bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring return on investment in HR
Authors: Phillips Jack , Phillips Patti 
Published: October 2009

PurposeDuring difficult times in the economy, nothing is more important to top executives than knowing the true value of a particular project or program. “Show me the money” has become a battle cry for many executives demanding that any new HR project or program shows its value even before it is implemented and, certainly, the impact and return on investment (ROI) after it has been implemented. This article describes the ROI methodology, a measurement process developed almost 30 years ago and refined over the years to the point that it is now becoming a staple for many HR functions.Design/methodology/approachAround the globe, HR executives are taking a look at the ROI methodology process as a way to show credible values, including financial ROI. The process is executive friendly, user friendly and almost always passes the test of very critical researchers and professors. This article describes why and how it is being used to show the contribution of HR programs, improve programs so that they add more value, build support for HR, enhance commitments and solidify important business relationships.FindingsThis method can be used to show the value of major programs and projects and establish HR a business partner.Originality/valueWith the ROI process, the HR staff and the client will know the specific contribution of an HR program. Measuring ROI is one of the most convincing ways to earn the respect and support of the senior management team – not only for a particular HR program, but also for other HR projects.
Building culture from the outside in
Authors: Ulrich Dave , Allen Justin , Smallwood Norm , Brockbank Wayne , Younger Jon 
Published: October 2009

PurposeTraditional views of organizational culture have one thing in common; they define culture from the inside out – who we are, what we do and how we do it. In this article, the authors suggest that a more robust and practical approach to leveraging culture is to identify and shape culture from the outside in.Design/methodology/approachThey define culture as “what we want to be known for by our best customers made real to our employees through systemic processes every day.” With a practical process, the article outlines four straightforward steps to create culture from the outside in. They are: clarify a compelling strategy to identify target customers; create a unity of identity; make that identity real for customers; and make that identity real for employees.FindingsThe paper reiterates that a more robust and impactful approach to leveraging culture is by defining and shaping it from the outside in. When leaders follow the four steps outlined above, they will define the right, customer‐centric culture. In a volatile world of speed and change, customers must be the foundation of organizational culture.Originality/valueThe authors conclude that in a volatile world of speed and change, organizations build winning cultures when their culture efforts begin with customers, then shift to employee behaviors and organizational processes.
Partnering with your leadership development provider: 12 best practices
Authors: Haskins Mark E. , Shaffer George R. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis paper presents a dozen ways for HR leaders to partner with their executive education leadership development providers in order to promote the tailored design, and most impactful delivery, of a custom leadership development program.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is the culmination of numerous years of working with corporations in the design and delivery of executive education leadership development programs. More precisely, it is based on several recent leadership development client engagements where a number of these best practices have been embraced by the client with positive outcomes.FindingsThe 12 best practices outlined in the paper.Practical implicationsThe contemporary, field‐inspired actions presented here are immediately and broadly applicable to those HR managers engaged in partnering with providers of custom leadership development programs aimed at enhancing organizational talent, expanding leadership skills and/or developing a cadre of high‐potential managers.Originality/valueIn a concise and comprehensive manner, readers are provided with a dozen concrete action items to insure the successful and impactful design, development and delivery of custom executive education leadership development programs.
A sociological ethnographic study of clinical governance implementation in one NHS Hospital Trust
Authors: Staniland Karen 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThis study aims to give an account of how stakeholders in one NHS Hospital Trust responded to the clinical governance initiative, the effects on quality improvement and the practical accomplishment of legitimacy.Design/methodology/approachSociological new institutionalism theory was utilised to explain the political and ceremonial conformity that marked the clinical governance process. A case study was employed using ethnographic methods. The qualitative data were obtained by documentary analysis, observation of meetings and ward activity and 28 semi‐structured interviews. A grounded theory approach was adopted in the analysis of the interviews.FindingsErrors and inconsistencies were found in Trust documentation and reporting systems were poor. In practice clinical governance was inadequately understood and the corporate goals not shared. Nevertheless, during the same period the Trust obtained recognition for having appropriate structures and systems in place resulting in external legitimacy.Research limitations/implicationsThe results only relate to the Trust considered but the study has identified that, although the organization responded to isomorphic governmental pressures in the production of appropriate institutional documentation, the impact of clinical governance to improve the quality in practice was found to be inconsistent.Practical implicationsThe Trust promoted and endorsed clinical governance success but the lack of organizational processes and knowledge management equally promoted its failure by denying the resources to implement the desired actions.Originality/valueWhilst the study identified that clinical governance had been a “ceremonial success”, it is argued that the practical accomplishment in the improvement of quality of care for patients will remain a paper exercise until organizational and practice issues are addressed.
An audit of electronic CPA documentation
Authors: Rattehalli Ranganath D. , Variend Hannele , Miller Keith , Jayaram Mahesh 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an audit which assessed compliance in documentation of crisis and contingency plans in the electronic Care Programme Approach (CPA) for working age adult patients discharged from an in‐patient setting.Design/methodology/approachTwo explicit and evidence‐based standards were audited and a full audit cycle was completed. The electronic CPA documentation for all discharges from the adult in‐patient beds of the Trust June 2007 formed the sample for Cycle 1 and the same from June 2008 formed the sample for Cycle 2. Data were obtained from the local electronic database.FindingsThe paper finds that the rate of electronic CPA documentation increased over time, as did the crisis and contingency plan documentation within those CPA documents. Although the electronic CPA documentation improved from 33 per cent in June 2007 to 56 per cent in June 2008 (χ2 7.2, df 1, p < 0.01) with a significant improvement on most items measured, they were still far from achieving 100 per cent standards.Practical implicationsClear guidance making the electronic CPA documentation mandatory so that it can be easily accessed out of hours in a crisis situation would be welcome. It is an important step in reducing the 90‐day re‐admission rates to in‐patient units in psychiatry.Originality/valueThe paper is the first of its kind and demonstrates that dissemination and re‐audit aimed at better electronic documentation are needed to achieve high standards of clinical practice.
360‐degree appraisal: a simple pragmatic solution
Authors: Mason Robert , Power Sharon , Parker‐Swift Jo , Baker Edward 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the use of a web‐based process of 360‐degree appraisal in teaching and district general hospital settings.Design/methodology/approachA total of 554 consultants were appraised by both peers and patients with over 16,000 replies using a web‐based questionnaire and patient survey.FindingsOverall results were satisfactory, although in the areas of communication, team working and leadership there was evidence of room for improvement in 1 in 12 doctors especially in the fields of psychiatry, medicine and A&E. Those being appraised found the process positive.Originality/valueThe study demonstrates a simple pragmatic solution to consultant 360‐degree appraisal.
Re‐engineering hospital accreditation
Authors: Ratcliffe Rita L. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the first new hospital accreditation option in over 40 years, and the only accreditation scheme for US hospitals which is ISO‐based. It seeks to explore factors prompting design of a fundamentally new approach, patient and provider experiences thus far, outlook for adoption of this alternative, and potential for improving delivery of health services in US hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of a review of available materials, industry and popular press accounts, federal documents; interviews with hospital executives and managers and with prime developers of the new accreditation process; access to personal prior industry research and experiences.FindingsFrustrated by an established accreditation process seen as wasteful and ancillary to standard operations, administrators and clinicians developed a new approach designed to use accreditation as a strategic business tool to reinforce clinical and business process integration, efficiencies, innovation, accountability, and sustained improvement in day‐to‐day hospital operations. The accreditation process has been approved for hospitals providing care to US Medicare beneficiaries.Originality/valuePressures to reform the financing and delivery of health services in the USA – and to address concerns of escalating costs, decreased access, limited improvements in patient safety, poor care coordination, and an absence of accountability – intensify. The introduction of a novel hospital accreditation option into an arena long dominated by a single powerful accreditor provides opportunity for disruptive innovation. The rate of adoption of this new approach and its impact on existing challenges will be of interest to multiple stakeholders.
No country for older people? Age and the digital divide
Authors: Abbey Ruth , Hyde Sarah 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on age and the digital divide by examining the uses of and attitudes toward information and communication technologies (ICTs) by 26 politically senior citizens.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken involved in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews.FindingsThe majority of the respondents are informed and balanced cyber‐enthusiasts who have embraced the opportunities afforded by ICTs to enhance their lives in general, including their political activities.Originality/valueThese findings destabilize the dominant image of older people and their attitudes to and experiences of ICTs that appears in most of the literature on age and the digital divide. Those aged 65 and over represent the last cohort, in Western societies at least, for whom age as such is likely to be a decisive factor in their relationship to ICTs. It is therefore vital to get some insight into their views.
Vulnerabilities and responsibilities: dealing with monsters in computer security
Authors: Pieters W. , Consoli L. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze information security assessment in terms of cultural categories and virtue ethics, in order to explain the cultural origin of certain types of security vulnerabilities, as well as to enable a proactive attitude towards preventing such vulnerabilities.Design/methodology/approachVulnerabilities in information security are compared to the concept of “monster” introduced by Martijntje Smits in philosophy of technology. The applicability of different strategies for dealing with monsters to information security is discussed, and the strategies are linked to attitudes in virtue ethics.FindingsIt is concluded that the present approach can form the basis for dealing proactively with unknown future vulnerabilities in information security.Research limitations/implicationsThe research presented here does not define a stepwise approach for implementation of the recommended strategy in practice. This is future work.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper enable computer experts to rethink their attitude towards security threats, thereby reshaping their practices.Originality/valueThis paper provides an alternative anthropological framework for descriptive and normative analysis of information security problems, which does not rely on the objectivity of risk.
Globalisation, new technologies (ICTs) and dual labour markets: the case of Europe
Authors: Ramos Javier , Ballell Paula 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that in spite of the widely optimistic held view on the effect of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting the “knowledge society” in Europe and economic development elsewhere, evidence suggests that ICT's could be strengthening labour duality world wide.Design/methodology/approachThe paper addresses these issues by presenting a brief assessment of the “Washington Consensus” and the emergence of ICTs in terms of trade, growth and inequality in different regions of our planet. The paper also describes the effects of globalisation and ICTs on European economies. Finally, the paper presents the key finding and raises some policy implications to exploit ICT potentialities to ensure welfare systems in advanced economies and development in emerging countries.FindingsThe lack of sufficient institutional mechanism of distribution in developing economies is not only making it more difficult for economic growth to translate into development but it is also favouring relocations of production, pressures to deregulate employment, control salaries and social expenditure in Europe. This feeds complex processes of social segmentation world wide. To meet this challenge Europe has no choice but to opt for the development of avant‐garde sectors. However, measures linked to the development of the knowledge society may not be sufficient to maintain our welfare states in the current context of globalisation. Europe must play a more internationally active role in the design of another model of globalisation that would encompass social policies at a global scale as one of its pillars.Originality/valueThere are very few studies of ICTs' role in the relationship between openness‐growth‐development‐inequality. What are ICTs responsible for? What are ICTs' effects on development and welfare state sustainability?
Crashing a virtual funeral: morality in MMORPGs
Authors: Luck Morgan 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline a case where people's intuitions regarding the ethical status of an action performed in a massively multiplayer online role‐playing game are divided, and provide an argument to resolve this division.Design/methodology/approachThis paper takes a philosophical approach, from the analytical tradition. It details the main arguments for each side and provides counter‐arguments in order to indicate the salient points.FindingsThe paper argues that, of the three arguments for the morality of particular virtual action outlined in this paper, none are satisfactory. An argument for the immorality of the action in questions based upon the fairness/sportsmanship distinction is offered.Originality/valueThe development of case‐based ethical studies, which draw upon current and controversial events within popular virtual environments, are useful in the construction of a deeper understanding of moral action within such spaces.
Two‐way communication strategy on CSR information in China
Authors: Chen Hua , Zhang Haibin 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThere is strong reaction between a company and its stakeholders on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The premise is that there should be a valid communication between them. The study researches Chinese situations on one‐way communication between company and stakeholders and builds a model on how to implement strategy on two‐way communication on CSR information between company and stakeholders according to the different characteristic of stakeholders. This paper aims to focus on the issues involvedDesign/methodology/approachOn the basis of the analysis on stakeholder's situation using double standards, the study makes future research and builds a valid communication model between company and stakeholders.FindingsIt is found that the company can implement strategy on two‐way communication on CSR information between company and stakeholders according to different stakeholder situations in the Chinese environment. It also benefits a company's CSR performance and stakeholders' decision.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study provides a starting‐point for further research on communication between company and stakeholders in the Chinese situation.Originality/valueThe paper hightlights how companies may draw up valid strategy on two‐way communication on CSR information between company and stakeholders in order to gain better performance on CSR action and pursue stakeholders' supports.
Will consumers pay a premium for ethical information?
Authors: Carter Robert E. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that may influence a consumer to pay a premium for a product or service communicating ethical information.Design/methodology/approachA survey was administered to 77 subjects and a conceptual model of five specific inter‐related constructs was tested using LISREL.FindingsThere is a sequence of events that leads consumers to be willing to pay a premium for a product communicating ethical information. This sequence starts with the need for information which, in turn, leads to socially responsible behavior and social sacrifice and, finally, to the intention to pay a premium. Importantly, this sequence is positively moderated by monetary resources available to spend in the category.Research limitations/implicationsTo increase generalizability, this study should be replicated among other sample compositions and for additional products and/or services.Practical implicationsThe research details the multi‐step consumer decision‐making process that marketers need to understand in order to market a premium priced product that delivers a social benefit.Originality/valueSocially responsible behavior is not sufficient by itself for a consumer to pay a premium for a product communicating ethical information. Rather, socially responsible behavior leads to a willingness to make a sacrifice which then leads to intentions to pay a premium price.
Linking corporate social responsibility with admiration through organizational outcomes
Authors: Cegarra‐Navarro Juan‐Gabriel , Martínez‐Martínez Aurora 
Published: October 2009

PurposeFrom the decision‐maker's viewpoint, the success of a social responsibility program rests heavily on a corporation's ability to create links in the public consciousness between the CSR activities of an organization and its performance to different stakeholders. However, thinking broadly about CSR outcomes often results in a list that is much too long to be of any practical use. The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical study to provide understanding as to why business organizations are increasingly engaging in corporate social responsibility issues.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates whether CSR initiatives have any impact on six organizational outcomes through an empirical investigation of 100 large firms in the Spanish MERCO (Monitor Español de Reputación Corporativa) using repeated ANOVA measures.FindingsThe results indicate that the benefits of CSR issues fall within five major categories; namely: quality of products and services, global business, innovativeness, corporate culture, and ethical obligations. However, it is surprising to find that CSR had no significant effect on financial soundness.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of admiration can enable stakeholders to develop consensus and creative processes relating to the design of new requirements where CSR activities are incorporated into business activities.Practical implicationsThe implication for management practice is that CSR activities represent a long‐term programme to change, and a proactive way to improve admiration.Originality/valueThe paper shows that social responsibility is not always detrimental to company goals and performance
(Good) corporate governance and the strategic integration of meso ethics
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Vigneault Louis , Walker Edward , Shapiro Barbara T. 
Published: October 2009

PurposeThe primary goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of meso ethics from a corporate governance perspective, and the strategic process of integration between corporate and individual ethics for the creation of an ethical culture. A secondary aim is to identify the organizational behavior variables that are affected by the ethical congruence between employee ethics and the prevailing corporate ethical climate.Design/methodology/approachBy first situating organizational ethics within the broader phenomenon of business ethics, the authors then more aptly examine corporate ethics at the upper and lower permeable meso boundaries where a shared ethic is negotiated. This conceptual paper tries to capture through a phenomenological approach how strategic governance level (macro) and individual ethics (micro) interact in a complex and dynamic way at the organizational level (meso).FindingsNormative literature suggests that organizations require more than ethical safeguards to ensure ethical conduct. For example, ethics training programs are demanded and perceived as effective by employees. Recent empirical studies on “ethical fit” have converged and support the assertion that it is in an organization's best interest to continually look for ethical congruence between their workforce and the ethical climate that they intentionally foster. Furthermore, these studies show that perceived ethical congruence positively affects an individual's affective commitment to an organization, and reduces turnover intent.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a general lack of consensus, cohesion and empiricism in the current literature. Few studies deal with meso ethics, which have wide‐ranging implications for current and future research.Practical implicationsDemand for business ethics is on the rise as is its corporate response commonly defined as corporate social responsibility (CSR). Standard responsive measures taken by executives are shown to generally be unsubstantiated or insufficient for ethical conduct to truly take root in an organization.Originality/valueThe scope of the paper, with its phenomenological approach, identifies the complexities of corporate ethics for academics and managers alike, where traditionally fragmented organizational levels are herein understood to be permeable and dynamic. The meso perspective of this study provides a new foundation for the study of corporate ethics. Its phenomenological approach provides a conceptual common ground and facilitates convergence in the field. Moreover, the conceptual framework of this paper can enable practitioners to formulate the appropriate strategic intent and governance strategy for their organization.