bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top management team demographic characteristics, business strategy, and firm performance in the US airline industry
Authors: Goll Irene , Brown Johnson Nancy , Rasheed Abdul A.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on top management demographic characteristics, business strategy, and firm performance in the major US airlines.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships between management characteristics and business strategy are examined as well as the business strategy – firm performance relationships before and after airline deregulation. This is a longitudinal study (1972‐1995) that includes data from publicly available sources. Pooled cross‐sectional time series regression analyses were used with fixed‐effects to test specific hypotheses. The management demographics include age, tenure, education, and functional background. Business strategy was measured as low cost, differentiation, and scope. The study includes three measures of firm performance.

Findings

There were significant management demographics‐business strategy relationships in the deregulatory period. There were also significant business strategy‐firm performance relationships with deregulation.

Originality/value

This is a longitudinal study of management, strategy, and performance of the airlines from regulation to deregulation. It has performance implications for the major air carriers that are of interest to academics and managers.
Bad apples in bad (business) barrels
Authors: Li‐Ping Tang Thomas , Chen Yuh‐Jia , Sutarso Toto
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to use several variables measured at Time 1 to predict cluster membership (bad apples vs good apples) measured at Time 2 and investigate possible differences between business and psychology students in unethical behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Business and psychology students' propensity to engage in unethical behavior (PUB), the love of money, machiavellianism, and risk tolerance at Time 1 and propensity to engage in unethical behavior at Time 2 (four weeks later) were measured. Cluster analysis was used to analyze Time 2 data and bad apples (Cluster 1, high propensity to engage in unethical behavior) and good apples (Cluster 2, low propensity to engage in unethical behavior) were identified. Then all the variables measured at Time 1 were used to predict cluster membership (bad apples vs good apples) measured at Time 2.

Findings

In three discriminant analyses, it was found that variables at Time 1 predicted cluster membership at Time 2 for the whole sample and the business sample, but not for the psychology sample. The differences between bad apples and good apples were significant for business students, but not significant for psychology students. Correlation data showed that the love of money was significantly correlated with machiavellianism and risk tolerance.

Research limitations/implications

Students are not assigned randomly to business and psychology courses. Students' behavioral intention, not actual unethical behavior, is measured here. Can professors change people's love of money, machiavellianism, risk tolerance, and the propensity to engage in unethical behavior and enhance students' and future managers' ethical decision making? This issue deserves critical attention in future research.

Practical implications

It is plausible that corruptions and scandals are caused not by lack of intelligence, but by lack of wisdom, or virtue. Professors and researchers may have to focus on ethics training, in general, and the bad apples in bad (business) barrels (mostly male business students), in particular, identify the most critical time and methods in teaching business ethics, enhance learning based on students' own experiences, and promote ethical values in schools, universities, and organizations.

Originality/value

This research shows the importance of incorporating propensity to engage in unethical behavior (PUB), the love of money, machiavellianism, and risk tolerance in identifying bad apples vs good apples across majors.
Environmental management in the United Kingdom: new survey evidence
Authors: Dahlmann Frederik , Brammer Stephen , Millington Andrew
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a snapshot of environmental management practices in the UK and discuss managerial responses to environmental issues in comparison with earlier research.

Design/methodology/approach

A telephone interview survey approach is adopted encompassing both quantitative and qualitative open‐ended questions with a sample of 167 UK companies stratified by firm size and industry sector.

Findings

The majority of firms are undertaking efforts to reduce their environmental impacts, yet economic considerations such as cost and risk reductions and achieving compliance with environmental legislation dominate firms' environmental behaviour. Especially small and medium‐sized firms appear to rely on relatively short‐term planning horizons, which ultimately prevent them from becoming more proactive in their environmental outlook. Comparison with earlier studies suggests that the overall behaviour of firms towards environmental issues remains reactive and economically‐oriented.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the growing salience of many environmental challenges, businesses fail to employ more proactive environmental strategies, suggesting that more has to be done at policy level to stimulate the incentives involved with adopting such an approach.

Originality/value

By using a mixed methods approach the paper aims to overcome problems of respondent identification and social desirability bias.
Tightening the link between employee wellbeing at work and performance
Authors: Renee Baptiste Nicole
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to show that, though essential, the achievement of business‐oriented performance outcomes has obscured the importance of employee wellbeing at work, which is a neglected area of inquiry within the field of human resource management. Instead the emphasis typically placed on the business case for HRM suggests a one‐sided focus on organisational outcomes at the expense of employees. With this in mind, this paper seeks to examine the effects of HRM practices on employee wellbeing and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a public sector (local government) organisation to identify the link between HRM practices, employee wellbeing at work, and performance. A preliminary staff survey of employees provides a brief overview of the link between HRM practices, employee wellbeing at work and performance.

Findings

HRM practices adopted have a significant impact on employee wellbeing at work and tend to be more positive than negative. Overall a consistent result in the study was that management relationship behaviour in the form of support and development of trust, promoted employee wellbeing at work amongst workers. In general, the findings will prove helpful to human resource practitioners, management, policy makers and business practice.

Research limitations/implications

HRM practices that help to maximise employee wellbeing at work are not necessarily the same as those that make up “high performance” HR practices. Moreover, the promotion of wellbeing at work is not likely to be a result of the HRM practices but can be linked to line management leadership and relationships.

Practical implications

The importance of management relationships, support and employees' trust was found to predict wellbeing at work. The decision by management to embrace the business case for employee wellbeing at work is likely to complement more conventional methods of improving employee attitudes and productivity, which in turn can enhance organisational effectiveness and decision making.

Originality/value

This paper builds on existing work within HRM and provides a framework for establishing the linkage between HRM practices, employee wellbeing at work and performance in the public sector that it is suggested could improve individual and organisational outcomes through enhanced efficiency and productivity.
Making just decisions: organizational justice, decision making, and leadership
Authors: Eberlin Richard J. , Tatum B. Charles
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that participants read vignettes in which managers were assigned different roles. The vignettes depicted managers with two leadership styles (transformational/transactional) and two decision‐making approaches (comprehensive/restrictive). The managers were then rated on patterns of organizational justice (social/ structural). Leadership and decision‐making styles affected different forms of justice.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants rated performance‐evaluation vignettes depicting leadership style, decision‐making approach, and organizational justice patterns on the part of hypothetical managers/leaders.

Findings

Managers portrayed as transformational leaders were rated high on social justice, whereas leaders rated as transactional were high on structural justice. Managers portrayed as restricted in their decision‐making approach were rated lower on social justice compared with managers who used a more comprehensive decision style. Justice ratings were significantly influenced by leadership style and decision

Practical implications

It is suggested that an increased awareness regarding organizational justice is imperative for all decision and leadership styles, and that social justice can occur in brief but powerful encounters that can be executed by any manager or leader.

Originality/value

If organizations, managers, and leaders attend to justice issues, they will foster healthier and more productive workplace environments that extend beyond immediate performance indicators (e.g. budget, quarterly profits, sales and revenue). A focus on organizational justice will create long‐term performance cultures (by fostering employee development, extending genuine regard for employee contributions and wellbeing, and leveraging employee commitment), and lead companies to sustainability.
Problems in global strategic alliance management for European defence manufacturing firms
Authors: Butler Colin
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problems which occur for European defence manufacturers in cross‐border strategic alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey uses a large‐scale questionnaire to collect data from a sample of firms from four European defence manufacturing countries and identifies those countries outside Europe with which the firms are forming alliances.

Findings

This paper finds that the degree of problems differs for firms from different countries.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited in that it does not collect data from partner firms outside Europe. The paper aims to identify differences which exist between the firms' experiences with alliances.

Originality/value

The paper is important as its shows that some firms from different European countries experience more problems in certain key areas in cross‐border strategic alliances than others.
A study on bench test for automatic transmission fluid friction durability
Authors: Hai‐jun Wei
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a method that can evaluate the friction durability of automatic transmission fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

A small clutch was used to test the friction durability. The method adopts a similar sequence to that of SAE No. 2. Three commercial oils were studied. One of them meets the specification of the GM's DEXRONIIE and the others meet the DEXRONIII.

Findings

The results showed that two commercial oils have different friction durability. Two further samples were blended in the lab and friction durability was researched by this method.

Originality/value

The results showed that the samples have a good durability. The research indicates that the method is quite capable of distinguishing between some samples. The results also indicate the difference between the DEXRON specifications at friction durability.
Tribological studies of S‐N type triazinyl‐containing polysulfides as additives in biodegradable grease
Authors: Yi Hongling , Dang Kunyang , Zeng Xiangqiong , Shao Heyang , Ren Tianhui
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper sets out to study tribological properties, anticorrosive performances and thermal stabilities of two novel S‐N type triazinyl‐containing polysulfides {Bis[2,4‐bis(diethylamino)‐s‐triazin‐6‐yl] polysulfide (BBET‐PS) and Bis[2,4‐bis(di‐n‐butylamino)‐s‐triazin‐6‐yl] polysulfide (BBBT‐PS)} as additives in biodegradable grease, and to estimate the tribochemical mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Extreme pressure (EP) and anti‐wear (AW) properties of two compounds at different addition concentration were evaluated using a four‐ball machine. Their wear scar was analyzed with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and a scanning electron microscope.

Findings

Two novel S‐N type triazinyl‐containing polysulfides possess excellent load‐carrying capacity, good AW and show good corrosion‐inhibiting performance. The thermal stability of BBB‐PS is better than that of BBE‐PS. According to the XPS results, the triazinyl‐containing polysulfides react with the metal to generate a surface protective film consisting of sulfate, FeS and absorbed compounds containing organic‐N.

Research limitations/implications

The antioxidant and biodegradability of the two novel compounds were not investigated.

Practical implications

Two effective EP and AW additives were synthesized, and maybe potentially industrial applied lubricating grease additives.

Originality/value

The achievement of this study is the synthesis of two triazinyl‐containing polysulfides, which can be effective additives to improve the tribological performance of biodegradable grease.
Study on phosphorous‐free triazinyl disulfides as additives in combustion engine base oil
Authors: Zeng Xiangqiong , Yi Hongling , Wu Hua , Li Jing , Ren Tianhui , Liu Weimin , He Zhongyi
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to study the tribological properties, corrosion inhibition properties and action mechanism of two triazine‐containing disulfides, TOSS and TOMA, as additives in combustion engine base oil (5CST); those properties of an alkyl disulfide dodecyl disulfide and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) were also evaluated for comparison to discover whether these additives could be used as potential substitute candidates for ZDDP.

Design/methodology/approach

Their tribological performances were evaluated using a four‐ball machine. The worn surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

Findings

The three additives have good load‐carrying capacity and corrosion inhibition properties comparable with those of ZDDP. The anti‐wear properties of the triazine‐containing disulfides TOSS and TOMA are good but a little inferior to those of ZDDP. The friction‐reducing performances of the additives are better than those of ZDDP. The XPS results show that absorption and tribochemical reactions occur to generate a complex boundary lubrication films comprising inorganic sulfate, sulfide, iron oxide and organic nitrogen, and sulfur‐containing compounds.

Research limitations/implications

The anti‐oxidation properties are still to be estimated, and the synergistic effectiveness with other additives could be demonstrated.

Practical implications

These additives are good extreme pressure and anti‐wear additives in combustion engine base oil and, through further modification of molecular structure or combination with other additives, they may be a potential replacement for ZDDP.

Originality/value

To reduce the cost, the products synthesized were not finely separated. Their tribological properties as additives in the widely used combustion engine base oil were first investigated and results indicate that they show excellent performances.
Design and implementation of an automatic condition‐monitoring expert system for ball‐bearing fault detection
Authors: Hajnayeb A. , Khadem S.E. , Moradi M.H.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the performance and speed of artificial neural network (ANN)‐ball‐bearing fault detection expert systems by eliminating unimportant inputs and changing the ANN structure.

Design/methodology/approach

An algorithm is used to select the best subset of features to boost the success of detecting healthy and faulty ball. Some of the important parameters of the ANN are also optimized to make the classifier achieve the maximum performance.

Findings

It was found that better accuracy can be obtained for ANN with fewer inputs.

Research limitations/implications

The method can be used for other machinery condition‐monitoring systems which are based on ANN.

Practical implications

The results are useful for bearing fault detection systems designers and quality check centers in bearing manufacturing companies.

Originality/value

The algorithm used in this research is faster than in previous studies. Changing ANN parameters improved the results. The system was examined using experimental data of ball‐bearings.
Wear behaviour investigation of wheel/rail interface in water lubrication and dry friction
Authors: Ozsarac Ugur , Aslanlar Salim
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The aim of this study is to calculate the coefficient of friction of wheel/rail interface in both water lubrication and dry friction conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Specimens taken from wheel and rail used in railway transport were exposed to pin‐on‐disc wear testing with 10, 20, 30 and 40 N loads. The disc took the place of the rail and the pin that of the wheel in wear tests, and rain water was fed to the disc/pin interface with a three drops/min speed in wet friction conditions. The coefficient of friction and weight loss values of specimens were determined and types of wear mechanism were characterized.

Findings

It was observed that the friction coefficient decreased in wet sliding experiments, so smaller values were calculated in wet friction conditions than those of dry friction conditions for wheel specimens. However, this decrease was more drastic for rail specimens. Weight and volumetric loss values of rail materials were lower than those of wheel samples.

Originality/value

This study investigates the wet and dry sliding wear characteristics of train wheel‐rail materials.
The street team: An unconventional peer program for undergraduates
Authors: Smith Michael M. , Reynolds Leslie J.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a program being developed by the Texas A&M University business librarians to employ a street team construct to promote the resources and services of the Texas A&M University's West Campus Business Library and to leverage the importance of “peer relationship” so evident in today's university student.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a descriptive analysis of the program.

Findings

This unique marketing program seeks to increase the awareness of Texas A&M University business students to the resources and services of the West Campus Business Library. By tapping into the youthful energy of these very students, the program proposes to utilize cutting edge cultural and social trends that are aimed to improve communications with its most important customers.

Practical implications

The program seeks to improve communication with students at an extremely low cost.

Originality/value

Discussion includes the rationale for adopting the guerilla marketing technique of street teams, the program planning process, and a discussion of assessment strategies.
Facilitating employee creativity in the library environment
Authors: Castiglione James
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide library administrators, library researchers and practitioners with an in‐depth review of the conceptual and practical tools required to engage the creative potential of their staff members.

Design /methodology/approach

The paper reviews the important concepts involving employee creativity and its successful management in the organizational setting. This is accomplished by reviewing the relevant literature assembled from the social, psychological, management, organizational and library sciences.

Findings

Intrinsic motivation is the primary driver of individual creativity and drives organizational learning, transformation and innovation. Library administrators are directly responsible for creating and sustaining an organizational culture that facilitates the intrinsic‐motivation of all library staff members. Organizational democracy and employee participation may increase and sustain intrinsic‐motivation while coercive management behaviors tend to reduce this vital catalyst.

Research limitations/implications

The preponderance of the literature consulted for this article was assembled from sources outside the field of library management. Therefore, library administrators who would use this information to enhance the creative activities of their employees are cautioned to develop small pilot‐phase projects to gain practical experience with the concepts contained in this paper.

Originality/value

The paper provides a useful review of the appropriate literature related to employee creativity. This paper is among the first to relate the concepts of intrinsic‐motivation, managerial style and creativity to organizational learning and transformation in the library environment.
Embracing change: evidence‐based management in action
Authors: Greenwood Helen , Cleeve Marigold
Published: March 2008

Purpose

In recent years public libraries have increasingly been required to collect data for the assessment of their performance and to inform service developments. The purpose of this paper is to describe an initiative to promote an evidence‐based approach to library management in a UK county library service.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives a definition of evidence‐based librarianship and describes how a three‐year study put evidence‐based management (EBM) principles into practice, and the implications for the staff and service as a whole.

Findings

An evidence‐based approach to library management yields considerable benefits in terms of service delivery and staff attitudes to data handling. When staff understand the purpose and benefits of collecting data and have the skills to handle evidence, they are more inclined to take ownership of these processes.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to one public library authority in the UK. A key priority for future work is the exploration of how the experience gained in this initiative may be transferred to other library services and domains.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this work are widespread across the service. Staff at all levels seem to have greater awareness of the data collection process and how evidence can be used to inform decisions, both in the day‐to‐day running of the service and in the strategic planning process. The project culminated in the formulation of a performance management resource; a single point of reference for all staff involved in data handling and decision making.

Originality/value

A practical study of evidence‐based librarianship has never before been undertaken on this scale in the UK.
Process management for library multimedia development service
Authors: Cordes Sean
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlights the complex issue of developing management processes for learner centered library media production service. The work provides a practical and theoretical perspective on management tools and systems for this emerging library service.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was drawn from a body of peer reviewed literature covering theoretical and practical library and business management practices. The author tempered this knowledge with first‐hand development and implementation experience of formal process management tools for a student‐centered library multimedia production center.

Findings

The research offers a new theoretical perspective for viewing the emerging media rich, collaborative nature of library work. In addition, a diagramming strategy based on Human Interaction Theory is described. The tool can be used to foster the development of management processes in multimedia development centers and other library service units.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the multimedia production service, an emerging user service stemming from the idea of the library as collaborative workspace. Library information commons models have often combined technology and space.
Flexible work practices and the LIS sector: balancing the needs of work and life?
Authors: O'Brien Terry , Hayden Helen
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and analysis of current legislation and various schemes and practices that are available to employers and employees in relation to work life balance, family friendly work arrangements, leave entitlements and diverse modes of flexible work in Ireland. Focuses in particular on the Library and Information sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduces the concept of flexible working, followed by a review of relevant literature. Outlines what flexible work practices are, giving details of various types of flexible working, both statutory and non‐statutory (in Ireland). Then, discusses why flexible work practices have emerged and details background legislation and the issues that the introduction of flexible working raises. Draws conclusions about best practice in relation to the management of flexible work practices.

Findings

It is argued that commitment to work life balance is now firmly in the mainstream and is part of the political agenda in Ireland and the rest of the developed world. Flexibility in work practice is becoming an integral part of employment, particularly in public sector organisations, which are in effect, leading the way on this issue. Flexible work practices have many advantages for both employees and employers. They also create challenges, especially in terms of management. It is important to balance the requirements of the organisation with those of the employees. Key factors in the successful implementation of flexible working are training and communication.

Originality/value

The article provides a firm basis for further investigation and discussion.
Knowledge management for library strategic planning
Authors: Yi Zhixian
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine academic library director and graduate student perceptions of knowledge management for library strategic planning, including its definition and potential applications and benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple‐choice e‐mail survey was sent to 40 academic library directors and 19 graduate students of information and library science. Respondents were asked to define knowledge management for strategic planning and answer related questions on its potential applications and benefits. Respondents could also specify their own views on the subject.

Findings

There are minor differences in how library directors and graduate students define knowledge management. However, there is a disparity in how these two groups view potential applications and benefits of knowledge management for library strategic planning. Less than half of the directors (41.4 per cent) but the majority of students (77.8 per cent) believes that knowledge management is being applied to library strategic planning to create a portal for external information including links to library patron groups, research groups and publications. In addition, the majority of directors (75.8 per cent), but only half of the students (50.0 per cent) believe that knowledge management will improve the sharing of internal and external information.

Research limitations/implications

The number of participants in this e‐mail survey is limited in both size and location. Future research should include more participants from a wider area and examine more concrete issues.

Practical implications

This paper provides a useful overview of the perceptions of knowledge management, including its applications and potential benefits for library strategic planning.

Originality/value

Differing viewpoints between library directors and graduate students reflects the contrast between real‐world experience and academic applications. Acknowledging these differences is the first step toward ensuring that in the future, knowledge management is consistently and effectively applied to library strategic planning.
Growing transformational leaders: exploring the role of personality hardiness
Authors: Eid Jarle , Helge Johnsen Bjørn , Bartone Paul T. , Arne Nissestad Odd
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of personality hardiness in facilitating change or growth in transformational leadership of Norwegian Navy cadets following a stressful military training exercise.

Design/methodology/approach

Leadership styles were measured in cadets before and after an intensive leadership training exercise, and again six months later. Hardiness was measured near the end of the first academic year. Leader performance was measured with first year leader development grades.

Findings

Repeated measures ANOVAS showed a sustained increase in transformational and transactional leadership following the exercise, and a decrease in the passive‐avoidant style (management by exception – passive and laissez‐faire).

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted with a relatively small group and findings may not generalize readily to other populations.

Practical implications

These results suggest high hardy individuals have a greater readiness to make use of stressful training experiences as opportunities for developmental growth as leaders.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to explore the role of a key personality variable – hardiness – to facilitate positive benefit from a real‐world training experience designed to develop better leadership capabilities. Further, it is one of few studies to identify factors contributing to the growth transformational leadership style. A strength of the study is that it was conducted in the context of a real‐world leadership training activity.
Standardized work for executive leadership
Authors: Emiliani M.L.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe common errors made by business leaders as the foundation of a new approach for improving leadership capabilities and effectiveness. Introduces the concept and practice “standardized work” to the duties of executive‐level leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes a qualitative approach coupled with deductive reasoning and empirical data from the management practitioner community.

Findings

A practical framework for implementing standardized work can be created in relation to the strategic and day‐to‐day tasks of executive leadership by providing a new definition of leadership, a precise description of business principles, and a standard skill set for executives.

Research limitations/implications

This proposal for applying standardized work to the role of executive leadership has not been validated in actual business conditions, though similar concepts have been in effect at some large corporations for decades, with varying degrees of success.

Practical implications

Many of the same types of errors are repeated over generations of leaders. Most of these errors can be eliminated if executive leadership will practice the proposed standardized work.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature and to leadership practice by introducing the concept “standardized work” to the duties of executive‐level leadership and providing a framework for its application that can aid in the long‐term success of organizations through generations of leaders.
Looking through the lens of leadership: a constructive developmental approach
Authors: Harris Lauren S. , Kuhnert Karl W.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between leadership development level (LDL) and leadership effectiveness utilizing 360‐degree feedback scores. Researchers examine raters' ability to recognize effective leadership practices using a constructive developmental framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach is quantitative and involved data gathered from subject‐object CD interviews and 360‐degree feedback scores collected from individuals enrolled in an executive leadership development program.

Findings

The analysis revealed that LDL predicted leadership effectiveness using the 360‐degree feedback measure across a number of sources including superiors, subordinates, and peers. In addition, researchers reveal that individuals that lead from higher levels are more effective in a number of leadership competencies (e.g. Leading Change, Managing Performance, Creating a Compelling Vision, etc.). Finally, the research demonstrates that superiors and peers can predict leader effectiveness better than subordinates or oneself.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for integrating constructive developmental theory in both the research and practice of leader selection and development is discussed.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first studies to empirically demonstrate the link between leadership development level and leadership effectiveness using the constructive developmental framework.
Interrelating leadership behaviors, organizational socialization, and organizational culture
Authors: Taormina Robert J.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look into the theories regarding leadership, organizational culture, and organizational socialization and the theory that some aspects of socialization (e.g. employee enthusiasm for, or lack of, cooperation) can influence an organization's culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Via questionnaire, 166 employees from a variety of organizations evaluated their leaders and companies on all variables. Correlation and regression analyses were employed.

Findings

Correlations revealed leader behaviors to be more control‐oriented in bureaucratic culture; and more flexible‐oriented in innovative culture; but, contrary to expectations, more control‐oriented in supportive culture. Regressions confirmed these results and revealed that both leadership and socialization explained significant variance in all cultures. The leadership behaviors were also differentially associated with the socialization content domains, supporting most but refuting some aspects of organization theory.

Research limitations/implications

The unexpected finding of highly control‐oriented leader behaviors in supportive culture suggests the need for more research in this area.

Practical implications

A need for more flexible leader behaviors in certain organizational cultures was found. Leadership behaviors needing development in regard to socialization were likewise revealed. Also found, were aspects of socialization content that need more management attention in all three types of organizational cultures examined.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical analysis of the interrelationships among the organizational socialization content areas, leadership behavior, and organizational culture.
Using positivity, transformational leadership and empowerment to combat employee negativity
Authors: Avey James B. , Hughes Larry W. , Norman Steven M. , Luthans Kyle W.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to hypothesize and test a conceptual model linking concepts of leadership and positive organizational behavior to a reduction in employee negativity, with empowerment as an important mediator in the causal relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A heterogeneous sample of 341 working adults completed survey measures as two separate points in time. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate psychometric properties of instruments, and path analysis using structural equation modeling software was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

As hypothesized, both transformational leadership (β=0.27) and positive psychological capital (hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism) (β=0.61) were significantly related to feelings of empowerment. Empowerment was significantly related to intentions to quit (β=−0.38) but not employee cynicism. Empowerment also fully mediated the relationship between the independent variables and intentions to quit.

Research limitations/implications

A convenience sampling method limited the generalizability of results. Causal and longitudinal research designs would extend findings discussed here. Implications for management are significant in terms of countering employee negativity using leadership processes, employee selection and development.

Originality/value

This study offers the first conceptual model integrating emerging concepts from positive organizational behavior, in the form of positive psychological capacities, with validated leadership models (transformational leadership). Both were suggested to influence negative outcomes, with empowerment as an effective mediator of these relationships. Findings generally support the hypotheses advanced herein.
Goal interdependence and leader‐member relationship for cross‐cultural leadership in foreign ventures in China
Authors: Chen Yifeng Nancy , Tjosvold Dean
Published: March 2008

Purpose

This study seeks to empirically examine the impact of goal interdependence and leader‐member relationship on cross‐cultural leadership in joint ventures in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The research question is how to facilitate leader‐member relationships between foreign managers and Chinese employees in joint ventures in China. Two hypotheses were generated. This study applies the theory of cooperation and competition and the theory of LMX to develop responses to the research questions. Completed survey questionnaires were analyzed on a valid sample of 199.

Findings

Results supported the theorizing that cooperative goals between managers and employees can strengthen their leader‐member relationships, which in turn facilitate cross‐cultural leadership. The results also extended this theorizing to cross‐cultural settings.

Research limitations/implications

Although the theory of cooperation and competition and the theory of LMX were developed in the West, they could be useful in Chinese contexts for understanding cross‐cultural leadership.

Practical implications

Foreign managers working in joint ventures in China who develop strongly cooperative goals may be able to develop high quality relationships that in turn promote employee commitment and performance.

Originality/value

This study provides overall support for the theory of cooperation and competition and the theory of LMX. Although developed in the West, they have been found useful for predicating behavior in Chinese contexts regarding cross‐cultural leadership.
Live demonstrations highlight unmanned vehicle show
Authors: Bloss Richard
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the 2007 AUVSI Conference and Show held in Washington DC with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots, their application on the ground, in the air and in the water.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of unmanned vehicles and the providers of the technologies which are fundamental to their design and deployment. Also, attendance at conference presentations.

Findings

The unmanned vehicle industry is largely driven by government requirements, both military and civilian. Unmanned service robots are also found in commercial applications such as pipeline surveillance, crop monitoring and fish school location at sea.

Practical implications

Developers will be challenged to meet the need for improvements in speed, payload, sensor capabilities, autonomous operation and command and control of fleets of unmanned vehicles.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights into trends and new products in the unmanned vehicle industry.
Treadbot multi‐head robot for high throughput applications
Authors: Derby Stephen
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on new technology concerning multi‐arm robots.

Design/methodology/approach

The operating details of tread base multi‐arm robots are discussed. Comparisons to traditional robot are made. Application areas are outlined.

Findings

Tread base multi‐arm robots have higher throughput rates with lower speeds and accelerations than traditional robots. Distances traveled do not impact throughput rates.

Originality/value

This is one of the first discussions of this new patent pending technology.
Robotic cell culture system for stem cell assays
Authors: Schmidt Benjamin T. , Feduska Joseph M. , Witt Ashley M. , Deasy Bridget M.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the advantages of a robotic time‐lapsed microscopic imaging system for tracking stem cells in in vitro biological assays which measure stem cell activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The unique aspects of the system include robotic movement of stem cell culture flasks which enables selection of a large number of regions of interest for data collection. Numerous locations of a cell culture flask can be explored and selected for time‐lapsed analysis. The system includes an environmentally controlled chamber to maintain experimental conditions including temperature, gas levels, and humidity, such that stem cells can be tracked by visible and epifluorescence imaging over extended periods of time.

Findings

This is an extremely unique system for both individual cell tracking and cell population tracking in real‐time with high‐throughput experimental capability. In comparison to a conventional manual cell culture and assay approach, this system provides stem cell biologists with the ability to quantify numerous and unique temporal changes in stem cell populations, this drastically reduces man‐hours, consumes fewer laboratory resources and provides standardization to biological assays.

Research limitations/implications

Fundamental basic biology questions can be addressed using this approach.

Practical implications

Stem cells are often available only in small numbers – due both to their inherent low frequency in the post‐natal tissue as compared to somatic cells, and their slow growth rates. The unique capabilities of this robotic cell culture system allow for the study of cell populations which are few in number.

Originality/value

The robotic time‐lapsed imaging system is a novel approach to stem cell research.
Fuzzy PD+I control of a six DOF robot manipulator
Authors: Alavandar Srinivasan , Nigam M.J.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the control of a six degrees of freedom (DOF) robot arm (PUMA robot) using fuzzy PD + I controller. Numerical simulation using the dynamic model of six DOF robot arm shows the effectiveness of the approach in trajectory tracking problems. Comparative evaluation with respect to PID and fuzzy PID controls are presented to validate the controller design. The results presented emphasize that a satisfactory tracking precision could be achieved using fuzzy PD + I controller combination than fuzzy PID controller.

Design/methodology/approach

Control of a six DOF robot arm (PUMA Robot) using fuzzy PD + I controller.

Findings

The performance of fuzzy PD + I controllers improves appreciably compared to their respective fuzzy PID only or conventional PID counterparts.

Originality/value

Complexity of the proposed fuzzy PID controller is minimized as possible and only two design variables are used to adjust the rate of variations of the proportional gain and derivative gain.
RFID‐assisted mobile robot system for mapping and surveillance of indoor environments
Authors: Milella Annalisa , Cicirelli Grazia , Distante Arcangelo
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of passive radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for environment mapping and surveillance by an autonomous mobile robot.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposes a fuzzy inference method to localize RFID tags in the environment.

Findings

Demonstrates that RFID technology can be successfully integrated in mobile robot systems to support navigation and provide the robot with mapping and surveillance capabilities.

Originality/value

Use of fuzzy reasoning to learn the model of the RFID device and localize the tags, enhancing the capability of the system to recognize and monitor the environment.
Use of infrared landmark zones for mobile robot localization
Authors: Lee Sooyong
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel localization scheme using infrared identification (IRID) fused with encoder information.

Design/methodology/approach

IRID emitters are mounted on the ceiling in order to divide the floor workspace into sectors. Encoding the IRID signal then allows the mobile robot to identify which sector it is in. The sector information is fused with the dead‐reckoning results for estimation of the robot configuration based on the fact that IRID has highly deterministic characteristics.

Findings

Fusing the dead‐reckoning result and the IRID information bounds and in some cases reduces the size of the uncertainty. This enables one to more accurately estimate the robot's configuration.

Originality/value

A new artificial landmark, IRID is developed for mobile robot localization. This paper also demonstrates a framework that fuses the IRID information (deterministic) and dead‐reckoning result (stochastic).
Mobile parallel robot for assembly and repair of ITER vacuum vessel
Authors: Wu Huapeng , Handroos Heikki , Pessi Pekka
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build up a parallel robot for assembling, machining and repairing of the vacuum vessel of the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER).

Design/methodology/approach

The process of assembling and machining of the vacuum vessel need a special robot. By studying the structure of the vacuum vessel, a novel parallel robot is built, which has ten degrees of freedom driven by water hydraulic cylinders and electrical servo motors. Kinematic models for the redundant degree robot have been defined. A prototype has been built. Experiments for machine cutting and laser welding were carried out.

Findings

The parallel robot is capable of holding all necessary machining tools and welding end‐effectors in all positions accurately and stably inside the vacuum vessel sector. The kinematic models appeared to be complex because of the redundant structure of the robot, and an optimization algorithm ensuring the maximum stiffness during the robot motion helps to find the solution in the trajectory planning. The entire design and testing process of the robot appeared to be a very complex task due to the high specialization of the manufacturing technology needed in the ITER reactor, while the results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed solutions quite well.

Originality/value

Offers not only a device but also a methodology for the assembling and repairing of ITER by means of a parallel robot.
Collecting collaboration: understanding collaboration through stories
Authors: Ellis Nick , Hibbert Paul
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to provide an overview of content and process of development of the five papers collected in this special issue on collaboration and storying.

Design/methodology/approach

This guest editorial discusses the five papers in terms of their contribution both to debates on the utility of stories as data and forms of knowledge as well as to developing understandings of the research and practice of collaboration. Findings – The special issue integrates aspects of research, issues of research and connects with implications for practice.

Originality/value

Readers are provided with an overview of the utility of stories as data, different levels of conceptualization of stories and the kinds of insights that can flow from this form of research.