bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning from employee communication during technological change
Authors: Law Sweety 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine stories of and by employees as they implemented a transformative organizational change, involving outsourcing, off‐shoring, and the make‐over induced by technology.Design/methodology/approachThree types of data were analyzed – organizational documents, responses to oral and written questions, and observational field notes. Two interpretive approaches were used – qualitative content analysis and “grounded theory”. Additionally, the Burkean pentad was applied to examine how the change was perceived and characterized by the change participants.FindingsDuring technological change, planned storytelling may provide a platform for understanding the perceived and real people costs and benefits of the change. The organizational opportunity to tell stories was enabled by three mechanisms: visual representation, distillation and documentation, and innovative ways to learn. The Burkean pentad tool indicated highly knowledgeable and engaged individuals. Thus, while the participants know what to do, there is a sense of uncertainty about their “agency” and the change results. What also emerged is a sense of collegiality and interpersonal support.Research limitations/implicationsThe stories for this study were collected during the change process. One could expect to hear different stories after the change is implemented, after the participants have gained more agency or attained a better sense of their agency. One may also expect to have different results by including more participants.Practical implicationsStories capture the interpretation and analysis of information by people – by revealing how the new technology has affected work‐design, employee's functioning in new partnerships and work‐flows, and other people‐centered needs such as the sense of “agency”.Originality/valueThis paper outlines the potential of learning from planned storytelling during technological change to steer technological change processes in a people‐centered way.
The interplay between change and learning at the workplace
Authors: Hetzner Stefanie , Gartmeier Martin , Heid Helmut , Gruber Hans 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse employees' perception of a change at their workplaces and the requirements for learning, and factors supporting or inhibiting learning in the context of this change.Design/methodology/approachData collection included personal face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews with ten client advisors in the retail‐banking department of a German bank. The interviews took place during a time when the participants' workplaces were affected by a drastic change, namely the implementation of an integrated consulting concept. The data were analysed by a qualitative, content analysis approach, adapting Billett's framework for analysing workplace changes.FindingsChallenges and requirements for learning as a consequence of the workplace change were analysed. The results show that the employees realised many affordances of the modification of work routines, especially concerning work performance, professional knowledge, and professional role. Thus, employees recognised the change as an opportunity for the acquisition of knowledge and competence development.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the understanding of workplace change's effect on employees' knowledge, work routines and professional development.
Qualitative research articles: guidelines, suggestions and needs
Authors: Crescentini Alberto , Mainardi Giuditta 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give ideas and suggestions to avoid some typical problems of qualitative articles. The aim is not to debate quality in qualitative research but to indicate some practical solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the design of qualitative research and the structure of a qualitative article giving some methodological suggestions to make it better for the reader and the reviewer.FindingsThe paper finds that the main criteria to getting published are that the article must be transparent regarding the process followed in the research and it must well structured so it can be understood by readers.Originality/valueIf these guidelines are followed the review process of articles will be smoother and the number of rejected papers should decrease. The paper will benefit young researchers who can find suggestions on writing a paper for the Journal of Workplace Learning.
Barriers to internal benchmarking initiatives: an empirical investigation
Authors: Amaral Paulo , Sousa Rui 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on the identification of barriers to the implementation of benchmarking initiatives. Managers have little guidance on strategies for successful implementation and face difficulties in anticipating problems. The main objective of this paper is to provide a better understanding of typical barriers that occur in a specific type of benchmarking: internal benchmarking.Design/methodology/approachThis paper systematically develops a categorized list of barriers to internal benchmarking based on the literature; and validates and enriches them with an in‐depth case study of an internal benchmarking initiative.FindingsBarriers to internal benchmarking initiatives of different types are found: organizational barriers (people, culture, and context), benchmarking project management barriers (planning and implementation, leadership, and business pressures) and benchmarking data barriers (difficulty to access/compare data). Future studies might take these categories as a solid starting point in furthering the understanding of barriers to benchmarking.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory nature of the paper limits its generalizability.Practical implicationsThe paper paves the way for the process of devising strategies to overcome the identified barriers. This is especially relevant because few studies to date have focused on these issues and benchmarking practitioners have insufficient knowledge to anticipate and overcome benchmarking‐related problems.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to theory building on the implementation of benchmarking in general; and on barriers to internal benchmarking initiatives in particular.
Benchmarking and measuring the comparative efficiency of emergency medical services in major US cities
Authors: Lambert Thomas E. , Min Hokey , Srinivasan Arun K. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to benchmark and measure the comparative efficiency of emergency medical services (EMS) in major US cities (populations greater than 100,000). In so doing, this paper aims to develop a benchmark that can be emulated by cities lagging in EMS efficiency. Also, it seeks to develop a profile of cities that are successful in providing highly efficient EMS as benchmarks.Design/methodology/approachData envelopment analysis is used to measure the EMS efficiency of 127 selected large cities in the USA under the premise of a constant‐return to scales method of service delivery. In addition, to identify factors influencing the US cities' EMS efficiency and then to predict their efficiency scores, a Tobit regression analysis is employed, which tended to result in a smaller standard error, a smaller bias, and a smaller mean squared error than ordinary least squares.FindingsThis paper examines whether more densely settled and populated areas have greater efficiency in delivering EMS. After controlling variables such as weather and climate, income, population growth, the age of a residential home, and geographic size of a city in land area, It is found that more densely settled, geographically large, and high income cities show more efficient provision of EMS.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to develop in a comprehensive way EMS benchmark performance standards for municipal governments and elaborate on a host of factors which are associated with the success of EMS deliveries. By setting such standards and identifying factors affecting EMS efficiency, this paper helps municipal governments to continuously improve their EMS and develop more efficient public policy.
Editorial: Towards next‐generation knowledge management systems for construction sector organisations
Authors: Anumba Chimay J. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the need for next‐generation knowledge management (KM) systems in the construction sector and outline the key features that such systems should have.Design/methodology/approachFirst, an overview is presented of KM and its benefits to construction sector organisations, and then the important considerations in KM implementation are discussed, highlighting the additional considerations that will be necessary in next‐generation KM systems. The main features that these systems should have are then briefly outlined.FindingsKM is beginning to deliver value to many construction sector organisations but there is the need for next‐generation systems that can provide much more added value.Originality/valueThe paper provides guidance on what construction sector organisations need to look out for in next‐generation KM systems, while reiterating the benefits and implementation considerations with which they should now be conversant.
Exploration of an agenda for transparency in the construction industry
Authors: Nijhof Andre , Graafland Johan , de Kuijer Oskar 
Published: June 2009

PurposeIn enhancing the market operation of the building sector, transparency is of great importance. The purpose of this paper is to propose an inventory of aspects of the relationships between public clients and executing parties that have the most urgent need for greater transparency.Design/methodology/approachThe main methods used include a literature study and 20 interviews with managers of various organisations in the Dutch construction industry.FindingsBased on this study, four essential points for transparency are determined: openness about risks and costs, measuring of quality‐price ratios, reasons for award or rejection and enhancement of the reputation mechanism.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper takes the Dutch context as a reference point for the analysis. When the findings are used also in other settings, it is necessary to address the differences in characteristics of the building sector.Practical implicationsThe essential points for transparency addressed in this paper have consequences for especially the interaction between public clients and executing parties. Furthermore, conditions for transparency – like possibilities to judge quality in a more robust and transparent manner and methods for enhancing the reputation mechanism – point at necessary future research for improving transparency in the construction industry.Originality/valueThe Dutch construction industry is working through a transition process focused on improving its market operation, integral processes and societal added value. In this transition, transparency between clients and executing parties is of great importance.
Enhancing knowledge management in construction firms
Authors: Loforte Ribeiro Francisco 
Published: June 2009

PurposeConstruction is an information and knowledge driven industry. Construction firms all over the world are increasingly being challenged by high‐cost pressure, shortened project cycles and increasing competition. Within a business environment, where fast and reliable access to knowledge is a key success factor, the efficient handling of organisational knowledge is crucial. The purpose of this paper is to look at ways knowledge and expertise are managed in project‐based firms, based on three case studies. The knowledge management (KM) effort established in these cases studies is analysed. Finally, the findings from the case studies from the perspective of the construction firm are presented.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology of the study is that of interpretative case study and grounded theory based on a strong empirical foundation, on which new theoretical insight into KM as an autonomous action is developed. Case study research is one of the most widely‐used research designs in qualitative research. The grounded theory method develops theory from data collected through direct contact with research situations. The methodology looks at large, successful companies already using KM, which not typical companies, but which provide useful insights for others.FindingsThis paper analyses KM effort, based on three case studies and offers recommendations and insights for enhancing KM in construction firms.Research limitations/implicationsConstruction firms need to be aware of the advantages of KM initiatives and practices. KM requires an environment that allows workers to create, capture, share, and leverage knowledge to improve performance. Firms are increasingly utilizing interdisciplinary organisational structures in which employees share knowledge and expertise within and between groups in order to cope with complex tasks.Originality/valueThis paper presents the findings from case studies of three large, high‐performing project‐based firms, involving exploratory, open‐ended interviews with managers at various levels, and identifies key KM implementation issues in construction firms; it also provides valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing the capture, sharing and use of corporate knowledge assets.
Innovation and interorganizational cooperation: a synthesis of literature
Authors: Rutten Maarten E.J. , Dorée André G. , Halman Johannes I.M. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeIn construction, literature interorganizational cooperation is argued to be an important aspect of construction innovation. From this perspective, several distinct bodies of literature provide relevant insights. In literature on complex product systems (CoPS), it is argued that construction industry is a CoPS industry and that in CoPS industries systems integrators set‐up and coordinate interorganizational innovation. Furthermore, various bodies of literature provide information about factors that affect the success of innovation and interorganizational cooperation. The purpose of this paper is to integrate the findings from these bodies of literature.Design/methodology/approachTo uncover the present state of knowledge about systems integrators, a comprehensive literature review is conducted. Furthermore, the paper analyzes various fields of literature to derive an overview of factors which have been empirically related to the success of innovation and interorganizational cooperation.FindingsFirst, this paper structures the current knowledge on the role and characteristics of systems integrators. Subsequently, the paper translates this knowledge to the context of construction industry and discusses the basis for classifying a firm as a systems integrator in construction industry. Furthermore, the paper presents a list of relevant success factors derived from literature on new product development, strategic networks and alliances, open innovation, and construction innovation.Originality/valueBy integrating various bodies of literature, this paper provides a solid base for future theory development on how firms achieve interorganizational innovation in construction industry.
Benefits of collaborative ICT adoption for building project management
Authors: Ahuja Vanita , Yang Jay , Shankar Ravi 
Published: June 2009

PurposeEffective flow of data and communication at every stage of a construction project is essential for achieving required coordination and collaboration between the project participants, leading to successful management of the projects. In present scenario, when project participants are geographically separated, adoption of information communication technology (ICT) enables such effective communication. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to focus on ICT adoption for building project management.Design/methodology/approachIt is difficult to quantitatively evaluate the benefits of ICT adoption in the multiple enterprise scenario of building project management. It requires qualitative analysis based on the perceptions of the construction professionals. The paper utilizes interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique to assess importance of perceived benefits and their driving power and dependence on other benefits.FindingsThe developed ISM model shows that all the categories of benefits, i.e. benefits related to projects, team management, technology, and organization are inter‐related and cannot be achieved in isolation. But, organization‐ and technology‐related benefits have high‐driving power and these are “strategic benefits” for the project team organizations. Thus, organizations are required to give more attention on strategically increasing these benefits from application of ICT.Originality/valueThis analysis provides a road map to managers or project management organizations to decide that if they are planning ICT adoption for achieving certain benefits then which are the other driving benefits that should be achieved prior to that and also which are the dependent benefits that would be achieved by default.
Hospital governance and the medical practitioner in Belgium
Authors: Gourdin Gregory , Schepers Rita 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to attempt to explore current transformations in hospital governance by tracing the evolution of medical autonomy in the Belgian hospital sector in the second half of the twentieth century.Design/methodology/approachUsing published secondary sources and archive data the paper developed a historical approach to the relationship between profession and organisation, asking qualitative questions of the characteristics of professional power and knowledge.FindingsSince World War II, two important evolutions have occurred: first, the hospital evolved into an organisational entity that is described as a “professional bureaucracy”; second, at the sectoral level the hospital adopted a position that is characterised as a “divisional structure”. Both evolutions are linked by the processes of rationalisation and bureaucratisation. The findings do not support the thesis of an overall loss of autonomy but bring into focus the transformation of medical autonomy. New forms of professional power and knowledge are emerging with the processing (bureaucracy) and pre‐processing (rationalisation) of information on medical work as key elements.Originality/valueThe paper explores the evolution of the medical profession's autonomy in the second half of the twentieth century. It highlights reflexivity in the changing relationship between professions and organisations and how physicians are becoming “managers of expertise” who are important for both the hospital organisation and the state.
Work culture within the hospital context in Canada: professional versus unit influences
Authors: Khokher Patricia , Lynn Bourgeault Ivy , Sainsaulieu Ivan 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper sets out to explore health professionals' views and experiences regarding the work culture that exists in their hospital units, and further how patients influence these experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a qualitative approach involving individual interviews with 60 health professionals in Canada employed in what is conceptualised as “open” (emergency room and maternity care) and “closed” (intensive care, head and neck surgery) units.FindingsThe paper finds that the influence of the hospital unit outweighs the influence of professional boundaries but for some groups more than for others. Health professionals in more open units tend to be less satisfied with their work, have more difficult relations with patients, and experience tensions with co‐workers and management. Those in closed units tend to be more satisfied with their work, have relatively better relations with patients and co‐workers, and tend to have more cooperative relations with management. The different structural conditions of work in open and closed units are also clearly important.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample for the study was self‐selected from one hospital, which may limit the generalisability of some of the findings.Practical implicationsThe insights garnered from the study may help professionals and managers to develop unit‐specific policies to create a more positive workplace culture.Originality/valueThere is a growing body of research on professional culture and oganisational culture that often does not clearly delineate how the two exist concurrently. The paper explicitly investigates this issue by examining work culture across various health professional groups and also across hospital units, and further how patients figure in these experiences.
Home care in transition: the complex dynamic of competing drivers of change in Norway
Authors: Vabø Mia 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to draw attention to the historical and institutional context of Norwegian home care and to the way in which care agencies have been pressed to reconcile competing demands caused by conflicting policy aims and administrative values. The paper also aims to explore how ideas of contractual management have been interpreted and put into practice in this field of tension.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on policy documents, historical and social research reports, and personal interviews with managers and home care staff from three different case studies representing different eras of management ideas. From this micro perspective the study examines professional work as the intersection between new public management and the health care state.FindingsThe findings demonstrate how contractual management is highly influenced by competing drivers of change. Reforms, stressing cost reduction, do not act as a unidirectional reform programme. Instead, they are infused with administrative arguments linked to previous reform ideas aiming to create legitimacy both from “above” and from “below”. The dynamic of change often has unintended consequences which in turn prompt further reform efforts.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into the complexity of change following on from New Public Management (NPM). More specifically, change is characterised by tensions originating in competing normative drivers as well as the co‐existence of old and new forms of organising.
User involvement in Finland: the hybrid of control and emancipation
Authors: Leppo Anna , Perälä Riikka 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe new “agenda of choice” in public services emphasises service users' needs and agency. The ideals of consumerism and user involvement have set new challenges for professionals. This paper aims to explore the effects of consumerism and user involvement at the level of day‐to‐day service delivery, looking at the encounters between professionals and service users.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies an ethnographic approach. Observation data were collected at two Finnish drug treatment institutions: a needle exchange and health counselling service, and a specialised maternity clinic for pregnant women. Data from each institution consist of seven to 12 months of participant observation notes, which were subsequently systematically coded and analysed comparing the two institutions.FindingsThe promotion of new ideals does not automatically result in the empowerment of service users or the erosion of professional power. The two institutions differ greatly: institutional context and gender shape the everyday realisation of the new ideals. In both institutions, however, professionals have adopted new practices and rethought their role. The cultivation of service users' choice and agency can become valuable professional capital, a new kind of “know how” that can also be used by the professionals to justify the importance of their work.Originality/valueThe paper provides a nuanced and contextualised insight into “how” the ideals of consumerism and user involvement are translated into everyday encounters between service providers and users.