What managers should never want to hear: silence

2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 1300-1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E. Haskins ◽  
R. Edward Freeman
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Organizational Member ◽  
Critical Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Speak Up ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Key Questions

Purpose – Every organizational member makes a daily decision to speak up or to be silent on a host of issues. Silence can be problematic. The purpose of this paper is to posit that managers should listen for the silence, not mistaking its presence for agreement or for understanding from those they work with and lead. Design/methodology/approach – This paper’s “reflections on practice” (Schon, 1983) spring from 60+ years of discussions with practicing managers involving such questions as: “what makes for a sound, robust, successful decision-making process? How do you empower those you lead? What was missing in the decisions you have observed that went awry?”. Findings – A critical set of seven questions and six statements that managers should want to periodically hear from their employees are presented and discussed. Four root causes of silence are also presented, along with suggestions for their mitigation. Practical implications – The specifics presented are easily, broadly, and beneficially applicable. Originality/value – Readers are cued to: the problematic nature of silence, the key questions and statements they should want to hear from time to time, the likely reasons for the silence they hear, and ideas for remediating those reasons.

An exploration of MDT views on key factors to consider when determining a service users required level of security

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-49
Author(s):  
Zulaikha Khan ◽  
Arun Chidambaram ◽  
Michaela Thomson ◽  
Courtney Hurst
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Consultant Psychiatrist ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify what key factors multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) deem as most important when making the decision to move service users from one level of security (including low, medium and high secure services) to another. The researchers used the findings from this study to further develop a tool; the assessment for level of security tool (ALS), which aims to structure and streamline this decision-making process. Design/methodology/approach Data from 18 interviews (MDT staff) were analysed using the Delphi technique (Dalkey and Helmer, 1963). This revealed a range of factors discussed when considering service users moves. Participants were asked to rate these factors in accordance with the Delphi which resulted in the removal of certain less important factors based on their scores. The researchers then compared these factors of relevance with a checklist of 16 items previously proposed by a consultant psychiatrist within the trust. This comparison allowed the researchers to highlight any similarities and differences present. Findings Findings from staff interviews revealed a range of 20 clinical factors perceived as essential to this process including procedural, relational and physical security aspects. However, variations were evident between the MDT priorities (20 items) and the originally proposed list. This emphasised the need for a tool which facilitates a holistic and streamlined approach. Practical implications The findings from this research have resulted in the development of the ALS tool comprising of 18 key factors. Originality/value It is envisaged the development of the ALS tool will not only facilitate and structure the decision-making process but also ensure a person-centred approach. This is because the ALS allows for a holistic approach based on an array of factors deemed important to that particular service user. Furthermore, the ALS tool contributes towards the paucity of published structured professional judgement tools needed to make such decisions.

Towards a better-informed future

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 31-33
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Scenario Planning ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Strategic Foresight ◽  
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 Organizations need greater strategic foresight to successfully navigate today’s business environment characterized by great unpredictability. Applying relevant capabilities can enhance the use of formal and informal approaches to scenario planning and thus help leaders identify a range of possible futures and enrich the decision-making process as a result. 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.

Sustainable built heritage: maintenance management appraisal approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brit Anak Kayan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Maintenance Phase ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Maintenance Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Built Heritage ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

PurposeSustainability encapsulated economic, environmental and societal parameters. Without exception, these parameters also conforms the efficiency and increasingly importance of sustainable maintenance management for built heritage. However, there is less attention to the appraisal approach for maintenance management of built heritage, twinned with inconsistent and impractical assessment upon their maintenance strategies. With the aim to support sustainability, the purpose of this paper is to give an insight to the question on how the maintenance management appraisal approach practically determines and ultimately substantiates the decision-making process that promotes sustainable built heritage, based on current scenarios and practices in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachMaintenance management appraisal for sampling of built heritage enables assessment of efficiency of maintenance and repair during maintenance phase based on survey (questionnaires) and statistical analysis.FindingsIt recognises the importance of maintenance management appraisal in achieving efficiency and underpinning rationale decision making for maintenance strategies and service quality (SERVQUAL).Practical implicationsIt must be emphasised that maintenance management appraisal is not confined to built heritage, and can be applied to any types and forms of property. The decision made as a result of its utilisation is practically support sustainable repair.Social implicationsThe implementation of this appraisal highlights the efficacy of maintenance strategies and SERVQUAL that may be adopted.Originality/valueThe paper is a rigorous appraisal of maintenance management of built heritage. This appraisal relays the “true” sustainable built heritage, contextualised within maintenance strategies and SERVQUAL that consequently allows rationale in achieving sustainable development.

Integrating spirituality into the practice of leadership

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 10-12
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Organizational Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moral Compass ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
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 This research paper concentrates on how organizational decision-making can be influenced by a leader's personal spirituality. Overall, the respondent executives conveyed that their spirituality is an ingrained part of their identity and a source of direction in their decision-making process. They tend to call on their spirituality especially when making decisions concerning people, yet try not to be overt about their beliefs. Three overall themes emerged, that spirituality heightened the leaders' abilities, that it provided a moral compass or North star for their decision-making, and that spirituality steered leaders into decisions. Most leaders mentioned more than one of these themes. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists 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.

Has Lean improved organizational decision making?

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 536-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale Simons ◽  
Jos Benders ◽  
Jochen Bergs ◽  
Wim Marneffe ◽  
Dominique Vandijck
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Contexts ◽  
Sustainable Improvement ◽  
Care Processes ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Sustainable improvement is likely to be hampered by ambiguous objectives and uncertain cause-effect relations in care processes (the organization’s decision-making context). Lean management can improve implementation results because it decreases ambiguity and uncertainties. But does it succeed? Many quality improvement (QI) initiatives are appropriate improvement strategies in organizational contexts characterized by low ambiguity and uncertainty. However, most care settings do not fit this context. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a Lean-inspired change program changed the organization’s decision-making context, making it more amenable for QI initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – In 2014, 12 professionals from a Dutch radiotherapy institute were interviewed regarding their perceptions of a Lean program in their organization and the perceived ambiguous objectives and uncertain cause-effect relations in their clinical processes. A survey (25 questions), addressing the same concepts, was conducted among the interviewees in 2011 and 2014. The structured interviews were analyzed using a deductive approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using appropriate statistics. Findings – Interviewees experienced improved shared visions and the number of uncertain cause-effect relations decreased. Overall, more positive (99) than negative Lean effects (18) were expressed. The surveys revealed enhanced process predictability and standardization, and improved shared visions. Practical implications – Lean implementation has shown to lead to greater transparency and increased shared visions. Originality/value – Lean management decreased ambiguous objectives and reduced uncertainties in clinical process cause-effect relations. Therefore, decision making benefitted from Lean increasing QI’s sustainability.

Are the saving decision patterns of bank customers also clouded by psychological biases? Evidence from Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Emmanuel Tetteh ◽  
Christopher Boachie
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Loss Aversion ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Weighted Least Squares ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Individual Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Saving Decisions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper attempts to investigate the influence of psychological biases on saving decision-making of bank customers in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachIt employs weighted least squares regression to test the effect of psychological biases on savings decisions of bank customers.FindingsThe findings show that all the nine psychological biases, namely mental accounting, availability, loss aversion, representativeness, anchoring, overconfidence, status quo, framing effect and disposition effect employed for the study have a significant influence on saving decision of bank customers. The results depict that psychological biases are entrenched in the saving pattern of bank customers in Ghana.Practical implicationsFor policy purposes, the study recommends that bank customers need to enhance their knowledge of psychological biases in order to improve their gains from savings, and not to fall prey to these prejudices. The satisfied customer is a dependable source of bank viability and survival.Originality/valueTo the best of the knowledge of the author, this study provides the first empirical evidence of the influence of psychological biases on saving decisions of bank customers in Ghana. The findings of this study will enhance knowledge on the influence of psychological biases on individual decision-making and will accentuate the fact that the individual is not an entirely rational being.

Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative framework for supporting assistive technology decision-making in Singapore schools: perspectives of in-service educators

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Ee Wong ◽  
YingMin Lee
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Written Feedback ◽  
Technology Initiative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trial Experience ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study explored in-service educators' experience of using the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) for assistive technology (AT) decision-making within Singapore schools.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative design. Eight educators across both mainstream and special education schools were introduced to the WATI framework which they subsequently employed as a trial experience for a student under their care. Written feedback gathered from participants was analysed to identify common issues and themes regarding the use of the WATI framework for AT decision-making.FindingsThe comprehensive consideration of a broad scope of different factors, provision of a structured process for AT decision-making, as well as a common language for use by different stakeholders emerged as key benefits of implementing the WATI. Challenges encountered include administrative struggles in gathering different stakeholders together, time and resource constraints and difficulties in loaning AT devices for trial use.Practical implicationsBased on educators' feedback, recommendations to facilitate the adoption of the WATI for AT decision-making within Singapore schools are discussed and considered. This study also highlights the need for greater AT instruction within both preservice and in-service teacher preparation programmes in Singapore.Originality/valueSchools in Singapore currently rarely adopt any frameworks in place to guide educators through a systematic process of AT consideration. It is anticipated that this study will spearhead and drive the adoption of systematic frameworks such as the WATI for better AT decision-making within Singapore schools.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-03-2021-0015

Evaluation of barriers in the adoption of halal certification: a fuzzy DEMATEL approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahbaz Khan ◽  
Mohd Imran Khan ◽  
Abid Haleem
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Specific Region ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Certification System ◽  
Expert’S Opinion

PurposeHigher level of customer satisfaction for halal products can be achieved by the effective adoption of halal certification through assessment and accreditation (HCAA). There are certain issues that seem detrimental towards the adoption of HCAA. The purpose of this paper is to identify the major barriers towards the adoption of HCAA and evaluate inter-relationships among them for developing the strategies to mitigate these barriers.Design/methodology/approachThe barriers towards the adoption of HCAA are identified through an integrative approach of literature review and expert’s opinion. The inter-relationship among the identified barriers is evaluated using fuzzy-based decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) technique, which categorises them into influential and influenced group.FindingsThe evaluation of inter-relationship among barriers using fuzzy DEMATEL indicates four influencing barriers and six influenced barriers towards the adoption of HCAA. Further, findings suggest an extensive government, and management support is vital in terms of commitment, resources and actions to realise the benefits attributed with HCAA.Research limitations/implicationsThe inter-relationship among barriers is contextual and based on the perception of experts which may be biased as per their background and area of expertise. This study pertains to a specific region and can be extended to the generalised certification system.Originality/valueThe empirical base of the research provides the inter-relationship among the barriers towards the adoption of HCAA which can be effectively used as input in the decision-making process by producers, manufacturers and distributor. The policy maker can analyse the cause group and effect group of barriers to formulate policies that would help in the adoption of HCAA.

Increasing the flow of Guinness: the role of strategic investment decision-making in organizations

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-21
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Investment Decision ◽  
Strategic Investment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Direction ◽  
Investment Decision Making ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
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 decision by Guinness in 1965 to expand into Ghana was based on a robust and experienced strategic investment decision-making process (SIDM). It required the knowledge of past failures and successes to implement those lessons onto a new project. As such, the SIDM process can be seen to be one of the most important in terms of an organizations ability to expand and take advantage of situations. What Alkaraan (2016) demonstrates is the factors that govern the SIDM process, why they are important and how they function within an organization. In doing so, organizations that are struggling to succeed may be able to highlight areas that have previously been ignored, to implement a new strategic direction. 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.

An experimental investigation of dimensional precision in uncertainty disclosures related to revenue recognition

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Du ◽  
Ray Whittington
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Revenue Recognition ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dimensional Precision ◽  
Outcome Information ◽  
Disclosure Strategy ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Range Estimate

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how managerial disclosure of imprecise information about revenue recognition affects investors’ perceptions of corporate and management performance. Specifically, the authors focus on how outcome and probability dimensions and their respective (im) precision interact with each other and jointly affect investors’ judgments and decision-making. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an experiment where the dimensions are manipulated (outcome vs probability) of disclosed revenue recognition information and its related precision (a point vs a range estimate). Findings Results from this study suggest that participants are sensitive to specific dimensions of uncertainty disclosure: participants were highly aware of the (im)precision in outcome information, were more likely to invest when both dimensions were vague and expected higher revenue when dimensional precision was consistent. Practical implications The results imply that dimensional precision is an important component in uncertainty disclosure and may have a significant impact on investors’ judgments and decision making. Regulators and managers should consider dimensional imprecision when they develop and implement disclosure strategy regarding revenue recognition. Social implications The results have practical value for regulators/managers, who are in the process of developing/implementing disclosure strategy regarding revenue recognition. Originality/value This is the first study to examine the interaction of dimensions of uncertainty in revenue disclosures.

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