bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leagile manufacturing: a proposed corporate infrastructure
Authors: Krishnamurthy Rajesh , Yauch Charlene A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To propose a theoretical model of leagile manufacturing as it applies to a single corporate enterprise with multiple business units and to generate research questions stemming from the model that should be addressed in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study company was analyzed to determine whether the concept of leagility could be applied to a single corporation with multiple business units and whether a decoupling point would be necessary to distinguish the lean and agile portions of the enterprise. The case study findings are used as the basis for describing a theoretical corporate leagile infrastructure and for stimulating new research questions.

Findings

It is possible for a corporation to simultaneously pursue both lean and agile manufacturing strategies by adopting a leagile infrastructure. The organizational structure consists of three main levels: a corporate headquarters, a sales and service group, and multiple lean production units. There is a decoupling point that separates the lean and agile portions of the enterprise. This organizational structure matches the front‐back approach, one of the large/small strategies defined by Lawler in 1997.

Research limitations/implications

A single company was examined. Studying a broader range of companies would make the described theoretical leagile corporate infrastructure more robust.

Practical implications

Manufacturing corporations might find the infrastructure described to be a beneficial way to structure their own organizations in order to capitalize on the benefits of both the lean and agile manufacturing strategies.

Originality/value

This paper expands on the concept of leagility, previously discussed in the literature with respect to supply chains and individual manufacturing plants, by applying it to a single corporation with multiple business units. Similar to other characterizations of leagile manufacturing, it was found that the corporation operates with a decoupling point between the agile and lean portions of the business. Several new avenues for further research are outlined.
Concurrent engineering for product development in mass customization for the apparel industry
Authors: Kincade Doris H. , Regan Cynthia , Gibson Fay Y.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Firms in the apparel industry seek operational information on ways to implement mass customization. The purpose of this research is to investigate the potential for concurrent engineering (CE) to realign the traditional, linear apparel product development process to a more concurrent and consumer‐focused process in order to facilitate the implementation of the new supply chain process (i.e. mass customization) with sensitivity to time‐to‐market demands.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was used with three non‐competing apparel firms. Survey instruments and focus group feedback were utilized, which allowed the researchers to collect in‐depth information about the apparel product development process, often considered proprietary in many industries.

Findings

Product development activities in the lengthy apparel product development process were realigned with many activities being ranked as early or middle activities. This realignment into a compressed and nearly simultaneous process supports activities that must be done early and often simultaneously rather than late to support a mass customization strategy.

Research limitations/implications

The case study approach and apparel‐oriented sample reduces generalizability of findings; however, realignment of activities and provided operational information encourage future research to document the findings for apparel and other industries.

Practical implications

Suggested movement of activities can be used as a guide for designers and manufacturers when trying to improve their product development process.

Originality/value

The paper provides needed detailed or operational information about implementation of mass customization in the apparel industry.
Managerial perceptions of workplace flexibility and firm performance
Authors: Martínez‐Sánchez Ángel , José Vela‐Jiménez Ma , de Luis‐Carnicer Pilar , Pérez‐Pérez Manuela
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explain the impact of workplace flexibility on managers' perceptions of firm performance. The research focuses primarily on outsourcing, an increasingly common way of creating workplace flexibility, by studying its antecedents based on several economic and organisational theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a postal survey to a sample of 156 Spanish firms and statistical analysis.

Findings

The findings suggest that it is important to take into account different theoretical perspectives to explain the intensity of outsourcing: all proposed antecedents of the intensity of outsourcing except differentiation strategy and cooperation are significantly associated to outsourcing. There is not any significant relationship between outsourcing and firm performance; workplace internal flexibility does impact on firm performance but external flexibility does not. However, the results change according to the category of core and peripheral outsourcing.

Research limitations/implications

This study's single country setting could limit the generalizability of the findings. Longitudinal as opposed to cross‐sectional data are needed for studying the causal assumptions reported here. Future studies should also take a multiple‐source as opposed to a single‐source data collection approach. Finally, objective measures of outsourcing and firm performance, as well as moderated variables are needed to analyse differentiated impacts on firm performance.

Practical implications

This research makes two contributions to both practice and theory. First, the results show that the perceived impact of outsourcing on sub‐factors of firm performance is positive for peripheral activities and negative for core activities. Second, the research provides a framework to analyse the antecedents of outsourcing and the concurrent impact of outsourcing and other workplace flexibility dimensions on firm performance.

Originality/value

The paper explains outsourcing decisions by antecedents based on several economic and organisational theories. It also analyses the concurrent impact of outsourcing and other workplace flexibility dimensions on firm performance.
Innovation types and performance in growing UK SMEs
Authors: Oke Adegoke , Burke Gerard , Myers Andrew
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The objective of this study is to explore the types of innovation that are predominant in UK SMEs, whether they are predominantly radical or incremental, and to investigate the impact of these innovations on performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based survey instrument was used to administer survey questionnaires to a sample of UK SMEs in manufacturing, engineering, electronics, information technology and telecommunications industries. The response rate was 13.8 percent. Relevant statistical analytical techniques including regression for analysis was then used.

Findings

It is found that the SMEs tend to focus more on incremental than radical innovations and that this focus is related to growth in sales turnover.

Practical implications

It is not such a bad idea for SMEs, particularly those operating in high technological industries, to focus on incremental innovations as these are actually related positively to sales turnover growth.

Originality/value

An investigation of the types of innovation that SMEs pursue is pioneering in the field as previous studies of this type have been based on large firms. The contention that the raison d'etre of SMEs is to develop radical innovations is not supported empirically, at least for the sample of SMEs. In addition, it is found that the age of an SME is not related to its focus on either incremental or radical innovation. These are the contributions of this paper.
Implementing supply practice at Bridgend engine plant
Authors: Howard Mickey , Lewis Mike , Miemczyk Joe , Brandon‐Jones Alistair
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper investigates the stalled adoption of a supplier park at Bridgend Engine Plant in the UK. It starts from the position that not all firms can or should implement the same set of practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical incident technique and semi‐structured interviews over five years were used to understand the influence of institutional and strategic choices during the implementation of a supplier park. A conceptual framework was developed to incorporate practices broadly associated with parks, i.e. improving supply stability, supply coordination, redefining the OEM/supplier boundary and enhancing interaction between co‐located firms.

Findings

The findings demonstrate a limited implementation of supply practices at Bridgend with only one component supplier brought onto the site. The original plan was to create a supplier park that would “grow” to an industrial park, creating an automotive sector in the area. However, a combination of operational, processual, and contextual factors have conspired against the plan.

Research limitations/implications

The combination of a broad range of theoretical and practical elements means there are associated discussions that could be more fully explored. Condensing the interview notes has resulted in the researchers' own interpretation of events becoming a significant reality filter. Whilst single case studies raise inevitable concerns over comparability, our focus is on theoretical generalizability through richness of empirical data.

Originality/value

As firms continue to use best practice as a core ingredient of strategy, researchers must respond with robust theoretical concepts explaining adoption and implementation. This paper integrates disparate perspectives across multiple levels in order to build a richer and more believable picture of a stalled initiative. Three key conclusions can be drawn: the contingent nature of “bundles of practice” implications of political ambiguity over the efficiency argument and the effect of isomorphic or bandwagon responses by firms.
Unemployment hysteresis in EU countries: what do we really know about it?
Authors: Christopoulos Dimitris K. , León‐Ledesma Miguel A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

The paper aims to re‐examine the stationarity properties of unemployment rates in 12 European Union (EU) countries over the period 1988: I‐1999: IV.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a battery of second‐generation panel unit root tests that allow for cross‐sectional correlation.

Findings

The study shows that, contrary to previous empirical literature, hysteresis does not characterise EU unemployment.

Originality/value

This paper uses recent advances in the econometrics of panel unit root tests. The new tests have more power than the traditional ones in detecting the null hypothesis of a unit root.
Consumer over‐indebtedness in the EU: measurement and characteristics
Authors: Betti Gianni , Dourmashkin Neil , Rossi Mariacristina , Ping Yin Ya
Published: June 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to measure and characterise the extent of consumer over‐indebtedness among the European Union (EU) member states.

Design/methodology/approach

The study evaluates alternative measures of over‐indebtedness on the basis of the permanent‐income/life‐cycle theories of consumption behaviour and adopts a subjective approach in identifying over‐indebted households on the basis of European household survey data. It then investigates the main characteristics of over‐indebted households.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that over‐indebtedness was a significant problem across EU member states in the mid‐1990s. Moreover, an inverse relationship emerged between the extent of the over‐indebtedness problem and the extent of consumer borrowing across EU countries.

Research limitations/implications

Anecdotal evidence seemed to suggest that some main factors behind over‐indebtedness could be “market failure” on the credit market, the existence of liquidity constraints and lack of access to formal credit markets. However, a comprehensive and rigorous investigation of the extent and determinants of over‐indebtedness can only be achieved through analysis of more extended household data sets, particularly panel data.

Practical implications

The EU credit markets exhibited certain symptoms of “market failure”, on the one hand, and there was also need for further financial liberalisation in the Southern European countries, on the other hand.

Originality/value

The paper provides a first systematic evaluation of existing measures of consumer over‐indebtedness as well as the first EU‐wide empirical investigation of the problem. It should provide valuable information to the credit industry as well as financial regulatory bodies.
The dynamic relationship between the federal funds rate and the Eurodollar rates under interest‐rate targeting
Authors: Zhou Su
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Previous literature for the relations between the market interest rates and the targeted or target rate of the Federal Reserve paid little attention to Eurodollar market rates. The present paper attempts to fill this void.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates the dynamic relationship between the federal funds rate and three short‐term Eurodollar deposits rates. Cointegration analysis is utilized to examine the long‐run relationships between the short‐run dynamics of the market and targeted rates through a vector error‐correction mechanism.

Findings

The study shows strong evidence that, while the Eurodollar rates and the federal funds rate move together over time regardless of procedural differences in targeting, how they co‐move, especially how they adjust toward long‐run equilibrium, appears to be related to the targeting procedural changes.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should be conducted for the theoretical analysis of strategic interactions between the monetary authority and market participants in the domestic and external financial markets.

Practical implications

The result suggests that the Fed may affect the market interest rates through a policy of changing the federal funds rate target by a “fixed” amount for the foreseeable future. Such a policy has improved the market's ability to predict the size and timing of the changes in the target rate.

Originality/value

The results of the paper give some new insights into the interactions between monetary policy operations and market interest rates, which is of interest to researchers, monetary authorities, and financial market participants.
Problems of scale
Authors: Monkman Gareth
Published: June 2007

Pin‐points three possibilities to do with micro‐actuators and micro assembly and discusses them in detail, using technical terms to enhance explanation. Concludes more will be heard of these techniques in time to come.
Level sensing of liquids and solids – a review of the technologies
Authors: Hunt James A.
Published: June 2007

Purpose

Examines the wide range of liquid and solid level sensors, their technologies and commercial application.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides background information on trends in level sensing, on how each type works and the various applications. Some selection criteria are given.

Findings

There is a wide range of level sensors for every target liquid and solid sensing application, but the sector is technologically mature. There are some new application areas deriving from legislation and climate change.

Originality/value

Provides information of value for those involved with sensor applications.
pH measurement of dirty water sources by ISFET: addressing practical problems
Authors: Khanna Vinod Kumar
Published: June 2007

Purpose

To expose the gate of ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistor (ISFET) to filthy and muddy water, suspended algae, etc. investigate the influence of these conditions on device performance and suggest measures for using the device in applications where suspended soil particles are present.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, cleaning procedure to make the blocked ISFET operative has been described. The effect of dirty water on pH sensitivity factor of ISFET, after it restarted functioning, has been measured. ISFET package has been modified. A relatively simple disposable nylon mesh with openings of size 100 μm for filtering bigger particles and lower for smaller particles, has been proposed for dirty applications to minimize device failures. This sieves away any dirt and thereby avoids failure.

Findings

The device action is frequently blocked by deposition of dirt on the gate. Generally, it is recoverable by proper cleaning action although with reduced sensitivity. This necessitates recalibration. But a protective filter helps in reducing failures. It is more advantageous to prevent clogging of ISFET than to revive a clogged device, sacrificing sensitivity.

Research limitations/implications

After recovery, the original sensitivity of the device is not achieved, and the device has to be used with degraded sensitivity.

Practical implications

Measurement of pH of actual sources of water, whether clean or dirty, is important.

Originality/value

Problems of pH measurements of dirty samples have been studied. The study helps in understanding device behaviour in these samples and provides suitable corrective measures. Further, the pH survey of dirty and clean water samples provides useful information about the pH distribution and balance in nature.
Sound, heat and light: photoacoustic and photothermal detection
of gases
Authors: Oehler Oscar
Published: June 2007

Describes some of the current research into infrared spectroscopic gas
detection, outlining the need to produce a low cost device, whilst fulfilling
the required properties of high reliability, selectivity and sensitivity.
Describes and compares the photoacoustic and photothermal methods of gas
detection and states that both methods outperform surface sensitive devices
with respect to reliability. Concludes that the variety of options—a
choice of acoustic decoupling methods and a choice of an optical filter of
every wavelength required to suit the gas—offers a wide field of
application including process control, atmospheric control, environmental
monitoring and heat, ventilation and air conditioning.
Policing waterways for hydrocarbons
Authors: Roscoe G , Cookson E W
Published: June 2007

Describes the various sensing techniques that can be employed to monitor
hydrocarbons in water, which can be applied to continuous organic monitoring
as well as the detection of major chemical spills. Outlines the methods of
analysing water to measure for total carbons, total organic carbons, volatile
chemicals and total oxygen demand and the problems of making effective
measurements. Concludes that successful monitoring of hydrocarbons in water
often requires a tailored approach depending on the characteristics of the
sample and the site of the instruments, and therefore close consultation with
the monitoring authorities and the instrument manufacturer are
essential.
A new six degrees of freedom position sensor greatly improves flexible manufacturing ‐ but will manufacturers adapt?
Authors: Vann Charles S.
Published: June 2007

Claims that manufacturing industry needs better multi‐dimensional position sensors to keep pace with increased speed and capabilities of automated equipment and robots. The market for laser and vision sensors is growing at a rapid speed. However, most of the robot‐mounted sensors are one‐, two‐ or at most three‐dimensional, while the robotics industry has progressed to six‐axis machines, leaving a gross mismatch in its capability to perform and sense the required task. A new laser sensor described in this paper provides information on up to six degrees of position, enabling robots to sense as well as they can physically manipulate, and opening the door to vast improvements in flexible manufacturing. To expedite these improvements, the manufacturing industry should take a lead and not let an outdated norm hinder implementation.
Contrasted perceptions of abilities in business: African American vs. white business school graduates
Authors: Tomkiewicz Joseph , Adeyemi‐Bello Tope
Published: June 2007

Attempts to extend the work of a study which examined the differences that exist between the attitudes of White and African American college business students using the Blacks in Business Scale (Stevens, 1984). Considers particularly the perception of white students with regards to their beliefs about African Americans. Concludes that White students hold a positive view of their counterparts but African Americans still believe that White students have a less positive view of African Americans than they themselves possess. Discusses the implications for managers.
MBAs and management careers: different paths for men and women
Authors: Heaton Norma , Ackah Carol , McWhinney Gavin
Published: June 2007

Outlines the discrepancies between men and women in senior management positions. Acknowledges the recent trend of an increase in women in this area but highlights that this is only in selected areas. Considers the place of the MBA in career advancement suggesting that mainly men’s careers benefit from this qualification. Questions whether the structure of the course favours the male gender. Shows that women’s pay is still substantially lower and looks at reasons for this difference.
Women civil servants and transformational leadership in Bangladesh
Authors: Amos‐Wilson Pauline
Published: June 2007

Explores the issues of women and leadership style in a non‐commercial and non‐Western context. Attempts to describe and discuss research that was undertaken with 49 women from the Civil Service of Bangladesh in order to determine their perceptions of their own leadership behaviour. Consider whether these perceptions are likely to lead to the adoption of either a predominantly transformational or transactional leadership behaviour style.
New developments concerning religious discrimination
Authors: Breecheen Mark , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Investigates religious discrimination (RD) and how this is difficult to contend with in the workplace with particular emphasis on the USA – as it has over 239 officially recognized sectors and approximately 1,300 unconventional groups alone! Gives examples of litigation between employee and employer and the courts’ verdicts. Shows that there are numerous factors involved in the upswing of RD cases in the USA, but to solve the complex problem the USA needs to define its stance regarding religion.
Equality issues from the grave
Authors: Lovatt Chris
Published: June 2007

Examines burials, grave rights and how problems connected with these events require sensitive and positive handling. Demonstrates feelings of perceived discrimination not falling within normal areas of the topic recognized by law – such as exhumations. Gives case examples and also gives verdicts and explanations to aid with research. Concludes that there are difficulties with regard to advice for the bereaved, whether for valid or invalid reasons of exhumation.
Women, literacy and power. An introduction
Authors: Daniel Patricia
Published: June 2007

Introduces literacy as the key to women having equal participation in development and decision making processes. Discusses the ways literacy is linked to power and goes on to highlight three social macro functions of literacy which reflect inequality, the identification of literacy, conservation of history and the construction of literacy. Concludes that through changes in these areas power can be redefined and distributed more equally.
Femanomics, women literacy and economics in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Egbo Benedicta
Published: June 2007

Examines some of the economic implications of persistently excluding women in Sub‐Saharan Africa from access to literacy, arguing that women can not fulfil their full potential both on an individuals and state level without this. Introduces the concept of “femanomics”, which is the enhancement of the status of women by positive intervention. Advocates the implementation of effective literacy policies geared towards social reconstruction, linking educational empowerment with women’s economic independence and provide an outline of areas which require attention.
Realising what I truly am. Mature women into higher education
Authors: Peters Helen
Published: June 2007

Profiles the experiences of a group of mature women entering higher education for the first time in the UK. Considers the reason for motivation and the practical issues with which they are confronted as they combine their studies with their other roles. Investigates the experiences of higher education institutions, the attitudes and approaches of the staff teaching them and their relationships with their fellow students. Assesses the outcomes against their expectations.
Gender and the creation, structuring and interpretation of knowledge
Authors: Wood Barbara
Published: June 2007

Investigates the interpretation and the body of literature surrounding the British prehistory era defined as 500 000 BC to 43 AD. Looks at how and by whom the past has been constructed, who has the power of information and interpretation. Questions whether this interpretation is objective and the way the subject is covered in education together with the lack of women within the process. Argues a case for using the material to enhance pupils’ abilities to evaluate information and draw conclusions.
Reading between the lines. Gender and politics in Greek reading schemes
Authors: Deliyanni‐Kouimtzis Kiki
Published: June 2007

Attempts to show the results of an example of an educational policy on gender equality in a very specific aspect of the Greek educational process. Briefly covers the historical background on equality, the position of women in Greece from 1975 to 1985 and the centralized method of setting primary school books and course content. Shows how gender roles have changed within the prescribed books but questions to what success this has been. Suggests that the changes, whilst an improvement, have actually lessened the volume of women within the material and failed to define a role in which their potential has been fulfilled.
Mother’s dilemma. Limits of love. Limits of pain
Authors: Turaj Kalinsk Katarzyna
Published: June 2007

Explores the relationship between motherhood and creativity. Looks at what the writer’s daughter has taught the writer about art. States that she has been influenced in three ways, practically, spiritually and mentally. Suggests that there is no love stronger than a mother’s love and that an artist and mother are permanent fighters against death.
Present voices, past and future lives: autobiography and older women
Authors: Taylor Anna‐Marie
Published: June 2007

Explores the way that men and women through autobiography have charted the private self. Shows the depiction of life as a voyage or journey to self‐perception. Looks at the value and purpose of using autobiographical accounts and life reviewing in adult educational work especially with older women. Suggests this can be used extremely effectively within this area and provides a number of examples of its usage.
I‐opener: feminine enunciation in Marguerite Duras
Authors: Rodgers Catherine
Published: June 2007

Discusses the difficulties women experience in speaking and writing as women. Outlines feminine problems of using the word “I”. Looks at the writing of Marguerite Duras and charts her attempts at producing a feminine “I”. Profiles excerpts from her books in some details, looking at specific examples of her work and advocating further use of her style.
New developments concerning discrimination in academia
Authors: Do Travis , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks at discrimination within academia providing examples of sexual, racial and age discrimination. Considers the effect this has on students, the faculty and the parents/families of the students, and provides brief analysis of each case presented.
A review of current empirical research concerning race discrimination at work
Authors: Mai Le Phuong , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Considers the recent findings of research into discrimination at work. Covers hiring, promotion, and the treatment of minorities. Briefly commends on recent statistics and highlights racism as the biggest issue for today’s companies.
How to investigate discrimination and harassment complaints
Authors: Fan Amy I. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Looks at the causes of sexual harassment. Provides a policy framework for companies to implement. Covers the interview and model question together with the investigation and the confrontation of the harasser. Provides sample forms for completion. Briefly covers the basis of racial and sexual harassment.
The value of training in changing discriminatory behaviour at work
Authors: Zhu Judy , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines evidence that suggests training given to employees in order to change their values and attitudes to others and come to respect and understand differences between people have had little success and can create more social unrest than existed previously. Cites the need to make this matter a culture issue rather than training issue and provides a suggested structure for companies to follow if they wish to correct this policy. Advocates zero tolerance.
The interactive process required to provide reasonable accommodation of disabilities under the ADA
Authors: Neuman Eric V. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the requirements of the US Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1992. Provides recommended models for companies to implement and compares this to the practices used by Boeing. Suggests it is the larger company who will find it more difficult to claim undue hardship based on the company resources but states that, at present, the employer appears to be favoured in the courts.
When is an employee unsalvageable?
Authors: Christie Betsy , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Considers how employees who perform poorly can be improved, and attempts to show when this effort should be termination. Covers the consequences of inaction by management. Looks at attitudes and motivation. Highlights the need for good feedback and gives brief guidelines for discipline procedures.
How to monitor electronic mail to discover sexual harassment
Authors: Soewita Surjaagus , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Defines sexual harassment, suggesting that many e‐mails can be defined as such. Cites some examples of e‐mail misuse and urges employers to consider preventive measures. Looks at some of the methods of monitoring electronic mail, and forwards some remedies.
New job, new millennium, “same deal” for women managers
Authors: Liu Jonathan , Wilson Doirean
Published: June 2007

Presents the findings of a survey by means of structured questionnaire, interviews and discussions with students on the Returners into Enterprise programme at Middlesex University. Attempts to discover the key issues relevant to women at work, particularly in management. Considers areas such as pay, gender disparity, age and family responsibilities before considering ways to over come these obstacles.
Age discrimination in hiring
Authors: Shen Gene G.‐Y. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the findings of recent research in this area. Provides an overview of the issues faced within the hiring process in relation to age discrimination. Covers areas such as the difference between chronological and functional age and workers’ rights within the various Employment Acts. Gives an overview of the current position within the workforce before discussing the characteristics of older workers and giving some examples of recent case law in this area. Offers some suggestions for employees to help ensure fair hiring.
Psychosocial work stress in female funeral service practitioners
Authors: Goldenhar Linda M. , Gershon Robyn , Mueller Charles , Karkasian Christine , Swanson Naomi A.
Published: June 2007

Suggests that female funeral service practitioners (FSPs), in particular, may be exposed to a combination of classic healthcare stressors (e.g. shift work, work/family balance), unique funeral industry stressors, and stresses associated with working in non‐traditional occupations. Explores the relationships betweeen the stressors, perceived stress and two m ental health outcomes: anxiety and depression. Suggests that there needs to be both direct and indirect relationships between these. Expands the knowledge regarding the types of work and non‐work stressor that can affect mental health outcomes among women working in onn‐traditional occupations. Comments that this information should be particularly useful as women are increasingly entering historically male‐dominated fields.
Gender differences in burnout, empowerment and somatic symptoms among health professionals: moderators and mediators
Authors: Zani Bruna , Pietrantoni Luca
Published: June 2007

Considers the issue of occupational stress and burn‐out which has received increasing attention. Suggests that stress and burn‐out are significant factors in the development of various illnesses. Defines burn‐out as a reaction to chronic difficulty in controlling stress among helping professionals, a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a lack of personal accomplishment. Presents evidence that women report significantly lower levels of burn‐out and higher feelings of empowerment in their work, and higher levels of somatic symptoms.
Sexual harassment in city government
Authors: Silva Julia M. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Briefly defines sexual harassment before using case law in order to demonstrate examples through the years. Looks at new developments concerning sexual harassment in City government and asks what cities have learned from case law. Provides some recommendations for combating sexism and sexual harassment and concludes that there is a need for vigilance. Suggests that much more work is required in this area.
Discrimination and harassment in the health care industry
Authors: Chang Diem , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

States that the increased number of women in medicine has led to the subject of harassment growing as an issue. Discusses the current prevalence of cases providing a number of statistics. Looks at the reason for these statistics and highlights the consequences should these not be addressed. Suggests that a direct, progressive, multidisciplinary approach is needed to label and address each problem and outlines some steps already taken by some organizations.
Examples of unreasonable hardship in accommodating disabilities in organizations
Authors: Arnold Michael A. , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Focuses on the unreasonable hardships that organizations encounter due to the interpretation of the Americans with Disabilities act by government officials. Covers the issues of the hearing impaired, wheelchair access, wheelchair ramp requirements and pre‐employment questioning restrictions in turn with associated case law. Concludes that the act contains a number of ambiguous phrases and does not take into account the monetary burden placed on the organization.
New developments concerning sexual orientation issues in the workplace
Authors: Bauer Melinda , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Provides a brief history of employment law in relation to sexual orientation discrimination. Outlines current legislation before considering the case of the military. Provides examples of conflicting application of law in different states. Considers the problems of those who suffer from AIDS. Concludes that legal protection is unlikely whilst public perception remains against such lifestyles and pressure from religious and moral leaders remains strong.
What is retaliatory discrimination at work?
Authors: Puangshiri Mukda , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Outlines the principle of retaliatory discrimination. Covers the essential elements of such a claim and the ways they can be proven. Gives details of the new Equal Opportunity Commission guidelines and proceeds to discuss the concerns of employers, such as the burden of proof, the juror’s sympathy and the associated costs of legal proceedings.
New and unexplored possibilities – the Welsh legislature’s statutory duty to promote equality of opportunity
Authors: Chaney Paul
Published: June 2007

Draws upon recent legislative changes to Wales to provide new evidence and understanding of the way in which government reforms in the UK have impacted upon the promotion of equality of opportunity at government level. Analyses the problems and challenges that this new legislative duty presents for the elected representatives and bureaucrats as well as the civil groups it was designed to help. Points out a wider significance of these changes and engages the debate about the relationship between government, law and the promotion of equality.
Technology: making things easier for all of us – for the disabled making things possible
Authors: Cardinali Richard , Gordon Zandralyn
Published: June 2007

Outlines barriers which face those with disabilities. Presents the US Federal Government’s view under the recent legislation and introduces the work of the Access Board. Examines Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and its probable impact on the public and private sector and also considers the exceptions the act allows. Provides a representative sample of comments from private industry organizations.
An original and data based approach to the work‐life balance
Authors: Vloeberghs Daniel
Published: June 2007

States that there is a need for a practical instrument to measure the present situation of work‐life balance. Describes the development process of the Family and Business Audit within the Flemish context. Details the setting up and aims of the system before outlining its application in some detail and other existing instruments also emploiyed. Provides a number of short case studies to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Mind the gap: gender wage differentials in the Australian public sector
Authors: Brown Kerry , Ridge Stacy
Published: June 2007

This article presents the results of an exploratory study of wage outcomes in the West Australian public sector. The research aimed to determine the effect of gender segregation on pay bargaining outcomes in a deregulated industrial relations regime. In the first part of the article, public sector employment relations are discussed and analysed. The second part provides a synopsis of the changes in the legislative and industrial relations environment in Western Australia. The final part examines the effect of gender segregation on bargaining outcomes in the Western Australian public sector.
Gender and part‐time work in Japan
Authors: Broadbent Kaye
Published: June 2007

Part‐time work in Japan, as in other countries, is increasing as a form of paid work. There are, however, significant differences developing out of Japan’s gender contract. Employers have created a gendered employment strategy which has been supported by governments, through social welfare policies and legislation, and the mainstream enterprise union movement which has supported categorisations of part‐time workers as “auxilliary” despite their importance at the workplace. An analysis of one national supermarket chain indicates that part‐time work as it is constructed in Japan does not challenge the gendered division of labour but seeks to lock women into the secondary labour market.
Employee performance evaluations: administering and writing them correctly in the multi‐national setting
Authors: Woodford Kelly , Maes Jeanne D.
Published: June 2007

Globally, organisations are adjusting to meet the challenges of the constantly‐changing marketplace. In the area of human resource management, many multinational organisations are focusing in making the organisation more productive, cost‐effective, and customer service oriented. Recognising that an organisation’s employees are the key to its global success, many organisations are re‐evaluating their methods of appraising and motivating employees. As a result, annual employee evaluations, which have been a staple of human resource managers in many industrialised nations for decades, have been widely criticised in recent years. This article highlights the importance of using such evaluations not only in their traditional function for employee appraisal, but also as a tool for employee motivation, as a legal defence for selection, and as part of the strategic planning process.
Free people are not equal and equal people are not free
Authors: Cardinali Richard , Gordon Zandralyn
Published: June 2007

Inequality and freedom mean different things to different people; whether inequality should encapsulate ethical concepts such as the desirability of a particular system of rewards or simply mean differences in income appears to be the subject of much debate. The World Bank conceptualises inequality as the dispersion of a distribution, whether that is income, consumption or some other welfare indicator or attribute of a population. When Lawrence Reed introduced his seven principles of sound public policy at a presentation at the Economic Club of Detroit, one item that stood out was his principle which stated that “free people are not equal and equal people are not free“. He was not addressing the foundation of equality in society but about income and material wealth a person may earn in the marketplace, essentially he was addressing “economic equality”. Hofstede touches on a number of postulates when he speaks of inequality within a society and how it is visible in the existence of different social classes: upper, the middle, and lower. According to Hofstede, classes differ in their access to and their opportunities to benefit from the advantages of society. He cites education and the benefits derived by advanced education. The World Bank has concluded that inequality in intelligence is part of the human condition and inescapably contributes to a substantial degree of income inequality that greater equality of opportunity cannot circumvent. This article examines a number of concepts which dispel formal equality theory and the belief that equality is achieved if the law treat likes alike is faulted.
Cherchez la femme – women as managers in Greek corporates: an empirical investigation
Authors: Mavridis Dimitrios G.
Published: June 2007

The present research is an attempt to reveal the status quo of the managerial and entrepreneurial situation “genus femininum” disclosed in Greek interims report. Focus is put on those aspects and contrasting variables, which help to explain the actual status of female participation. The results of the survey confirm that improvements have been made in the areas of the female managerial involvement, but as in other countries there is a gap, which has to be bridged in the future.
Marital status aspects disclosed in Greek interims reports
Authors: Mavridis Dimitrios G.
Published: June 2007

The present research focuses on possible contrasting variables, explaining the actual “marital status” (family‐controlled or family‐owned). The study uses specific law‐prescribed disclosed information in Greek interims reports from corporates by admission of securities to The Athens Stock Exchange Market – ASE. The explanative variables vary among the type of the disclosed information (narrative, administrative and financial). Non‐family firms are “telling” more than “family‐clans” in general, have significantly more relatives in the firm’s management, but not so much staff, whether tertiary educated or not. Finally the family firms are average wise smaller but with more strategic or holistic business orientation.
Earnings differentials among male African immigrants in the United States
Authors: Moore Ami R. , Amey Foster K.
Published: June 2007

This article analyses the earnings attainment of male African immigrants in the United States. Using OLS regression and data from the 1990 Census of Population and Housing, we identified the determinants of annual earnings attainment of male African immigrants and examined them by country of origin. We also assessed the impact of skill transferability via ability to speak English on such earnings. Results showed that the process of earnings attainment of African immigrants vary by country of origin. For example, while educational attainment is a significant predictor of annual earnings for only Kenyan and South African immigrants, duration of stay in the United States is significant for immigrants from Cape Verde. Overall, the pay‐offs of college education are higher for South African immigrants than it is for the other groups. Non‐Anglophone immigrants begin with a disadvantage relative to their English‐speaking counterparts. However, this disadvantage is eroded by the length of stay in the US, ability to speak English, and other job‐related characteristics.
Leadership: a selected bibliography
Authors: Pettman Barrie O. , Dobbins Richard
Published: June 2007

This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
Exploring the role of machismo in gender discrimination: a comparison of Mexico and the US
Authors: Segrest Sharon L. , Romero Eric J. , Domke‐Damonte Darla J.
Published: June 2007

This conceptual paper explores how the construct of machismo can influence gender‐based discrimination across two cultures; Mexico and the US. First, the relevant literature on machismo is reviewed and the construct clarified. Secondly, evidence is presented which indicates that masculine gender roles are not innate, but rather heavily influenced by cultural factors. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are used to develop propositions about the effect of masculinity on gender‐based discrimination. We suggest propositions designed to explain how programs aimed at eliminating or reducing gender‐based discrimination might be impacted by high levels of cultural masculinity.
Equal rights? not for 100,000+ American H‐4 visa holders
Authors: Cline Melinda
Published: June 2007

Currently, there are thousands of women living in the US who are denied the freedom to work, the right to live with their spouse as an equal partner, and the dignity that comes with the ability to make their own choices. These are women residing legally in the US in H‐4 visa status, dependents of an H‐1B visa holder. In the upcoming US congressional session the terms of the H‐1B visa will be reviewed. Changes should also be considered to ensure the rights of the H‐4 holder.
Resolving conflict: examining ethnic‐racial and gender differences
Authors: Sadri Golnaz , Rahmatian Morteza
Published: June 2007

This study examines levels of effectiveness as well as preferences in styles of resolving conflict among three ethnic‐racial groups (Asian, Mexican‐American, Mexican, Chicano and White) and between men and women. The goal was to test two hypotheses with respect to handling interpersonal conflict. First, Whites would show a greater preference for assertive modes of behaviour while Mexican‐Americans, Mexicans, Chicanos and Asians would favour non‐assertive modes of behaviour. Second, that men would demonstrate more assertive behaviours while women would be likely to demonstrate more non‐assertive behaviours. Data were collected from 282 Economics students (55 per cent male, 45 per cent female; 44 per cent Asian, 41 per cent White (non‐Hispanic), 15 per cent Mexican‐American, Mexican, Chicano). Both hypotheses were supported. Implications of these results and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Common racial stereotypes
Authors: Chang Szu‐Hsien , Kleiner Brian H.
Published: June 2007

Observes racial stereotypes and explains the way human beings “see” one another because of this. Adumbrates that even as far back as 1798, the media stereotyped people into various groups, and subsequent surveys only seem to emphasize this. Lists out the more common racial stereotypes using (US) surveys to collect peoples’ thoughts and feelings. Shows how to overcome racial stereotypes. Sums up that communication barriers can ensue from stereotyping races and that people should be responsible in overlooking media influences in this area.