The art of flexibility: bridging five generations in the workforce

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 107-110
Author(s):  
Julie Smith ◽  
Susan Garriety
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Employee Relations ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Being successful in a rapidly changing world of work depends upon having very clear insights into the nature of the workforce from top leadership to lowest employee levels. Understanding generational similarities and differences provides a good starting point, as it provides the basis for examining the diversity of generational perspectives and needs and insight and instruction to open the thinking about the diverse population of employees. The purpose of this paper is to explore ways to bridge the five generations that work in today’s workforce. Design/methodology/approach Human resources has an especially important role to play in employee policy development and implementation, employee relations, performance evaluation, career progression and a wide range of other equally important and complex situations. Findings While it is important to understand these broad generations, it is critical to engage with the individuals within your organization to better understand their perspectives, what matters most to them and where they see the greatest challenges and opportunities to bridge across generations. This paper explores approaches to take in bridging these generations. Originality/value This paper will offer readers valuable insight into managing a multi-generational workforce.

Lasers sensors very accurately measure both speed and length in real time

Sensor Review ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bloss
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Laser Measurement ◽  
Quality Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Laser Sensors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Length Measurements ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – Review of the advancements in non-contact laser sensors for much more accurate real time speed as well as length measurements. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth review of a number of applications of laser sensors. Findings – A wide range of manufacturers in the converting industries have solved measurement problems and realized major improvements in product quality, cost of production and productivity by applying laser measurement as well as reduction in scrap. Practical implications – Others with the need to make very accurate measurements of speed and length in real time may find that laser sensors may provide the answer. Originality/value – An expert insight into how to solve real time speed and length measurement problems.

High-tech workplace tools are key to winning the war for talent

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-180
Author(s):  
Jacob McNulty
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Economic Expansion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Productive Work ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
War For Talent

Purpose With HR now at the center of efforts to address the talent crisis, how can HR strategists best deploy their resources to help their organizations to rise to the challenge? Design/methodology/approach Data-driven digital solutions can be a good starting point for discovering what’s working with existing employees. A new breed of high-tech tools are giving HR departments the means to more thoroughly and actionably understand the factors that attract, retain and drive away quality employees. Findings Based on data from these tools, HR teams can design inviting, engaging and productive work environments. Originality/value The struggle to attract and retain quality talent in the workplace is real, it is escalating and it has landed right at the doorstep of HR departments. It is perhaps the most pressing priority they – and their entire organizations – must confront to keep pace in the ongoing US economic expansion.

Australian overseas trained psychiatrists’ perspective of up-skilling programme

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pam McGrath ◽  
Saras Henderson ◽  
Sidney Cabral ◽  
David Crompton
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Zealand College ◽  
Examination Process ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report research findings on the perspectives of overseas trained psychiatrists (OTPs) on the “The Overseas Trained Specialist Up-Skilling Programme” (OTSUP), initiated in Queensland, Australia to assist OTP's to prepare for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrist (RANZCP) Fellowship examination. Ascertaining and utilisation of OTP's views about the programme will enable improvements to be made to the programme and better implementation. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory qualitative design was utilised for the study in order to provide insights on the quality and effectiveness of the OTSUP. Findings – Centred around two main themes. The first theme included participant's knowledge about the up-skilling programme with its subthemes of “finding out about the programme”; “perceived aims of the programme”; and “educational events supporting the programme”. The second theme revolved around participants’ perceived benefits of the up-skilling programme with its four subthemes such as, first, individualised support, second, the opportunity to improve practical and communication skills through OTSUP educational events, third, access to peer support and fourth, provision of specific information on the RANZCP examination process. Research limitations/implications – Limitations as this was a qualitative study, the findings can only be applicable to a similar context. Nevertheless, the findings do provide support for an educational initiative that assisted the OTS to better prepare for the RANZCP examination. To gain further insight into challenges faced by OTS with successfully passing the examination in less frequent attempts, programmes such as the OTSUP need to be improved and sustained. Originality/value – The findings provide valuable insight into how OTPs view the up-skilling programme. Moreover, the findings pave the way forward in how the programme can be improved in the future to assist OTPs prepare for the RANZCP examination.

Revitalisation of the Old Township of Ipoh, Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Wee Lim Hew ◽  
David Yoon Kin Tong ◽  
Gerald Guan Gan Goh
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Urban Regeneration ◽  
Historical Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This paper aims to propose a direction for rejuvenating the declining Ipoh Old Town through a conservation-based approach. Design/methodology/approach – Recommendations for revitalisation are based on comparison between the local government's development proposals and historical study of revitalisation initiatives undertaken in neighbouring countries. Findings – The review has found that the revitalisation of Ipoh should be more towards servicing the needs of its residents than to gain from tourism development. Practical implications – Findings of the review have blurred the distinction between purist and ameliorist stances of conservation and suggest that the policy development should be a partnership of all stakeholders, vested with powers to implement. Originality/value – This paper provides an insight into urban regeneration for smaller, more local-dependent historic towns.

The organisational adoption of soft law encouraging joint consultative committees in Mauritius

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-314
Author(s):  
Richard Croucher ◽  
Alexander Madsen Sandvik ◽  
Paul Gooderham ◽  
Didier Michel
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Change ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Soft Law ◽  
Employee Relations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Code Of Practice ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Post Code ◽  
Organisational Level ◽  
Shed Light

PurposeJoint consultative committees (JCCs) involving employee representatives exist to stimulate positive employee relations and unlock employee involvement to build organisational performance. They are rare in Africa. Mauritius is a successful, beacon economy for Africa. We therefore investigate which categories of an organisation implemented the 2008 Mauritian government Code of Practice on JCCs, to discover how effective this “soft law” for of institutional change had been three years after its inception, when post-Code JCCs were formed.Design/methodology/approachWe test propositions derived from institutional theory broadly conceived, through analysis of data from 120 organizations in Mauritius responding to a comprehensive HR survey covering a wide range of organisational level policies and practices conducted during the JCC formation period 2011–2012.FindingsBy 2012, nearly 30% of our sample had JCCs. Three quite distinct categories of an organisation created them, as follows: those with substantial union influence, those where strategic HRM was practiced and recently formed organisations. Remarkably, no interaction effects existed between the three categories.Originality/valueSeveral contributions are made to shed light on a previously unstudied institution. First, we empirically establish that over a limited period in response to institutional change in the form of the code of practice, JCCs increased from 10% of organizations to almost 30%. Our second central contribution is to show three principal, quite separate organisational antecedents of JCCs, which do not interact statistically.

scholarly journals Dynamics of banks' lending practices to farmers in India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Navjot Sandhu
Keyword(s):  
Information Asymmetry ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Bank Lending ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Lending Decisions ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate whether small marginal farmers in India have financial constraints and to examine how bank managers make lending decisions.Design/methodology/approachA survey approach was employed, using semi-structured questionnaires with a sample of 42 banks and 185 farmers from the state of Punjab in India. The questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were carried out on a one-to-one basis and in focus groups, and their responses were analysed from the supply (banks) and demand (farmers) side regarding access to finance.FindingsThe results indicate that the Indian farming sector is a complex and multidimensional one that has dependency on both the private and public sectors because of its national importance to varying degrees. Financial lending decisions are dependent upon several non-quantifiable factors (culture, caste, family size, education) and relational bank lending practices. Such practices have an adverse impact on bankable loan applications, and this gives rise to moral hazards. Relational banking and recommendations minimise default rates, but this does not minimise information asymmetry. Subjectivity in decision-making persists, which is compounded by underdeveloped financial markets for small farmers, giving rise to financial exclusion and negatively impacting on economic growth. To overcome information asymmetry, banks rely on the qualitative factors and an excessive level of collateral when making lending decisions. The findings provide valuable insight into how banks make lending decisions and evaluates a complex matrix of relationships between farmers and providers of debt finance in a developing economy such as India.Practical implicationsPolicy makers nationally and internationally could use the results of this research to develop relevant and targeted policies to promote the agricultural sector through adopting efficient provision of finance for farmers. A major contribution of this research is to provide a fundamental evaluation of the issues facing farmers in accessing finance in developing countries.Originality/valueThis study provides an original empirical insight into a sector of the economy that has implications for food security for a country. The study has relevance for a wide range of stakeholders and policy makers of both developed and emerging economies in the world.

scholarly journals Organisational context and behavioural complexity affecting ambidextrous behaviours among SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-244
Author(s):  
Wai Chuen Poon ◽  
Osman Mohamad
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Other ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Business Owner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organisational Context ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Competing Demands ◽  
Insight Into

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of exploitative and explorative behaviours and to give valuable insight into the role of ambidextrous behaviours in developing creativity and innovativeness among owner-managers in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachA review of existing literature was carried out and drawing upon owner-managers, a survey using structured questionnaires was carried out with a total of 183 useful responses received. The proposed model was analysed using SmartPLS v2.3.7.FindingsThe empirical result suggests that behavioural complexity and organisational flexibility encourages exploitative and explorative behaviours, while ambidextrous behaviours encourage creativity and innovativeness. Rigidity, on the other hand, hinders the cultivation of ambidextrous behaviours.Originality/valueThe paper entails useful implication by demonstrating that flexibility enables owner-managers to reconcile competing demands and consequently, cultivate innovative outcomes. In this regard, business owner-managers must learn implicitly how to juggle these contradictory demands, suggesting an internal balancing mechanism independent of the organisational context and individual behavioural complexity. This paper suggests that cultivation of exploitative and explorative behaviours among owner-managers is useful in encouraging ambidextrous behaviours among SMEs.

What are the causes and effects of a company's level of employee engagement?

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Varied Work

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 updating the model of employee engagement formed by Saks in 2006. Based on subsequent studies the original model remains valid, but can be expanded by adding causal factors of engagement such as transformational leadership and a shared positive mood, as well as engagement effects such as health and well-being and task performance. Assigning intrinsically varied work that draws on a number of skills is a good starting point for managers who wish to stimulate employees toward optimal performance. 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.

Unpacking fun food and children’s leisure: mothers’ perspectives on preparing lunchboxes

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicki Harman ◽  
Benedetta Cappellini
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between lunchboxes, fun food and leisure. Looking beyond concerns focusing solely on health and nutrition, this article unpacks how mothers seek to provide lunchtime food that is also a source of leisure and pleasure. Design/methodology/approach – Photo-elicitation interviews and a focus group were conducted with 11 mothers who regularly prepare lunchboxes for their children aged between 9 and 11 years. Findings – Mothers intend the food they provide to act as a leisure experience and a break from the pressures of school. Mothers understand that lunchboxes must fit with children’s other activities taking place in their lunch-hour. Lunchboxes should support children’s future leisure opportunities by providing nutrition and variety to support their growth and development. The discussion of lunchboxes also shows that fun food is not simply understood in opposition to healthy food. Mothers have a wider understanding of the transgressive nature of fun through food, which goes beyond the market offer and understanding of fun. Research limitations/implications – As the study is based on a small sample of relatively affluent families in the UK, caution is needed in generalising the findings to wider groups. However, the study offers qualitative insights and highlights the connections between leisure, fun food and lunchboxes that can be explored in further research. Originality/value – This is the first paper to explore the interconnections between lunchboxes, fun food and leisure. It provides valuable insight into mothers’ views about food prepared at home for consumption at school.

Human development and transcendence: a Vivekananda view

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-224
Author(s):  
Swami Tyagananda
Keyword(s):  
Human Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The World ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Is Development

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the following questions in the light of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy: What will ultimately come out of human development? Is development a goal in itself or only a doorway to a higher goal called transcendence? Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive view of human development can come only through a comprehensive understanding of human nature. Findings – What the dimensions of the human personality are and how they function in the world provide a good starting point to assess the way in which human development can be achieved. Originality/value – Vivekananda’s quest for human development was not for human development per se, but to point to its potential as a spiritual practice that makes human beings realize that they are, in fact, not human being but divine beings.

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