Why well-being in the workplace matters

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beate O’Neil
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Employee Benefits ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ageing Workforce ◽  
The Past

Purpose Over the past few years, there has been a groundswell of interest in corporate employee well-being programmes. The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons why companies should invest in well-being programmes and advise on how to implement one. Design/methodology/approach This study refers to in-depth research carried out by Punter Southall Health and Protection and Reward and Employee Benefits Association (REBA) and also includes a case study. Findings This study finds that poor health has an impact on work productivity, and that with the general population’s health in decline and an increasingly ageing workforce, it is essential for companies to have a defined well-being strategy. Originality/value This study provides HR departments and senior managers with sound examples and advice on how to ensure that their employee well-being programmes are implemented and run successfully.

Three-dimensional sustainability of Kaizen

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Mendez ◽  
Mercedes Vila-Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Know How ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to know, from a three-dimensional perspective (operational, emotional and behavioral), the process of “putting down roots” related with the implementation of Kaizen until it becomes sustainable. The research aims to know how this “putting down roots” process is carried out, what transformations occur, what elements are involved and what role they represent in achieving sustainability. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a methodology based on the case study has been used, an interpretive approach to reality has been adopted as a paradigm and the Grounded Theory has been applied as an analytical technique. Findings The results suggest the existence of a transformation process that leads to creating new habits, beliefs and feelings, a phenomenon that the authors identify as a three-dimensional learning process (operational, emotional and behavioral). Practical implications This type of learning is perceived as a transition toward an organizational culture that ensures the roots of the Kaizen principles, which is essential for its sustainability and which favors the creation of talent and the well-being of employees, two challenges that the Kaizen of the twenty-first century must face. Originality/value The document includes innovative contributions to the Kaizen sustainability phenomenon, as it is dealt with from a three-dimensional perspective that underlies the inhibitors and enablers known in the current literature.

scholarly journals Accounting and accountability in the Anthropocene

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Bebbington ◽  
Henrik Österblom ◽  
Beatrice Crona ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Jouffray ◽  
Carlos Larrinaga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Interactions ◽  
Accounting Practice ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to interrogate the nature and relevance of debates around the existence of, and ramifications arising from, the Anthropocene for accounting scholarship. Design/methodology/approach The paper’s aim is achieved through an in-depth analysis of the Anthropocene, paying attention to cross-disciplinary contributions, interpretations and contestations. Possible points of connection between the Anthropocene and accounting scholarship are then proposed and illuminated through a case study drawn from the seafood sector. Findings This paper develops findings in two areas. First, possible pathways for further development of how accounting scholarship might evolve by the provocation that thinking about the Anthropocene is outlined. Second, and through engagement with the case study, the authors highlight that the concept of stewardship may re-emerge in discussions about accountability in the Anthropocene. Research limitations/implications The paper argues that accounting scholarship focused on social, environmental and sustainability concerns may be further developed by engagement with Anthropocene debates. Practical implications While accounting practice might have to change to deal with Anthropocene induced effects, this paper focuses on implications for accounting scholarship. Social implications Human well-being is likely to be impacted if environmental impacts accelerate. In addition, an Anthropocene framing alters the understanding of nature–human interactions and how this affects accounting thought. Originality/value This is the first paper in accounting to seek to establish connections between accounting, accountability and the Anthropocene.

Innovative sustainable methodology for managing in-house software development in SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 1085-1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Tarhini ◽  
Manal Yunis ◽  
Abdul-Nasser El-Kassar
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Development Process ◽  
System Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agile Methodology ◽  
The Past ◽  
Database Technology ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative agile methodology that proposes fundamental changes in managing the development of in-house information systems in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and benchmarks it with one of two database technologies enabling these systems to be both efficient and competitive. Design/methodology/approach The objectives are achieved by presenting an elaborated design of the agile methodology that manages the system development process by addressing three basic components: roles played by system players, process needed to fulfill the system development, and artifacts to document the project. A case study is conducted as a proof of the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and measures whether the selection of the database technology affects the effectiveness of the system development process. Findings Results show that, compared with traditional methodologies, the proposed methodology reduced the cost of system development and testing by 30 percent and enhanced the IT – business alliance. Further, this work found that the selection of a suitable database technology is strongly related to the complexity and interrelationships between the data used. Originality/value Such research did not receive the needed attention (Hunter, 2004) even in the past decade. Successful adoption of IT by companies could be in the form of customized IS which could be expensive for SMEs to adopt due to a lack in technical expertise and financial resources. The proposed methodology has the potential to promote sustainable development through helping SMEs in reducing the time and cost of IT project development.

Who benefits from benefits?

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-124
Author(s):  
John Gerard Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Employee Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Research ◽  
Commercial Practice ◽  
Annual Basis ◽  
The Past ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the role of benefits within the employee engagement mix of activities and products and provide three areas for strategic improvement. Design/methodology/approach The paper examines surveys and some well-known models for the inclusion of benefits in employee remuneration and draws on any insights that study uncovers. Findings The findings are that employee benefits should be critically appraised on an annual basis, not simply added to because they seem popular or are “in the news”. Research limitations/implications No specific research was undertaken, as this was a viewpoint of current commercial practice. Practical implications Employers should recognize that spend-to-get benefits require participants to spend their own money and therefore represent a cost to employees rather than a benefit. Employers need to research benefits take-up and participant opinions if the value of introducing them is to be fully realized. Communicating the features of benefits is usually poorly done by internal HR teams. Social implications Better scrutiny of the benefits basket and a closer eye on their effectiveness are required. Originality/value This is a considered view taken from the experience of running a number of commercial engagement programmes in the past 12 months with a view to helping practitioners avoid costly mistakes in future.

Research watch: routes to marginalised students’ increased inclusion and empowerment

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Holttum
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Black Girls ◽  
Indigenous Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Canadian Universities ◽  
The Past ◽  
Marginalised Groups ◽  
Working Together ◽  
Marginalised Students

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to report on recent research about how students belonging to marginalised groups can be empowered. Design/methodology/approach The author searched for articles that covered the topic of empowerment, published in the past two years. The author selected two papers that each focus on a different group and illustrate processes of empowerment applicable in their contexts. Findings The first paper deals sensitively with the topic of in-fighting amongst Indigenous students at Canadian universities and how Canada’s colonisation history contributes to this. It also illustrates how Indigenous students are working together to improve universities’ recognition of their needs and rights. The second paper describes a consciousness-raising programme for Black girls in secondary schools in Pennsylvania, USA. Black girls attending the programme valued it and felt more connected with other Black girls. There was some dropout from the programme, but those who remained appeared to benefit. Originality/value These two papers represent important illustrations of some complex challenges facing marginalised groups and how their empowerment and inclusion can increase, with implications for their mental and physical well-being.

Embracing the future while storing the past: the Joint Library Facility story

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 420-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyoma vanDuinkerken ◽  
Joanne Romano
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Electronic Materials ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Storage Facility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Future ◽  
Print Materials

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the Joint Library Facility services and how Medical Science Libraries have embraced the Resource in Common model to save service copies for their patron’s use while allowing libraries to reclaim critically needed space and develop library services that better meet the needs of their patrons. Design/methodology/approach The paper begins with a description of the Joint Library Facility and its targeted users. It will discuss how this unique library storage facility shares ownership of its material with other libraries to reduce duplication of low-use print items on library shelves. Findings Although electronic materials are more popular with library patrons, there is still scholarly value in keeping low-use print materials as service copies. Originality/value This paper is a case study of a unique library storage facility that shares ownership of its material with other libraries. Its findings will help other libraries plan and implement their own shared print repository.

Big Macs and a three-legged stool

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 25-27
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Internationalization Strategy ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

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 case study and interview offers a unique insight into factors contributing to McDonald’s unprecedented success (it has paid an increased dividend for the past 37 years). It also sheds light on its successful internationalization strategy. 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.

Balancing between thick and thin regional identities

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk Hofstede
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrative Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hybrid Nature ◽  
Thin Elements ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to assess the thinning notion in a case study while acknowledging the hybrid nature of regional identities with the past. In The Netherlands, a process can be observed in which regions actively claim their uniqueness to ensure their development and relevance. It seems that regions adopt similar modern labels in their regional marketing, suggesting a so-called thinning of identities away from traditional thick identities. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a content analysis of promotional texts and interviews with politicians to analyse the context, aims and perceptions of the regional marketing. It stresses an approach which sees identities as balanced between the present and the past. Findings – In line with the thinning notion, this case study shows indeed a creation of new thin elements and an exclusion of traditional thick elements in the regional marketing. However, it was also found that the marketing entails creative links between both characteristics, which suggest a tempering of the thinning notion. Practical implications – The results show that linking traditional with utilitarian elements might capacitate traditional regions to allocate the resources for regional marketing more effectively. Originality/value – Despite the fact that studies acknowledge identities as neither thick nor thin, the thinning notion seems to examine both elements as a dichotomy within regions, which does not follow the nature of identities as interconnected in time. Then, the value of this study must be found in the way it goes behind such a dichotomy by presenting an integrative analysis of thin and thick characteristics.

scholarly journals The interplay of managerial and non-managerial controls, institutional work, and the coordination of laterally dependent hospital activities

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari Nyland ◽  
Charlotte Morland ◽  
John Burns
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Other ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Institutional Work ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Complex Settings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore two hospital departments, one of which is laterally dependent on the other to function, but which are subject to distinct vertical managerial controls. This complexity in vertical–lateral relations generates tension amongst the hospital’s senior managers and a perception of coordination difficulties. However, this paper shows how the interplay between managerial and non-managerial controls, plus important employee “work”, moderates tension and facilitates day-to-day lateral coordination at the patient-facing level. Design/methodology/approach This is a case-study, relying mostly on the findings of semi-structured interviews. Theoretically, the paper draws from previous insights on inter-organisational relations (but informing the focus on intra-organisational coordination) and an “institutional work” perspective. Findings Consistent with much extant literature, this paper reveals how non-managerial controls help to moderate tensions that could emerge from the coercive use of managerial controls. However, the authors also show a maintained influence and flexibility in the managerial controls at patient-facing levels, as new circumstances unfold. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper could generalise neither all laterally dependent spaces in hospitals nor patterns across different hospitals. The authors recommend future research into the dynamics and interaction of managerial and non-managerial controls in other complex settings, plus focus on the purposeful work of influential agents. Originality/value The paper has two primary contributions: extending our knowledge of the interplay between managerial and non-managerial controls inside complex organisations, where non-managerial controls reinforce rather than displace managerial controls, and highlighting that it is seldom just controls per se which “matter”, but also agents’ purposeful actions that facilitate coordination in complex organisations.

Remarkable lives: Charlotte Wall in conversation with Jerome Carson

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 191-195
Author(s):  
Charlotte Louise Wall ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Short Account ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Research ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Charlotte Wall. Design/methodology/approach In this case study, Charlotte provides a short account of her background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Charlotte took comfort in being given a diagnosis of bipolar; it helped explain a lot of her problems. Research limitations/implications It is easier to identify with a single case study and person’s story than anonymised group research data. Each have their place in helping us understand mental health problems. Practical implications Transitions are not always bad. Charlotte talks about how her life changed for the better when she went to sixth form college. The onward transition to university has also been a positive experience for her. This needs to be remembered. Social implications As everyone is currently living through the Covid-19 pandemic, Charlotte’s perspective on the importance of social support for mental well-being is critical. Thankfully, she has loving parents and a partner. There are others less fortunate. Originality/value Charlotte shows us how she embraced her diagnosis of bipolar and her “weirdness”.

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