Getting the Spirit of Office Technologies! Does the Internal Organization Environment Support or Constrain?

Author(s):  
Huub J.M. Ruel

The relationship between Advanced Information Technologies (AIT) and organization is complex. Several theories and approaches try to get grip on this complex relationship. Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST) (DeSanctis and Poole, 1994) is one of them. It introduces the concept of spirit of AIT as an important determinant of AIT appropriation. AIT with a clear, coherent spirit will lead to a high level of AIT appropriation. But what about the role of the internal organizational environment? Does this constrain or support the role of the AIT’s spirit regarding AIT appropriation? This paper presents a study that aims to find an answer to this question. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested in four offices where employees used office technologies. Results confirm that a clear spirit is positively related to the level of appropriation as distinguished by DeSanctis and Poole (1994) and Poole and DeSanctis (1990). The results also make clear that this relationship is more positive among users who experienced a low level of change in the internal organizational environment along with the office technology implementation than among users who experienced a high level of change. Furthermore, the relationship is more positive among users with a low level of work autonomy than among users with a high level of work autonomy. This is not fully in line with our expectations. However, we think an explanation is available. We suppose that the answer lies in the office technology development process. All office technologies in this study’s offices were probably developed without anticipating the changes that office technology implementations might bring about in the internal organizational environment and with the aim to build systems that “reconfirm” the current “restrictive” work procedures. This study’s results once again indicate that office technology and other organizational components are interrelated.

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 251-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasidah Arshad

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of cultural value orientations (mastery and subjugation) in moderating the relationship between psychological contract violation (PCV) and turnover intention. Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal survey method was used to collect data from downsizing survivors in two phases. The final sample was 281 cases. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression models were used to test the hypotheses. Findings – PCV is positively related to turnover intention, and the relationship is moderated by cultural value orientations. Specifically, the relationship is stronger among downsizing survivors with a high level of subjugation orientation (SO) and/or a low level of mastery orientation (MO) in comparison with downsizing survivors with a low level of SO and/or a high level of MO. Research limitations/implications – The contribution of the study lies in the utility of examining culture at an individual level of analysis in relation to PC and downsizing research. Despite a generic human functioning model, some subtle cultural influences exist affecting the processes within the model. The negative reactions to downsizing are not simply a function of situational factors, but also reflect individual differences in cultural value orientations. Originality/value – The study addresses the need to examine the role of cultural value orientations in influencing the relationship between PCV, and employee behaviors. Such an examination is important because cultural differences may result in unique interpretations and reactions to PCV.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 757-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yueran Wen ◽  
Liu Liu

Based on a survey of 147 Chinese employees, we examined the relationship between perceived career plateau and turnover intention, and the moderating role of career anchor in challenge in this process. We hypothesized that perceived career plateau would be positively related to turnover intention, and that this relationship would be stronger in employees with a higher level of career anchor in challenge than in those with a lower level. The results showed that perceived career plateau had a strong positive relationship with turnover intention, especially in employees with a high level of career anchor in challenge. These findings have implications for research in career development and turnover intention, as well as in management practices.


ATLAS JOURNAL ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (43) ◽  
pp. 2094-2111
Author(s):  
Kenan ORÇANLI ◽  
Mustafa BEKMEZCİ

The aim of the study is to examine the mediating role of personal initiative in the relationship between job autonomy and subjective well-being in the Turkish education system. In this context, the research was carried out on a sample created by the convenience sampling method on the teachers working in the 2019-2020 Education and Training Period at the primary and secondary education levels within the borders of Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. The data of the research are collected by using three scala, job autonomy scale, subjective well-being scale and personal initiative scale. Relational scanning model was used to determine the direction and level of change between the variables subject to the research, and partial least squares-structural equation model was used for the structural analysis of the established model. SmartPLS package program and R programming language were used in the study. In the analyses, the assumptions that need to be provided about the data were checked first, and then the established model was tested. As a result of the analysis; It has been determined that there is a significant and same-sided relationship between job autonomy, subjective well-being and personal initiative variables, and personal initiative plays a full mediator role in the relationship between work autonomy and subjective well-being. It is considered that the study will contribute to the organizational behavior literature and that the results obtained from the research can form the basis for future studies. Key words: Job Autonomy, Subjective Well-Being, Personal Initiative


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 733-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keo Mony Sok ◽  
Phyra Sok ◽  
Lan Snell ◽  
Pingping Qiu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of frontline service employees (FSEs) motivation (enjoyment of work and driven to work) and ability (customer service ability) in the relationship between TFL and employee service performance. Design/methodology/approach This is a survey-based study which involves 534 FSEs and 135 supervisors in a hair salon setting. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings Results show that TFL is significantly related to employee service performance; this relationship is enhanced with the presence of driven to work; yet, it is neutralized with the presence of enjoyment of work. Further, the three-way interaction of TFL, enjoyment of work and customer service ability as well as TFL driven to work, and customer service ability are negatively associated with employee service performance. Practical implications The results advance service managers’ understanding of the importance of FSEs motivation and ability if they are to fully reap the benefits from their FSEs. The role of leader is not always effective in all situations. FSEs with high level of enjoyment of work and customer service ability would least rely on the guidance and support from the supervisors. Originality/value This research is one of the first to examine the role of subordinate’s characteristics (motivation – enjoyment of work and driven to work and ability – customer service ability) as the key moderators in the relationship between TFL and employee service performance.


2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (1) ◽  
pp. G157-G162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Staunton ◽  
Scott D. Smid ◽  
John Dent ◽  
L. Ashley Blackshaw

Activation of gastric vagal mechanoreceptors by distention is thought to be the trigger for transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESR), which lead to gastroesophageal reflux. The contribution of higher-threshold gastric splanchnic mechanoreceptors is uninvestigated. GABABreceptor agonists, including baclofen, potently reduce triggering of TLESR by low-level gastric distention. We aimed to determine first whether this effect of baclofen is maintained at high-level distention and second the role of splanchnic pathways in triggering TLESR. Micromanometric/pH studies in conscious ferrets showed that intragastric glucose infusion (25 ml) increased triggering of TLESR and reflux. Both were significantly reduced by baclofen (7 μmol/kg ip) ( P < 0.05). When 40 ml of air was added to the glucose infusion, more TLESR occurred than with glucose alone ( P < 0.01). These were also reduced by baclofen ( P < 0.001). TLESR after glucose/air infusion were assessed before and after splanchnectomy (2–4, 9–11, and 23–25 days), which revealed no change. Baclofen inhibits TLESR after both low- and high-level gastric distention. Splanchnic pathways do not contribute to increased triggering of TLESR by high-level gastric distention.


Author(s):  
Kordiana K Rangga ◽  
Indah Listiana

<p align="center"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><pre><em>                </em><em>Farmer groups are a forum for farmers to make it easier for farmers to carry out their farming, if the farmer group runs effectively in accordance with the goals of the group. Effective farmer groups cannot be separated from the role of group leaders. The head of the farmer group has an important role in supporting the group to achieve its group goals. Based on the background described, then </em><em>the purpose of this research are to know: the effectiveness of paddy farmer group; the leadership level of farmer group; and the relationship between leadership of farmer group leader with the effectiveness of farmer group in Sukoharjo Sub District of Pringsewu Regency. This research was conducted in Sukoharjo Sub District Pringsewu Regency, with 73 respondents of paddy farmer.  Data was collected by using survey method with descriptive analysis and using statistical non parametric test rank spearman correlation to test hypothesis.  The results showed that</em><em> paddy farmer group in </em><em>Sukoharjo Sub District had a high level of effectiveness, had a medium level of leadership of farmer group leader; and leadership of farmer group had significant relationship with farmer group effectiveness.  </em></pre><p> </p><p>Keyword:<em>  effectiveness, </em><em>farmer group</em><em>, leadership.</em></p><p align="center"><strong> </strong></p><p align="center"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p>Kelompok tani merupakan wadah bagi petani agar memudahkan petani dalam menajalankan usahataninya, jika kelompok tani berjalan secara efektif sesuai dengan tujuan kelompoknya. Kelompok tani yang efektif tidak terlepas dari peran ketua kelompok. Ketua kelompok tani memiliki peran yang penting dalam mendukung kelompok mencapai tujuan kelompoknya. Berdasarkan latar belakang yang telah diuraikan, maka tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui: keefektifan kelompok tani padi sawah; tingkat kepemimpinan ketua kelompok tani; dan hubungan antara tingkat kepemimpinan ketua kelompok tani dengan keefektifan kelompok tani padi sawah di Kecamatan Sukoharjo Kabupaten Pringsewu.  Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kecamatan Sukoharjo Kabupaten Pringsewu, dengan 73 petani responden. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan metode survey, dengan anilisis deskriptif dan menggunakan uji statistik korelasi <em>rank spearman </em>non parametrik untuk menguji hipotesis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kelompok tani padi sawah memiliki tingkat keefektifan yang tinggi, memiliki tingkat kepemimpinan ketua kelompok yang sedang, dan kepemimpinan ketua kelompok tani memiliki hubungan yang nyata dengan keefektifan kelompok tani.</p><p> </p>


In this article, the main approaches concerning the problem of leadership traits formation as studied in both national and foreign literature are viewed. There are given results of research on leadership traits in students at technical specialties and humanities in the course of their training at a higher education institution in their connection with emotive intellect. The peculiarities of leadership traits in the tested groups with different level of emotive intellect, as well as a connection between leadership traits and emotive intellect are determined. The highest indicators according to the results of the research are demonstrated by a group of students of technical specialties with a high level of emotional intelligence, which indicates the ability to manage their emotions and behavior, the ability to solve problems. They demonstrate a high level of organizational skills, ability to work with a group. Their actions are aimed at achieving goals. The lowest rates according to the results of the study were found in a group of students of humanities with a low level of emotional intelligence. In difficult situations, it is difficult for them to find a way out. They do not know how to control the work of their comrades, to find common ground with people. The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership skills in students of technical and humanities has been studied. A group of technical students with a high level of emotional intelligence found positive correlations between emotional intelligence and all scales of leadership qualities. There are no correlations between emotional intelligence and leadership qualities in the group of humanities students with a low level of emotional intelligence. In other groups of students, certain correlations have been established between emotional intelligence and leadership qualities.


Author(s):  
Dalal Hamid Al-Dhahri, Arwa Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, Mogeda El-Sa

This study aims at investigating the relationship between cognitive biases and decision making from a sample of gifted secondary students. It also aims at identifying the level of students’ cognitive biases and decision making and the differences in these two areas based on different classrooms. Random sampling was used to collect data from 139 female secondary students from the gifted group. Their age ranged between (16-18) with an average of (16.6), A descriptive method was adopted in the study. The research tools used consisted of DACOBS David Assessment of Cognitive biases Scale (Vander Gaag. et al., 2000), translated and standardized by the present researchers, and Tuistra’s decision making scale for teenagers (Tuinstra, et al., 2000). The findings of the study show a negative correlation between cognitive biases and decision making. Also, there were no differences between cognitive biases and decision making scores based on different classrooms. The study also shows a low level of students’ cognitive biases and a high level of decision making. The study recommends activating the role of mentors and students' counseling, planning for the values and behaviors that need to be acquired by students by including them in the annual goals of the school administration and participating in societal awareness and education.


Author(s):  
Huub J.M. Ruel

Office technology projects are not a “quick and easy fix”. They often fail to meet their objectives. This is probably due to a lack of attention for the non-technical element in office technology projects. To develop this non-technical side, in this chapter we introduce the concepts of spirit and appropriation, adopted from Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST). Spirit concerns the intention of a certain technology. Advanced information technology use must be considered as a matter of appropriation. In theory, office technology carries a certain spirit, which should guide users, but this spirit can only be materialized when users work with, or appropriate, the technology. A precondition is that users have to have a clear image of this spirit. In this chapter, we report about the results of a study that show that if users of office technology find the spirit of the technology clear, they incorporate the technology better in their day-to-day tasks. Based upon these results we come up with a number of recommendations for office technology implementation and use.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rómulo Díaz Díaz ◽  
Juan Manuel García Manso ◽  
Teresa Valverde Esteve ◽  
Enrique Arriaza Ardiles ◽  
Eduardo José Ramos Verde

The interactions of a Spanish football team of the Second A (10 official games) are analyzed, evaluating possible behavioral patterns that appear in a regular way in high level football. Observational methodology was used, by Polar Coordinates Analysis, to discover and evaluate the relationships generated between a considered focal behavior and the different conditioned categories, describing behavioral masses among the players. The matches were observed and recorded with an ad hoc observation instrument. The relations of dual character between the players taken as (focal behaviors) right midfielder and forward and the other players (conditioned conducts) were analyzed. The results show differences in the relationship established based on the outcome of the match. Matches that end with a favorable result, the right midfielder takes center stage, as a node of intermediation between the right centre back, left center back, left midfielder, and second striker. In these, the forward is clear receiver in the actions of completion. With the result of the unfavorable match, the connection networks change, generating a network of reciprocal interaction wider and different between the aforementioned player, right midfielder and the rest of the components, with special relation in the players that occupy the right back, left back, right centre back, right winger, left winger, second striker and forward. In these games the striker acquires a role of greater collaboration in the creation in offensive phases, participating as a node in the game network with intermediation functions. The interactions of a Spanish football team of the Second A (10 official games) are analyzed, evaluating possible behavioral patterns that appear in a regular way in high level football. Observational methodology was used, by Polar Coordinates Analysis, to discover and evaluate the relationships generated between a considered focal behavior and the different conditioned categories, describing behavioral masses among the players. The matches were observed and recorded with an ad hoc observation instrument. The relations of dual character between the players taken as (focal behaviors) right midfielder and forward and the other players (conditioned conducts) were analyzed. The results show differences in the relationship established based on the outcome of the match. Matches that end with a favorable result, the right midfielder takes center stage, as a node of intermediation between the right centre back, left center back, left midfielder, and second striker. In these, the forward is clear receiver in the actions of completion. With the result of the unfavorable match, the connection networks change, generating a network of reciprocal interaction wider and different between the aforementioned player, right midfielder and the rest of the components, with special relation in the players that occupy the right back, left back, right centre back, right winger, left winger, second striker and forward. In these games the striker acquires a role of greater collaboration in the creation in offensive phases, participating as a node in the game network with intermediation functions.


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