Peer and informal learning among hospital doctors

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-301
Author(s):  
Carlota Riera Claret ◽  
Miguel Ángel Sahagún ◽  
Clara Selva
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Peer Learning ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse everyday interactions in a workplace from the point of view of organisational learning, informal learning and peer learning, as well as the possible relationships that can be established between all three. Design/methodology/approach Insights from nine months of ethnographic study provided an operational definition of equality in an organisation, a better understanding of interactions and informal learning between peers, and about psycho-social determining factors or contexts that favour the exchange of knowledge in an organisation. Findings The findings demonstrate the importance of articulating the three elements (organisational learning, informal learning and peer learning) in a joint interpretative framework. With the results generated, it is proposed to move away from the traditional organisational learning based on knowledge and know-how, to a new perspective focused on sharing and participatory opportunities. In other words, without opportunities to participate, without the support and equal access, the fostering of informal learning can be debatable in terms of democracy. Originality/value The results bring the authors closer to being able to design workplace learning strategies that carefully includes the value of participation opportunities and the influence of a dynamic concept of equality. The ethnography in a hospital setting has allowed the authors to gain a better understanding of the contribution of informal learning to the organisation. The focus on the social context and the roles of relationships in informal learning offers new insights into a complex phenomenon.

scholarly journals Difficulty in implementing continuous improvement – Rasch measurement analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1228-1250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidia Sanchez-Ruiz ◽  
Beatriz Blanco ◽  
Emma Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Measurement Theory ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Rasch Measurement ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theoretical Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Difficulty ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to define a general and common construct in order to measure the level of difficulty companies experience when they implement continuous improvement (CI). Additionally, a rank of barriers is obtained together with a rank of companies. Design/methodology/approach In order to achieve the objective, first, a literature review is carried out to specify the domain of the construct; second, a sample of items is selected; third a survey is carried out in companies that have already implemented CI initiatives, the results being thus limited to this population; fourth, measures are purified by analysing the reliability and validity of the measurements, and finally results are obtained. The Rasch measurement theory will be used to provide a new perspective on a mature research topic. Findings It can be concluded that a new valid construct has been defined together with a rank of CI barriers, being lack of time the main barrier. A rank of companies is also obtained which is a first step in the development of future research studies. Practical implications Managers are provided with a better understanding of the barriers that can obstruct CI implementation. Thus, the rank of CI barriers guides managers through the most common and important obstacles so that they will be able to plan better CI strategies. In addition, the rank of companies allows each company to undertake a benchmarking exercise. Originality/value This work proposes a new way of analysing the difficulty in implementing CI as a continuum, rather than as independent barriers. From a theoretical point of view, it defines a new construct and offers a rank of CI barriers together with a rank of companies based on their level of difficulty when implementing CI initiatives. This is something new, as previous studies were mainly focussed on the items side. From a practical point of view, this study offers the surveyed companies the opportunity to see how they are positioned with respect to the other companies. Moreover, this rank of companies is the foundation on which to develop further studies with a practical orientation in the future.

scholarly journals Organisational learning and the organisational life cycle

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Tam ◽  
David E Gray
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Timely Fashion ◽  
Sound Foundation

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to relate the practice of organisational learning in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the organisational life cycle (OLC), contextualising the differential aspects of an integrated relationship between them. Design/methodology/approach – It is a mixed-method study with two consecutive phases. In Phase I, 30 Hong Kong SMEs identified through theoretical sampling were classified into three life-cycle stages – inception, high growth and maturity. In Phase II, their employees’ learning practices (grouped by learning levels) were statistically compared using the analysis of variance and then followed up for confirmation with qualitative semi-structured interviews. Findings – This study uniquely suggests the nature of a relationship between SME organisational learning and the OLC. Empirical results show that three of the four learning levels (individual, group, organisational and inter-organisational) practised in SMEs are varied in importance between life-cycle stages. Research limitations/implications – Comparative studies are encouraged in other parts of the world to strengthen the findings – with either SMEs or large organisations. Practical implications – The study informs SME owner/managers about what is important for employee learning at different business stages so that appropriate learning strategies or human resource development policies can be formulated in a timely fashion to promote competitiveness. Originality/value – It is among the first studies to connect SME learning with organisational growth. The relationships found serve as a sound foundation for further empirical investigations.

scholarly journals The use of technology in informal English language learning: evidence from Yemeni undergraduate students

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wagdi Rashad Ali Bin-Hady ◽  
Nasser Omer Mubarak Al-Tamimi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrating Technology ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Informal Settings

Purpose This study aims to explore the use of technology-based strategies by Yemeni undergraduate students to develop their English as a foreign language skills in informal learning settings. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 110 undergraduate students enrolled at the English Departments in two universities in Yemen. In the first phase of the study, 10 students were interviewed to obtain information about their use of technology to develop their English language skills and subsystems in informal settings. Following the analysis of the interview data, a questionnaire was built to collect quantitative data, and the second phase of the study was carried out with 100 undergraduate students. Findings The findings revealed that students developed four technology-based strategies that they used in informal settings. These strategies included using social media, being inspired by someone, accessing social networks and websites. Students reported that these strategies helped them develop their listening, speaking and reading skills, while they also reported that their vocabulary was enhanced over grammar and pronunciation. Research limitations/implications The study findings can be of benefit not only for helping to raise students’ awareness of informal learning strategies to develop their English skills outside the classroom but also for teachers to rethink the importance of integrating technology tools and digital resources in their teaching practice. The results could also guide curriculum designers to augment textbook materials by integrating technology-based informal learning strategies. Originality/value This is the first study on this topic conducted in the context of higher education in Yemen and offers unique insights into informal learning practices of Yemeni students. In addition, the findings of the study open new dimensions for rethinking the classification of language learning strategies to include those that are technology-based and mainly useful for independent informal learning.

scholarly journals Determinants of innovation performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esteban Lafuente ◽  
Angela Solano ◽  
Juan Carlos Leiva ◽  
Ronald Mora-Esquivel
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Business Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between organisational learning capabilities (OLCs) and innovation performance (IP) in organisational contexts where knowledge creation and exploitation are the business’ main source of competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach The study hypotheses are tested on a unique sample of 74 high-performance businesses operating in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) industries and non-knowledge intensive sectors in 2016. The study employs a sequential deductive triangulation analysis (QUAN → qual) based on linear regression models and qualitative interviews. Findings The results indicate that OLCs positively impact IP. Additionally, the findings reveal that this relationship is stronger in organisations where knowledge creation and exploitation constitute the main source of competitive advantage, namely, KIBS firms. Research limitations/implications This paper offers insights into how the innovation outcomes of OLCs are heterogeneous across industries. This study contributes to a better understanding of the conditions under which the effects of developing learning-enhancing strategies occur in businesses operating in different industries. Practical implications Both knowledge generation and exploitation processes are critical for business success, and OLCs play a decisive role in this process. In this sense, the results suggest that managers need to turn their attention to the characteristics of business operations when considering the development of strategies aimed at enhancing OLCs. Originality/value The paper further explores the influence of OLCs on IP by analysing how organisational learning strategies interact with relevant organisational characteristics – that are linked here to the exploitation of knowledge-based resources – to yield superior IP.

Networked psychostimulants: a web-based ethnographic study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-61
Author(s):  
Caroline Robitaille
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Spaces ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Human Actors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand contemporary psychostimulant use among members of online discussion fora. Two objectives are addressed: to describe accounts of practices related to psychostimulant use, and to examine how these pharmaceuticals may shape contemporary subjectivities. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a qualitative analysis of three online discussion fora belonging to Reddit. Drawing on actor-network theory, psychostimulants are envisaged as networked actants to understand the underlying logics related to their use. Non-participant observation of r/Adderall was carried out over an 18-month period. A qualitative analysis of postings on the three selected fora was also performed. Findings For each discussion forum, a network comprised of human and non-human actors was observed: members of the forum, psychostimulants as objects and subreddits as agentic spaces. This study reveals the emergence of multiple subjectivities associated with psychostimulant use: productivity, wellness and enhancement‐related. Practical implications Findings open to a wider debate regarding public health’s and healthcare professionals’ understanding of psychostimulant use outside of the clinical setting and how this may contrast with how psychostimulant use is practiced in context. Originality/value This research shows new online socio-cultural spaces formed around psychostimulant use. Calling upon a web-based ethnographic approach, this research presents a new perspective on the contemporary use of psychostimulants.

scholarly journals Management perspectives on country of origin

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arooj Rashid ◽  
Liz Barnes ◽  
Gary Warnaby
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Perspective ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Retail Branding ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a new perspective by conceptualising country of origin (COO) from a management perspective, identifying the impact different COO constructs have in the context of fashion retailer and manufacturer businesses. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study comprises a series of in-depth interviews with key informants from large-scale fashion retailers and manufacturers in the UK. Findings – The major findings of this research demonstrate that COO is considered a strategic business imperative but manifests in a variety of ways depending on brand positioning, long-term strategic plans, expertise, and brand values, etc. Research limitations/implications – This study contributes to the body of knowledge about the importance of COO. The findings of this research will have practical implications for manufacturers and retailers, informing the debate on the value of the “Made in […]” epithet. Findings are limited to the UK fashion clothing industry. Originality/value – This research presents a new perspective on the COO construct, addressing it from a management rather than consumer perspective. It argues that COO can be considered as a strategic dimension, which is manifested in a variety of ways. COO has been extensively researched from a consumer point of view but this research takes a new approach by presenting findings from a managerial point of view, with fashion manufacturing and retail branding as the context.

The impact of the Greek economic recession on workplace learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 345-358
Author(s):  
Stavros Papakonstantinidis
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The paper aims to examine the impact of the Greek economic recession on workplace learning. Specifically, it surveys the views of Greek business professionals regarding whether workplace learning could be used as a competitive advantage in achieving business success. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a qualitative research method and discusses the findings of semi-structured interviews with professionals in various industries in Greece. Findings This study provides evidence of an overall reluctance to adopt formal learning strategies. Although hiring and retaining the best talent at work is seen as a competitive advantage, Greek professionals do not attribute success to formal workplace learning. Instead, digitalization of informal learning becomes essential for acquiring new knowledge. Social implications In the first few years of Greece’s economic recovery, companies aim to keep their budgets low in anything that seems luxurious and ultimately unnecessary. The paper discusses some implications of the implementation of digitalized informal learning in business. Originality/value This study is the first to explore how Greek professionals from various business sectors and managerial levels view workplace learning during the initial years of the country’s economic recovery.

Easy does it: an innovative view on developing career identity and self-direction

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-145
Author(s):  
Tom Luken
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Career Guidance ◽  
Brain Research ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose A generally held belief in the field of career development is that career attitudes and abilities, including identity and self-direction, can and should be developed in school programmes with a cognitive focus. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to question this belief, and second, to provide a new perspective on career development that may inspire innovations for career science, and guidance during the lifespan. Design/methodology/approach Specific questions are formulated and answered on the basis of sources mainly stemming from neurosciences and different sub-disciplines of psychology. On the basis of a systems theory, a new approach is proposed. Findings Current approaches in career guidance are at odds with findings and insights from developmental sciences and brain research. Several risks of current approaches are described. One risk is identity foreclosure. Another risk involves the development of ineffective ways of thinking and decision making. A control theory that stems from cybernetics is proposed to offer an alternative view on career development. Research limitations/implications One implication for research is that long-term longitudinal approaches are required to fully clarify the development of self-direction and identity. Furthermore, the building and testing of models of career development based on dynamic systems theories is recommended. Practical implications The main implication for career practices and policies is that self-direction and identity are no realistic aims for most students. Instead, it is recommended to relieve the pressure associated with career choices for young people, and to give more time, room, stimulation and guidance for exploration and reconsideration, for adults as well. Guidance should consist of offering sufficiently varied work experiences, and counselling when individuals experience conflicts that impede direction finding. Not too much emphasis should be put on reflection and rational thinking. Acceptance and commitment therapy is recommended as an approach offering many useful insights and instruments that may inspire career professionals. Originality/value This paper questions a mainstream approach and offers an original point of view.

Learning @ work: informal learning strategies of German craft workers

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 418-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Kortsch ◽  
Eva-Maria Schulte ◽  
Simone Kauffeld
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Employee Turnover ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Patterns ◽  
Learning Strategy Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In competitive labor markets, promoting employees’ learning becomes a key challenge for companies. However, in small German craft companies, employee development is always connected with worries about employee turnover. This study aims to investigate the current informal learning strategies of craft workers and how they use the strategies, the effect of learning on employees’ internal and external marketability and beneficial workplace characteristics (autonomy, feedback). Design/methodology/approach An online prestudy (N = 131) explored current informal learning strategies. In the main study (N = 526), cluster analysis was applied to identify patterns of informal learning strategies. The relations of these patterns to workplace characteristics and marketability were investigated. Findings Four informal learning strategies were found (informal learning from oneself, from others, from other sources and from new media). Craft workers used combinations of the strategies (i.e. patterns): three learning patterns (balanced high, person-oriented and balanced low) differed in intensity and combination with the learning strategy use. More intense learning patterns were positively related to internal marketability but were not related to external marketability. Higher autonomy and feedback availability were related to higher learning engagement. Research limitations/implications Studies should have a broader view of informal learning strategies concerning different learning patterns. The use of new media is a learning strategy that might increase in the future. Practical implications Craft companies could promote different informal learning strategies without worries about employee turnover. Originality/value The study reveals how German small- and medium-sized enterprise employees use informal learning strategies in digitalized times and how human resources development can use informal learning strategies.

scholarly journals Acute wards: problems and solutions. A participant observation study of life on an acute psychiatric ward

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 344-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Quirk ◽  
Paul Lelliott
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Unit ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Psychiatric Ward ◽  
Observation Study ◽  
Problems And Solutions ◽  
Acute Psychiatric Wards ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Acute Wards

The College Research Unit is undertaking an ethnographic study to describe life on acute psychiatric wards from the point of view of patients. The project is funded by a generous donation from Jim Birley, former President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It aims to bring a new perspective to our understanding of the current state of acute wards. The underlying premise is that solutions to current problems must be informed by a good understanding of what actually happens on the wards and what it feels like to be a patient there.

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