bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employees' satisfaction with employer‐sponsored elder‐care programs
Authors: Dembe Allard E. , Partridge Jamie S. , Dugan Elizabeth , Piktialis Diane S. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate whether employees consider employer‐sponsored elder‐care programs to benefit aging family members and whether those programs help employees with caregiving needs, stay productively employed.Design/methodology/approachA nationwide internet‐based survey was conducted between December 2008 and May 2009, eliciting information from 447 users of employer‐sponsored elder‐care services. Survey participants were employed individuals who had requested assistance from one of five national elder‐care service provider organizations (SPOs) during the preceding two years.FindingsA majority of respondents reported that the services helped them to keep working productively (74.0 percent), avoid job absences (65.5 percent), stay employed (58.0 percent), and maintain a good family life at home (72.1 percent). Respondents were generally satisfied with the services provided by SPOs. However, most respondents did not feel that the services help minimize caregiving expenses.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first US study evaluating the usefulness of employer elder‐care programs, based on the perspectives of employees who have used the programs.
Determining the applicability of feminist theories by examining the mediation and moderation effects on non‐economic performance in Lao micro, small, and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Inmyxai Sengaloun , Takahashi Yoshi 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of social feminist theory (SFT) and liberal feminist theory (LFT) to Lao micro, small, and medium‐sized enterprises (MSMEs) based on the results of mediation and moderation effects of the gender of entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consisted of 200 MSMEs. Analysis is based, first, on factor analysis to extract important factors and, second, multiple linear regression is used to empirically validate the feminist theories by examining the mediation effects and moderation effects regarding gender of entrepreneurs.FindingsThe findings showed that not all feminist‐related factors mediate the relationship between gender and non‐economic performance whereas the gender of entrepreneurs moderates personal, social network, and skills factors and non‐economic performance but not family factor. Lastly, the compilation of the mediation and moderation results revealed that SFT is more applicable than LFT to Lao MSMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThis research had some limitations such as the lack of empirical literature supporting non‐economic performance indicators. Therefore, the findings should not be generalized.Practical implicationsThis research provided implications for policymakers, implementers, and academics. The results showed that it is necessary to support female entrepreneurs in terms of the use of personal, social, and skills factors to improve non‐economic performance. However, it is not necessary to support family factor in improving endowments and changing their use. Governments must mitigate the gender gap at macro levels through the elimination of gender discrimination, such as in education, banking practice, and the workplace, to increase the long‐term confidence of females in society.Originality/valueThe unique contribution of the study is to prove the applicability of SFT and LFT by quantitative analytical methodologies with focusing on non‐economic firm performance.
Audit committee gender differences and earnings management
Authors: Thiruvadi Sheela , Huang Hua‐Wei 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether gender diversity of audit committees has a significant impact on the firm's earnings management.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a performance‐adjusted discretionary accrual model to examine the association between gender variables and the firm's earnings management. Regression analysis is applied using 320 firms from the S&P Small Cap 600.FindingsThe authors find consistent evidence to show that the presence of a female director on the audit committee constrains earnings management by increasing negative (income‐decreasing) discretionary accruals.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research can explore the behavior of female managers by applying the gender theory. Furthermore, the paper's evidence has implications for regulators and policy makers, since the presence of a female director in the audit committee may affect management decisions and audit quality in a positive way. Therefore, gender diversity on the board should be more strongly emphasized. Moreover, the presence of female members on the board may further enhance public confidence.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the existing literature on gender in four aspects. First, this research provides new evidence to reinforce the existing gender literature that women are more risk averse, cautious and ethical than men. Second, the findings showcase that gender theory can be applied into the research of management behavior. Third, the findings are significantly important in contemporary corporate governance discussions over the SOX enactment and audit committee characteristics Fourth, this study sheds further light on the importance of having women on corporate boards and the positive outcomes that are associated with it, thereby serving as an encouraging force against the existence of the glass ceiling effect.
CEO succession, gender and risk taking
Authors: Elsaid Eahab , Ursel Nancy D. 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine, within a succession framework, the impact of the gender composition of boards of directors on the gender of the CEOs they appoint, and to assess the impact of newly appointed CEOs' gender on risk taking by the firm.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimate a two‐stage least squares regression using data on 679 CEO successions in North American firms.FindingsThe results show that successor CEOs are more likely to be female the greater the percentage of females on the board, regardless of other succession characteristics such as whether the new CEO is from inside or outside the firm. Furthermore, a change in CEO from male to female is associated with a decrease in several measures of firm risk taking.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is restricted to relatively large, exchange‐traded North American firms and may not generalize to other groups.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that women aspiring to CEO positions and firms wishing to promote women should monitor board composition to ensure female representation. Other steps that the firm may take to promote women to this position (such as looking outside the firm) have an insignificant impact when board composition is taken into account.Originality/valueThe findings are novel and inform CEO succession research by demonstrating which succession process characteristics work to increase females' chances and which have no effect. Female CEOs are likely to provide leadership that reduces the risk profile of the firm.
Investigating the gravity well algorithm to help in pointing in electronic interfaces by motor‐impaired users
Authors: Biswas Pradipta , Langdon Pat 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design an adaptation algorithm to facilitate pointing in electronic interfaces by users with motor impairment.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the algorithm was optimized using a simulator, then the algorithm was validated through a user study involving seven motor‐impaired and six able‐bodied users and three different pointing devices.FindingsThe algorithm significantly reduces pointing time overall and most participants pointed quicker with the gravity well than without it.Originality/valueThe adaptation algorithm can significantly reduce pointing time for both motor and situational impairment.
Practical issues in the selection and use of GPS tracking and location technologies to support vulnerable people at risk of becoming lost or threatened
Authors: Williams Gareth , King Peter , Doughty Kevin 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThis paper is aimed at telecare service providers and individuals who are aiming to manage the risks to a vulnerable person, who may be prone to becoming lost away from their own home. It aims to help them identify the issues that may be relevant in specifying the most appropriate GPS location device from the many models now on the market.Design/methodology/approachThe reported study is based on a comparison of six commercial devices with three different form characteristics. Technical measures of performance were undertaken in an objective manner for each device. These were considered along with the subjective views of a panel of stake‐holders looking at issues such as usability, wearability and aesthetics in determining value for money and the optimum device for individual users.FindingsThe work concluded that battery management was of vital importance, and that the use of geo‐fencing for alarm purposes was often limited by the minimum practical size of the fence and by the way that it could be established.Originality/valueIt is recommended that service providers employ a range of GPS devices within their inventories, so that they are not limited to one or two different devices when prescribing telecare services to people who are at risk of wandering, especially at night. The variation in cost between the most expensive and the cheapest can be justified in terms of service support and other options. These devices are most likely to be of benefit when used within a telecare service that can offer 24‐hour monitoring and links to a dedicated emergency response team.
How personalised technology can play an important role in supporting people with learning disabilities as they age and face the onset of dementia
Authors: Nichols Emma 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how personalised technology can be used to support people with learning disabilities as they age and face the onset of dementia.Design/methodology/approachNational learning disability charity, Hft, focuses on its Gloucestershire service at Old Quarries, using individual case studies of adults with dementia who are using personalised technology on a daily basis to illustrate how personalised technology has made a difference to their lives.FindingsIn all the case studies featured the individuals concerned were able to use personalised technology to empower them to live more independently and safely and to remain at a location where they have lived for many years rather than being moved into alternative, unfamiliar accommodation. Personalised technology has enabled them to make important life choices.Originality/valueHft believes that people with learning disabilities should be supported to live their lives in the way that they want and that creative solutions can be found to enable individuals to do this.
Teaching ideas for generating critical and constructive insights into well‐functioning multidisciplinary mental health teams
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Morrissey Shirley , McAuliffe Donna , Davidson Graham , McConnell Harry , Reddy Prasuna 
Published: October 2011

PurposeIt is now common place for mental health services to operate using multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) where several health professionals simultaneously maintain their disciplinary distinctiveness and assume complementary professional roles. This requires awareness of other team members' disciplines and good team‐work skills. Yet in Australia, the preparation of health professionals continues to occur primarily in single‐discipline programs, where interaction with other disciplines often only occurs in an ad hoc, time‐limited way during clinical placement. This paper seeks to provide serious reflection on preparing students for the multidisciplinary practice within the mental health system.Design/methodology/approachThe authors introduce a student placement preparation learning package that was developed and trialled with a range of health professional students at two Australian universities. Transformative learning principles underpinned the development of the education materials and related activities, which were designed to sensitise students to the potential problems that arise within MDTs and to equip them with communication strategies for use in their university placement experiences, as well as in their future professional practice.FindingsThe very large majority of student placement preparation workshop participants rated the workshop activities as extremely helpful. After participating in the activities, the very large majority of participants strongly endorsed the workshop learning objectives of understanding the different roles of MDTs members, skills required for working in MDTs, principles of collaborative team‐work and respectful, positive attitudes to MDTs members.Originality/valueThe transformative learning approaches to education of health professionals which are described in this paper help students to examine ways to think more critically and constructively about MDTs.
Working with carers in educational settings: developing innovations in practice
Authors: Lloyd Marjorie , Lefroy Liz , Yorke Stephen , Mottershead Richard 
Published: October 2011

PurposeIt is generally agreed that carers in mental health care play a vital role in helping people to maintain their place in the community and reducing the time clients spend in hospital or residential settings. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual approach to involving carers in higher education by acknowledging their contribution to improving practice and identify the impact upon student learning in mental health and social care professions.Design/methodology/approachA brief review of the policy and literature on involving carers in mental health services and education explored the historical and current influences upon practice. This was then applied to the experience of the authors when teaching nursing and social work students in a higher educational setting and evaluated as developing outcomes in carer involvement practice.FindingsRelationships between carers and students in health and social care may be created in higher education settings that can develop supportive, informative and recovery‐focused care in practice. Creating such relationships in the higher educational setting helps students to prepare for developing relationships with carers in practice.Originality/valueInvolving carers in education may improve outcomes in recovery for the client and carer experience and the development of professional and self awareness skills in students. Developing involvement practices in higher education begins the process early in the experience of health and social care students, providing a safe environment in which to master such skills.
A cost‐effective service provision model also meets the educational and training needs of higher trainees in psychiatry
Authors: Abbasi Yasir , Broadhurst Mark , Johnston Allan , Vishwanath Sathya 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how an adult liaison psychiatry service was established at a hospital introducing the special interest service provision model, which is a cost‐effective method of developing new services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes a step‐by‐step process of setting up a new service. Nearly, 20 months after its introduction, the new service was evaluated using a retrospective survey design that involved reviewing the patient referral forms. The authors looked at the demographical data, reasons for referral and the outcome of assessment for patient assessed by this service.FindingsResults revealed that the majority of the referrals (51 per cent, n=136) were from the medical ward, 56 per cent of the psychiatric assessments were done within 24 hours of the referral, 37 per cent of the assessed patients were provisionally diagnosed with a depressive episode and 24 per cent with substance misuse.Originality/valueThe paper describes a new model of service provision. From the above findings it can be extrapolated that this model of service provision is generalisable and can be replicated anywhere in the UK. This paper would interest clinicians and individuals interested in service development and improving patient care.
Ethical reasoning differences between accountants and managers
Authors: Liu Guangyou 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test whether significant differences in ethical reasoning exist between Chinese accountants and managers when facing an ethical dilemma. Further tests are conducted to identify what professional contextual factors and personal value preferences can be introduced to explain the ethical reasoning differences observed.Design/methodology/approachThree research questions are raised and related hypotheses are developed and tested by the use of a defined issue test (DIT) instrument containing four hypothetical scenarios of different dilemmatic issues, and a Rokeach values survey questionnaire adapted to suit the Chinese business culture.FindingsThe findings and conclusions include: Chinese managers and accountants are not significantly differentiated in terms of ethical reasoning levels measured by the overall DIT instrument, however, the break‐down results of the DIT individual dilemmatic scenarios shows that significant differences exist between the two professional types in three out of four scenarios. Second, gender and frequency of making compromises are two significant contextual determinant of ethical reasoning levels of managers but not those of accountants, and for the accountants, no significant contextual factors are observed in the current study. Third, in determining the impacts of value preferences on ethical reasoning levels, the four‐factor classification approach produces a more contrasting result than the seven‐factor classification approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe selection of the four scenarios in the DIT instrument is subjective according to the designation of the test, and Chinese business profession's ethical ideologies might differ among different regions. However, these research limitations might inspire further ethics research on cross‐regional comparisons in China and other emerging economies.Practical implicationsIn Chinese surging markets, appropriate socio‐economic order can only be maintained by highly ethical reasoning and conduct on the part of business managers and accountants. The current results and findings would help to identify what factors and value preferences weigh more, in order to improve the professional ethicality.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the research literature of business ethics by adding a managers‐accountants comparative study on ethical reasoning differences, especially the ethicality of two different professions in emerging economies; further, it includes contextual factors and value preferences in identifying those determinants of ethical reasoning differences.
Can Western interorganizational governance mechanisms be applied to a guanxi‐based market?
Authors: Lu Ren , Ma Jing 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe emergence of “interorganizational marketing” as a hot topic leads to one key question: can interorganizational governance mechanisms (socialization, incentives, and monitoring) offered by marketing theory be applied to China, an emerging economy characterized by the Chinese guanxi relationship? The purpose of this paper is to seek to answer this question by introducing the importance of guanxi roles and by illustrating how to apply proper governance mechanisms to roles activation in Chinese business practice. The paper finds that the answer is “yes” and develops a theoretical model to show such interactions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies interorganizational strategies to interpersonal relationships. Guanxi was categorized into three categories – family members, helpers and business partners – which meet each of the three governance mechanisms (in addition to favoring exchange as a special and typical Chinese governance mechanism) in the model.FindingsThrough ex post role activation, the paper argues that guanxi is a dynamic balance and the ways in which various governance mechanisms can set roles will lead to the roles either changing (reinforcement or dilution) or switching (helper to business partner, and vice versa). It seems futile to implement external governance mechanisms on family ties (the main category of guanxi) that have been firmly rooted in Chinese culture. On the other hand, applying the four mentioned governance mechanisms could reinforce, maintain, or dilute helper and business partner roles, or even make it possible to switch from one to another.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a new concept regarding relationship marketing, namely the application of governance mechanisms to interpersonal relationships, which provides people doing business in China with a new perspective for reference.
Determinants of corporate social responsibility disclosure: the case of Islamic banks
Authors: Farook Sayd , Kabir Hassan M. , Lanis Roman 
Published: October 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical model of the determinants of Islamic banks' social disclosures. In testing the hypotheses, the level of social disclosure in Islamic banks' annual reports is gauged based on a benchmark derived from Islamic principles.Design/methodology/approachApplying the principles of systems‐oriented theories such as political economy, legitimacy and stakeholder theories, as well as agency theory, hypotheses linking Islamic social disclosure and its determinants are developed. The sample comprised 47 Islamic banks in 14 countries and the data related to the dependent (Islamic banks social disclosures) variable are collected mainly from the annual reports, while data for the independent variables (determinants) are collected from various sources. Regression analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses.FindingsCorporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure by Islamic banks varies significantly across the sample. According to the regression results, variation is best explained by the “influence of the relevant publics” and the “Shari'ah (SSB supervisory boards) corporate governance mechanism” variables. Using alternative variable measures, the regression results suggest that “level of social and political freedom” and “the proportion of investment account deposits to total assets” are also significant determinants of Islamic banks' CSR disclosure.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of this paper is the small sample size of only 47 Islamic banking institutions. Future studies may expand the sample size used here.Practical implicationsThe results indicate the significance of the SSB as a governance mechanism that may increase the CSR disclosure of Islamic banks. Thus, from a policy perspective, bodies that regulate Islamic banking should consider mandating the SSB for all “Islamic banks”.Originality/valueThis research is the first to provide an a priori basis for CSR disclosure of Islamic banks and to test using empirical data. The findings of this research should be of significant value to regulators, shareholders and deposit holders of Islamic banks. In a more general context, this paper is one of a few that has operationalised Gray et al.'s conception of “levels of resolution of perception” and empirically tested the concept using non‐traditional organisations (Islamic banks) in a non‐Western context. This adds further credibility to systems‐oriented theories in explaining CSR disclosures of non‐Western organisations operating in non‐Western cultures.