with chronic conditions can be empowered to manage their health and well-being, whilst having access to nurse-led care appropriate to individual needs. Originality/value Although there are examples of case management and nurse-led coordination, this model is novel in that it combines a liaison nursing role that works in partnership with patients, whilst ensuring that care across a number of primary and secondary care services is truly integrated and not simply interfaced.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Seymour ◽  
Michael Murray

Purpose There is increasing evidence that participation in various art forms can be beneficial for health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of participating in a poetry reading group on a group of older residents of an assisted living facility. Design/methodology/approach Six poetry sessions, each on a different theme, were conducted with a group of volunteer participants. These sessions, those of pre- and post-study focus groups and interviews with the group facilitator and staff contact were audio-recorded. The transcripts of the recordings were then subjected to a thematic analysis. Findings Overall the participants were enthused by the opportunity to participate in the project and the benefits were confirmed by the support staff. In addition, reading poetry on particular themes promoted different types of discussion. Research limitations/implications The number of participants in this study was small and the study was conducted over a short period of time. Practical implications This paper confirms the impact of poetry reading for older people. The challenge is to explore this impact in more detail and over community as well as residential settings. Originality/value This paper is the first empirical report on the value of poetry reading for older people.


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