bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical model of international student satisfaction
Authors: Arambewela Rodney , Hall John
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Based on the theoretical framework of expectancy‐disconfirmation paradigm, the purpose of this paper is to examine the differences in student perceptions of the level of satisfaction related to educational and non‐educational services among four groups of international postgraduate business students from China, India, Indonesia and Thailand undertaking study in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this study were derived from a mail survey conducted among international postgraduate business students from Asia studying at five universities in the state of Victoria, Australia. A total of 573 usable responses were received. Analysis using structural equation modelling, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was undertaken.

Findings

This study develops and tests a model of international postgraduate student satisfaction. Findings indicate that the importance of service quality factors related to both educational and non‐educational services varies among nationality groups and, therefore, has a differential impact on student satisfaction.

Practical implications

The study provides insights into seven constructs related to educational and non‐educational services that are perceived as important by postgraduate business students from Asia in satisfaction formation. Universities should develop a diversified strategic marketing plan that incorporates the differential needs of international postgraduate business students according to the educational and non‐educational constructs developed in this paper.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution by filling a void in academic research in the area of satisfaction in relation to postgraduate international business students from four nationality groups in Asia.
The impact of market orientation and corporate social responsibility on firm performance
Authors: Qu Riliang
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the joint effects of market orientation (MO) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a questionnaire survey of star‐rated hotels in China and a total of 143 valid responses were received. The hypotheses were tested by employing structural equation modelling with a maximum likelihood estimation option.

Findings

It was found that although both MO and CSR could enhance performance, once the effects of CSR are accounted for, the direct effects of MO on performance diminish considerably to almost non‐existent. Although this result may be due to the fact that the research is conducted in China, a country where CSR might be crucially important to performance given the country's socialist legacy, it nonetheless provides strong evidence that MO's impact on organizational performance is mediated by CSR.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations include the use of cross‐sectional data, the subjective measurement of performance and the uniqueness of the research setting (China). The findings provide an additional important insight into the processes by which a market oriented culture is transformed into superior organizational performance.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to examine the joint effects of MO and CSR on business performance. The empirical evidence from China adds to the existing literature on the respective importance of MO and CSR.
Identifying and managing low money laundering risk
Authors: de Koker Louis
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Financial Action Task Force (FATF)'s risk‐based guidance to combat money laundering and terrorist financing to determine its approach to the identification and management of low‐risk providers, products and transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the relevant FATF recommendations and its guidance notes and reflects on key questions for regulators and financial institutions.

Findings

FATF has not defined “risk” for purposes of the risk‐based approach. The absence of a clear definition complicates the identification of low‐risk products. FATF do provide an example of a risk matrix that can be used to identify low‐risk banks, but the example is based on assumptions and generalisations that are not sustainable. In addition, it identifies certain low‐value transactions as “low risk” transactions. The paper reflects on the role of value as an indicator of risk and concludes with a number of suggestions to clarify the conceptual framework.

Originality/value

Low‐risk products and transactions are often overlooked because the risk‐based approach focuses attention on high‐risk matters. Low‐risk products are however crucial to the efforts to increase financial inclusion. The paper identifies gaps in the current conceptual framework and indicates ways in which they can be addressed.
Corporate crime and the dysfunction of value networks
Authors: Dion Michel
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The concept of “value network” makes clear that the mission of business corporations cannot be isolated from three basic elements: making profits, responding to customers' needs, reacting to competitors. Too often, value networks are seen as neutral factors in the way corporate crimes are committed. Value networks are usually considered as morally neutral conditioning factors, while it is not the case. The purpose of this paper is to explain how value networks should be closely linked to any crime prevention system.

Design/methodology/approach

Christensen's notion of value networks will be used in order to see if corporate crimes constitute a dysfunction of value networks. The most important “traditional” antecedents of corporate crime will be analyzed.

Findings

Both financial performance and growth rate are reflecting a deep concern for profitability. The level of market concentration not only reveals the structure of the market itself but also the way competitors react one to each other (particularly, through mergers and acquisitions). In both cases, what is unveiled is the capacity of value networks to enhance ethical as well as unethical practices. The way competitors react one to another, as component of the industry concentration, actually reveals how value networks are morally unsettled when such reaction could influence organizations to commit corporate crimes.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is to reveal how changing corporate culture could redefine the moral boundaries of value networks within the organization.
Investor protection by securities regulators in the primary share markets in Australia and Bangladesh
Authors: Solaiman S.M.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover the weaknesses of initial public offering (IPO) regulation in Bangladesh in the light of the relevant law and practice in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative analysis of archival materials has been carried out to achieve the objective of the paper. Two different sets of legal provisions dealing with some selected issues relevant to the regulation primary share markets have been compared and contrasted. The level of market development, composition and performance of securities regulators and the level of investor sophistication have been critically in this paper in discussing aspects of regulation.

Findings

This paper finds that the IPO regulation in Bangladesh is weaker than that in Australia. The major weaknesses may be attributed to different factors such as the adoption of the disclosure philosophy prematurely by discarding the previous merit regulation in 1999 for a pre‐emerging securities market, lack of experienced and well‐trained people in the composition of securities regulators, lack of regulatory authority to sue for compensation on behalf of investors in the absence of shareholders class action, lack of authority to regulate auditors and lawyers who play significant roles in preparing defective prospectuses for public consumption. Findings also suggest that adequate investor protection cannot be ensured by regulatory measures alone, investors should be educated to protect themselves in the first place against the cupidity of issuers.

Originality/value

It provides an insight into an effective IPO regulatory regime. An immediate implementation of the recommendations made in this paper may contribute to improving the legal and regulatory regime for the primary share market in Bangladesh which may set a good example for others.
Political will in combating corruption in developing and transition economies
Authors: Abdulai Abdul‐Gafaru
Published: October 2009

Purpose

In recognition of corruption as a major obstacle to the development processes of poor countries, the search for effective strategies in combating the phenomenon in developing countries has become a major preoccupation of the international donor community, particularly since the early 1990s. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of “political will” in combating corruption in Hong Kong, Singapore and Ghana with the view to drawing significant lessons for all developing and transition countries in their anticorruption crusades.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings in this paper are based on an extensive review of relevant literature and personal experiences in Ghana.

Findings

This paper concludes that controlling corruption in a sustained manner requires a consistent demonstration of genuine commitment on the part of the top political elite towards the eradication of the menace. Where the commitment of the top political leadership to the goal of eradicating corruption in a country is weak, as has been the case in Ghana, governments are only likely to engage in “zero tolerance for corruption” talk but continue to play a “tolerant corruption” game. Anticorruption reforms, in this regard, are bound to fail.

Practical implications

The paper highlights a number of lessons from the successful anticorruption crusades of Singapore and Hong Kong that are significant for Ghana and other developing countries in their fight against corruption. These include the need for anticorruption reform initiatives to be participatory and inclusive of all stakeholders including public and private sectors as well as civil society; the need to provide adequate budgets and staff for specialized anticorruption agencies and grant them independence in the execution of their mandates; and the need to establish effective mechanisms for: providing positive incentives for those who comply with anticorruption laws; and exposing and sanctioning compromised individuals and institutions.

Originality/value

Whilst studies on the role of political will in combating corruption in developing countries abound, most of these have either not provided in‐depth country experiences or relied on single country cases. One major departure of this paper from extant literature is its cross‐country comparative nature.
Handling conflicts of interest within financial innovation
Authors: Kattan William , King Wendy , Ramella Marcelo
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of a financial services regulator, the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), in identifying and dealing with conflicts of interest in innovative financial markets and involving sophisticated counterparties.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on Bermuda legislation and regulations in force, on corporate records, produced by the BMA, documenting its structure, policies, and procedures in place to identify and manage conflicts of interest, as well as on observation of current corporate practices in this respect. In addition, background and contextual information on Bermuda reinsurance market relies on secondary sources describing and analyzing it.

Findings

The paper argues that the BMA has approached the issue of identification and treatment of conflicts of interest within a highly innovative environment involving sophisticated counterparties through two key strategies. First, it has concentrated its regulatory and supervisory efforts and resources at the “entry” stage of the process (e.g. licensing of financial entities). Second, the BMA has drawn on its knowledge of, and partnership with, the close‐knitted network of financial services stakeholders operating in Bermuda.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to those wishing to explore and better understand conflicts of interest involving sophisticated financial counterparties, and the role of the regulator in identifying and managing them, especially within the dynamics of innovative markets.
Lean supply chain and its effect on product cost and quality: a case study on Ford Motor Company
Authors: Wee H.M. , Wu Simon
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address “how Toyota can continuously and consistently achieve its dramatic success through its competences ‐ continuous waste elimination and the objective of long term philosophy”; the paper aims to summarize some solid suggestions and comprehensive ideas for those industries planning to implement lean production.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is the case based approach (CBA), which described lean supply chain (LSC) through value stream mapping (VSM) using a case study from the Ford Motor Company in Chung Li, Taiwan. The paper follows a four‐step problem solving process to demonstrate how lean supply chain affects product cost and quality.

Findings

Using VSM case study to demonstrate LSC, all the measurable indices helpful for cost reduction, quality enhancement and lead time reduction are shown. The paper also provides some recommendations and basic principles to implement VSM successfully through P‐D‐C‐A improving cycle.

Research limitations/implications

Since a comprehensive demonstration of VSM implementation is likely to be both expensive and time‐consuming, this study provides a case study from the Ford Motor Company in Taiwan.

Practical implications

VSM through lean process is considered to be one of the best practices in supply chain management. It has been shown to be successful for implementing lean production in Toyota Production System (TPS). However, other competitors struggle despite adopting similar principles. It seems that there is a special ingredient within TPS that Toyota's competitors do not fully comprehend.

Originality/value

This paper not only shows the value of VSM as a supply chain tool in implementing lean production; but also provides industrial insight for enterprising companies to follow a four‐step problem‐solving process to effectively develop their lean supply chain.
Is the offshore outsourcing landscape for US manufacturers migrating away from China?
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Medina Jennifer , Nelson Mark T.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The motivation for this study is triggered by the fact that lately contract manufacturers in China have to deal with a number of unprecedented cost pressures such as currency fluctuations, the VAT rebate reduction, and minimum wage enforcement. As cost pressures in China continue to mount, this paper aims to analyze whether the US manufacturing outsourcing pendulum is swinging away from China and back to nearby Mexico, or towards emerging low‐cost countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Turkey or Argentina.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis consists of comparing major cost drivers such as labor, currency, freight, and raw material and determined per unit price and the potential impact of currency fluctuations over the next five years. An example of Easle Pads (paper‐based non‐adhesive coated) is used to present the detailed analysis.

Findings

The outsourcing landscape today may change again in the near future as the VAT rebate is further reduced or eliminated or the impact of the Olympic Games finish. Assumptions will need to be updated to reflect any changes in the future. Though other countries such as Vietnam appear to be viable options, managers will need to take other factors into consideration when making outsourcing decisions. They will need to identify specific suppliers in a country and obtain quotes in order to finalize their decision.

Research limitations

The data analysis is supposedly very high‐level. Many assumptions were applied lacking full detail, and duties and customs were not specifically addressed for each country. However, this organized approach is useful as a strategic decision tool in performing supplier searches to identify potential countries.

Practical implications

The paper helps shed light on the opportunities that exist in the emerging low‐cost countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Other countries, such as Turkey and Argentina, also offer low labor costs, but may be better considered as regional sources of supply, rather than US outsourcing destinations.

Originality/value

The majority of studies on manufacturing outsourcing in relation to China concentrate on the reasons why one should choose China. The paper looks at manufacturing outsourcing away from China and identifies possible alternatives for contract manufacturing.
How to design the right supply chains for your customers
Authors: Collin Jari , Eloranta Eero , Holmström Jan
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to present an approach that two leading supply chain companies have used to identify and design alternative supply chain solutions according to their customers' demand chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes industry best practice.

Findings

The supplier of telecommunications equipment found that by deploying three different supply chains that corresponded to three types of customers' demand chains it could simultaneously improve customer satisfaction and effectiveness. The supplier of fasteners found it could serve its different industrial customers with essentially two supply chain designs.

Research limitations/implications

This is a practical best practice description and does not aim to contribute to academic research. However, there are no academic contributions on procedures for supply chain re‐design according to customer demand chains. Thus, the best practice described in the paper implies a need for research on this type of supply chain customization.

Practical implications

Customer requirements and collaboration capabilities can be systematically taken into consideration in supply chain designs.

Originality/value

The paper presents a practical approach for taking both product characteristics and customer differences into account in supply chain re‐design.
Public procurement strategy for accelerating the economic recovery
Authors: Gordon Murray J.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the problem of public procurement's contribution in moving from the current global economic downturn and accelerating the economic recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is used to establish perceived local government procurement best practice. Secondary research is then drawn upon to establish local government procurement's response to the current economic recession. The paper is set within the context of English local government. The paper's contribution is in highlighting that perceived best public procurement practice may well, in the short‐term, be inappropriate and perhaps delay economic recovery. Suggestions for more radical short‐term procurement strategic interventions are set out and justified as accelerating the economic recovery. The suggestions are considered appropriate, not only for the current crisis, but also for future economic downturns or indeed any country facing such a situation.

Findings

The analysis suggests that English local government procurement strategy generally remains unaltered from that adopted prior to the economic recession. It is then argued that current best practice may well hinder an economic recovery and a short‐term shift in procurement strategy is required.

Research limitations/implications

The economic recession is a current phenomenon and the secondary research could well suffer from self‐selection bias, nevertheless the review of current policy documents suggests that a short‐term shift in procurement strategy is justified.

Practical implications

The paper identifies the weaknesses in current procurement strategy prior to setting out a short‐term alternative procurement strategy that could help public procurement managers accelerate a viable economic recovery.

Originality/value

The current global economic downturn represents a major challenge to public sector organisations, yet there remains an assumption that English local government procurement strategy developed during a period of economic boom, is appropriate during the recession. This paper challenges that assumption and sets out a procurement strategy that could accelerate economic recovery. The strategy advocated can be tested and the lessons learnt utilised in other countries or during future periods of economic downturn.
Factors influencing internet shopping behaviour: a survey of consumers in Thailand
Authors: Laohapensang Orapin
Published: October 2009

Purpose

An exploration of factors influencing internet shopping is conducted using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as the theoretical base. The theory holds that a potential customer's attitude towards the behaviour and the customer's subjective norm and perceived behavioural controls can influence the intention and its eventual realisation. This paper aims to address the factors influencing internet shopping by Thai consumers in order to answer the question of how well TPB explains online shopping intentions in Thailand. Then, comparisons are made between theoretical predictions and the current situation of the use of online services by consumers in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a questionnaire survey asking participants what factors influence their use of the internet for shopping. Subjects are drawn from 400 graduates at four major universities in Thailand. To test the validity and reliability of the measurement models using the corrected item‐total correlations, Cronbach's α and correlations among constructs in the path model are used. Assessment is made of the importance of variables in the path model with the application of the conventional regression. All multiple items of the measures are assessed for their internal consistency by computing the corrected item total correlation and coefficient α for each composite measure.

Findings

The empirical analysis suggests that the difficulty of shopping online is seen as the factor most influencing customers' intention to shop online. In this survey and that of the NECTEC, online technology is seen as the principal barrier to using the internet for online shopping. In contrast, it is found elsewhere that a potential customer's attitude is the factor having most influence on the intention to shop.

Originality/value

The results of a survey of 400 consumers in Thailand showed that the factors of opinions of people around consumers and the environment of online shopping can affect their intention to shop online, and its realisation.
To MBA or not to MBA
Authors: Baruch Yehuda
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically reflect on the value of the MBA – a Master in Business Administration, considered the flagship of business and management education. The author aims to bridge the gap in the understanding of the possible added value of the MBA.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is enriched by findings from secondary data, surveys with managers in the UK, and interviews with human resource managers of leading US firms.

Findings

The MBA can generate significant tangible and intangible inputs to graduates' careers and their employing organizations. Having an MBA contributes considerably to graduates' human capital. Employers may profit from such contributions, while an indirect positive effect is implied at the national level.

Research limitations/implications

The knowledge of MBA impact should be based on rigor studies rather than unsupported assertions.

Practical implications

The MBA is the closest thing to a qualification to manage. It generates positive outcomes and lead to good management. For individuals, embarking on MBA is a major career decision, carrying certain risks, but offer high potential for return on investment.

Originality/value

This contribution is of special importance amid the recent criticism of the MBA by prominent management scholars.
Mood crossover and relational reciprocity
Authors: Munyon Timothy P. , Breaux Denise M. , Rogers Laci M. , Perrewé Pamela L. , Hochwarter Wayne A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Building on reciprocity and crossover theory, this paper aims to examine how mood crossover from one partner in a relational dyad influences the likelihood of reciprocal mood crossover from the other partner.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey sample of 180 dual‐career married couples, the paper explores this phenomenon for both positive and negative mood crossover from husbands to wives and wives to husbands.

Findings

The data supported the paper's four hypotheses. Mood crossover was found to operate in a similar fashion for both husbands and wives after controlling for negative and positive affectivity, work and home demands, work autonomy, and support from the organization, non‐work friends, and spouse. Specifically, when wives (husbands) reported positive (negative) mood crossover from their husbands (wives), their husbands (wives) also reported positive (negative) mood crossover from them.

Research implications/limitations

The findings suggest positive and negative mood crossover is reciprocated among individuals in a dual‐career marriage context. This implies that the effects of positive and negative crossover may be magnified through relational interactions at home. However, the design of this study is not sufficient to determine the causality of this relationship.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that the positive and negative work experiences of one partner in a relationship affect the well being and moods of their partner at home. Consequently, organizations may consider wellness or positive reinforcement programs to encourage positive crossover between the domains of work and home.

Originality/value

This study examines how individuals in a dual‐partner reciprocate the negative and positive crossover of moods of their partner from work to home.
Promotion to partner
Authors: Stumpf Stephen A.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This longitudinal study seeks to advance the understanding of consultant relationship competencies and interpersonal style in promotions to partner.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship management survey (RMS), 360‐degree competency assessment and FIRO‐B interpersonal style instrument were completed by 382 principals in two global professional service firms (PSFs) as part of their professional development. Client assessments of competencies in the areas of building relationships, trust, and collaboration, and self‐assessed interpersonal style, were used to predict promotion to partner over a five‐year period.

Findings

Interpersonal style preferences for expressing inclusion towards others, and wanting openness from others, are linked to clients' perceptions of relationship competencies each of which predicts promotion to partner (multiple R2=0.474).

Practical implications

PSFs need to select and develop people who have interpersonal style preferences that support the relationship competencies essential for their advancement and firm success. Consultants can enhance their promotion potential by building relationships with clients, developing mutual trust, and fostering collaboration – which may require altering their style to be more inclusive of and open with clients.

Originality/value

The behavioral aspects of consultant‐client relationships can be targeted so as to enhance individual development and promotion potential, and to guide PSFs in apprenticing future partners and obtaining more client work.
The relative importance of motives for international self‐initiated mobility
Authors: Thorn Kaye
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relative importance of the motives and sub‐motives which influence a highly educated individual's decision to move across global boundaries.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach takes a multi‐dimensional perspective of mobility, resulting in the development of a range of motives for self‐initiated mobility. The paper employs a quantitative methodology, with over 2,600 internet survey responses from highly educated New Zealanders living and working around the world.

Findings

The importance of the cultural and travel opportunities and career motives are highlighted as the most important motives in a decision to be mobile. Within these motives, opportunities for travel and adventure and for career development were central. Economics was ranked as the third most important motive, contrary to the extant literature, followed by relationships, quality of life and the political environment. The priority accorded to each of these motives varies according to gender, location and life stage, creating different equations of motivation. The paper explores the implications of these findings to career theory.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses only on New Zealanders living abroad and there may be some factors, which apply to these people but not to people from other countries.

Practical implications

The data could be useful for policy makers trying to either retain highly educated people in the home country, or to attract them back from abroad.

Originality/value

The study utilises a novel methodology to identify the relative importance of motivating factors and shows that there is a different mixture of these motives at different life stages.
Personal control antidotes to the strain consequences of generational conflict as a stressor
Authors: Hochwarter Wayne A. , Rogers Laci M. , Summers James K. , Meurs James A. , Perrewé Pamela L. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the interactive effects of generational conflict and personal control (i.e. self‐regulation and political skill) on strain‐related outcomes (i.e. job tension, and job tension and job dissatisfaction).

Design/methodology/approach

This two‐study investigation employed a survey methodology to assess the efficacy of the predictive relationships. Study 1 consisted of 390 full‐time employees in a broad range of occupations, while 199 state agency employees participated in study 2.

Findings

Generational conflict was significantly positively related to job tension (i.e. in both studies) and job dissatisfaction (i.e. in study 2). Further, for individuals higher in self‐regulation (i.e. study 1) and political skill (i.e. study 2), these effects were attenuated. That is higher self‐regulation reduced job tension in study 1, and political skill was related to decreases in job tension and job dissatisfaction across all levels of generational conflict in study 2.

Research limitations/implications

Employees with greater personal control (i.e. self‐regulation or political skill) can avoid undesirable work outcomes related to generational conflict.

Practical implications

Individuals with greater personal control (i.e. self‐regulation or political skill) will be better able to navigate generationally based conflicts to experience less job tension and greater job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The paper focussed on generational conflict as a workplace stressor and substantiates the favourable properties of political skill as a neutralizer. of dysfunctional workplace stressors.
Correlates of intent to leave job and profession for emergency medical technicians and paramedics
Authors: Chapman Susan A. , Blau Gary , Pred Robert , Lopez Andrea B.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

A very limited number of studies have explored factors related to emergency medical services (EMS) workers leaving their jobs and the profession. This paper aims to investigate the correlates of intent to leave EMS jobs and the profession and compared two types of workers: emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics.

Design/methodology/approach

A national sample of 308 EMTs and 625 paramedics responded to a cross‐sectional survey. Independent variables were personal, job related, and work attitudes (job satisfaction). Outcomes were intent to leave job and profession. Analytic methods included factor analysis, t‐tests, correlation, and hierarchical regression.

Findings

Factor analysis identified a five‐item intrinsic job satisfaction measure and a four‐item extrinsic job satisfaction measure across both samples. Contrary to what hypothesis one predicted, paramedics had lower extrinsic job satisfaction than EMTs. There was no difference between these two groups on intrinsic job satisfaction. Consistent with the second hypothesis, after controlling for personal and job‐related perceptions, extrinsic job satisfaction was negatively related to intent to leave job and profession for both EMTs and paramedics. However, intrinsic job satisfaction was negatively related only to intent to leave the profession for paramedics.

Research limitations/implications

Future research efforts might utilize stronger measures and incorporate longitudinal methodologies to further explore the career intention of EMS workers and similar occupational groups.

Originality/value

This paper examines job satisfaction and job and career intentions in a rarely studied occupation that provides critical prehospital emergency care to the population.
Slovenian police officers' attitudes towards contemporary security threats and punishment
Authors: Kury Helmut , Meško Gorazd , Mitar Miran , Fields Chuck
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe police officers' opinions on the prevailing anxieties, feeling of fears and threats, attitudes towards crime and punishment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper took a quantitative approach to data collection that included a survey on a representative sample of the Slovene police.

Findings

Comparisons of attitudes (anxieties of everyday troubles, feelings of insecurity, importance of appropriate measures against crime and adequate severity of punishment) has been conducted to find similarities and differences between police officers regarding gender and age. The results show that male police officers and senior police officers have more conservative attitudes towards the most appropriate measures against crime and are more likely to defend severe punishment of offenders. Such attitudes indicate persistence of traditional authoritarian police orientation in (post)modern society.

Research limitations/implications

The results are generalizable for the Slovenian police but not generalizable for the police worldwide.

Practical implications

A useful source of information learning about some characteristics of police professional culture and police officers' attitudes towards punishment and their understanding of threats in society.

Originality/value

This paper furthers understanding of police occupational culture in a new democratic country.
Understanding diversity in policing: Serbian perspectives
Authors: Kešetović Želimir
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine relations between police and vulnerable social groups in Serbia as a post‐conflict society in transition.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a qualitative methodology that generated data from 13 round tables and focus groups.

Findings

Although the attitude of the police is gradually changing, representatives of minority groups perceive that the police still hold preconceived stereotypes regarding some societal groups. In order for the police to gain the confidence of these minority groups, they must proactively seek to engage these groups more meaningfully. Institutions in Serbia have still not developed an appropriate strategy for dealing with minority group victims of violence. In addition to legal problems, there are those issues that are embedded within wider cultural stereotypes. Excessive centralization and the hierarchical structure of the police have tended to exacerbate relations between the police and minority communities. Members of these ethnic minorities therefore tend to view the perceived inappropriateness of responses to inter‐ethnic incidents as being due to a number of causes.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the qualitative approach, the results are not easily generalizable, but they indicate the most important problems of Serbian policing regarding marginal social groups.

Practical implications

This research may be a useful source of information for the Ministry of Interior in attempts to improve relations with minority groups.

Originality/value

This paper reveals problems in relations between the police and vulnerable social groups and draws on the views of both minorities and the police. In Serbia, there is no similar research into this issue.
Are police and security personnel warming up to each other?
Authors: Nalla Mahesh K. , Johnson Joseph D. , Meško Gorazd
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of police‐security relationships in three different continents that are unique in their economic, political, and social culture. These countries include a developed economy (USA), an emerging economy (South Korea), and a transitional economy (Slovenia). More specifically, it compares the views that private and public police personnel in a diverse set of countries hold about one another on various issues relating to their working relationships and their efforts to improve them.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the paper came from 1,158 police and security officers from the USA, South Korea, and Slovenia. All three studies employed survey methodology. The English language instruments are translated into the Korean and Slovenian languages and both instruments are back translated from the respective languages into English to check for validity.

Findings

While the findings for all the three countries vary in terms of the degree of personnels' positive attitudes toward one another, the overall levels of support from security professionals toward police officers appear positive in all the three countries. Among the police, personnel from the USA relative to other countries appear to have the most progressive and accepting attitude toward security personnel's role as partners. The varying degree of differences between South Korea and Slovenia may be a reflection of the centralized police structures, cultural and historical characteristics, and variations in the levels of economic liberalization policies. Findings suggest that in all the three countries security personnel are trying to reach out to the police to play their part in community policing compared to the police reaching out to the private sector.

Research limitations/implications

There is a time lag in data collection (seven‐year period) as the data for this paper were not collected at one point in time in these countries. Despite this limitation, the use of many identical questions in surveys in all the three countries offers an opportunity for this comparative research.

Originality/value

Most research on police officers' job satisfaction has been done in relation to individual factors while ignoring the role of organizational culture and environmental factors. Further, this setting offers an opportunity to test if democratization of police organizations influences job satisfaction.
Developing a work‐based leadership programme in the UK social care sector
Authors: McCray Janet , Palmer Adam
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the application of action research in the design of a degree‐level leadership skills programme in the English social care sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The action research study involved four formal semi‐structured interviews with strategic leaders in the social care sector and three focus groups with managers. The paper captures some of the reflections of university lecturers who are both researchers and collaborative partners in the project in its early stages.

Findings

The findings demonstrate consensus in the sector at regional strategic and organisational level about leadership skills required for future service models.

Research limitations/implications

The sample remains small; however, the findings may have relevance for leadership development planning for social care in other regions of England, as the personalised care agenda gains momentum and services need to realign. Service users were not part of the focus groups and future activity that builds on this preliminary study may need to redress this. The implications of the research are that it offers a model of collaboration between a university and the workplace to support change through learning.

Practical implications

There is potential for a sector or an organisation to access management development accredited by a university that meets its needs, is focused, relevant and provides a model for continuing learning beyond the programme.

Originality/value

The paper brings together a range of well‐established concepts in action research, reflective practice and learning to help deliver change through collaboration. It explores the new demands being placed on care leaders in the independent social care sector when many international governments are facing fiscal challenges which may require care sector reform.
Perceptions of learning among Swiss watch managers
Authors: Tajeddini Kayhan
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to explore managers' perceptions of learning within a sample of Swiss watch firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposeful (judgmental) stratified sampling method was employed, where in‐depth interviews with 13 marketing managers and owners were carried out over a three‐month period. Meaning units (MUs) were abstracted, which were compared and discussed with the interviewees until a basic agreement of terms could be made.

Findings

By providing tangible evidence of qualitative statements, this research suggests that if decision makers wish to influence business performance, they need to be aware of this comprehensive insight into the potential of learning orientation.

Research limitations/implications

This research has taken a qualitative approach to establish external reliability. Hence, this could be followed by a large‐scale survey to discover how it can influence employee idea generation and performance. Another limitation is the exclusive focus on senior managers and owners of Swiss watch companies, who have a specific culture, history and experience. Consequently, it would be useful to take a similar approach to other established industries with different culture and environmental characteristics and experience, so that comparisons can be made.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organisations. The paper has practical implications for managers involved in unifying focus for the efforts and projects of individuals as it shows the importance of an organisation focusing on learning orientation, thereby leading to superior performance.

Originality/value

The paper provides a good example of learning deficiency as one of the main reasons why these companies find it so hard to successfully stay in the market.
Learning in a chaotic environment
Authors: Goldman Ellen , Plack Margaret , Roche Colleen , Smith Jeffrey , Turley Catherine
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how, when, and why emergency medicine residents learn while working in the chaotic environment of a hospital emergency room.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a qualitative interview methodology with thematic data analysis that was verified with the entire population of learners.

Findings

Analysis of the data revealed four different types of learning episodes, each with facilitating factors. The episodes varied in intensity, duration, and the degree of motivation and self‐direction required of the learner. One episode could prompt another. Learning occurred both individually and in social interaction in the workplace during the episode, as well as outside of the workplace environment after the experience had occurred.

Research limitation/implications

Recommendations for individuals to maximize their learning related to this chaotic work environment are identified, along with associated implications for their trainers. These suggestions advocate for current apprenticeship approaches to training to include a developmental perspective, providing effective feedback and supporting learner self‐assessment and reflection.

Originality/value

This paper makes an original contribution to the literature by describing the process of learning by emergency medicine residents in the chaotic work setting of an emergency department. The paper also expands understanding of the types of learning episodes and the factors that contribute to their occurrence. Finally, the research illustrates how the voice of the learners can be used to inform their training.
Demarcation and levels of analysis in knowledge based development
Authors: Carrillo Francisco Javier
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify viable demarcation criteria for knowledge based development (KBD) with reference to current concepts and practices, as an introduction to the JKM 2009 annual special issue on KBD.

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines viable demarcation criteria for KBD with reference to current concepts and practices.

Findings

A synthetic demarcation based on collective knowledge capital mapping and balancing, together with an analytic demarcation based on three continua: territoriality, discreteness and knowledge‐intensity may help characterize and manage all KBD categories. Such demarcation includes conceptual categories such as models and units of analysis as well as practical categories such as policies, programs, publications and events.

Originality/value

Synthetic demarcation may contribute to clarify the nature of KBD and systematically differentiate research and practice belonging to the field. Analytic demarcation may contribute to develop a systematic taxonomy of conceptual and practical KBD categories.