scholarly journals Perception is reality: change leadership and work engagement

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 927-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay L. Caulfield ◽  
Anthony Senger
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Change Leadership ◽  
Employee Perceptions ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceptions Of Leadership

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how employee perceptions of change and leadership might impact work engagement following major organizational change. Design/methodology/approach Social media invited US workers recently experiencing major organizational change to anonymously complete a web-based survey requesting qualitative and quantitative responses. Values-based coding and thematic analysis were used to explore qualitative data. Hierarchical and linear regression, and bootstrapped mediation were used to analyze quantitative data. Findings Analysis of qualitative data identified employees’ perceptions of ideal change and ideal leadership were well supported in the change leadership literature. Analysis of quantitative data indicated that employee perceptions of leadership fully mediated the relationship between employee perceptions of change and work engagement. Practical implications Study findings imply that how employees perceive change is explained by how they perceive leadership during change, and that these perceptions impact work engagement. Although these findings appear commonsensical, the less than stellar statistics on major organizational change may encourage leaders to become more follower-focused throughout the change process. Originality/value The study makes a contribution to an understudied area of organizational research, specifically applied information processing theory. This is the first study that identifies employee perceptions of leadership as a mediator for perceptions of change and work engagement. From a value perspective, leaders as successful change agents recognize significant cost savings in dollars and human welfare by maintaining healthy workplaces with highly engaged workers.

Knowledge needs in the non-profit sector: an evidence-based model of organizational practices

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Rathi ◽  
Lisa M. Given ◽  
Eric Forcier
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Organizational Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Types Of Knowledge ◽  
Survey Responses

Purpose – This paper aims to present findings from a study of non-profit organizations (NPOs), including a model of knowledge needs that can be applied by practitioners and scholars to further develop the NPO sector. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted with NPOs operating in Canada and Australia. An analysis of survey responses identified the different types of knowledge essential for each organization. Respondents identified the importance of three pre-determined themes (quantitative data) related to knowledge needs, as well as a fourth option, which was a free text box (qualitative data). The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analyses and a grounded theory approach, respectively. Findings – Analysis of the quantitative data indicates that NPOs ' needs are comparable in both countries. Analysis of qualitative data identified five major categories and multiple sub-categories representing the types of knowledge needs of NPOs. Major categories are knowledge about management and organizational practices, knowledge about resources, community knowledge, sectoral knowledge and situated knowledge. The paper discusses the results using semantic proximity and presents an emergent, evidence-based knowledge management (KM)-NPO model. Originality/value – The findings contribute to the growing body of literature in the KM domain, and in the understudied research domain related to the knowledge needs and experiences of NPOs. NPOs will find the identified categories and sub-categories useful to undertake KM initiatives within their individual organizations. The study is also unique, as it includes data from two countries, Canada and Australia.

scholarly journals Two concepts of community in the Niger Delta

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nwamaka Okeke-Ogbuafor ◽  
Tim Gray ◽  
Selina Stead
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Place ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Strong Sense ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Solid Foundation ◽  
Attachment To Place ◽  
Poor Communities

Purpose This paper aims to understand what two apparently contrasting concepts of communality and place attachment say about the quality of community life in the Niger Delta. Design/methodology/approach The research for this paper relied on extensive qualitative and quantitative data: qualitative data were collected from five oil-rich and three oil-poor communities across Ogoniland, while quantitative data were collected from four of these communities. Thematic content analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data, while the quantitative data were analysed through Excel. Findings Most participants from both oil-rich and oil-poor communities strongly reject a social sense of communality and strongly endorse a geographical sense of place. Practical implications The wider implication of this finding is that proponents of community development (CD) have a choice between either the cynical option of noting that Ogoni’s strong sense of place means that they will tolerate limited CD, or the noble option of noting that Ogoni’s strong sense of place is a solid foundation on which to build sustainable CD by empowering citizens to create their own future. Originality/value The originality of this study is twofold. First, it shows the complexity of people’s sense of community encompassing widely different and possibly contradictory elements. Second, it reveals the strength and persistence of people’s attachment to place despite its physical shortcomings.

From entity to process: toward more process-based theorizing in the field of organizational change

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Wenzel ◽  
Jochen Koch
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
Process Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to make a case for more process-based theorizing in the field of organizational change. Design/methodology/approach To emphasize the importance of a process perspective on organizational change, this paper challenges the prevalent theorizing approach that treats organizational change as entity and argues that process-based theorizing can help researchers gain a better understanding of organizational change. Findings To direct future research toward more process-based theorizing, this paper proposes a systematic four-step procedure for the analysis of qualitative data that helps researchers theorize organizational change from a process perspective. Originality/value Overall, this paper contributes to theorizing efforts in the field of organizational change by offering a reflective account on the challenges that entity-based theorizing entails, strengthening the position of process-based theorizing in light of these challenges and providing an outlook on how scholars can develop theoretical insights on organizational change from a process perspective.

A comparative analysis of the provision of student housing safety measures

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrick Simpeh ◽  
Mariam Akinlolu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Sprinkler System ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
The Body ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Traffic Light ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Security, safety, environment and health have become an integral part of facility management (FM). Therefore, FM departments within organisations are required to put measures in place to safeguard facility users. This paper thus aims to investigate and compare the safety and security measures that are provided in the student housing of two universities in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method approach was adopted; interview was used to collect qualitative data, whereas a questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect quantitative data. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, whereas both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. Findings It became evident that university B had a better provision of safety and security measures in the student housing than university A. The study also found that both universities had some lapses in the safety and security measures provided in the student housing. Measures that were lacking in both universities were weapon detector, closed-circuit television (CCTV), water sprinkler system, burglar bars on the doors, lift for disabled students, disabled toilet facility, traffic light, tags for vehicles, first aid box, accident book and medically trained personnel. Research limitations/implications Data were collected from only two universities, making it difficult to generalise the findings of the research. For a broader perspective, a study that expands the number of participating universities is recommended. Practical implications The facility management and safety department in the universities can use the recommendations to improve on the safety and security measures required in the student housing. Moreover, the recommendations can contribute to the development of policy frameworks for student housing safety. Originality/value There is a paucity of studies on student housing safety/security worldwide, and South Africa in particular. With this study, the authors contribute to the body of knowledge in this area of research.

Ideological tensions amidst rapid and continuous organizational change in healthcare

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1029-1039
Author(s):  
Kim McMillan ◽  
Amélie Perron
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Moral Distress ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Change Initiatives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Culture Of Care ◽  
The Many ◽  
Ideological Tensions ◽  
Safe Care

PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore the nature of frontline nurses' experiences of living with rapid and continuous organizational change.Design/methodology/approachA critical hermeneutic approach was utilized. This was a qualitative inquiry theoretically guided by critical management studies.FindingsParticipants recognized that many change initiatives reflected an ideological shift in healthcare that supported a culture of service, whilst sacrificing a culture of care. A culture of service prioritized cost-savings and efficiency, which saw nurses lose the time and resources required to provide quality, safe care.Practical implicationsNurses felt morally responsible to uphold a culture of care, which proved challenging and at times unobtainable. The inability to provide quality, safe care in light of organizational changes resulted in a multitude of negative emotional repercussions, which fostered moral distress.Originality/valueThe findings from this study bring to light ideological tensions that negatively impact nurses. This study supports the conclusion that the planning, implementation and evaluation of organizational change initiatives must reflect a culture of care in order to alleviate the many negative experiences of organizational change noted in this study.

Evaluation of on-campus student housing facilities security and safety performance

Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredrick Simpeh ◽  
Solomon Adisa
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Student Housing ◽  
Security Measures ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Models ◽  
Level Of Importance ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Housing Facilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a guide for managing the provision of on-campus student housing facilities (SHFs) security and safety measures. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a mixed-method approach; the questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect quantitative data, whereas the interview was used to collect qualitative data. Descriptive and inferential statistics and importance-performance analysis models were used to analyse the quantitative data, whereas content analysis was used for the qualitative data. Findings This study found that students rated the satisfaction of all the SHFs safety and security measures below the level of importance. Three categories of performance level (i.e. poor, average and good) were determined. It also became evident that most of the measures were performing averagely, quite a number were poorly performing and few were performing well. Research limitations/implications Data was collected from only one university; therefore, the findings of the research may not be generalised. A study that expands the number of participating universities is recommended. Practical implications The guide developed can be used by the facility and/or hostel managers to ensure appropriate management of SHFs security and safety measures. The guide can also assist to ensure that all the essential safety measures are provided when designing, constructing or upgrading SHFs. It would also aid in the development of policy frameworks for SHFs security and safety. Originality/value Although several studies have been conducted on SHFs, studies that mainly focussed on prioritising SHFs security and safety measures are lacking. With this paper, the authors also demonstrate the practicality of the use of the IPA model to aid the process of developing improvement priorities.

Non-profit organizations’ use of tools and technologies for knowledge management: a comparative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 718-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Rathi ◽  
Lisa M. Given
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Tool Use ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Non Profit Organizations

Purpose This paper aims to present findings from a study conducted with non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Canada and Australia, focusing on the use of tools and technologies for knowledge management (KM). NPOs of different sizes and operating in different sectors were studied in two large-scale national surveys. The paper is useful to both practitioners in NPOs for understanding tool use for KM activities and to scholars to further develop the KM-NPO domain. Design/methodology/approach Two nation-wide surveys were conducted with Canadian and Australian NPOs of different sizes (i.e. very small to large-sized organizations) and operating in different sectors (e.g. animal welfare, education and research, culture and arts). An analysis of responses explores the use of tools and technologies by NPOs. Respondents identified the tools and technologies they used from nine pre-determined themes (quantitative data) plus an additional category of “other tools” (qualitative data), which allowed for free text responses. The quantitative data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques and the qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings Quantitative data analysis provides key findings including the popularity of physical, print documents across all NPO sizes and sectors. Statistical tests revealed, for example, there is no significant difference for the same-sized organizations in Canadian and Australian NPOs in the use of tools and technologies for KM activities. However, there were differences in the use of tools and technologies across different sizes of NPOs. The qualitative analysis revealed a number of additional tools and technologies and also provided contextual details about the nature of tool use. The paper provides specific examples of the types of tools and technologies NPOs use. Originality/value The paper has both practical and academic contributions, including areas for future research. The findings on the use of KM tools and technologies by NPOs contribute to the growing body of literature in the KM domain in general and also build the literature base for the understudied KM-NPO domain. NPOs will also find the paper useful in better understanding tools and technological implementation for KM activities. The study is unique not only in the content focus on KM for NPOs but also for the comparative study of activities in two countries.

Assessment and change leadership in an academic library department: a case study

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 148-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toni M. Carter
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Integrated Assessment ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Change Leadership ◽  
Change Model ◽  
Leadership Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Change Models

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report an academic library's efforts to introduce course-integrated assessment into its library instruction program. Applying a leadership change model to the process allows for a step-by-step examination of both organizational change and the creation of cultures of assessment. Design/methodology/approach – Over a period of three years, course-integrated assessment was introduced into an academic library's instruction program. Rather than implementing rapid, superficial change, the process focused on transforming librarians' thoughts and feelings about their teaching and student learning. Dr John P. Kotter's eight-step process for leading organizational change is applied to explain the methodology. Findings – Kotter's leadership change model provides a suitable framework for organizing and implementing organizational change within an academic library. However, the use of his method to create and sustain cultures of assessment proves questionable. This may not be fault of his method, but a combination of a less than perfect application of his process and unrealistic expectations of how cultures of assessment develop and function. Research limitations/implications – The paper focuses on one unit within an academic library, rather than an academic library as a whole. Practical implications – Changing organizational culture, creating cultures of assessment, and/or implementing course-integrated assessment exemplify some of the challenging tasks academic libraries face in their mission to prove value. This case study provides a candid discussion of both successes and obstacles encountered in using a change leadership model to address each of these. It may also inspire other possible uses of such a model within academic libraries. Originality/value – According to Meredith Farkas, investigations into the application of leadership change models to build and sustain cultures of assessment within academic libraries do not exist in the literature.

scholarly journals Follower perceptions of the emotional intelligence of change leaders: A qualitative study

Leadership ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Smollan ◽  
Ken Parry
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Organizational Change ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Change Leadership ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Change Leaders ◽  
Follower Perceptions ◽  
The Impact

We present and explore a follower-centric model of how employees perceive the emotional intelligence (EI) of change leaders. Qualitative investigations of EI are rare and have not explored the field of organizational change leadership. Accordingly, we analyse qualitative data from a series of interviews set within the context of organizational change. We examine follower attributions about the abilities of their leaders to manage and express their own emotions and to respond appropriately to the followers’ emotions. The findings reveal that the ways in which leaders deal with emotion might be the key to followers sharing their own emotions with them. The impact of perceived leader EI on follower responses to change is also discussed. The complexity and ambivalence of our participants’ perceptions of the EI of their change leaders highlight the utility of a qualitative investigation.

Developing a contemporary measure of employee perceptions of their work unit’s psychological sense of community

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-34
Author(s):  
Wade Arnold ◽  
Danny Arnold ◽  
Alain Neher ◽  
Morgan P. Miles
Keyword(s):  
Work Engagement ◽  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Employee Perceptions ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Work Unit ◽  
Psychological Sense Of Community ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Contemporary Work ◽  
Psychological Sense

Purpose This paper aims to develop and psychometrically assess an individual’s perception of their work unit’s psychological sense of community (PSOCw) scale. This new scale is designed to capture the unique characteristics of a contemporary work unit that might include current practices such as hot-desking and workers located in physically separate locations. Design/methodology/approach This paper develops and then psychometrically accesses a new scale designed to better capture the psychological sense of community in a contemporary work unit. Findings The managerial implications for the PSOCw scale that is a psychometrically sound measure of work engagement, civility and collegiality in a work unit allow managers to audit a work unit based on these three dimensions and then take corrective actions to enhance the work unit’s sense of community. Originality/value The present study adapts previous work on PSOCw to a contemporary work environment where members of a work unit are often in physically separate locations and largely connect virtually.

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