You’re talking but is anyone listening? Connecting and communicating with employees in a hyper-connected world

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 211-215
Author(s):  
Lisa Sterling
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Communications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this case study is to outline the internal communication strategies, tools, techniques and messages that can help organizations to foster transparent, deliberate communication with employees. Design/methodology/approach The author synthesizes three years of learnings and internal research, including regular focus groups and surveys with employees at all levels, to identify the specific steps organizations can take to achieve open and regular communication – and engage employees across the organization. Findings The case study explains key areas to connect and communicate with employees. Practical implications The author believes that the lessons and tactics described in this case study can be applied in all organizations. Originality/value The case study provides a unique set of lessons and best practices the author has uncovered firsthand which organizations can use to shape their own internal communications strategies and boost employee engagement.

scholarly journals Experience-based co-design to improve a pulmonary rehabilitation programme

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 778-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Williams ◽  
Alice M. Turner ◽  
Helen Beadle
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Rehabilitation Programme ◽  
Patient Perspectives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate patient perspectives on attending pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). This qualitative case study identifies the benefits and challenges to attending PR and presents areas of improvements as recommended by patients. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study of a UK case study based on a PR programme based on undertaking focus groups (n=3) and interviews (n=15) with current and former patients. Findings The findings report patient perspectives of the challenges and benefits of attending a PR programme along with recommendations on how the service could be improved. Research limitations/implications The authors focussed solely on a UK PR programme, so the findings might not be applicable to other countries if PR is organised and provided in a unique way or setting. Practical implications This paper provides valuable insights to patient perspectives offrom patients attending PR programmes, which are useful to those running and designing these services. Originality/value The findings identify the benefits and challenges for patients attending PR programmes and suggest areas where improvements can be made.

Skills utilisation in Scotland: exploring the views of managers and employees

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsteen Grant ◽  
Gillian Maxwell ◽  
Susan Ogden
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Opportunities For Promotion ◽  
Employee Focus ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically manager and employee views on employees’ skills utilisation in organisations in Scotland. Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires to managers and employees, plus three case studies comprising manager interviews and employee focus groups. Findings – Highly significant differences are found between manager and employee views on: the match of employee skills to their current jobs; the extent of utilisation of employees’ skills; and opportunities for promotion. The main difference in views is on the match of employee skills to their current jobs, with employees opining more than managers that employees’ skills exceed the requirements of their job. Also, for managers and employees alike, the meaning of skills utilisation is obscure despite the language of skills being widely used in organisations. Research limitations/implications – The scale of the empirical research is possibly limited. There is potential for manager and employee bias. A case study of a private sector organisation is not included. Practical implications – It is apparent that there is potential to increase employees’ skills utilisation in organisations in Scotland. Managers are challenged with better utilising the skills within their workforces by using these skills to drive improvements in work processes and practices. Originality/value – Previous commentary and research on skills utilisation mainly centres on policy and employer standpoints. This paper focuses on manager and employee viewpoints on employees’ skills utilisation.

scholarly journals Enhancing Black Belts via academic mastery

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 909-923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara M Savage ◽  
Sampath Kumar Sreevathsan
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Business School ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Participant Observer ◽  
Strategic Quality Management ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – In May 2010, a new collaborative initiative was launched between the Portsmouth Business School and Hewlett Packard, wherein trained Black Belts (BB) were enabled to pursue an MSc in strategic quality management. Five years on from its commencement, the purpose of this paper is to explore the development and impact of this initiative. Design/methodology/approach – Inductive, exploratory, multi-viewpoint participant-observer case study that triangulates the academic, student and employer reactions to the programme. Findings – The paper evaluates how the academic dimension provided by the MSc has impacted on candidates’ work as BB. Practical implications – Employee engagement and enthusiasm has been increased, as has the depth and breadth of the knowledge base among the participating BB, who are then applying these new skills in their improvement projects to make them more sustainable as well as financially valuable. They have been able to transfer knowledge to team members. Originality/value – This approach provides a model for accelerated development of groups of quality professionals within larger organisations. There is evidence that the community spirit that grows within and across cohorts has a multiplying effect that enhances the impact for the sponsoring organisation beyond the simple sum of the performance and skills improvement on a student by student basis.

The texture of tension: complexity, uncertainty and equivocality

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 458-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thommie Burström ◽  
Timothy L. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Driving Factors ◽  
Management Theory ◽  
Successful Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tension Management ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The premise of this paper is that tension exists among participants and parties engaged in projects. The uniqueness of development virtually assures this. The purpose of this paper is to propose that tension is a product of the precursors of complexity, uncertainty and equivocality, and an attempt is made to characterize tension as it arises in projects – its genesis and its nature. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth case study was conducted in a manner in which the contextually sensitive empirical researches for which Nordic studies are known. Within discussions on the strategy, decision making, intra- and inter-project interdependencies and managing across development sites associated with a flagship project, 77 statements concerning tension were identified for analysis. Through a literature review, 12 tension-driving factors were identified. These factors were used as base for analysis. Findings These statements were analyzed for content to produce a model associating tension with its precursors and the literature on tension. It is found that due to innovation turbulence, tension-driving factors are cascaded in and around organization(s). Tension is manifested in various ways for different stakeholders and tension management is performed through cognitive and emotional responses. The texture of tension is characterized by fluidity, multiplicity and parallelism. Research limitations/implications Case studies can of course not be generalized; they are valuable, however, in indicating important observations for further studies. Practical implications A contribution is made to management theory where knowledge about project context is seen as essential in order to understand best practices for project execution and effectiveness. Originality/value Although common, even virtually assured in projects, tension tends to be neglected in successful management. This study associates the genesis of tension through the underlying contributions of complexity, uncertainty and equivocality. It is believed to be the first study of its type.

SoftServe’s workplace launch for global collaboration

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 207-210
Author(s):  
Stuart Logan
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Global Company ◽  
Internal Communications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share how SoftServe launched a new internal communications platform Workplace by Facebook. Design/methodology/approach For a global company like SoftServe, operating in over 30 locations in Europe and the USA, it was crucially important to have an internal communications platform, which can effectively connect over 4,000 employees and be available on-the-go from any device. Findings The introduction of corporate social network helped to make internal communication two-sided, more informal and easy. This paper indicates the results of a new tool launch in terms of associates’ engagement and change in a mode of communication. Originality/value The case-study reveals step-by-step story on the introduction of a new communication tool to employees.

Using employee surveys to attract and retain the best talent

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-62
Author(s):  
Kate Pritchard
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advanced Analysis ◽  
Employer Brand ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This feature seeks to demonstrate the importance of organizations understanding how they are perceived externally as an employer, and how regularly tracking the opinions of staff can ensure the best talent are engaged and stay with an organization. Design/methodology/approach – ORC International is an expert in employee engagement research. This article incorporates findings from its global HR survey “HR Reflections”, and includes two case studies that demonstrate how regular tracking and deep analysis of staff opinions can help organizations to boost their employer brand and retain their best talent. Findings – Advanced analysis of employee surveys can predict how employees are feeling to help organizations retain their most valuable staff. Practical implications – This is a practical paper designed to give ideas and good practice to readers facing similar situations. Originality/value – The paper combines findings from a global survey with case study content to help employers to understand how to improve engagement and retention of staff through effective use of regular employee surveys.

Full engagement: the integration of employee engagement and psychological well‐being

2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan T. Robertson ◽  
Cary L. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Direct Relevance ◽  
Single Construct ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeBy introducing the concept of “full engagement,” this article aims to propose that employee engagement is more likely to be sustainable when employee well‐being is also high.Design/methodology/approachResearch evidence covering the separate concepts is reviewed and evidence of the benefits that both engagement and well‐being confer on organizations is presented.FindingsMost current perspectives on employee engagement include little of direct relevance to well‐being and reflect a narrow, commitment‐based view of engagement. This view focuses too heavily on benefits to organizations. A broader conception of engagement (referred to as “full engagement”), which includes employee well‐being, is a better basis for building sustainable benefits for individuals and organizations.Research limitations/implicationsResearch exploring the links between employee engagement and well‐being is needed to validate and develop the propositions put forward in this article.Practical implicationsA model for improving full engagement in organizations is presented and brief; case study illustrations are also given.Originality/valueThe integration of well‐being and commitment‐based engagement into the single construct of full engagement provides a novel perspective.

Size does matter – span of control in hospitals

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Holm-Petersen ◽  
Sussanne Østergaard ◽  
Per Bo Noergaard Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Leadership Capacity ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Span Of Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frontline Leaders ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Centralization, mergers and cost reductions have generally led to increasing levels of span of control (SOC), and thus potentially to lower leadership capacity. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a large SOC impacts hospital staff and their leaders. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a qualitative explorative case study of three large inpatient wards. Findings The study finds that the nursing staff and their frontline leaders experience challenges in regard to visibility and role of the leader, e.g., in creating overview, coordination, setting-up clear goals, following up and being in touch. However, large wards also provide flexibility and development possibilities. Practical implications The authors discuss the implications of these findings for decision makers in deciding future SOC and for future SOC research. Originality/value Only few studies have qualitatively explored the consequences of large SOC in hospitals.

How “The Three Rules” guide strategy and investment decisions at Deloitte Consulting LLP

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Moffatt
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Investment Decisions ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Case ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Thought Leadership

Purpose – This case example looks at how Deloitte Consulting applies the Three Rules synthesized by Michael Raynor and Mumtaz Ahmed based on their large-scale research project that identified patterns in the way exceptional companies think. Design/methodology/approach – The Three Rules concept is a key piece of Deloitte Consulting’s thought leadership program. So how are the three rules helping the organization perform? Now that research has shown how exceptional companies think, CEO Jim Moffatt could address the question, “Does Deloitte think like an exceptional company?” Findings – Deloitte has had success with an approach that promotes a bias towards non-price value over price and revenue over costs. Practical implications – It’s critical that all decision makers in an organization understand how decisions that are consistent with the three rules have contributed to past success as well as how they can apply the rules to difficult challenges they face today. Originality/value – This is the first case study written from a CEO’s perspective that looks at how the Three Rules approach of Michael Raynor and Mumtaz Ahmed can foster a firm’s growth and exceptional performance.

Understanding a shifting methodology

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 3423-3441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Whalen
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Tourism Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeWhile netnography was established to study virtual communities from the traditional ethnography methodology, over time it has evolved and moved away from standard ethnographic practices. The modifications are especially prevalent in hospitality and tourism research because of the nature of experiential and service-based goods. This gap has created exciting new opportunities for researchers. As netnography has matured into its own methodology, it has provided the opportunity for researchers to use netnography techniques or more traditional techniques by following ethnography methodologies. This paper aims to analyze the differences between these two methodologies within hospitality and tourism literature enabling researchers to choose the methodology that is most suited for their project.Design/methodology/approachThis study reviews netnographic research in hospitality and tourism and compares current uses of netnography against traditional ethnographic methodologies.FindingsThere are four major differentiating points between netnography and ethnography: online community definitions, data collection methodologies, ethics in research and data analysis techniques.Practical implicationsIn comparing ethnography and netnography in hospitality and tourism research, this analysis provides a foundation to evaluate the best use and best practices for these two distinct qualitative methodologies in the field. The study also provides references to how other hospitality and tourism researchers have used netnography.Originality/valueEthnographic principles grounded in the foundation of anthropological doctrines are important and distinct from netnography. The ability to use the diverse tools in the qualitative methods toolbox will help hospitality and tourism researchers understand the transforming marketplace.

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