scholarly journals Key determinants of organisational silence for non-standard workers

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 1522-1538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willam Joseph Pirie
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Limited Liability ◽  
Future Contract ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the key determinants of organisational silence from the perspective of non-standard workers (NSWs). The study focuses on three research themes: first, analysing the experiences motivating NSWs to remain silent; second, analysing the role of the NSW life cycle in the motivation to remain silent, the final theme is evaluation of the impact on organisational voice of an organisation employing a workforce in which NSWs and standard workers (SWs) are blended. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilises a phenomenological approach, as defined by Van Manen (2007), to collect and analyse the phenomenon of organisational silence from the perspective of NSWs. The NSWs are defined as individuals operating via Limited Liability UK registered companies created for the purpose of delivering services to organisations via a contract of services. This study employed a combination of phenomenology and hermeneutics to collect and analyse the data collected from the NSWs using semi-structured interviews (Lindseth and Norberg, 2004). Findings – The study concludes with three core findings. NSWs experience similar motivational factors to silence as experienced by standard workers (SWs). The key differential between a SW and a NSW is the role of defensive silence as a dominant motivator for a start-up NSW. The study identified that the reasons for this is that new NSWs are defensive to protect their reputation for any future contract opportunities. In addition, organisations are utilising the low confidence of new start up NSWs to suppress the ability of NSWs to voice. The research indicates how experienced NSWs use the marketing stage of their life cycle to establish voice mechanisms. The study identified that NSWs, fulfiling management and supervisory roles for organisations, are supporting/creating climates of silence through their transfer of experiences as SWs prior to becoming NSWs. Research limitations/implications – This study is a pilot study, and the findings from this study will be carried forward into a larger scale study through engagement with further participants across a diverse range of sectors. This study has identified that there is a need for further studies on organisational silence and NSWs to analyse more fully the impact of silence on the individuals and the organisation itself. A qualitative phenomenological hermeneutical study is not intended to be extrapolated to provide broad trends. The focus of the phenomenological hermeneutic research methodology is on describing and analysing the richness and depth of the NSW’s experiences of silence in organisational settings. Originality/value – This paper draws together the studies of worker classification, motivators for organisational silence, and the impact of blending SWs and NSWs in an organisational setting. The study demonstrates that academic research to date has focused predominantly on SWs to the exclusion of the 1.5 million, and growing, NSWs in the UK. This study examines these under-represented workers to analyse the participants’ experiences of organisational silence, and its consequences in organisational settings, demonstrating a need for further studies.

Exploring the role of business relationships in start-ups’ life cycles

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-543
Author(s):  
Chiara Cantù ◽  
Sepe Giorgia ◽  
Alessandra Tzannis
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Resources ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Start Ups

Purpose Differently from previous works that focused on the entrepreneur and on his ability to manage social relationships, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of business relationships in the different stages of the life cycle of a start-up. Design/methodology/approach Since the paper aims to explore startups’ evolutionary phenomenon, it adopts a qualitative abductive methodology, presenting an in-depth study of two innovative Italian start-ups. The research is based on two steps. In the first one, the authors collected secondary data from start-ups’ reports and documents, financial indicators (when available) and processed them to understand their background. In the second one, the authors conducted ten semi-structured interviews, including face-to-face interviews, phone interviews and video conferences. Findings The paper presents a relationship-based life cycle model composed of four different stages, depending on the number and role of relationships developed. Indeed, since the beginning, start-ups adopt a relational approach and their evolution involves the shift from the focus on the entrepreneur to the centrality of a network approach based on interconnected relationships. The entering into a new stage of life cycle depends on relationships, mainly based on connected actors and resources shared and combined. Even if a key role is assumed by technology, the main resource is identified in the knowledge concerning the customer/user’s needs that require marketing competencies, human resources, relational capabilities. Thus, the shift from one stage to the next in the start-up’s life cycle is possible thanks to a parallel shift from a focus on the activities to a focus on those strategic and heterogeneous actors that ensure activities. Originality/value In a traditional perspective, the start-up’s life cycle depends on activities, financial resources and revenues, as stated by previous life cycle models. In a different perspective, as depicted in our analysis, the evolution of a start-up depends on the portfolio of their business relationships. The role of business relationships is hence to facilitate the interconnections within specialized key actors, which allow start-ups to access strategic resources. These resources are essential in order to develop the activities that characterize the specific stage of the life cycle.

The German advertising industry – from 1950 to 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-125
Author(s):  
Damian Hesse ◽  
Katja Lurie
Keyword(s):  
Special Focus ◽  
German Industry ◽  
Sustainable Leadership ◽  
Advertising Agencies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advertising Industry ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the German advertising industry starting from 1950 to 2018 with a special focus on the American influence. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the oral history methodology. The content is based on 27 semi-structured interviews with current and former experts from the German and American advertising industry. An analysis of secondary sources supports the line of argumentation. Findings The paper confirms the outstanding role of the American influence on the German advertising industry, owing to new standards of professionalism, to novel versions of terminology and to the introduction of the theory of marketing. However, incompatible management styles, increasing global competition and financial pressure diminished the impact. Likewise, the American interference did not suppress the development of specific German industry characteristics such as a strong entrepreneurial culture or sustainable leadership. Originality/value This paper provides an overview of the history of German advertising with a focus on advertising agencies in the period from 1950 to today (2018). Further, this paper assesses the special impact of the American influence on the German advertising industry. Further, subjects of investigation are particularities of the German advertising industry, such as special attributes of agency leaders and their relationship with clients, distinct versions of ownership structures, agency service offerings and, finally, the role of creativity.

The impact of entrepreneurship education on innovative start-up intention: the mediating role of entrepreneurial mind-sets

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami Hanandeh ◽  
Sakher M.A. Alnajdawi ◽  
Ammar Almansour ◽  
Hamzah Elrehail
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
The Body ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Start Up ◽  
The Impact

PurposeEntrepreneurship education at universities aims to create entrepreneurial thinking and spread the culture of entrepreneurial awareness, skills and attitudes to students to stimulate their entrepreneurship intentions as graduates. This study investigates the impact of entrepreneurship education on innovative start-up intention as well as the mediating role of entrepreneurial mind-sets of university students.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling (SEM) was used for analysis with (n = 204) valid questionnaires collected from university students.FindingsThe main findings show that entrepreneurial mind-sets mediate the relationship between entrepreneurship education and innovative start-up intention.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge by its application in a higher educational institution and enriches the literature with new evidence that entrepreneurship education could enhance innovative start-up intention.

Empowering Jordanian women through entrepreneurship

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muntaha Banihani
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Social Perceptions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Physical Mobility ◽  
The Impact

Purpose A strong correlation has been found across several countries between women’s positions in society and economic development, suggesting that there is a relationship between women’s empowerment and countries’ economic development. Despite the impact women have in terms of economic activity and job creation, however, the role of women entrepreneurs is often underplayed and undervalued. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the challenges women entrepreneurs face in Jordan to uncover ways to empower them. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 15 women to investigate their perceptions regarding the challenges affecting their businesses. Semi-structured interviews were used to allow participants flexibility in expressing their views and experiences. The results from the interviews were analysed using NVIVO software to identify themes and categories. Findings It was found that women entrepreneurs in Jordan still face many challenges, primarily related to family responsibilities, networking and physical mobility. Research limitations/implications Recommendations for scholars and decision makers are presented to reduce the impact of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Jordan. Originality/value This research contributes to the current entrepreneurial literature as it provides a deeper understanding of the experiences of women entrepreneurs in Jordan. Thus, it heeds the call for more research on women entrepreneurs in developing countries. In shedding light on the experiences of female entrepreneurs in Jordan, this paper provides strong arguments for challenging the traditional social perceptions regarding the roles of women.

Maintaining hope: the intrinsic role of professional support

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh-ann L. Onnis ◽  
Geraldine Dyer
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Professional Support ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improved Stability ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the supportive aspects of a team approach for a remote mental health team that report high stability in senior clinical roles, in a region where voluntary turnover is typically high. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research study examines the reflections of team members on their role and job characteristics through informal semi-structured interviews. Findings The extant themes identified as supportive aspects of the team approach included engagement and both personal and professional support. The intrinsic role of support in remote work environments, and the impact of intrinsic job satisfaction through client-focussed practices further supported low turnover, improved stability and consistency of service provision. Originality/value Continued support for existing experienced health professionals will contribute to workforce stability in remote regions where needs are complex and continuity of care is improved by consistent, reliable services. With health professionals working in remote Australia reporting high levels of job satisfaction; it follows that the next steps involve minimising dissatisfaction through effective workforce support mechanisms. Health professionals already working in remote regions, suggest that this is about engagement and personal and professional support through flexible work systems. While the findings of this study may not be generalisable, the authors suggest that these supportive aspects are transferable to other multi-disciplinary team settings.

scholarly journals The role of social media in communication about food risks

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Henderson ◽  
Annabelle M. Wilson ◽  
Trevor Webb ◽  
Dean McCullum ◽  
Samantha B. Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Consumer Trust ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
News Stories ◽  
Social Media Presence ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of journalists, food regulators and the food industry representatives on the impact of social media on communication about food risk. The authors identify how journalists/media actors use social media in identifying and creating news stories arguing that food regulators need to maintain a social media presence to ensure that accurate information about food safety is disseminated via social media. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through 105 semi-structured interviews. Findings While food regulators and representatives of the food industry identify advantages of social media including two-way communication and speed of transmission of information, they maintain concerns about information provided via social media fearing the potential for loss of control of the information and sensationalism. There is evidence, however, that media actors use social media to identify food stories, to find sources, gauge public opinion and to provide a human interest angle. Practical implications While there are commonalities between the three groups, concerns with social media reflect professional roles. Food regulators need to be aware of how media actors use social media and maintain a social media presence. Further, they need to monitor other sources to maintain consumer trust. Originality/value This paper adds to public debate through comparing the perspectives of the three groups of respondents each that have their own agendas which impact how they interact with and use social media.

scholarly journals Managing attendance at work: the role of line managers in the UK grocery retail sector

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasios Hadjisolomou
Keyword(s):  
Management Policy ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Retail Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bureaucratic Control ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of line managers in managing attendance at work in the lean regime of grocery retailing. The increasing competitiveness within the sector, coupled with the sophisticated control systems in place put pressure on managers to keep labour costs low. Attendance, therefore, becomes a critical factor, particularly as staffing levels become leaner. Taking this into account, it is necessary to understand the parameters of the line managers’ role in managing attendance, especially within the lean food retail market and the antagonistic terrain of the supermarket shop floor. The paper discusses the impact of lean retailing on line managers’ authority and provides a fresh sociological analysis regarding their role in managing attendance, offering insights into managerial practices on the UK supermarket shop floor. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on qualitative research evidence from two case study grocery retail organizations in the UK. It reports on 44 semi-structured interviews and provides a multi-level analysis aiming to understand the different perspectives on the problem examined. Findings – The paper reveals the existence of a centralized absence management policy and highlights the greater involvement of line managers in this procedure. Line managers though were subjected to forces of bureaucratic control, intensification and degradation of their work. Despite having an active role within the attendance management process and high responsibility for the implementation of rules and procedures handed down by head office, they had limited authority over the process. Line managers perceived the latter as routine and a box-ticking exercise and had developed coping tactics to deal with the control from above. Originality/value – This paper provides practical and theoretical considerations over the role of line management in the labour process, investigating their role in managing attendance at work within the lean terrain of food retailing. This research contributes to the ongoing academic discussions related to the devolvement of HR responsibilities to the line, highlighting the great involvement of line managers in the absence policy. It also provides a sociological perspective over line managers’ authority and discretion in managing attendance, revealing that they were subjected to direct and bureaucratic control within their role in attendance management. However, the research reveals that line managers were not passive in the face of direct control from above and had developed tactics to cope with the monotony and the repetition of this process, attempting to somehow escape the top-down control they were subjected to.

Establishing a maker culture beyond the makerspace

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Beavers ◽  
Jennifer Esteron Cady ◽  
Amy Jiang ◽  
Liberty McCoy
Keyword(s):  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Maker Movement ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Liberal Arts University ◽  
Culture Influence ◽  
Maker Culture ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of fostering a maker culture in a liberal arts university. It explores the impact of making on student learning and engagement, as well as the role of the library’s maker program. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a case study that presents the tools and activities used in an academic library’s maker program. Structured interviews were conducted with faculty, staff and students to review the program and maker culture influence on campus. Findings Findings highlight the library’s role in supporting maker culture on a liberal arts campus and address ways making contributes to student engagement and learning. Interviewees also recommend strategies to increase awareness and market the library’s maker program to engage a wider community. Originality/value Though there are many articles written about the maker movement and libraries, this study contributes to the growing body of research on makerspaces in higher education, with particular focus on a library at a liberal arts university.

Tourism and logistics in an age of unprecedented crime

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Implication ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Trends ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Government ◽  
Global Arena ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to examine the positioning of tourism and logistics and the related impact of crime. Design/methodology/approach The study is exploratory in nature and draws extensively on related literature. Data were obtained through primary sources (semi-structured interviews, observation) and additionally draw on the researcher’s own professional experience. Findings The findings suggest that both tourism and logistics need a more rigorous security infrastructure and support to keep pace in the current global arena where the range and scale of crime is unprecedented. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this study is that the focus is specifically on the Caribbean – though the situation in the Caribbean is no different from international trends. Practical implications Jamaican society has been impacted by different forms of crime (drugs, domestic and political) over the past three decades. While tourism has been the major source of foreign exchange for the island, little attention has been given to the impact of crime on tourism. Logistics, like tourism, has been premised as the next agenda for economic growth for the island. Similar to tourism, security has not been emphasized in the promotion of the logistics hub. Therefore, the role of security should be a priority agenda for the country as it works towards establishing a global logistic hub. Social implications The social implication of this study is to sensitize both the government and local people on the importance of the tourism and logistics industry and the role that security will play in their sustainability. The proposed logistics hub and the special economic zones will probably double the employment opportunity provided by tourism. Finally, the paper will help inform government policy both at the national and local levels on attitudes to national and private security. Originality/value Little has been written on the role of security in tourism and logistics in the Caribbean. As a result, this paper is timely and makes a fresh contribution to what is known on the subject matter.

scholarly journals Gender equalities work in health organisations in England

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 579-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Payne ◽  
Laura Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Gender Equality ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – An increasing number of countries have introduced duties for public-sector organisations who, in addition to addressing discrimination, are now also required to promote equality of opportunity between different groups. The purpose of this paper is to explore the limited progress of gender equality policies, through a study of the local implementation of equalities policies. The authors highlight the role of equalities leads in the public sector as local “agents of change”, and explore explanations of the implementation gap between policy and practice. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports on a small-scale qualitative study with equalities leads in the health sector in England. The study comprised semi-structured interviews with equalities leads from nine health organisations which were purposively selected to include a mix of areas and populations. The interviews focused on the leads’ backgrounds and their perceptions of barriers to their work. Findings – The equalities leads had a range of experience prior to their current post, though most had little formal subject-specific training. They highlighted a number of barriers to effective implementation of gender equality strategies, including resource issues, the impact of organisational change, the increased the number of equalities they were expected to address, organisational perceptions that gender was no longer a priority and resistance to what are seen as “tick box” exercises. Originality/value – The value of this paper is that it adds to the understanding of the challenges facing the implementation of gender equalities policies in the health sector, the reasons for these and the role of local policy implementers in the effectiveness of national equalities policies.

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