bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying employees' perceptions on organizational obligations
Authors: Bellou Victoria 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis study aims to identify the organizational obligations that are mostly valued by employees and potential variations in perceptions regarding the ideal psychological contract, between employees working in the public and the private sectors.Design/methodology/approachA total of 1,145 employees, with 398 being employed in the public sector, participated in the study. The study took place in Greece, where the public sector's particularities provide excellent ground for comparisons with the private sector. Overall, 40 organizational obligations, drawn from existing literature, were adopted to measure employees' view of the desired psychological contract. A comparison based on sectors was made to check for differences.FindingsOverall ranking of the organizational obligations, based on employee perceptions, is provided. Next, statistical analysis through t‐tests exposed significant variation in seven organizational obligations. In all cases, variations could be attributed to organizational and structural differences between organizations operating within the Greek public and private sectors.Research limitations/implicationsThe Greek public sector particularities may limit this study's findings' generalization across all organizations operating within the public sector around the world. Besides, national culture may have also affected the results. Finally, the sample is a convenient one, as no relevant database was available.Practical implicationsAccording to this study's findings, employees working in the public and private sector have different view of the desired psychological contract. Theoretically, such a finding provides support to previous researchers' suggestions about organizational factors' impact on psychological contract formation. Practically, it seems that effective human resource management necessitates taking organizational factors into serious consideration.Originality/valueThis paper provides information of both theoretical and practical significance with regard to employment relationships.
A post‐modern cultural competency framework for public administration and public service delivery
Authors: Rice Mitchell F. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe dramatic population growth of Hispanics and immigrants, combined with the issue of diversity, in the United States population raises several important questions about the future role of public administration and the delivery of culturally appropriate and culturally responsive public programs and public services in the post modern era of diversity. What is cultural competency in public programs and public service delivery? Can public agencies become culturally competent organizations? What is a cultural competency model for public administration and public service delivery? Aims to answer these questions that point to the need for a “new” kind of public servant and public service agency provider– one who possesses explicit cultural competency skills to work with racial/ethnic and cultural/linguistic groups in the delivery of public programs and public services.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a literature review approach, the paper examines the concept of culture in public administration and argues that “culture” and “competency” must be tied together thereby leading to a contemporary standard and operational framework for advancing cultural competency in public administration and public service delivery. The article argues that cultural competency can enhance public administration/public service delivery normative values by increasing an agency's ability to work efficiently, effectively, and equitably in the context of cultural differences.FindingsThe paper concludes that there are five reasons for incorporating cultural competency into the study and practice of public administration/public service delivery and moving a public agency toward cultural competence.Practical implicationsEmbracing cultural competency in public service delivery recognizes the salience of understanding the cultural context in which any direct public service encounter occurs. Advancing cultural competency presents an opportunity to address the incomplete and often times inaccurate public services and public programs provided to minority populations. A focus on cultural competency increases the relevancy of a public agency's administration, services and programs to the groups that can best utilize them. Having knowledge, awareness, and skills in cultural competency, service delivery professionals are better prepared to do their jobs.Originality/valueThis paper should be of value to both academics and practitioners as they grapple with diversity and immigration issues, public administration, public programs and public service delivery.
Developing an understanding of results‐based management through public value theory
Authors: Try David , Radnor Zoe 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis article aims to report on research undertaken to assess the utility of public value theory in understanding results‐based management from the perception of public sector executives in Canada.Design/methodology/approachThe research was carried out using a case study approach. Within the case study, the primary data source was 16 interviews with executives leading to the development of a framework integrating public value and results‐based management.FindingsThe findings are presented through the elements of public value theory, as well as findings which fall outside of the explanatory powers of this theory. A framework integrating results‐based management and public value is presented.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework must be viewed as an initial study exploring an under‐researched field. The paper focuses on one case study although the interviews within the case study were extensive and it took an interpretative approach, allowing the findings to emerge.Originality/valueThe article reports on empirical research that examined this issue from the perspective of executives. It will engage public value theory in developing an understanding of executive managers' perceptions, behaviours, and responses to changes introduced by results‐based management.
Purposeful data: the roles and purposes of recordkeeping metadata
Authors: Cumming Kate 
Published: October 2007

PurposeOptimising metadata implementation can significantly improve records management practice. This article aims to identify a number of important issues that should be considered in any implementation of recordkeeping metadata in order to optimise that implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe research presented was part of a doctoral thesis “Purposeful data: the roles and purposes of recordkeeping metadata” which itself was part of a collaborative research project seeking to comprehensively specify and codify recordkeeping metadata. The purposes were identified via a research method known as warrant analysis.FindingsLiterary warrant identified that metadata fulfil seven different purposes: identifying all entities at all levels of aggregation; establishing connections between related entities; sustaining record structure, content and accessibility through time; administering record‐keeping business; documenting the history of recordkeeping events; facilitating discovery, understanding, retrieval and delivery; and documenting metadata attribution.Practical implicationsRecordkeeping systems should be designed with full awareness of the capacities of metadata and following a full assessment of the organisational needs that should be met by the system. Through better system design and well‐considered metadata implementation, records management operations in any environment can be significantly improved.Originality/valueThe paper establishes key roles of metadata and the importance of system design metadata implementation based on doctoral research.
Records management and information processing on construction sites using digital pen and paper
Authors: Craig Nigel , Sommerville James 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to present findings from research that evaluate the defects/snagging management process at construction project level and review the potential for the operation of a novel, paper‐based, records management mechanism.Design/methodology/approachThe design and use of a hybrid electronic/paper‐based snagging management system are discussed. The design and practicalities of the system are considered as a means towards demonstrating that a link currently exists between modern IT systems and traditional, paper‐based methods of document transfer.FindingsThe paper finds that the snagging aspect of construction projects is often overlooked and under‐estimated. Construction projects require systems that facilitate data input and records management processing, thus removing the reliance upon traditional methods of working. A highly advanced digital pen and paper technology is discussed which has the potential to totally revolutionise the collection of information on paper (for all organisations). The IT system can be adapted for a range of processes/needs which aids not only management but also the individuals on the frontline responsible for collecting site‐based records.Practical implicationsThe system highlighted has the potential to be adopted within every construction‐based organisation and indeed wider industrial sectors due to its unique adaptability and ease with which features can be incorporated. There are a number of business benefits to be accrued from the adoption of digital pen and paper‐based IT systems.Originality/valueExtremely novel technology is discussed. The value to the construction industry and wider industrial sectors is the opportunity to continue working using existing processes, whilst at the same time becoming wholly electronic.
Childrens', parents' and teachers' perceptions of child wellbeing
Authors: Sixsmith Jane , Nic Gabhainn Saoirse , Fleming Collette , O'Higgins Sioban 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an exploration of parents', teachers' and childrens' perspectives on children's understanding of wellbeing with the aim of illuminating and comparing the conceptualisation of wellbeing from these three perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe participatory method developed to undertake the study in this paper stems from the adoption of the “draw and write” technique, with children taking photographs rather than drawing and participating in data analysis. Children aged eight to 12 years took 723 photographs representing wellbeing, while a second set of children grouped the photographs into categories. A third set organised these categories, developing and illustrating through schemata the pattern of relationships between categories. This process was repeated for parent and teacher groups drawing on the photographs taken by the children.FindingsThe findings in this paper show that differences emerged between parents and teachers and children and adults. Parents provided a more detailed conceptualisation than teachers. Children included pets where adults perceived school as being more important in children's wellbeing. The identification of the differing perspectives between children and adults suggests that this approach has enabled children to illuminate their own unique perspective on wellbeing. The paper also demonstrates that children can express complex understandings of abstract concepts.Originality/valueIn the paper the findings reinforce the need to gain children's perspectives rather than relying on adult perceptions of children's perspectives, in order to inform quality service, practice and policy developments.
A survey of UK university web management: staffing, systems and issues
Authors: Cox Andrew , Emmott Stephen 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to summarize the findings of a survey of UK universities about how their websites are managed and resourced, which technologies are in use, and what are seen as the main issues and priorities.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a web‐based questionnaire distributed in summer 2006, which received 104 usable responses from 87 institutions.FindingsThe survey showed that some web teams were based in IT and some in external relations, yet in both cases the site typically served internal and external audiences. The role of web manager is partly management of resources, time and people, partly about marketing and liaison and partly also concerned with more technical aspects including interface design and HTML. But it is a diverse role with a wide spread of responsibilities. On the whole web teams were relatively small. Three‐quarters of responding institutions had a CMS, but specific systems in use were diverse. Sixty per cent had a portal. There was evidence of increasing use of blogs and wikis. The key driver for the website is student recruitment, with instituitional reputation and information to stakeholders also being important. The biggest perceived weaknesses were maintaining consistency with devolved content creation and currency of content; lack of resourcing a key threat while comprehensiveness was a key strength. Current and wished‐for projects pointed again to the diversity of the sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe lack of comparative data and difficulties of interpreting responses to closed questions where respondents could have quite different status (partly reflecting divergent patterns of governance of the web across the sector) create issues with the reliability of the research.Practical implicationsData about resourcing of web management, technology in use, etc. at comparable institutions is invaluable for practitioners in their efforts to gain resources in their own context.Originality/valueThe paper adds more systematic, current data to our limited knowledge about how university websites are managed.
Strategic information systems planning in Malaysian public universities
Authors: Azizi Ismail Noor , Haslinda Raja Mohd Ali Raja , Mat Saat Rafeah , Mohamad Hsbollah Hafizah 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to investigate the current status, problems and benefits of strategic information systems planning implementation in Malaysian public universities.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses dual but mutually supportive strands of investigation, i.e. a questionnaire survey and interviews.FindingsMalaysian public universities are aware of the importance of SISP. While only one university has implemented SISP, 15 others are either at the implementation or planning stage. These universities are suggested to devote more time, efforts, and resources to successfully implement the SISP initiative.Originality/valueThis is the first study to investigate SISP status and process in Malaysian public universities using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data.
Mobile phone usage for m‐learning: comparing heavy and light mobile phone users
Authors: Mohd Suki Norbayah , Mohd Suki Norazah 
Published: October 2007

PurposeMobile technologies offer the opportunity to embed learning in a natural environment. The objective of the study is to examine how the usage of mobile phones for m‐learning differs between heavy and light mobile phone users. Heavy mobile phone users are hypothesized to have access to/subscribe to one type of mobile content than light mobile phone users, to have less frequent access to, subscribe to or purchase mobile content within the last year than light mobile phone users, and to pay less money for mobile learning, its content and mobile games than light mobile phone users.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 436 respondents. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was run to examine how the usage of mobile phone for m‐learning differs between heavy and light mobile phone users in terms of access/subscription to several types of mobile content, frequency of access to, subscription to, and purchase of mobile content within the last year, and maximum amount of money paid for mobile learning, its content and mobile games.FindingsSignificant differences can be identified when comparing the usage of mobile phones for m‐learning between heavy and light mobile phone users. It was found that heavy mobile phone users access/subscribe to more than one type of mobile content than light mobile phone users, have more frequent access to, subscription to and purchase of mobile content within the last year than light mobile phone users, and to spend more money on mobile learning, its content and mobile games than light mobile phone users.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should aim at a deeper understanding of mobile phone usage for learning by including new variables and mediating variables and applying a multivariate analysis of data such as structural equation modelling to interpret the results, as this would allow for a simultaneous relationship among endogenous and exogenous variables, serve as a purposeful representation of the reality from which the data has been extracted, and provide a parsimonious explanation of the data.Practical implicationsMobile content needs to be developed specifically for mobiles, with clear images and good quality sound to enable users to continue to come back and enjoy new segments and features. Mobile phones must be small, reliable, and convenient devices that can provide the full spectrum of information and entertainment options to users.Originality/valueThis research provides a new perspective on mobile phone usage for m‐learning among Malaysian mobile phone users.
Professional identity as the key to career change intention
Authors: Khapova Svetlana N. , Arthur Michael B. , Wilderom Celeste P.M. , Svensson Jörgen S. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate career change intention and its predictors among career change seekers interested in a career opportunity in the information technology (IT) industry.Design/methodology/approachAjzen's theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to predict career change intention in this group. In addition, we examined the role of professional identity in predicting career change intention. Data were collected in a sample of 225 aspiring IT professionals from four European countries: Austria, Greece, Italy and The Netherlands.FindingsThe findings showed that among four variables assumed to predict career change intention, only professional identity appeared to be a significant predictor.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by the use of career change seekers registered in one web‐based recruiting system.Originality/valueThe paper suggests a higher importance of professional identity in prediction of career change intention compared to other factors that constitute Ajzen's theory of planned behavior.
Impact of parent‐child relationship on the career development process of high school students in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Salami Samuel O. , Oyesoji Aremu A. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to investigate the relationships of parental attachment and psychological separation to the career development process of secondary school adolescents.Design/methodology/approachAn ex post facto survey research design was adopted. The sample comprised 242 (males=121, females=121) senior secondary school II students randomly selected. Parental attachment, psychological separation, and career development scales were administered on the students. The data collected were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis treating parental attachment and psychological separation as predictors and career development as a criterion variable. Parental attachment and psychological separation (mother scales) separately and significantly predicted career information‐seeking behaviour of participants. However, combined attachment and separation (father scale) could not significantly predict any of the career development variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe study utilised cross‐sectional and self‐report measures.Practical implicationsThe cultural environment and type of family in which the study was carried out should be considered. Counsellors in Nigeria should assess views of students' parents and peers on career development.Originality/valueMost previous studies have linked familial factors like parental educational, financial and modelling opportunities with career development. This study reported the relationship of parental attachment and psychological separation with the career development process. Results from this study may enlighten career counsellors, parents and students on the need to assess the relationship between the students and their parents when dealing with their career development problems.
The impact of organisational support for career development on career satisfaction
Authors: Renee Barnett Belinda , Bradley Lisa 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between organisational support for career development (OSCD) and employees' career satisfaction. Based on an extended model of social cognitive career theory (SCCT) and an integrative model of proactive behaviours, the study proposed that career management behaviours would mediate the relationship between OSCD and career satisfaction, and between proactive personality and career satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachPublic and private sector employees (N=90) participating in career development activities completed a survey regarding their proactivity, OSCD, career management behaviours and career satisfaction.FindingsOSCD, proactive personality and career management behaviours were all positively related to career satisfaction and career management behaviours mediated the relationship between proactive personality and career satisfaction. There was no support for the career management behaviours mediating between OSCD and career satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provided support for the extended SCCT model by testing a subset of its proposed relationships using a cross‐sectional approach. The sample surveyed (employees participating in career development activities) and the large proportion of full‐time employees, may limit the generalisability of the findings. Future longitudinal research could more fully test the relationships proposed by the extended SCCT model and include a greater representation of part‐time and casual employees.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that there are benefits for organisations and individuals investing in career development.. First, from an organisational perspective, investing in OSCD may enhance employees' career satisfaction. Second, employees may enhance their own career satisfaction by participating in career management behaviours.Originality/valueThis study integrated the predictions of two models (an extension of SCCT and a model of proactive behaviours) to test the influence of environmental (OSCD) and individual difference (proactive personality) variables on career satisfaction. Exploring how organisational and individual variables together influence career satisfaction provides a more balanced approach to theoretical development.