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.

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.

The conceptual heritage of public relations: using public memory to explore constraints and liberation

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-392
Author(s):  
W. Timothy Coombs ◽  
Sherry J. Holladay
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Memory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
Counter Narratives ◽  
Dominant Narratives ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Development And Evolution

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe three foundational concepts that contribute to conceptual heritage of the field of public relations (publics, organizations and relationships). Conceptual heritage is positioned as a type of shared public memory, a dominant narrative, that encourages adherence to the past whilst recognizing that counter-narratives can pose useful alternatives to foundational concepts. Design/methodology/approach The approach is a selective literature review that describes three dominant concept categories and presents more recently developed alternative concepts and approaches to illustrate how public memory is subjective and evolving. Findings The concepts of publics, organizations and relationships have grounded the dominant narrative and development of the field of public relations. Though these concepts continue to be influential as researchers rely upon and expand upon their legacies, counter-narratives can spur the innovation of ideas, measurement and practice. Research limitations/implications The paper focuses on only three major foundational concepts selected by the authors. The importance of these concepts as well as additional examples of the field’s conceptual heritage and evolution could be identified by different authors. Practical implications The analysis demonstrates how the public memory contributes to the development and evolution of the field of public relations. Counter-narratives can offer appealing, subjectively constructed challenges to dominant narratives. Originality/value This paper describes and critiques public relations’ conceptual heritage and argues that conceptually and methodologically-based counter-narratives have contributed to its evolution.

scholarly journals The “Cameos of Care Homes” project – care home staff’s Vanguard involvement and reflections

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-115
Author(s):  
Jess Harris ◽  
Jill Manthorpe
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Home Staff ◽  
Learning Cultures ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The Cameos of Care Homes project is an opportunity to use the medium of film to showcase the experiences and reflections of frontline care home staff whose employers participated in the National Health Service (NHS) England Vanguard programme. Reflecting on their involvement in one of the Enhanced Health in Care Homes Vanguards, 12 staff describe, in front of the camera, the impact on themselves and their colleagues, on their care for their older residents, and on the wider culture of the care home. The paper aims to discuss this initiative. Design/methodology/approach The paper reports the experiences of care home staff that were purposefully recorded on film about their participation in a care home Vanguard. The recruitment of the care homes and staff is described, as are the development of interview questions and approaches needed when filming is considered as a research method. Findings Participating care home staff reported that their involvement in the Vanguard programme had improved knowledge, confidence, morale, communication skills and the homes’ learning cultures. They were enthusiastic about reporting their experiences on film. Examples were given of proactive early support from local NHS staff leading to improvements in care, thereby reducing demand on the NHS. However, participation was resource intensive for care homes. Care home staff hoped the support that accompanied the Vanguard programme would continue but were uncertain to what degree this would happen once the Vanguard programme ceased. Research limitations/implications The interviews were undertaken with a self-selecting group of care home staff from two care homes operating in one of the six Vanguard sites in England. By their very nature, interviews for a public film cannot provide anonymity. Practical implications Researchers seeking the views of care home staff may wish to consider filming interviews and presenting the film as a research output that is engaging and informative for care home and wider audiences. Originality/value The paper presents an analysis of filmed interviews with care home managers and care workers working with older people. Their views on the Vanguard initiative have not been widely considered, in contrast to the sizeable literature relating to NHS activity and expenditure.

Human capital challenges in the hotel industry of Canada: finding innovative solutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 402-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A. Willie ◽  
David Connor ◽  
Jordi Sole ◽  
Gabor Forgacs ◽  
Robert Grieve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hotel Industry ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
International Literature ◽  
Thought Processes ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Market Needs ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to identify possible solutions to the current and persistent challenge of attracting and retaining qualified people to work in Canada’s hotel industry. The outlook for the industry is that a critical shortage of skilled workers will continue to exist for at least the next decade. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on the perspectives of three academics and three industry practitioners in an effort to identify root causes and possible solutions. Canadian and international literature is reviewed to establish current practices and point to gaps to be filled to meet the market needs. Recommendations are categorized by industry and academic perspectives. Findings The Canadian hotel industry faces challenges in filling job vacancies and maintaining employees in their roles. It is important for industry and academia to work collaboratively to educate the general public on the rewards and benefits of working in the Canadian hotel industry. Practical implications Many concrete strategies are suggested that individual hotel operations and the industry as a whole can implement to improve their human resource management and to entice potential employees to join the sector. Originality/value This paper adds value and contributes to the Canadian hotel industry and academia, as it represents current research and thought processes from both the academic community and the Canadian hotel industry.

Determinants of immigrant self-employment in Spain

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 895-911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Begoña Cueto ◽  
Vanesa Rodríguez Álvarez
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Labour Force Survey ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Region Of Origin ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Employment ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine immigrant self-employment in Spain. The study aims to determine the likelihood of immigrants being self-employed, the differences between Spaniards and immigrants in terms of self-employment and differences among immigrants from different regions of origin. Design/methodology/approach – Data from the Labour Force Survey for 2005-2011 are used for a descriptive analysis of self-employment. Logit regressions allow us to study the determinants of immigrant self-employment. Findings – Unlike research conducted in other countries, the rate of immigrant self-employment in Spain is lower than that of nationals, although differences exist according to the region of origin. Men and older individuals are more likely to be self-employed. Those with higher levels of education are also more likely to be self-employed – this may be attributable to the decreased availability of skilled positions for immigrants. Research limitations/implications – The sample size does not allow for differential analyses regarding the region of origin or the existence and influence of enclaves. Practical implications – Self-employment may be an opportunity for immigrants to improve their position in the labour market, especially in the case of highly skilled workers. Originality/value – In Spain, analyses of immigrant self-employment are rare and generally focus on case studies. However, this study covers the whole population within a highly specific economic situation.

scholarly journals Everybody S***s: how defecation stigma reduces care quality in dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-87
Author(s):  
Leah Hewer-Richards ◽  
Dawn Goodall
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Faecal Incontinence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Invisible Work ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to raise awareness of the ways in which faecal incontinence can impact the provision of dementia care by examining this through the lens of stigma. Design/methodology/approach This paper contains a scoping review of available literature relating to faecal incontinence, dementia and stigma. Findings Literature was organised into three themes: the origins of the stigma, the purpose of stigma and the care context. Research limitations/implications Limitations of this paper include the lack of literature discussing faecal incontinence and dementia in relation to stigma. Practical implications Stigma regarding faecal incontinence has the potential to impact quality of life of people with a dementia and contributes towards the invisible work of unqualified care workers. Originality/value Stigma and faecal incontinence have only a small amount of research around them in residential dementia care.

Preparing for the future

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Disruptive Technology ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disruptive Technologies ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Impact ◽  
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 Middle-skilled workers are the ones most likely to suffer due to disruptive technologies. This briefing considers the impact of disruptive technology, and looks at possible strategies for helping those workers find new employment. 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.

Extrinsic motivation: Vietnamese laborers in Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
Cultural Adjustment ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the study is to test four hypotheses regarding correlations between extrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, employer trust and workplace learning which were hypothesized to relate to cross-cultural adaptation, which is significant in workers’ effectiveness in foreign contexts. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire based study of Vietnamese lower skilled workers in Taiwan. Findings Each of the four factors had significant positive correlations with cross-cultural adjustment. The sample consisted of lower skilled workers in manufacturing and. Practical implications The current study provides evidence for the importance of extrinsic motivation, workplace learning, self-efficacy and employer trust in cross-cultural adjustment for lower skilled workers. Originality/value Low skilled workers adjustment to new cultures has rarely been discussed in previous literature.

Towards harmony in the workplace

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 25-28
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surface Level ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Diversity In The Workplace ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
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 Diversity in the workplace is generally viewed in positive terms. Organizations can benefit enormously when people from different backgrounds bring different skills and different experiences to the table. However, diversity also has scope to be something of a double-edged sword. Difference is not always celebrated. Plenty evidence exists to show how it often gives rise to negative stereotypes that fuel and sustain prejudice. It is thus important to address these labels to negate their harmful effects. In a workplace environment, two forms of diversity are prominent. The overt surface-level type includes aspects such as age, race and sex. Less conspicuous characteristics like values and attitudes are features of deeper-level diversity. Both variants reflect differences between the generations at work. 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.

Consumer value creation through WhatsApp use

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-471
Author(s):  
Jorge Cruz-Cárdenas ◽  
Jorge Guadalupe-Lanas ◽  
Ekaterina Zabelina ◽  
Andrés Palacio-Fierro ◽  
Margarita Velín-Fárez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Role Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Value ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand in-depth how consumers create value in their lives using WhatsApp, the leading mobile instant messaging (MIM) application. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts the perspective of customer-dominant logic (CDL) and uses a qualitative multimethod design involving 3 focus groups and 25 subsequent in-depth interviews. The research setting was Ecuador, a Latin American country. Findings Analysis and interpretation of the participants’ stories made it possible to identify and understand the creation of four types of value: maintaining and strengthening relationships; improving role performance; emotional support; and entertainment and fun. In addition, the present study proposes a conceptual model of consumer value creation as it applies to MIM. Practical implications Understanding the way consumers create value in their lives using MIM is important not only for organizations that offer MIM applications, but also for those companies that develop other applications for mobile phones or for those who wish to use MIM as an electronic word-of-mouth vehicle. Originality/value The current study is one of the first to address the topic of consumer behavior in the use of technologies from the perspective of CDL; this perspective enables an integrated qualitative vision of value creation in which the consumer is the protagonist.

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