bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Servicescape interior design and consumers' personality impressions
Authors: Orth Ulrich R. , Heinrich Frauke , Malkewitz Keven
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The personality impressions evoked by service environments play a key role in attracting and retaining customers. This paper explores the interior design of service and retail environments, and links the designer perspective with the consumer perspective to assist managers in creating and managing interiors for achieving desired responses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose and test a conceptual model that relates types of interior design to consumer impressions of that environment's personality. Two studies establish holistic types of interiors based on design elements and factors with a sample of professionals, and then link those types to generic impressions evoked with consumers.

Findings

Store personality relates systematically to five holistic types of interiors. Minimal‐shell interiors score high on unpleasantness, complex‐shell designs score high on enthusiasm, genuineness, and solidity, moderate‐shell interiors generate below‐average impressions of sophistication, genuineness, and solidity, low‐content interiors score high on enthusiasm and sophistication, and high‐content designs score low on enthusiasm, and high on unpleasantness.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to wine tasting rooms as an example category. Implications for interior design in general can be drawn from the holistic types of interiors identified and from basic relations to generic dimensions of consumer responses.

Practical implications

The findings reported in this research assist managers in more confidently using interior design for positioning and differentiating servicescapes.

Originality/value

Integrating the designer perspective with the customer perspective is a unique approach yielding taxonomy for servicescape interiors, and a holistic perspective on their links with personality impressions.
Intra‐organisational collaboration in one UK university: potential for change or missed opportunity
Authors: Diamond John , Rush Linda
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the promotion of intra‐organisational collaboration within a university setting.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic approach influenced by a phenomenographic framework of analysis was used.

Findings

Content analysis of qualitative data resulted in 11 overlapping themes being identified in respect of collaboration. Final analysis led to the identification of four hierarchically inclusive degrees of collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

The research, whilst based within one UK university, raises important conceptual as well as practical questions.

Practical implications

The implications of this paper have relevance for the ways in which universities and other agencies promote intra‐ as well as inter‐departmental (or agency) working.

Originality/value

By using the framework developed it is possible to see parallels across different professional and agency settings.
Swimming against the current
Authors: McCracken Martin , Brown Travor C. , O'Kane Paula
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the personal and organisational factors that affected public sector managers' participation in leadership training programmes and their ability to transfer learning to their workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were conducted with five Canadian and five Northern Irish managers who participated in one‐day leadership training programmes.

Findings

The uncertain environment throughout the public sector was the greatest inhibitor to training participation and transfer. However, other training characteristics and training design features were also noted (e.g. motivation, trainer influence).

Practical implications

Public sector organisations must take concrete steps to address current environmental challenges to fully benefit from leadership training programmes. The paper highlights pre‐, during, and post‐training strategies that can be implemented.

Originality/value

The findings illustrate that leaders in both public sector jurisdictions face similar issues and these have been exacerbated by the current turbulent climate. The authors suggest that to maximise return on training investment the public sector must create an environment supportive of training participation and transfer and suggest recommendations to help organisations in the future. These findings were facilitated by the use of qualitative training evaluation methods, not traditionally used in training transfer research.
An exploration of leadership experiences among white women and women of color
Authors: Key Susan , Popkin Samuel , Munchus George , Wech Barbara , Hill Vanessa , Tanner John
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The specific aims for this paper are to deal with the conflicting research findings associated with the factors that influence the success of female leaders while using race (African American) as the core variable in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was done. An empirical survey was designed and pre‐tested for face validity, relevance, clarity of items, and ease of administration and response. Two versions of the survey were pilot tested with two focus groups.

Findings

The analysis centered on racial differences between Caucasian and African American female leaders. Chi‐square test was used for the primary original data, and t‐test for the mean subgroup scores obtained in Likert‐type items. The primary finding is that while Caucasian women and African American women face similar gender obstacles, the factors that determine their paths to success differ significantly.

Research limitations/implications

The present study provides an excellent starting point to infuse race into the gender equation model regarding female leaders in organizational enterprises. As the world of work becomes more gender and racially diverse, the implications are very important given the status of female leadership in a civil society.

Originality/value

The newness and novelty of this paper is the comparison between Caucasian and African American women leaders in the southern part of the USA. The value of this paper is the focus on the demographics of change given the history of gender and racial hostility in organizational life for this segment of the population.
Twenty years of IJLM: evolution in research
Authors: Liao‐Troth Sara , Thomas Stephanie , Fawcett Stanley E.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate research trends observed in the International Journal of Logistics Management (IJLM) during its first 20 years of publication.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was conducted of the IJLM's first 20 years of publication (330 articles in total) to identify changing trends in subject matter, use of theory, type of research methodology, and author, institution, and country contributions.

Findings

IJLM has evolved in every dimension evaluated. Specifically, content follows macro‐economic world events and reflects the emergence of supply chain management as an interdisciplinary domain. Recent research demonstrates a greater emphasis on theory development as well as more rigorous methods. Importantly, the increased theoretical grounding and rigor provides greater confidence in research that continues to be highly managerially relevant. Author, institution, and country findings are also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to an analysis of IJLM's publications.

Practical implications

The research provides valuable insights into the evolution of articles published in IJLM. For managers, the findings suggest that readers can place greater confidence in the findings and recommendations proposed by current research published in IJLM. For researchers, the findings provide guidance regarding the types of research that are likely to be accepted for publication in IJLM. The findings also represent a call for more forward‐looking research.

Originality/value

The comprehensive review of IJLM's publications provides a longitudinal perspective on the evolution of research in IJLM.
Inter‐organizational IT use, cooperative attitude, and inter‐organizational collaboration as antecedents to contingency planning effectiveness
Authors: Hall Dianne J. , Skipper Joseph B. , Hazen Benjamin T. , Hanna Joe B.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Today's supply chains face increasing vulnerabilities; effective management of disruptions is critical to an organization's ability to weather disruptive events and remain competitive. Contingency planning is a method of risk management that promotes effective crisis management. This research tests proposed antecedents of contingency planning effectiveness in a supply chain setting.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used to gather data from 103 participants who are involved in their respective organization's contingency planning and implementation processes. The data were analyzed using partial least squares to examine relationships between contingency planning effectiveness, inter‐organizational information technology (IT) use, cooperative attitude, and inter‐organizational collaboration.

Findings

The proposed model explains 87 percent of the variance in contingency planning effectiveness. The findings suggest that inter‐organizational collaboration, inter‐organizational IT use, and cooperative attitude directly impact contingency planning effectiveness. Inter‐organizational collaboration mediates the relationships between the other antecedents and contingency planning effectiveness.

Originality/value

Although effective contingency planning has been shown to influence positive outcomes, the relationship between contingency planning effectiveness and its antecedents is not well understood in extant literature. This study identifies and investigates key antecedents to contingency planning effectiveness and provides a foundation for continued investigation.
Understanding satisfaction with supply chain management careers: an exploratory study
Authors: Goffnett Sean P. , Cook Robert L. , Williams Zachary , Gibson Brian J.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Career shifts and talent shortages in supply chain management (SCM) are evident at most occupation levels and need further attention and understanding. The purpose of this paper is to present factors that shape SCM career expectations, choices, and satisfaction and to advance career theory and research that is currently absent in SCM literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study administered open‐ended surveys to individuals educated and working in SCM to elicit the satisfaction and dissatisfaction that professionals derive from various aspects of their SCM careers. Resulting data were content analyzed and categorized into major themes representing career satisfiers (likes) and dissatisfiers (dislikes).

Findings

This exploratory study found evidence of traditional career components and the presences of objective and subjective components that transcend organizational boundaries. The results indicate an emergence of the boundaryless career concept in SCM, as the SCM career appears less dependent on a single employer. From the data emerged six major career satisfiers and seven major career dissatisfiers. Challenge is the most satisfying aspect of a SCM career. Challenge, however, may have limits, as the most dissatisfying aspect of a SCM career is the overload that can overwhelm a SCM professional in his or her career.

Practical implications

Career satisfaction can be readily measured and categorized to explain SCM career expectations and choices that may lead to positive or negative work outcomes. Supply chain managers could utilize the information to understand employee perceptions and behaviors that may influence performance and to contend with disruptive career shifts and looming talent shortages in SCM.

Originality/value

This paper introduces contemporary career theory concepts and is a first of its kind in the field that explores attitudes and perceptions toward careers in SCM, as it focuses on career satisfiers and dissatisfiers described by SCM professionals.
A fuzzy AHP based integer linear programming model for the multi‐criteria transshipment problem
Authors: He Ting , Ho William , Lee Ka Man Carman , Xu Xiaofei
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a holistic approach to maximize the customer service level while minimizing the logistics cost by using an integrated multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) method for the contemporary transshipment problem. Unlike the prevalent optimization techniques, this paper proposes an integrated approach which considers both quantitative and qualitative factors in order to maximize the benefits of service deliverers and customers under uncertain environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a fuzzy‐based integer linear programming model, based on the existing literature and validated with an example case. The model integrates the developed fuzzy modification of the analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), and solves the multi‐criteria transshipment problem.

Findings

This paper provides several novel insights about how to transform a company from a cost‐based model to a service‐dominated model by using an integrated MCDM method. It suggests that the contemporary customer‐driven supply chain remains and increases its competitiveness from two aspects: optimizing the cost and providing the best service simultaneously.

Research limitations/implications

This research used one illustrative industry case to exemplify the developed method. Considering the generalization of the research findings and the complexity of the transshipment service network, more cases across multiple industries are necessary to further enhance the validity of the research output.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the evaluation and selection of transshipment service suppliers, the construction of optimal transshipment network as well as managing the network.

Originality/value

The major advantages of this generic approach are that both quantitative and qualitative factors under fuzzy environment are considered simultaneously and also the viewpoints of service deliverers and customers are focused. Therefore, it is believed that it is useful and applicable for the transshipment service network design.
Knowledge to manage the knowledge society
Authors: Minati Gianfranco
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to make evident the inadequateness of concepts and language based on industrial knowledge still used in current practices by managers to cope with problems of the post‐industrial societies characterised by non‐linear process of emergence and acquisition of properties. The purpose is to allow management to use language and concepts more appropriate to deal with complexity, i.e. to represent, induce and orient processes of chance, and second, to outline a theory of practice guiding their efforts. The purpose is also to underline the urgency of a new general management education.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on contrasting concepts and their linguistic representations of the industrial age to the related post‐industrial ones. The approach is based on representing processes by using a more appropriate language, cultural aspect of science of complexity, able to deal with processes of emergence.

Findings

Suitable, appropriate and open linguistic representations allow effective management of complex social systems where processes of emergence, i.e. acquisition of properties, occur. Current educational process for managers should be rethought. Learning relates to design new suitable models.

Research limitations/implications

One limit of this approach is given by the fact that it is not easy to implement, it cannot be considered a tool and imbalances are inevitable due to differences and inhomogeneous assumption of this new thinking.

Practical implications

It is a potential guide in helping practitioners in recognizing, inducing and managing complexity of processes and change.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new way to recognise and see reciprocal‐relational forces within a cultural‐social‐political context by using suitable translations of concepts and approaches introduced in science of complexity, such as in physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry.
Knowledge to manage the knowledge society
Authors: Minati Gianfranco
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This article aims to outline the scope of this Special Issue and of the six papers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the concepts and approaches within the knowledge domain which are the focus of the present issue and themes of the papers.

Findings

The paper outlines the scope of the Special Issue and of the papers.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to introduce the concepts and approaches which are the focus of the present issue and themes of the papers.
Assessing the six‐station corporate identity model: a polymorphic model
Authors: Suvatjis Jean , de Chernatony Leslie , Halikias John
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of corporate identity modeling. Corporate identity is an abstract concept that takes many forms, from the brand and logo, to the product and the company's reputation. One of the keys to a successful business presence hinges on effective management of corporate identity. The paper seeks to explain the stages that are involved in developing, then assessing, a model of corporate identity, which has academic rigor and managerial relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

The process started by postulating a “six‐station” model that should assist firms to build and manage their corporate identities effectively. This was done by reviewing the corporate identity literature and appreciating the limitations of existing models. The literature review indicated that ten criteria were important for the creation of a robust model and the six‐station model was based on these. The six‐station model was then investigated by means of a single hypothesis. Two empirical phases – qualitative and quantitative – accompanied the study to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The validity of the six‐station model was corroborated by the research, which indicated that the six‐station model was considered by managers and consultants to be a valid and reliable model in managing the concept of identity and describing the way corporate identity operates.

Originality/value

A logical approach was employed in constructing the model, which was assessed for validity and managerial applicability. The model provides a conceptual framework for analysis of the identity development process, and is not intended as a mechanical model of what is in reality a continuous, synergistic and non‐linear process. Developments in later stages do not always depend exclusively on causes arising from the previous stage. It is believed that by postulating a corporate identity model, which meets key criteria for robustness, and providing some indication of its managerial applicability, researchers will be stimulated to consider how refinements can be made to corporate identity models by initiating and implementing closer dialogue between researchers and practitioners.
Individual differences in consumer responses to traditional versus virtual concept testing
Authors: Peng Ling , Cui Geng , Li Chunyu
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of innovativeness, change seeking and cognitive effort on consumer responses to traditional versus virtual testing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study collects concept evaluations of five heterogeneous consumer appliances, from 400 members of an online panel. Generalizability theory (hereafter G theory) is used to assess the psychometric quality of the evaluation data in different testing environments.

Findings

The results show that subjects with high innovativeness and change seeking report significantly more favorable concept evaluations and generate better quality data. However, the effect of innovativeness on testing outcomes and data quality would be reduced in virtual testing environment.

Practical implications

The results indicate that using firm or industry norms to interpret the testing outcome will be biased unless it accounts for whether the screening processes result in equally innovative or variety seeking samples of respondents.

Originality/value

Managerially, the current results indicate that a product manager wanting to concept test a pool of appliance concepts can benefit from screening for the respondents, who will provide higher quality concept testing data in a traditional testing environment. However, the effects of traits on data quality are mitigated in a virtual testing environment. The findings provide a surprising insight that subject selection is not a more critical issue in virtual testing.
Corporate branding and transformational leadership in turbulent times
Authors: Ruediger Kaufmann Hans , Vrontis Demetris , Czinkota Michael , Hadiono Alvin
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Environmental changes require higher levels of corporate authenticity when communicating with stakeholders. This is achieved by a congruence of stakeholder and brand identities. Focusing on employee identity, the purpose of this paper is to explain relationships of factors predicting brand‐building behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study pursues a triangulation approach, applying case study and survey as research methods and telephone interviews and questionnaires as research techniques in the respective exploratory and explanatory research stages.

Findings

Confirmed by exploratory and explanatory research, the antecedent factors of behavioral branding have been elicited. Interestingly, marketing control reflected differentiated results compared to previous research. It showed the highest level of contribution to explain R square followed by role identity salience and value congruence. This factor also had the highest correlation value.

Research limitations/implications

Additional qualitative and quantitative research with increased sample size is suggested to validate the findings in diverse cross‐cultural research settings.

Practical implications

The findings enable global marketing managers to more effectively relate to stakeholders by a holistic, empathetic and authentic corporate branding strategy execution.

Originality/value

The interdisciplinary study validates and further develops recent pioneering research by using different measurements, scales and sample scopes. This multidisciplinary research delineates innovative and integrated conceptualizations on corporate branding, identity and leadership and supports the call to upgrade the branding concept within the marketing discipline.
Effects of gender and price knowledge on offer evaluation and channel transition in retail and e‐tail environments
Authors: Chandrashekaran Rajesh , Suri Rajneesh
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how consumers evaluate identical price offers in retail versus e‐tail environments. Within that context, it seeks to examine the likelihood of shoppers to continue searching for a better price within the same channel and their intentions to transit to another channel.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 120 subjects provided information on gender and price knowledge and evaluated an advertised offer for a camera in one of two settings (retail or e‐tail). The offers in the two settings were identical in all respects. Then, subjects indicated the likelihood of finding a better price within the medium versus if they made a transition to a different medium.

Findings

Analysis reveals that consumers' evaluations and search behaviors are influenced by characteristics of the medium (retail versus e‐tail), but this effect is moderated by both gender and price knowledge. Females prefer a brick and mortar environment and are likely to seek information at such retailers, even when similar products are available online. However, males evaluate online offers better than identical store offers, and are less inclined to engage in channel transition. Finally, evaluations of online offers are positively related to price knowledge, whereas a reverse pattern of results is obtained for retail offers.

Originality/value

The findings shed light on how consumers evaluate identical online versus retail price offers, and their associated search intentions. These findings have practical implications for merchants who adopt a dual presence.
Power management of a wireless sensor node with solar energy harvesting technology
Authors: Chan Kah‐Yoong , Phoon Hee‐Joe , Ooi Chee‐Pun , Pang Wai‐Leong , Wong Sew‐Kin
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Power management of a wireless sensor node is important and needs to be designed efficiently without wasting excessive energy. The purpose of this paper is to report on the improvement of the power management of a wireless sensor node.

Design/methodology/approach

The design involves the implementation of solar recharging technology with single‐ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) on a wireless sensor node in order to achieve the improvement in power management.

Findings

The combination of the solar recharging technology with SEPIC converter shows promising results for efficiently supplying the power to the wireless sensor node.

Research limitations/implications

The design idea can be extended for many other electronic sensor applications, which can help to ensure an efficient power management of the sensor nodes.

Originality/value

The proposed design model demonstrates a new idea towards reduction of energy usage for wireless sensor nodes.
Characterization and modelling of miniature ferrite transformer for high frequency applications
Authors: Damnjanović Mirjana S. , Živanov Ljiljana D. , Djurić Snezana M. , Marić Andrea M. , Menićanin Aleksandar B. , Radosavljević Goran J. , Blaž Nelu V.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Significant achievements in ferrite material processing enable developments of many ferrite devices with a wide range of power levels and working frequencies, which make demands for new characterization and modelling methods for ferrite materials and components. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a modelling and measurement procedure, which can be used for the characterization of two‐port ferrite components in high frequency range.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a commercially available ferrite component (transformer) modelling and determination of its electrical parameters using in‐house developed software. The components are measured and characterized using a vector network analyzer E5071B and adaptation test fixture on PCB board. The parameters of electrical equivalent circuit of the ferrite transformer parameters are compared with values extracted out of measured scattering parameters.

Findings

A good agreement between modelled and extracted electrical parameters of the ferrite transformer is found. The modelled inductance curves have the same dependence versus frequency as extracted ones. That confirms the model validity in the wide frequency range.

Originality/value

In‐house developed software based on proposed model provides inclusion of the ferrite material dispersive characteristics, which dominantly determines high‐frequency behaviour of two‐port ferrite components. Developed software enables fast and accurate calculation of the ferrite transformer electrical parameters and its redesign in order to achieve the best performance for required application.
Optimal placement of modules on partially reconfigurable device for reconfiguration time improvement
Authors: Ouni Bouraoui , Mtibaa Abdellatif
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reduce the reconfiguration time of a field‐programmable gate array (FPGA).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on introducing a new temporal placement algorithm which uses a typical mathematical formalism to optimize the reconfiguration time.

Findings

Results show that the algorithm decreases considerably the reconfiguration time compared with famous temporal placement algorithms.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new temporal placement algorithm which optimizes reconfiguration time of modules on the device. The studied evaluation cases show that the proposed algorithm provides very significant results in terms reconfiguration time of modules versus other well‐known algorithms used in the temporal placement field. The authors uses the eigenvalue of the Laplacian matrix.
The insufficiency of traditional safety nets: what bank resolution fund for Europe?
Authors: Nieto Maria J. , Garcia Gillian G.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the rationale for Bank Recovery and Resolution Funds (BRRFs) in the context of the present European Union's (EU) decentralized safety net.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper makes some reflections on the governance aspects of BRRFs that would require minimum harmonization in the EU, emphasizing that BRRFs are only one institutional component of financial institutions' effective and credible resolution regime. This paper focuses on depository institutions, but the rationale of BRRFs could be extended to other credit institutions.

Findings

BRRFs contribute to shifting the government's trade‐off between bailing out and restructuring in favour of restructuring, to the extent that there is also an effective bank resolution legal framework. In turn, banks' contributions to BRRFs aim at discouraging their excess systemic risk creation, particularly through financial system leverage.

Originality/value

The paper provides input in the current regulatory debate to develop new measures for the reform of the regulatory framework of financial services in the EU.
Towards a practical approach to responsible innovation in finance
Authors: Armstrong Margaret , Cornut Guillaume , Delacôte Stéphane , Lenglet Marc , Millo Yuval , Muniesa Fabian , Pointier Alexandre , Tadjeddine Yamina
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potentials offered by New Product Committees for the development of responsible innovation in the financial services industry; and to provide grounds for policy recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of collective, interdisciplinary reflection and experience within the industry.

Findings

New Product Committees can serve a practical approach to responsible innovation in finance.

Originality/value

The paper fills a gap in the empirical consideration of New Product Committees in the financial services industry and proposes original directions for policy orientations within organizations and at a regulatory level.
The effects of corporate governance on performance and financial distress
Authors: Hassan Al‐Tamimi Hussein A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the UAE national banks' practices of corporate governance (CG) and the perception of the UAE national banks of the effects of CG on performance and financial distress.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified questionnaire has been developed, divided into two parts. The first part covers disclosure and transparency, executive compensation, relationship with shareholders, governance structure, policies and compliance, relationship with stakeholders, and board of directors. The second part deals with performance and financial distress.

Findings

The results indicate that UAE banks are aware of the importance of disclosure transparency, executive compensation, the relationship with shareholders and stakeholders, and the role of the board of directors. The results also indicate that the corporate governance practices of UAE national banks are acceptable. In addition, the results reveal that there is a significant positive relationship between CG practices of UAE national banks and disclosure and transparency, shareholders' interests, stakeholders' interests, and the role of the board of directors. Furthermore, the results indicate that there is an insignificant positive relationship between CG practices of UAE national banks and performance level, and that there is a significant positive relationship between financial distress and CG practices of UAE national banks. Finally, the study found that there is no significant difference in the level of CG practices between the UAE's national conventional banks and its Islamic banks.

Originality/value

The current study is considered the first of its kind conducted on the UAE. To the best of the author's knowledge, no such studies have been conducted regarding the effect of CG on performance and financial distress of UAE national conventional and Islamic banks.
Are you my mentor? Informal mentoring mutual identification
Authors: Torney Welsh Elizabeth , Bhave Devasheesh , yong Kim Kyoung
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the extent to which potential mentors and protégés agree that an informal mentoring relationship exists. Because these relationships are generally tacitly understood, either the mentor or protégé could perceive that there is a mentoring relationship when the other person does not agree. Whether gender affects this is also to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Individuals were asked to identify their mentoring partners. Each report of a partner was then compared to the partner's list to determine whether there was a match (i.e. both reported the relationship as an informal mentoring relationship) or a mismatch (i.e. where one partner reported the relationship as an informal mentoring relationship but the other did not). This pattern of matches and mismatches was then analyzed to determine level of matching and gender differences.

Findings

There is little agreement between mentoring partners: neither potential protégés nor potential mentors were very accurate at identifying reciprocal informal mentoring partners. However, gender was not found to be related to different levels of matching.

Originality/value

Previous work has not examined whether potential informal mentoring partners perceive the relationship in the same way. This has implications for employees who are depending upon their mentoring partners for support that may not be forthcoming because the partner does not view the relationship similarly. The findings also have implications for researchers, particularly when studying mentoring relationships from only one perspective and implicitly assuming agreement between partners.
Individual differences in job‐related relocation readiness
Authors: Otto Kathleen , Dalbert Claudia
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Previous research has demonstrated the positive impact of relocation mobility on career success. Based on conservation‐of‐resources theory and knowledge about resistance to change, this study aims to explore the role of personality dispositions and social orientations in explaining job‐related relocation readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 380 German employees (study 1), unemployed individuals (study 2), and apprentices (study 3) were surveyed on their relocation readiness, personality dispositions (neuroticism, openness to experience, uncertainty tolerance), and social orientations (individualism, collectivism, social norms –i.e. the perceived social endorsement of relocation mobility) in three cross‐sectional studies and one longitudinal study (study 4).

Findings

Findings show that high levels of neuroticism (study 1) and collectivism (studies 1‐3) made individuals less ready to relocate, whereas high levels of openness to experience (study 2), uncertainty tolerance (studies 1‐2), and individualism (study 3) were positively associated with relocation readiness, as was the perceived social endorsement of relocation mobility (studies 1‐4).

Research limitations/implications

Personality dispositions and social orientations should be considered when relocation decisions are at stake. The research focused on relocation readiness and did not investigate actual relocation mobility.

Practical implications

Human resources management and career counseling aiming to foster relocation readiness should take account of the social environment. Moreover, uncertainty‐intolerant individuals should be offered systematic, step‐by‐step guidance on how best to deal with relocation.

Originality/value

The study is the first to show that personality dispositions and social orientations by far outweigh socio‐demographic factors in explaining relocation readiness.
Older people's experiences of their kitchens: 2000 to 2010
Authors: Sims R.E. , Maguire M.C. , Nicolle C. , Marshall R. , Lawton C. , Peace S. , Percival J.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to present the quantitative results based on a comparison and evaluation of older people's experiences, needs and wants from their current kitchens, combining and comparing the results obtained from two studies conducted in 2000 and 2010 to see what progress has been made.

Design/methodology/approach

A study in 2010 investigated the life‐long and contemporary experiences of kitchens of 48 people aged over 60 years of age. The research included detailed questionnaire interviews asking people about their experiences of living in their current kitchen. A previous study, conducted in 2000, asked many of the same questions of 22 people in the same age group.

Findings

By combining and comparing the two sets of data it seems that only limited progress has been made in terms of kitchen design meeting the needs of older people between 2000 and 2010.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the small sizes of the samples it is not possible to compare the figures statistically or present them as fully representative of the British older population but while the two samples are limited both had similar characteristics of age and gender, so differences do show potential trends over time.

Practical implications

The research refers to guidance and a computer based design tool and identifies a number of practical implications for design.

Social implications

As people age their abilities and needs can change and their kitchen may no longer be as accessible or appropriate to their needs.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the relevant guidance for designers, developers and managers of buildings where the continued personal use of a kitchen is important for continuing independence of older people.
Social housing, community empowerment and well‐being: part two – measuring the benefits of empowerment through community ownership
Authors: Rosenberg Jonathan
Published: May 2012

Purpose

This paper provides a summary of evidence on a local sense of well‐being gathered from the population of a mutual resident‐controlled housing association, compared at various levels with national and other comparator data. It reproduces statistics and many statements from Walterton and Elgin Community Homes (WECH) residents, to shed light on questions over the potential for community‐owned social landlords to promote social capital and well‐being and transform communities and neighbourhoods in line with current UK government thinking on happiness, empowerment, and the Big Society agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is the second part of an overview of the potential for social housing to empower people and improve well‐being, from the perspective of a full community‐owned social housing landlord. Professor Peter Ambrose of Brighton University led the study of the WECH population, assisted by LSE Social Policy post‐graduate students who carried out the interviews of WECH residents. Dr Satsangi of the University of Stirling led the work comparing the data collected on WECH residents with other populations and datasets. The paper includes a summary of these findings, with further reflections on the implications for national housing policy.

Findings

Notwithstanding the high deprivation indices for the area as a whole, residents of WECH expressed high levels of satisfaction with the neighbourhood, and greater levels of community engagement than people living in areas with comparable levels of deprivation. The findings support the hypothesis that an empowering and participatory management style – especially where based upon full community ownership and resident control – effectively enhances community engagement, activates citizenship and significantly improves individual and collective well‐being.

Practical implications

Happiness and well‐being, it now appears, are not so much a function of incomes and costs, as a product of control and influence. Overall, and at the very least, the results should give confidence to national and local governments to drive forward their policies to mutualise social housing, where local communities wish to take over their homes.

Originality/value

The 1992 WECH transfer of 921 homes from the local authority remains the only large‐scale statutory (as distinct from voluntary) transfer of council housing in England and Wales to a resident‐controlled community‐based housing association. Therefore, WECH's experience is especially relevant for informing the Coalition Government's implementation of the statutory Right to Transfer for council tenants.
Integrated risk management in agriculture: an inductive research
Authors: Singla Sonit , Sagar Mahim
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest an integrated risk management service for agriculture, by identifying different risk management practices that may be offered in conjunction with crop insurance, to address the various problems and challenges being faced by farmers and by insurance companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on an inductive approach of developing theory from case studies using within‐case and cross‐case analysis. However, apart from exploring different elements from case studies, some of the existing concepts have been reviewed from the literature for their application in agricultural risk management.

Findings

An integrated framework for risk management in agriculture has been developed by inductively exploring the various elements that may be successfully interlinked with the crop insurance to tackle the various agricultural risks more efficiently and effectively.

Practical implications

This paper can act as a basis for new product development in agricultural risk management through the use of this integrated approach of risk management and the different elements that have been identified to improve the effectiveness of crop insurance.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the identified need to develop a framework for an integrated risk management in agriculture.
Mental Health Promotion in a Rural Context: Research and Realities from a Community‐Based Initiative in Northern Ireland
Authors: Barry Margaret , O'Doherty Elaine , Doherty Ann
Published: May 2012

This paper describes the development of mental health promotion strategies for rural communities in Northern Ireland. The initial phase of a community‐based project targeting depression and suicide is examined. The paper brings together practitioner and research perspectives on an analysis of the factors that made this initiative possible and facilitated its development to date. The paper is written in two sections. Section one describes the process and practical experience of planning and implementing the initial phase of the project. Section two reports on the community needs assessment study. The research approach adopted is outlined and the implications of the findings are discussed.
Positive Pre‐conception Partnerships: The Essential Ingredient for Good Mental Health
Authors: Hart Bret , Cochrane Karen , Quinn Christine
Published: May 2012

Ensuring that a child has a good start in life requires a partnership that extends beyond that of the parents and that precedes a child's conception. Sharing this vision among agencies that have contact with marginalised young people led to the use of an infant simulator to attract ‘at risk’ young people into a program that helps ensure that the choice to conceive is not only informed but also has the potential to promote mental health. Participants demonstrated that they increased their knowledge of the health and other implications of having a baby and some took active measures to improve their health.
Lay Perceptions of Mental Disorder in Agricultural Greece: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Zissi Anastasia
Published: May 2012

This exploratory survey aimed to investigate and to explore, using the vignette methodology, community perceptions of mental disorder in a rural area in Greece. The influence of the nature of the problematic behaviour depicted in the vignettes, the gender of the vignette actor and the demographic characteristics of respondents were also examined.A series of vignettes in combination with an open‐ended response format were used. Fifty face‐to‐face interviews were carried out with residents in a rural community area in Crete. A thematic analysis was employed.It was found that the type of symptomatology influenced respondents' reactions. Social environmental factors, childhood experiences and personality characteristics were more likely to be offered as ætiological factors for depression, anxiety and schizophrenia with negative symptoms. In contrast, the positive symptoms of schizophrenia and paranoia were more likely to be attributed to biological factors. The respondents expressed a remarkably reserved attitude towards psychiatrists and use of psychotropic drugs. Psychological assistance and social support were more likely to be recommended as treatment methods. The gender of the vignette actor influenced respondents' reactions in relation to schizophrenia with positive symptoms and schizophrenia with negative symptoms. Respondents' gender and age were found to have no influence.Vignette methodology was proved to be a valuable tool to demonstrate the complexity of lay perceptions concerning mental disorder. Respondents clearly expressed a need for mental health education indicating future implications for interventions in this area.
Social entrepreneurs as the paragons of shared value creation? A critical perspective
Authors: Pirson Michael
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The financial crisis of 2007/2008 has caused many to question the basic premises of the current business system. Porter and Kramer suggest that the purpose of the corporation needs to be redefined. They posit that the corporation, rather than merely pursuing financial value creation set out to pursue shared value creation. They further declare social entrepreneurs the paragons of said shared‐value creation. The purpose of this paper is to explore that claim.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critically analyzes the pathway of shared‐value creation in three leading social enterprises employing a genealogical perspective.

Findings

It is found that very innovative shared‐value creating ventures opted out of balance‐oriented, shared‐value creation strategies and embraced either financial or social‐value primacy strategies over time. The findings thus question the power of the shared‐value creation notion when viewed as balance orientation.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new concept, a new methodology, and interesting case studies.