Knowledge Cultures, Competitive Advantage and Staff Turnover in Hospitality in Australia's Northern Territory

2010 ◽  
pp. 203-229
Author(s):  
Kalotina Chalkiti ◽  
Dean Carson
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Staff Turnover ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Face ◽  
Hospitality Sector

This chapter investigates the strategies used by hospitality businesses in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia to remain competitive in the face of high rates of staff turnover. The authors suggest it could be beneficial to foster a symbiotic relationship between staff and knowledge retention with an explicit focus on the social aspects of managing knowledge in a hospitality environment. The authors propose a knowledge mobilization or flow strategy to complement staff and knowledge retention strategies. Creating and sustaining a competitive advantage through knowledge management (KM) practices that recognize the industry’s specific context and allow it to compete for customers and staff in the global marketplace is imperative for the NT hospitality sector. The proposed strategy could make hospitality businesses more adaptable in the face of staff turnover and more flexible by fostering a context that nurtures the mobilization or flow of disparate and person specific knowledge. This chapter describes and critically reviews what is known about staff turnover in hospitality, the case study destination and its hospitality sector. Semi-structured interviews with 13 managers of hospitality businesses and representatives of industry organizations and the destination marketing organization (DMO) in the NT revealed current and desired strategies for managing turnover as well as how turnover affects relationships, knowledge management and idea generation.

Knowledge Retention in Smaller Firms

2018 ◽  
pp. 100-119
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Guido Bruns ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Critical Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Practice ◽  
Further Development

In environments that are characterized by skill shortage, knowledge retention should be a key activity. Our understanding of this knowledge practice, however, is underdeveloped. The purpose of this chapter is to contribute to the further development of this field. The authors are interested in studying how smaller firms approach the retention of critical knowledge. Semi-structured interviews with organization members of five smaller Austrian firms operating in the building and construction industry were conducted. The findings presented in this chapter advance the limited understanding of knowledge retention in general and regarding smaller businesses. They also contribute to the further development of the study of knowledge management in the building and construction sector. Based on the study's findings, suitable measures to better manage the process of knowledge retention in smaller firms are derived. These measures may be useful for smaller firms operating in similar industries as well.

Transforming Small Businesses into Intelligent Enterprises through Knowledge Management

2011 ◽  
pp. 2687-2698
Author(s):  
Nory B. Jones ◽  
Jatinder N.D. Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
The Face ◽  
Adoption And Diffusion ◽  
And Diffusion ◽  
Knowledge Management Tools

As small businesses struggle to survive in the face of intense competitive pressures, an emerging strategy to help them involves using knowledge management tactics to harness their intellectual capital and improve their sustainable competitive advantage. This chapter discusses the issues involved with the transformation of small businesses into intelligent enterprises via knowledge management tools and strategies. However, because a “build it and they will come” approach usually leads to failed initiatives, this chapter further addresses the issues of how small businesses can successfully incorporate adoption and diffusion theories to help them effectively transform themselves into successful learning organizations or intelligent enterprises. Finally, a case study from one small business is presented to validate some of the theories.

Transforming Small Businesses into Intelligent Enterprises through Knowledge Management

2011 ◽  
pp. 222-233
Author(s):  
Nory B. Jones ◽  
Jatinder N.D. Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
The Face ◽  
Adoption And Diffusion ◽  
And Diffusion ◽  
Knowledge Management Tools

As small businesses struggle to survive in the face of intense competitive pressures, an emerging strategy to help them involves using knowledge management tactics to harness their intellectual capital and improve their sustainable competitive advantage. This chapter discusses the issues involved with the transformation of small businesses into intelligent enterprises via knowledge management tools and strategies. However, because a “build it and they will come” approach usually leads to failed initiatives, this chapter further addresses the issues of how small businesses can successfully incorporate adoption and diffusion theories to help them effectively transform themselves into successful learning organizations or intelligent enterprises. Finally, a case study from one small business is presented to validate some of the theories.

Retaining Knowledge in Smaller Building and Construction Firms

2021 ◽  
pp. 425-437
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Guido Bruns ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Critical Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Further Development

The purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs retain critical knowledge. Against the background of the underdeveloped body of knowledge regarding knowledge retention, the authors selected an explorative (qualitative) research approach. More precisely, they conducted semi-structured interviews with organization members (i.e. executive and regular staff) of five Austrian SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. This study provides fresh insights into knowledge retention in SMEs. The findings advance the limited understanding of knowledge retention in general and regarding SMEs. They also contribute to the further development of the study of knowledge management in the building and construction sector. Based on the study's findings the authors derive suitable measures to better manage the process of knowledge retention in SMEs. These measures may be useful for SMEs operating in other industries as well.

scholarly journals Knowledge Management and Competitive Advantage of Listed Consumer Goods Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 36-47
Author(s):  
Olayinka Abideen Shodiya
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Consumer Goods ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Knowledge Codification ◽  
Management Staff ◽  
Positive Effect

The study investigated the effect of knowledge management on the competitive advantage of Nigerian consumer goods businesses. A survey research design was used for the study. The management staff of six major consumer goods firms were included in the study’s population: Flour Mills Nigeria Plc., Cadbury Nigeria Plc., Guinness Nigeria Plc., Nestle Nigeria Plc., Honeywell Flour Mills and PZ Cussons Nigeria from which a sample of 384 was drawn using power analysis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and simple percentages. In addition, covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) was used to achieve the study’s objectives. The findings from the study revealed that knowledge acquisition (β = 0.541; p = 0.001), knowledge sharing (β = 0.672; p = 0.001), knowledge creation (β = 0.774; p = 0.001), knowledge codification (β = 0.450; p = 0.001) and knowledge retention (β = 0.853; p = 0.001) had a significant positive effect on consumer goods company’s competitive advantage. The study concluded that knowledge management played an important role in enhancing competitive advantage when adequately managed. It was recommended that the authorities in charge of the consumer goods companies ensure management staff quickly get any information needed within their working environment and ensure a horizontal information flow. In addition, the management should constantly develop new knowledge and ideas as well as providing appropriate communication and information technology (IT) gadgets to boost competitive advantage.

scholarly journals The Perception of Job-related Motivators When Choosing a Career in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry – A Comparative Study Between Polish and Spanish Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Grobelna
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Career Paths ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Staff Turnover ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Tourism Experience ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality Industry ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

AbstractThe recent rapid growth of the tourism and hospitality industries raises a question about the quantity and quality of the workforce needed in these sectors. In the tourism/hospitality industry, where most services are delivered directly by employees, competitive advantage is primarily attained through people (employees), who are perceived as an integral component of tourism experience. This creates challenges for an industry suffering from high rates of staff turnover, especially of young employees who leave their jobs after graduation, choosing other career paths.This study presents the job related motivators that students found important when considering their future careers, and investigates the extent to which those motivators can be found in the tourism and hospitality industry. Is the industry able to offer the motivators that will keep the employees willing to choose this particular path? We focus on two groups of potential employees – Polish and Spanish students. The study reveals that both groups generally do not believe that a career in the TH industry offered these motivating factors. We also contrast and compare both groups’ perceptions in this area.

Healthcare and Terrorism: The Lebanese Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Nooreddine Iskandar ◽  
Tatiana Rahbany ◽  
Ali Shokor
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Common ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background: Due to the common instability caused by political and security issues, Lebanese hospitals have experienced acts of terrorism multiple times. The most recent Beirut Explosion even forced several hospitals to cease operations for the first time in decades—but studies show the preparedness levels for such attacks in similar countries are low. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experience of Lebanese hospitals with terrorist attacks. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders to assess their experience with terrorist bombings. Data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results: The researchers found that Lebanese hospitals vary greatly in their structures and procedures. Those differences are a function of 3 contextual factors: location, culture, and accreditation status. Hospitals found near ‘dangerous zones’ were more likely to be aware and to have better response to such events. A severe lack of communication, unity of command, and collaboration between stakeholders has made the process fragmented. Conclusion: The researchers recommend a larger role for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in this process, and the creation of a platform where Lebanese organizations can share their experiences to improve preparedness and resilience of the Lebanese healthcare system in the face of terrorism.

scholarly journals Optimism despite profound uncertainty: school and social relationships in adolescents with single ventricle heart disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jennifer K. Peterson ◽  
Ellen F. Olshansky ◽  
Yuqing Guo ◽  
Lorraine S. Evangelista ◽  
Nancy A. Pike
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Single Ventricle ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychosocial Sequelae ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Face ◽  
Phenomenological Methodology ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Uncertain Future

Abstract Background: Survivors of single ventricle heart disease must cope with the physical, neurodevelopmental, and psychosocial sequelae of their cardiac disease, which may also affect academic achievement and social relationships. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the experiences of school and social relationships in adolescents with single ventricle heart disease. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological methodology was employed, utilising semi-structured interviews. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained via chart review. Results: Fourteen adolescents (aged 14 to 19 years) with single ventricle heart disease participated. Interviews ranged from 25 to 80 minutes in duration. Four themes emerged from the interviews, including “Don’t assume”: Pervasive ableism; “The elephant in the room”: Uncertain future; “Everyone finds something to pick on”: Bullying at school; “They know what I have been through”: Social support. The overall essence generated from the data was “optimism despite profound uncertainty.” Conclusions: Adolescents with single ventricle heart disease identified physical limitations and school challenges in the face of an uncertain health-related future. Despite physical and psychosocial limitations, most remained optimistic for the future and found activities that were congruent with their abilities. These experiences reflect “optimism despite profound uncertainty.”

scholarly journals Organisational change in hospitals: a qualitative case-study of staff perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Pomare ◽  
Kate Churruca ◽  
Janet C. Long ◽  
Louise A. Ellis ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Metropolitan Hospital ◽  
The Face ◽  
Negative Expectations

Abstract Background Organisational change in health systems is common. Success is often tied to the actors involved, including their awareness of the change, personal engagement and ownership of it. In many health systems, one of the most common changes we are witnessing is the redevelopment of long-standing hospitals. However, we know little about how hospital staff understand and experience such potentially far-reaching organisational change. The purpose of this study is to explore the understanding and experiences of hospital staff in the early stages of organisational change, using a hospital redevelopment in Sydney, Australia as a case study. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 46 clinical and non-clinical staff working at a large metropolitan hospital. Hospital staff were moving into a new building, not moving, or had moved into a different building two years prior. Questions asked staff about their level of awareness of the upcoming redevelopment and their experiences in the early stage of this change. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Some staff expressed apprehension and held negative expectations regarding the organisational change. Concerns included inadequate staffing and potential for collaboration breakdown due to new layout of workspaces. These fears were compounded by current experiences of feeling uninformed about the change, as well as feelings of being fatigued and under-staffed in the constantly changing hospital environment. Nevertheless, balancing this, many staff reported positive expectations regarding the benefits to patients of the change and the potential for staff to adapt in the face of this change. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that it is important to understand prospectively how actors involved make sense of organisational change, in order to potentially assuage concerns and alleviate negative expectations. Throughout the processes of organisational change, such as a hospital redevelopment, staff need to be engaged, adequately informed, trained, and to feel supported by management. The use of champions of varying professions and lead departments, may be useful to address concerns, adequately inform, and promote a sense of engagement among staff.

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