bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Living among stories: everyday life at a South Western bank
Authors: Linda Musacchio Adorisio Anna 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to problematize the idea that organizations can be understood as written text. Most of the work done in narrative analysis for organizational studies (OS) relies on an interpretation of narrative which is anchored to the formalist/structuralist tradition. The aim is to review the exiting literature and propose an alternative understanding of the phenomena. In particular, the paper will argue that text analysis should be complemented with analysis of the experience of the people involved in the studied processes. The reductionist character of structural analysis cannot fit the complexity and uniqueness of the everyday life in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is ethnographic research methodology. Data were collected during long unstructured interviews and daily informal conversations. Brochures, newsletter publications from the bank and archival information were also analyzed.FindingsStorytelling in the bank studied shows a constant movement between two poles: the stabilizing forms of social determinacy and the destabilizing forms of experience.Originality/valueTo incorporate the dimension of experience into narrative research for OS and bringing the phenomenological sensitivity of the studies of everyday life into the management field.
Leading adaptive organizational change: self‐reflexivity and self‐transformation
Authors: Eriksen Matthew 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to give an account of a self‐evaluation process in a change programme within the US Coast Guard.Design/methodology/approachThis is an autoethnographical account as form of reflection on a leadership in position facilitating change within the organization.FindingsAdaptive organizational change is a human endeavor, not a scientific application of techniques and skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe authoethnography points mainly only to a change process of the writer and is therefore hardly an abstract model for others.Practical implicationsMeaningful organizational transformation does not occur without a corresponding self‐transformation, most importantly of the individual leading the change.Originality/valueChanging oneself by managing change process as a leader, one has to become the change process in order to be successful.
Workplace learning: narrative and professionalization
Authors: Letiche Hugo , v Boeschoten Robert , de Jong Frank 
Published: September 2008

PurposeTo show how the stories told by people in organisations need to be reckoned with in order to give change a chance.Design/methodology/approachThe paper's approach is a case study and analytical approach to storytelling.FindingsStories are told from different perspectives, related to what needs to be achieved by the audience.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the paper is framed by the analytical approach to storytelling which in this case is related to learning modes.Practical implicationsOrganisations that are open for change need to give room to individual voice/stories in order to live up to the possibilities of change.Originality/valueStories do not always address an audience that is supposed to hear the story; they can get out of control.
Thermal profiling: a reflow process based on the heating factor
Authors: Gang Gao Jin , Ping Wu Yi , Ding Han , Hong Wan Nian 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to offer a convenient method to develop an oven recipe for a specific soldering profile in a reflow process. The method is devised to quickly achieve proper profile shape and heating factorQη, a measure of success for high reliability of the solder joints reflowed.Design/methodology/approachAn in‐depth analysis of the heating mechanism and some experiments of the reflow soldering process are performed to research on how to realize a specific shape reflow profile were conducted.FindingsHeating mechanism analysis and experiments demonstrate that the combinatorial parameters based method is feasible to do thermal profiling.Research limitations/implicationsThe mapping function among a particular configured PCBA, an oven used, a target reflow profile and an optimal range of the heating factor should be further established for fast and reliable production of reflow soldering.Practical implicationsProvides a methodology for designing an oven recipe for reflow soldering production.Originality/valueAn oven recipe can be quickly attained with the approach established in this paper, facilitating the formation of solder joints with high reliability during the reflow soldering process.
Workmanship standards and their application on ESA projects
Authors: Dunn Barrie D. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to describe some of the European Space Agency (ESA) workmanship standards which are based on industrial practices. Coordination with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Centres on workmanship issues is also to be described.Design/methodology/approachThe first ESA (then ESRO) workmanship standard was published in 1972. It applied to the hand soldering of electronic assemblies and became a contractual document, either replacing, or supplementing a vast number of company standards that had existed in European manufacturing companies. Since then some 40 standards related to Materials and Processes have been developed by ESA, the majority of which are to be found in the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) series of European standards.FindingsIt is shown that, where appropriate, the standards are backed by a number of ESA‐approved skills training schools which provide training courses that result in the certification of operators, inspectors and instructors.Originality/valueThe workmanship standards are periodically revised in order to take into account newly developed technologies, the results of failure analyses (lessons learnt), laboratory and field test results, as well as some particular requests from industry.
Exclusion, inclusion and changing the face of information systems research
Authors: Cushman Mike , McLean Rachel 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on the issues of social and digital exclusion and inclusion arising from the development of a digitalised society. It aims to highlight the significance of this for the study of information systems by describing the context for this special issue, outlining a number of previously under‐researched areas, giving an overview of the papers chosen for this special issue and describing future directions for research that recognise non‐users and marginal users as important actors in designing and evaluating systems in use.Design/methodology/approachThe paper sets the scene by discussing the impact of mass involvement in digital culture on the field of information systems and analyses each paper, suggesting ways in which they relate to the chosen themes and drawing conclusions from this discussion.FindingsThe papers chosen address thematic issues, theoretical foundations, methodological issues, empirical studies and reflections on inclusion and exclusion from the digital society.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the growing interest in engagement with the digital culture in the information systems discipline and enables reflection on barriers and opportunities for developing research across boundaries of disciplines, cultures, organizations and accepted topics. It indicates that information systems researchers have an ethical responsibility to consider the impacts of innovations on the least powerful in society as well as the more privileged.
Inequality of what? Social exclusion in the e‐society as capability deprivation
Authors: Zheng Yingqin , Walsham Geoff 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to engage with the debate on social exclusion in the e‐society from the human development perspective, which goes beyond inequality in distribution of technological goods and services to emphasise the options, choice and opportunities related to accessing and using information.Design/methodology/approachThis is an interpretivist study. It draws on Sen's capability approach (CA) to conceptualise social exclusion in the e‐society as capability deprivation, both in well‐being and agency freedom. A framework of the core aspects of the CA is used to analyse two empirical studies in South Africa and China which serve to illustrate social exclusion manifested as capability deprivation in different “spaces”.FindingsThe paper demonstrates the relational features of social exclusion and different types of capability deprivation in e‐society; highlights “unfavourable inclusion” which can be masked by technological diffusion.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is an early attempt to apply the capability approach to social studies of information communication technologies in developing countries.Practical implicationsThe paper provides implications for government policies to go beyond technological provision and pay attention to socio‐political, cultural and institutional aspects in ensuring effective utilisation of information and channels of communication, which should serve to enhance people's opportunity to better participate in economic, social and political activities.Originality/valueThe paper is a novel attempt to apply concepts of the CA in information systems, which provides a conceptual lens to address the complexity and multiplicity of social exclusion in the e‐society.
Bringing lost sheep into the fold: questioning the discourse of the digital divide
Authors: Klecun Ela 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critique the discourse of the digital divide and to propose ways of responding to digital inequalities.Design/methodology/approachIllustrations of arguments are based on reviews of academic literature, projects reports, policy documents and research findings from the Penceil project, and are informed by critical theory. The research consisted of 47 semi‐structured interviews and action research involving designing an e‐literacy curriculum and running a course based on it.FindingsA discourse of missed opportunities and “being left behind”, present in policy statements and popular media, leads to objectifying non‐users of information and communication technologies (ICT) as “others”. This discourse is often internalised by non‐users, but it does not necessarily lead to positive actions, leaving some feeling inadequate. So far initiatives seeking to address the digital divide have had moderate success. To respond to digital exclusion we need to oppose the unchecked spread of e‐services, and help non‐users of ICT to become users or (if they choose to) informed “refusniks”. Initiatives aiming to facilitate people's sustainable and meaningful use of ICT ought to draw on individual and community resources. A curriculum should be determined by learners' experiences and their expressions of needs, and go beyond IT skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not offer a comprehensive review of digital exclusion, concentrating instead on chosen problems and arguments. It is based on the UK experience, and thus more relevant to developed rather than developing countries.Practical implicationsThe paper raises awareness of different issues related to digital exclusion and ways of addressing them.Originality/valueThe paper calls to question current discourse and initiatives addressing the digital divide, highlighting their limitations. It presents alternative ways of responding to digital exclusion.
Excluded again: implications of integrated e‐government systems for those at the margins
Authors: Letch Nick , Carroll Jennie 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to highlight a poorly‐understood dimension of digital exclusion that is not related to access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), but rather to the reduction in flexibility for providing and administering public services following the implementation of an integrated e‐government system.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a project focused on reducing barriers to the delivery of driver licensing services to a remote indigenous community in Australia was undertaken and the data were analysed using Klinget al.'s socio‐technical interaction network (STIN) modelling approach.FindingsThe paper makes four recommendations to improve the licensing situation for the community that are induced from the findings. In particular the paper draws attention to the need to carefully analyse possible negative impacts of any e‐government initiative for those at the margins of society.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper aims to analyse the current situation as the foundation for recommending future actions. These can form the basis for subsequent interventions in the licensing situation.Practical implicationsThis research provides an outsiders' overview of the licensing situation and recommendations for change that take account of a diversity of viewpoints and interests.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to our understanding of the relationship between ICTs and social exclusion in three ways. It provides a rich narrative describing the secondary impacts of integrated e‐government systems, a theoretically grounded analysis of the situation and some recommendations for addressing some of the implications at both the community level as well as calling for more careful evaluation of possible negative consequences about shifting service provision to integrated systems.
Gay men, Gaydar and the commodification of difference
Authors: Light Ben , Fletcher Gordon , Adam Alison 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate information communications technologies (ICT)‐mediated inclusion and exclusion in terms of sexuality through a study of a commercial social networking web site for gay men.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an approach based on technological inscription and the commodification of difference to study Gaydar, a commercial social networking site.FindingsThrough the activities, events and interactions offered by Gaydar, the study identifies a series of contrasting identity constructions and market segmentations that are constructed through the cyclic commodification of difference. These are fuelled by a particular series of meanings attached to gay male sexualities which serve to keep gay men positioned as a niche market.Research limitations/implicationsThe research centres on the study of one, albeit widely used, web site with a very specific set of purposes. The study offers a model for future research on sexuality and ICTs.Originality/valueThis study places sexuality centre stage in an ICT‐mediated environment and provides insights into the contemporary phenomenon of social networking. As a sexualised object, Gaydar presents a semiosis of politicised messages that question heteronormativity while simultaneously contributing to the definition of an increasingly globalised, commercialised and monolithic form of gay male sexuality defined against ICT.
Identifying and managing bullying in the workplace
Authors: Townend Anni 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe article sheds light on the phenomenon of bullying in the workplace and the need to create truly assertive and inclusive organizations in which business leaders and employees embrace diversity in all they do.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a framework of assertiveness and diversity, of openness, trust and respect, which can benefit everyone in the workplace.FindingsThe reveals that a lack of awareness of self and others, and a fear of difference, is the underlying cause of bullying.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that that, by integrating diversity awareness into everything that people do, and valuing people for their “gifts different,” bullying can be tackled.Originality/valueThe author argues that people change their behavior when given support and encouragement to understand the impact of their behavior on others, and that they can be helped to appreciate their differences and thus build bigger relationships in which more and greater business opportunities are realized.
Business acumen: a critical concern of modern leadership development
Authors: Ted Prince E. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe paper examines why leadership development needs to pay more attention to business acumen.Design/methodology/approachThe article reveals why traditional leadership‐development approaches, which rely on personality and competency assessments as the scientific core of their approach, are failing. It also highlights how powerful global economic trends such as the economic slowdown, shortages of key commodities, emerging countries that have little or no familiarity with traditional leadership approaches, and environmental cost‐benefit issues are also converging to increase the importance of business acumen in leadership‐development approaches.FindingsThe author contends that research in the area of business acumen will have an increasing impact on the leadership‐development and HR agendas.Practical implicationsThe paper demonstrates that leadership‐development, organizational‐development and HR specialists will need rapidly to absorb these new findings and to incorporate them into their leadership development and their executive‐selection and recruitment programs.Originality/valueThe article provides a convincing case for business acumen to play a more significant role in leadership development.
Reasons to be cheerful
Authors: McPherson Blair 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe paper focuses on ways of tackling low staff morale in a large public‐sector organization.Design/methodology/approachThe author argues that the quality of leadership and the people‐management skills of line managers affect employee morale, yet people can feel positive about the work of their team or service but negative about the organization they work for. The paper reveals that, in addition to factors outside the organization's control, effective communications, a skilled workforce, clarity of roles and responsibilities, and a performance‐orientated culture where success is measured against targets and progress is informed by best practice, can all help to improve staff morale.FindingsLancashire County Council, where the author is Director of Community Services, put its efforts into process reengineering – reducing paperwork, streamlining processes and delegating decisions closer to the front line, developing managers' people‐management skills and establishing a safe environment where staff had the opportunity and confidence to say what they were really thinking.Practical implicationsThe author advances the view that organizations introducing major change should spend more time and effort explaining why change is necessary and create more opportunities for staff to influence how changes are implemented.Originality/valueThe paper provides an insider's perspective on ways of improving employee morale in a large public‐sector organization.
Investigating antecedents and consequences of brand identification
Authors: Kuenzel Sven , Vaux Halliday Sue 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis study aims to analyse the influences of prestige, satisfaction, and communication on brand identification and to show how brand identification influences word‐of‐mouth and brand repurchase.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical model is developed and tested with a sample of car owners in the UK of two global car brands. Structural equation modelling was used with LISREL 8.54 and the maximum likelihood (ML) method.FindingsThis paper draws mainly on the theory of social identity to provide a comprehensive understanding of conditions under which brand owners are likely to identify with their brand and the bases and consequences of such identification. It was shown that prestige, satisfaction, and communication effect brand identification. The study confirms that consumers' development of relationships via brand identification results in word of mouth about the brand and intentions to repurchase the brand. Furthermore, it was found that brand identification fully mediates the influences of prestige, satisfaction, and communication on word of mouth and brand repurchase.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus was on one country and one industry.Practical implicationsManagers are provided with strategies that enhance the identification of their customers with their brand so that they can strengthen the customers' brand identification. Areas for future research are suggested. For instance, it could be interesting to test the model in a different industry and/or cultural context.Originality/valueVery few previous studies have looked at brand identification which is surprising considering it is such an important variable to influence word‐of‐mouth and brand repurchase. The study tests three antecedents to brand identification and two outcomes that have not been investigated previously. Overall, the study adds knowledge in this somewhat neglected area.
Global brand equity model: combining customer‐based with product‐market outcome approaches
Authors: Wang Haizhong , Wei Yujie , Yu Chunling 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThere is a growing interest in brand formation and brand valuation among global firms today, but global marketers typically ignore one of the key factors of brand building – corporation ability association (CAA). This paper aims to explore the structural relationship between CAA and consumer‐based brand equity variables and its product‐market outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing Aaker and Keller's theoretical framework of brand equity, this paper develops a brand equity model combining customer‐based brand equity with product‐market outcome approaches. A set of scales are developed and tested on a national sample of Chinese consumers.FindingsThe data provide support for ten of the 12 hypotheses. The results indicate that CAA is an important factor in building and preserving brand equity. CAA and brand awareness have impact on quality perception, which has positive impact on brand resonance, brand extensibility, and price flexibility. Brand resonance has positive influence on brand extensibility and the intention to repurchase.Practical implicationsFor global marketers operating in China, brand equity is a cultural market‐based asset and global companies must focus on building corporation ability association in China in order to enjoy the substantial competitive and economic advantages provided by brand equity. Theoretically, the proposed brand equity model is an extension of the model proposed by Keller.Originality/valueFor the first time, CAA is integrated into fhe brand equity model. This may provide a theoretical base for further research in the endorsement role of company ability in brand equity building.