scholarly journals “Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur” positioning analysis of written narratives

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anu Järvensivu ◽  
Monika E. von Bonsdorff
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Master Narrative ◽  
Story Telling ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Written Narratives ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Positioning Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe negative stereotypes concerning late-career workers are found to prevail and lead to negative circulation of narratives and actions between individuals and societies. Using the context of late-career entrepreneurs, the paper aims to find an alternative and a more positive narrative concerning late-career work by focusing on entrepreneurs and the narrative positioning related to them.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a narrative-positioning analysis, cycling through three levels of analysis and then returning to level two, in order to study our sample of seven narratives written by Finnish late-career entrepreneurs. The authors present in detail one story-telling narrative, by Matthew, and then layer the remaining six narratives to present themes, positioning and actions surrounding being a late-career entrepreneur.FindingsA more positive narrative circulation was found, which related to the master narrative of entrepreneurs as continuing “until the end” and taking care of themselves, their enterprises and different stakeholder groups even after exiting the enterprise into so-called “retirement.” The entrepreneurs were found to actively use this positive narrative to position themselves both in the story-telling world and in their local interactions. By positioning themselves as “never ending caretakers,” the entrepreneurs gave a strong account that their reasons to continue working centered on the factors social.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings and analysis should be interpreted in the context of the Nordic countries and especially Finland.Practical implicationsThe results of this study can inform the ways in which these “never ending caretakers” can transition into retirement and adjust to life spent in retirement.Originality/valueIn the study, entrepreneurs' written answers were analyzed with narrative-positioning analyses. An alternative story of people at work was found, and a more positive narrative circulation was constructed based on their narratives.

Constructing a professional identity as an in-home carer

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Jane Blundell
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Care Work ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Counter Narratives ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Small Stories ◽  
Positioning Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways in which foreign live-in carers are able to construct agentive identities which counteract negative discourses regarding care work, sex and nationality. Design/methodology/approach Interviews with women working as carers in Bologna form the basis of this research which focuses on “small stories”. Using positioning analysis, both the immediate context where the narrative takes place and the wider societal discourses being referenced are examined. Subsequently, common recurrent discourses related to being a foreign carer in Italy are identified. Findings The interviewees make strategic use of prevailing negative discourses to construct counter narratives to avoid being positioned as low-skilled workers and to permit them to reject negative stereotypes of what it means to be a carer. In addition, more positive identities are constructed. Practical implications These findings suggest that a sociolinguistic approach can help towards a better understanding of the lived-experiences of foreign care workers, as it can reveal aspects of carers’ lives which do not easily fit into the categories which are often the focus of larger-scale, thematic studies. Originality/value This paper combines an analysis of content together with an analysis of the construction of narrative to present a more complete picture of the reality of working as a carer today.

Employee's lying behavior and the role of self-awareness

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk Chang ◽  
Sylvain Max ◽  
Jérémy Celse
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Laboratory Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Employee’s lying behavior has become ubiquitous at work, and managers are keen to know what can be done to curb such behavior. Managers often apply anti-lying strategies in their management and, in particular, the role of self-awareness on lying intervention has drawn academic attention recently. Drawing on multi-disciplinary literature, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of self-awareness in reducing lying behavior. Design/methodology/approach Following the perspectives of positivism and deductive reasoning, a quasi-experimental research approach was adopted. Employees from Dijon, France were recruited as research participants. Based on the literature, different conditions (scenario manipulation) were designed and implemented in the laboratory, in which participants were exposed to pre-set lying opportunities and their responses were analyzed accordingly. Findings Unlike prior studies which praised the merits of self-awareness, the authors found that self-awareness did not decrease lying behavior, not encouraging the confession of lying either. Employees actually lied more when they believed other employees were lying. Practical implications This study suggests managers not to rely on employee’s self-awareness; rather, the concept of self-awareness should be incorporated into the work ethics, and managers should schedule regular workshops to keep employees informed of the importance of ethics. When employees are regularly reminded of the ethics and appreciate its importance, their intention of lying is more likely to decrease. Originality/value To the best of the atuhors’ knowledge, the current research is the first in its kind to investigate lying intervention of employees in the laboratory setting. Research findings have brought new insights into the lying intervention literature, which has important implication on the implementation of anti-lying strategies.

scholarly journals Organizational cognitive neuroscience – potential (non-) implications for practice

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J.R. Butler
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Think Tank ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Translational Activity ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Leadership And Organization ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential implications and non-implications for leadership and organization development of a recent systematic review of empirical developments in organizational cognitive neuroscience (OCN). Design/methodology/approach Butler et al.’s (2016) systematic review of 40 empirical articles related to OCN is re-interpreted in terms of its potential to reveal (non-) implications for practice. OCN is critically discussed, then related to the research findings from studies with two methodological designs. Findings At this stage of OCN’s emergence, it appears that neuroimaging and physiology-based research methods have equal potential in their implications for practice, though hormonal data poses ethical public interest dilemmas. Both methods cannot be reduced to specific forms of application to practice, but they set an aspirational direction for the future development of leadership and organizations. Practical implications There appear to be two paces of translational activity – practitioners are moving more quickly than academics in applying OCN to practice. It is suggested that a meeting of minds may be needed to ensure that any risks associated with applying OCN to practice are minimized or eliminated. Social implications Inter-disciplinary research, like OCN, requires a social consensus about how basic research in cognitive neuroscience can be applied to organizations. A think tank will provide opportunities for deeper engagement and co-production between academics and practitioners. Originality/value Critically exploring the potential implications of OCN for practice, by basing the discussion on a systematic review of empirical developments.

scholarly journals Renegotiating power in adult safeguarding: the role of advocacy

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah P. Lonbay ◽  
Toby Brandon
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North East ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The increased involvement of adults at risk in the safeguarding process has become a prominent issue within English safeguarding policy. However, there is evidence to suggest that actual levels of involvement are still low. The purpose of this paper is to present findings from a PhD study in relation to the benefits of advocacy in supporting this involvement in adult safeguarding for older people. Design/methodology/approach Participants in the study included advocates and social workers who had experience of working with older people through the safeguarding process within two North East England local authorities. A critical realist approach through in-depth interviews was taken with all the participants. Findings The research findings in relation to the benefits of advocacy in supporting older people going through safeguarding processes are reported. The practical limitations and factors which help and hinder advocacy support within the process are also considered. The theoretical implications for power, empowerment, and advocacy are also explored. Research limitations/implications A key limitation of this research is that it did not include older people who had been through safeguarding amongst the participants. Practical implications Key implications for practice and policy are discussed. Originality/value The paper provides an overview and critique of empowerment in adult safeguarding and the role that advocates play in promoting this key principle.

How tall is your claim? Strategically acing patent scope

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Mayuree Sengupta
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Academic Discourse ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Patent Grant ◽  
Patent Scope ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The article examines strategically directing the breadth of scope of a patent and hazards of litigation vis-à-vis the length of claims for innovating firms. Design/methodology/approach This paper enumerates latest literature on assessing patent scope and hence protection afforded to firm innovations. Based on prior research findings, this paper proposes to maintain a balanced and nuanced approach to claim drafting to assure grant of patent while minimizing litigation threats. Findings To strategically manage patent grant and minimize litigation threat, firms would better take a leaf out of academic discourse and streamline claim drafting – not too wide to earn an examiner’s ire and not too narrow to let an infringer bypass by. Unlike smaller firms or universities, big firms are less likely to renew a patent with less scope. Research limitations/implications The study sample in contemporary literature is exclusive to patents from US Patent and Trademark Office. Whether the same result will be replicated for diverse countries is uncertain. Practical implications The understanding that patent scope not only influences grant chances but also is an indicator of future litigation threat can help patent practitioners and innovating firms in strategically directing the patent. Originality/value The paper draws from the findings of three well-articulated recent research papers. The paper’s originality and value is in providing practical insights on how to perfect patent scope in a real world based on academic discourse.

Integration of stakeholder interests in housing companies’ strategic management

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Heitel ◽  
Annette Kämpf-Dern ◽  
Andreas Pfnür
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Management Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Stakeholder Interests ◽  
Sustainable Value ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – In addition to financial returns, German housing companies are expected to achieve social and ecological outcomes. This achievement is challenging for management, as expectations from different stakeholders are only partly apparent and often conflicting. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a process model that supports the management of housing companies to systematically explore, evaluate, and integrate stakeholders’ interests into the company’s strategic targets. Findings – The integrated process model improves sustainable value creation, as stakeholders’ interests are transparent and can thus be better satisfied. Research limitations/implications – Due to the action research design, further research cycles and empirical testing with other companies are needed before findings can be generalised. Practical implications – The process enables housing companies to focus on value-generating activities, to react timely to changing needs, and to improve their relationships with stakeholders. Management benefits from increased clarity and legitimacy for strategic decisions as stakeholder demands are made transparent and integrated into the strategic targets. Originality/value – Compared to common participation approaches, all stakeholder groups are consulted, and their expectations are documented transparently within the suggested process model. This results in a better foundation for sustainable management planning and decisions.

Joining up care around the individual – lessons from Vancouver

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-38
Author(s):  
John P. Sloan
Keyword(s):  
Frail Elderly ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frail Elderly People ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Individual ◽  
And Function ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe lessons learned from a homecare practice for frail elderly people. Design/methodology/approach – It is strictly a description of a point of view in respect of care of frailty designed to avoid institution. Findings – Generally, frail elderly patients choose care focused on comfort and function as opposed to the traditional systematic healthcare goals of rescue and prevention. This choice should be respected. Research limitations/implications – There are no formal research findings. Practical implications – Cost-saving as well as improvement in care is possible through team-based relationship-oriented homecare of the frail elderly where that care emphasizes comfort and function. Originality/value – This paper is authored by Dr John Sloan and is entirely original.

“Doing good” while serving customers

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip T. Roundy
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Social entrepreneurship represents an unconventional, but increasingly prevalent, activity in developed and emerging economies. Social entrepreneurs devise novel business models that blend business and social missions with the aim of (co-)producing value with two primary stakeholder groups, beneficiaries and customers. Although interactions between social entrepreneurs and their beneficiaries are well-studied, the relationship between social ventures and consumers has received almost no extended attention. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative, partially-inductive approach based on interviews with 40 social entrepreneurs, a study of how social entrepreneurs market their ventures to consumers was conducted. Findings Findings reveal the ways in which marketing is relevant for social entrepreneurs, the unique challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face in their interactions with customers, and the tactics entrepreneurs use to understand and educate their consumers. Originality/value The study’s findings contribute to work on social entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurship and marketing interface and have practical implications for social entrepreneurs.

The user as relational entity

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sampsa Hyysalo ◽  
Mikael Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Human Centered Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relational Term ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Integrate Research

Purpose – “User” is the lingua franca term used across IT design, often critiqued for giving a reductionist portrayal of the human relationship with technologies. The purpose of this paper is to argue that equating “user” with flesh and blood “people out there” is naïve. Not only that, it closes important options in conducting human-centered design. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conceptually elaborate a relational understanding of the user and integrate research findings on user representations found at the intersection of human-centered design and social studies of technology. Findings – The user is best understood as a relational term that bridges between people out there and renditions of them relevant for design. A distinction between “user representations” and “engaged use” is a key distinction to clarify this further. Research to date demonstrates that R & D organizations have a wide range of user representations and positioning human-centered design to these would advance its likely yield. Research limitations/implications – The strategic positioning of user studies and other human-centered design within R & D organizations is a growing research area that merits further research. Practical implications – Descriptions of users would benefit from being more strategic in order to become viable amidst other design concerns. This can be aided by, for instance, visualizing the “users” that different fractions in the company rely on and compare these to the users indicated by human-centered design. Originality/value – The paper makes an original reconceptualization of the user and integrates literature on user representations to open new options for conducting human-centered design.

Homeownership in urban China: an empirical study of borrower characteristics and the Housing Provident Fund program in Kunming

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-339
Author(s):  
Weizhuo Wang ◽  
Christopher Gan ◽  
Zhiyou Chang ◽  
David A. Cohen ◽  
Zhaohua Li
Keyword(s):  
Logit Model ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Provident Fund ◽  
Housing Provident Fund

Purpose This paper aims to develop and estimate a logit model of whether homeownership could be promoted by participation in and use of the Housing Provident Fund (HPF) program, with a focus on factors that influence the use of HPF loans. Design/methodology/approach This paper develops and estimates a logit model of whether homeownership could be promoted by participation in and use of the HPF program, with a focus on factors that influence the use of HPF loans. Findings The results show that coefficients of marital status, educational level, age, duration of employment and employer are significantly related to the use of HPF loan for homeownership. Research limitations/implications Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Practical implications The research findings provide a better understanding of homeowners’ characteristics. Originality/value To manage the HPF program effectively, it is important for government to have a better understanding of the underlying demand for homeownership, especially with respect to the different demographic variables and accessibility to HPF loans and the HPF.

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