bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The shadow in organizational ethnography: moving beyond shadowing to spect‐acting
Authors: Gill Rebecca 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the methodological practice of shadowing and its implications for ethnographic fieldwork. Furthermore, the paper challenges the label of “shadowing” and suggests a new label of “spect‐acting.”Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based in a feminist and interpretive‐qualitative approach to methods, and uses the author's experience with shadowing as a case study. The author argues that fieldwork is always intersubjective and as such, the research site emerges out of the co‐construction of the relationship between researcher and participant.FindingsThe author argues that reflexivity is a required but neglected aspect of shadowing, and that spect‐acting as a new term would require the researcher to take reflexivity more seriously, thereby opening up emancipatory possibilities in the field.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are based on a limited time span of shadowing.Originality/valueThe paper is original in that it imports “spect‐acting” from performance studies into the organizational methods lexicon. The value of the paper is that it provides reflection and discussion of one‐on‐one ethnography, which is a relatively underutilized method in research on organizations and management (but beginning to grow in popularity).
Spiritual insights in cross‐cultural conflicts and mediation in ecclesiastical organizations in Tanzania
Authors: Mayer Claude‐Hélène , Boness Christian 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights into cross‐cultural conflicts and their management in ecclesiastical organizations in Tanzania. It aims at increasing the understanding of these complexities from an emic perspective of employees with a Christian background, thereby providing in‐depth information on the topic. These new insights provide fresh ideas for further research on this topic in the Tanzanian context.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were selected from a more comprehensive case study carried out in multiple governmental, educational, ecclesiastical and economic organizations in Tanzania. The case study was based on phenomenological and interpretative paradigms and hermeneutical interpretations using qualitative methodology including in‐depth interviews and observation during field stays, as well as documentary and secondary analysis.FindingsThe findings show that senior management staff of ecclesiastical organizations function as mediators for conflicting parties to regain harmony and peace through third‐party intervention and spiritual self‐development. Mediation in ecclesiastical organizations is mainly used in relationship conflicts, employment conflicts and church re‐structuring processes. It supports the resolution of value conflicts between the conflict parties and the environment and at the same time re‐constructs religious and Christian values and concepts, such as the concept of “Shalom” and “creating lobe” and thereby re‐enforces spiritual integrity and the reality of the church.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are not generalizable and are limited to this specific research context. Findings should be verified by follow‐up studies which expand the content, the context and the methodological approach of this study. These findings should be viewed as exploratory research findings and as highly contextual and sample‐bound.Practical implicationsThe paper describes the practical implications for further research relating to future research topics for researchers interested in the field of cross‐cultural conflict management in ecclesiastical organizations in Tanzania.Originality/valueThe authors present original data and provide new insights into managing conflicts in Tanzanian ecclesiastical organizations through mediation.
A multi‐cultural transformative approach to learning
Authors: Enger Kathy , Lajimodiere Denise 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the attitudes of students following the completion of an online doctoral level multicultural diversity course at a university in the Midwestern USA based on Banks' transformative approach to learning in an effort to determine if the online environment could successfully intervene to change student attitudes. Few studies examine the impact of a transformative approach to learning diversity in the online environment.Design/methodology/approachThis mixed methods study employed the Munroe multicultural scale and phenomenological analysis. The Munroe multicultural attitudinal scale questionnaire (MASQUE) is based on Banks' approach to multicultural learning and was administered in a pre‐ and a post‐test, and 594 pages of student journals were qualitatively analyzed using phenomenology.FindingsOf the 28 questions on the MASQUE scale, students showed a significant difference between pre‐ and post‐scores on two questions: “I am knowledgeable regarding differences among economic classes,” and “I react positively to cultural differences.” A phenomenological analysis of journal entries showed that students perceived benefits in rural living, understood privilege, and felt compelled to act on what they learned from the course. The students in this course came to understand cultural difference through the lens of dominant Euro‐American culture.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited in several ways. First, the discussion board was not analyzed. If the discussion board had been analyzed, it would have been possible to triangulate the data and further validate the findings. Second, longitudinal analysis would strengthen study findings. The study was limited to one snapshot of one course and would be stronger if future courses were analyzed over time, including long‐term analysis of student journals. Third, while phenomenology restricts qualitative analysis to one person, the study would be stronger if someone other that the professor teaching the course administered the survey, allowing more honesty from students in their responses. Inter‐rater reliability would be necessary for this approach.Practical implicationsThe curriculum for this study was designed to be replicated and may be used in future courses to address prejudicial attitudes in students.Social implicationsTransformational learning that addresses prejudicial attitudes has far reaching implications for eliminating inequality and discrimination.Originality/valueThis study showed that transformative learning can take place in the online environment.
Investigating students' attitude and intention to use social software in higher institution of learning in Malaysia
Authors: Tajudeen Shittu Ahmed , Madarsha Basha Kamal , Suryani Nik AbdulRahman Nik , Badariah Tunku Ahmad Tunku 
Published: August 2011

PurposeSocial software usage is growing at an exponential rate among the present generation of students. Yet, there is paucity of empirical study to understand the determinant of its use in the present setting of this study. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate factors that predict students' attitudes and intentions to use this internet‐base software.Design/methodology/approachA survey research was conducted among students of a higher institution of learning. A hypothesized model was developed through technology acceptance theory of Davis, from where hypotheses were postulated for the study. Structural equation modeling was used to ascertain the goodness of fit of the model of the study and to analysis all the hypotheses postulated therein.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that all the independent variables (perceived usefulness, subjective norm, and perceived ease of use) predict the attitude of students toward social software adoption. Similarly, attitude was found to be the stronger predictor of students' intention to use social software. The data of the study fitted the model hypothesized for the study with goodness of fit indices of the model above the acceptable value of 0.90. The invariance analysis between the genders was found to be statistically insignificant.Practical implicationsThe findings from the present study on students' attitudes to social software usage have made a confirmatory revelation to previous studies that has similar bearing to technology use and adoption. This study revealed that perceived ease of use is the stronger predictor of student attitude to the use of social software than perceived usefulness and subjective norms, while student attitude was stronger in determining intention to use social network site. This finding confirms that of Davis, which asserted that perceived ease of use of a system has an effect on its perceived usefulness and the behavioral intention of the users.Originality/valueThe study is an original work conducted in February 2010.
The role of mediation within university protocols concerning student complaints and appeals
Authors: Van Hoorebeek Mark , Gale Chris , Walker Stuart 
Published: August 2011

PurposeAs the predicted escalation in the litigation becomes a reality for universities in the UK, increasing importance is placed on the consideration given to the integrity of institutional protocols regulating decision making at all stages of student progression. The purpose of this paper is to outline the structures that are in place to provide an analysis of the issues that arise when these protocols are activated.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first, provides a brief yet accessible overview of the literature concerning the institutions involved in student appeal, second, explains the principles that should be applied when using and analysing university protocols, third, analyses the role that mediation can play within the sector, and finally, discusses the disability dimension within a complaints context.FindingsIt can be seen that disputes between student and institution are on the rise for a number of reasons, be it finance, complexity of legislation or otherwise. The robust nature of what the office of the independent adjudicator (OIA) does seems evident from the lack of successful challenge by way of judicial review, even though the process has been held to be reviewable in a limited way at least. Perhaps this will give some reassurance to the aggrieved student that their version of events will be heard and judged fairly, but the overwhelming message to institutions must be to address potential issues early by means of well drafted protocols, management of student expectation and possibly the establishment of some sort of campus ombudsman which may help deter, deflect or even solve disputes. The role of the OIA seems here to stay and the amount of business it does is likely to increase.Originality/valueIncreasing importance is placed on the consideration given to the integrity of institutional protocols regulating decision making at all stages of student progression. A wide variety of elements can impact on the quality of service expected compared with that provided to a student cohort, and this results in a diversity of potential complaints which have to be covered by university protocols. The value of this paper lies in the applicability of the themes that are discussed.
Sex, gender, and the US presidency: ready for a female President?
Authors: Powell Gary N. , Butterfield D. Anthony 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of the “Ideal President” and candidates in the 2008 US presidential election in relation to gender and leader prototypes.Design/methodology/approachA total of 768 undergraduate business students rated either the ideal President or a presidential candidate on Bem Sex‐Role Inventory and Implicit Leadership Theory scales.FindingsThe ideal President was seen as more similar to male candidates as a group than female candidates as a group (i.e. “think president – think male”). The ideal President was seen as higher in masculinity than femininity (i.e. “think president – think masculine”).Research limitations/implicationsAdditional factors beyond gender and leader prototypes may affect perceptions of presidential candidates and the ideal President. Respondents came exclusively from northeastern USA; hence, results may not be generalizable to other populations. Replication of this study in nations that have elected a female leader is recommended. Future theory and research should link perceptions of male and female leaders in different nations to dimensions of national culture such as gender egalitarianism.Social implicationsThe results suggest the continued presence of sex‐related biases in leader evaluations in the political context. Such biases influence whether specific groups are excluded from political leadership because of their personal characteristics (e.g. women), which would dilute the talent of the pool of available candidates.Originality/valueThe results increase knowledge of the linkages among sex, gender, and political leadership by incorporating both gender and leader prototypes.
The impact of strategic human resource management on the performance of firms in India
Authors: Nigam Ajit Kumar , Nongmaithem Sonia , Sharma Sudeep , Tripathi Nachiketa 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM) and performance in service sectors firms in India. Also, it has tried to explore whether the three main approaches in the area of SHRM – universalistic, contingency and configurational approaches hold true in an Indian setting.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 25 organizations, using two sets of questionnaires. Set 1 comprised measures of business strategy (n=98) and key informant approach was used to collect the data. Set 2 had measures of SHRM which consisted of two sections – human resource management (HRM) system orientation and HRM capabilities and organizational effectiveness (n=750). Performance was measured in terms of organizational effectiveness. Regression analysis was carried out at two levels: industry level and overall level.FindingsResults indicated that there is positive relationship between SHRM and effectiveness, business strategy has an impact on the relationship between SHRM and effectiveness and universalistic theory of SHRM does not work in the Indian service sector.Practical implicationsThe results of this study revealed that transport and IT‐enabled industries require more strategic HR capability while finance requires more technical HR capability. The SHRM policies need to be dynamic and contingent on the business strategy to attain maximum impact on effectiveness.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the sparse literature on the role of SHRM in the service sector industry where dependence on human resources is more critical as compared to other sectors.
Use of analytics in Indian enterprises: an exploratory study
Authors: Xavier Maria Joseph , Srinivasan Anil , Thamizhvanan Arun 
Published: August 2011

PurposeIn 2007, India accounted for one‐third of the total $17‐billion global market for analytics. However, the rate of adoption of analytics for decision making and enhancing the customer experience has been slow on the uptake. While the term “analytics” has found universal usage in almost all business platforms, what it refers to and the specific contexts in which it ought to be used is still ambiguous among senior managers in the Indian corporate milieu. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the analytics in the business context across organizations in India.Design/methodology/approachTo uncover the antecedents of these observations, at least in part, the authors conducted a survey among 84 senior managers across domains, company profiles and regions across the country.FindingsIt was found that an effective understanding of analytics as a decision‐craft tool grows with time and experience for most individuals, and the prevalence of more heuristic‐based decision making is still in vogue. Further, only companies of a certain size (turnover of 500 crore or more) make a concerted effort to maintain and update data necessary for efficacious use of analytics, and place this high on their priorities. Further, many ambiguities regarding the definition and scope of analytics were observed.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size was not adequate to perform industry‐wise analysis though the overall trends in the use of analytics in the Indian context have been adequately represented by the data.Practical implicationsThe paper, for the first time, offers insights into the use of analytics in India. It shows that the business world has to go a long way in terms of effective use of analytics.Originality/valueIn the Indian context, this is a pioneering effort.
Building customer confidence in the automobile age: Canadian Tire 1928‐1939
Authors: Miller Dale 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how one Canadian retailer developed customer confidence in the interwar years when the automobile was in its infancy. The emphasis is on products and product information in the mail‐order catalogue.Design/methodology/approachThe research design strategy draws on a longitudinal case study research using primary archival data collection and analysis.FindingsIn the 1930s, the firm used multiple approaches to respond to opportunities and challenges and to reassure customers through product assortment, guarantees, branding, quality assurance and support services. Generating an extensive mail‐order business occurred in tandem with the opening of stores, and together these approaches created rapid growth. In the early years, the emphasis was on maintenance, repairs and some augmentation through accessories. From the mid‐to late 1930s, with easing economic conditions, the focus shifts from automobile functionality to include roles for leisure and sport products, and the injunction to engage with the Canadian countryside.Originality/valueThe paper uses original historical research to contribute a new way of understanding how retailers developed customer confidence. The study contributes to knowledge about Canadian retailing in the interwar years, and the means for building customer confidence using a range of marketing techniques. For researchers, the study demonstrates a further example of the efficacy of using archival materials to explore marketing questions.
Orderly marketing: reality, rhetoric or myth?
Authors: Earl Paul D. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the meaning and content of the term “orderly marketing” as it was adopted by Western Canadian farm leaders in the 1920s, and to determine whether the expected results of “orderly marketing”, as they were enunciated by farm leaders, were met.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the critique that farm leaders and Wheat Pool officials levelled against the open market, and the way they posited “orderly marketing” as a solution to their perceived problems. Using contemporary data on wheat prices and movements, it analyzes the content of orderly marketing, and the results of its implementation by the Pools.FindingsThe paper finds that “orderly marketing” was primarily a campaign slogan, that the problems it was alleged to address did not exist, and that its implementation by the Wheat Pools did not yield the results that the farm leaders had promised. The paper acknowledges however, the significant accomplishments of these organizations, and postulates that the concept of orderly marketing resonates with aspects of Canadian culture and helps to explain why grain marketing in the USA and Canada evolved so differently.Originality/valueThe agricultural cooperative movement in Western Canada has been the subject of a great deal of historical research, most of it positive. However, there are no recently published qualitative studies of the history of the term, nor in‐depth quantitative analyses of the economic results achieved by the Wheat Pools during the 1920s that compare with the contents of this paper.
Brand mismanagement: Rothmans cigarette marketing, 1957‐2000
Authors: Dewhirst Timothy , Sparks Robert 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess, by providing a case study of flagship brand, Rothmans, why Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. (RBH), Canada's second largest tobacco firm, has historically lost ground to industry leader, Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited (ITL).Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes data from internal corporate documents, made public from litigation, as well as trade press and promotional materials accessed from advertising archives. More specifically, the tobacco industry documents reviewed were made public from two Canadian trials: the 1989 Canadian trial to decide the constitutionality of the Tobacco Products Control Act; and the 2002 Quebec Superior Court trial in which Canada's three major tobacco firms challenged the constitutionality of the Tobacco Act.FindingsThe declining market share of Rothmans is largely explained by the brand's inability to appeal to the highly valued youth or “health concerned” segments. RBH failed to link the cigarette brand consistently with segment‐appropriate imagery during a time when legislation prompted a shift in promotional spending by the Canadian tobacco industry towards sponsorship communications. Unlike ITL, RBH failed to capitalize on the potential of sponsorship to contemporize the Rothmans brand and make it relevant to younger smokers. Moreover, RBH was slow to introduce a so‐called “light” line extension, which would appeal to existing smokers with health concerns.Originality/valueThis study should particularly interest researchers and practitioners interested in marketing and public policy, in which insight is provided about unique challenges to marketing in Canada on the basis of government regulation.
Prevention of industrial accidents using Six Sigma approach
Authors: Ray Sanjit , Das Prasun , Bhattacharya Bidyut Kr. 
Published: August 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to utilize the power of Six Sigma, a disciplined approach to improve quality of product, process or service quality, for accident prevention in the manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the basic features of DMAIC methodology of Six Sigma and its application for the purpose of accident prevention; illustrates the set of tools and techniques to be used at different phases of DMAIC for accident data analysis; and outlines the DMAIC methodology by analyzing accident data from a large process industry in India.FindingsThe systematic and logical approach of Six Sigma problem solving could identify many root causes for accident and identification and deployment of corrective actions horizontally to relevant processes.Originality/valueSix Sigma has been successfully implemented in improving manufacturing processes but its application for the purpose of accident prevention is still limited. This paper demonstrates that Six Sigma principle can resolve such problems, and can be used by any plant to solve similar problems of accident prevention.