bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organisational citizens or reciprocal relationships? An empirical comparison
Authors: Koster Ferry , Sanders Karin 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims at contributing to the debate on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) by developing a theory‐driven measure of cooperative behaviour within organisations, called organisational solidarity (OS).Design/methodology/approachData are gathered through a survey among 674 employees from nine organisations. Scales are constructed using the multiple group method. OLS regression is used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe data analyses show that reciprocity is an important mechanism to bring about cooperation within organisations. Based on this, a distinction is made between horizontal and vertical OS.Research limitations/implicationsThe major shortcoming of this research is that some of the results may be influenced by same source bias. The research implies that cooperative types of employee behaviour – such as OCB – depend on the behaviour of others. Furthermore, these kinds of behaviour can be divided into a horizontal and a vertical dimension.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that supervisors can play a facilitating role in creating and sustaining cooperative behaviour of employees.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on OCB by examining how this kind of behaviour is affected by the behaviour of supervisors and co‐workers. Secondly, whereas other articles focus on either horizontal or vertical dimensions of cooperative behaviour, this paper focuses on both dimensions simultaneously.
Leadership and solidarity behaviour
Authors: Sanders Karin , Schyns Birgit 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis study focuses on the relationship between cohesion, consensus in the perception of leadership style of the supervisor within teams and solidarity behaviour of employees towards their supervisor (vertical solidarity behaviour) and towards other team members (horizontal solidarity behaviour).Design/methodology/approachAccording to the self‐categorisation theory, which elaborates on the social identity theory, hypotheses for the relationship between consensus in perception within teams, cohesiveness within the teams and vertical and horizontal solidarity behaviour of employees were formulated. The hypotheses were tested in a study with 193 employees within 35 teams in a Dutch Ministry.FindingsAs expected, consensus in leaders' perception and cohesiveness within the team were positively related for transformational leadership style. Results from multi‐level analyses showed, as expected, a positive relationship between cohesiveness and horizontal solidarity behaviour. For vertical solidarity behaviour an interaction effect was found: the relationship between cohesiveness and vertical solidarity behaviour is positive if employees perceive their supervisor as high transformational, but is slightly negative if employees perceive their supervisor as low transformational.Research limitations/implicationsThe finding that consensus in transformational leader's perception within teams is related to the cohesiveness of a team support the self‐categorization theory. On the other hand cohesiveness is only related to vertical solidarity behaviour when the supervisor is perceived as high transformational.Originality/valueThe different results mean that it make sense to distinguish between horizontal and vertical solidarity behaviour. In addition, they show the impact of consensus in the perception of leadership style on cohesion.
A blended method for integrating information literacy instruction into English composition classes
Authors: Sult Leslie , Mills Vicki 
Published: September 2006

PurposeDuring Spring semester 2005, budgetary constraints, personnel reductions, and questions of efficacy challenged librarians at the University of Arizona to develop more integrated methods for assisting faculty, instructors, and students in teaching and learning information literacy skills. In order to meet this challenge, University of Arizona librarians collaborated with the University's English Composition Program to develop an instructor‐led, librarian facilitated approach to integrating information literacy instruction into the English Composition curriculum. This was a natural fit because there are fundamental similarities between the educational goals of the English Composition Program and the outcomes espoused by the Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. The approach that the University of Arizona Library has developed is described in the following pages in the hopes that it can serve to assist librarians elsewhere in developing their own responses to similar challenges.Design/methodology/approachA discussion of the development process as well as information gleaned from interviewing and surveying English composition instructors is presented.FindingsThe development process of the approach is described in detail, and the overall efficacy of the approach is addressed.Practical implicationsThe approach to integrating information literacy skills into the University of Arizona English Composition Curriculum is presented in order to provide guidelines and practical assistance to librarians facing similar challenges.Originality/valueThis paper describes and addresses the benefits and challenges of moving towards more blended forms of instruction and library information literacy skills integration.
Measures of training costs in Australia
Authors: Freyens Benoit 
Published: September 2006

PurposeTo evaluate past and recent research on the costs of training human resources in Australia and to compare the merits of different research methods used to measure these costs. The discussion is situated in a general context of low employer contribution to training provision in Australia and acute policy debates on public training provision.Design/methodology/approachThe article presents the aggregate results of two recent quantitative surveys of training costs in Australian organizations. Both surveys adopt an economic definition of the costs and concentrate on firm‐specific skills acquired up until new recruits reach average productivity.FindingsSurvey results suggest that the informal costs of training human resources outstrip direct training expenditure and average training costs are much larger than commonly assumed in the policy debate in Australia.Research limitations/implicationsIdeally, the surveys reported upon should be extended to include continuing training costs and a measure of the degree of employer‐provided general training.Practical implicationsOfficial surveys largely underestimate the cost of employer‐provided training in Australia, contributing to (mistaken?) perceptions of private sector disengagement. Existing measures of the costs should adopt a more comprehensive approach, including the use of economic concepts.Originality/valueThis research stresses, both to HR practitioners and policy makers, the value of measuring opportunity costs in training processes, and contributes to its quantification.
System dynamics approach for change management in new product development
Authors: Rodrigues Lewlyn L.R. , Dharmaraj N. , Shrinivasa Rao B.R. 
Published: September 2006

PurposeNew product development (NPD) project is an organizational competitiveness strategic weapon. Yet, many NPDs projects fail due to the dynamic nature of critical success factors such as time, cost, quality, and scope. Scope and change management (CM) are crucial factors and have a direct bearing on the other three factors. Thus, there is a need for effective CM in NPD projects to sustain the competitiveness and focusing on scope. This study aims to examine this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the principles of cybernetics and system dynamics (SD) methodology have been used in developing causal loop diagrams, flow diagrams, and the governing equations. The SD model thus developed has been used to analyze the factors such as change in scope due to the development of new technology.FindingsThe dynamic simulation of the SD model was carried out; the results indicate that effective knowledge management (KM) constitutes the main controlling factor that has a significant control over project dynamics. Accordingly, suggestions have been made to improve on the KM aspects in the manufacturing sector, based on which the model has been developed.Practical implicationsThe model developed in this research gives an in‐depth study of the influence of “change in scope” on competence loss, competence development, and competence absorption of the knowledge workers. The results lay special emphasis on efficient KM in the manufacturing sector. Accordingly, suggestions on KM implementation include the processes of knowledge creation, storage, distributions, validation, and application.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in the sense that it develops a model with in‐depth structures, which helps the strategic managers in better understanding of the dynamics of NPD when change in scope occurs.
Successful women of the Americas: the same or different?
Authors: Duffy Jo Ann , Fox Suzy , Punnett Betty Jane , Gregory Ann , Lituchy Terri , Inés Monserrat Silvia , Olivas‐Luján Miguel R. , Bastos F. Santos Neusa Maria , Miller John 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe intent of this cross‐national research is to study the personal and cultural characteristics of successful professional women. High‐achieving women may share certain personal characteristics, beliefs, and experiences, regardless of the countries in which they live. However, every individual is socialized within a particular national culture, and may be expected to share certain values and expectations with other members of that culture.Design/methodology/approachOver 1,100 professionally “successful women” (including high‐level managers, entrepreneurs, academics, government personnel, and professionals) and 531 undergraduate business students in nine countries – Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the USA and the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines) completed surveys containing two sets of variables: national/cultural (collectivism/individualism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance) and personal (self‐efficacy, locus of control, need for achievement).FindingsThere were significant differences in the personal characteristics between successful women and the student comparison samples, with successful women consistently higher on self‐efficacy and need for achievement, and more internal on locus of control. There were some significant but smaller than expected differences in cultural characteristics between national samples.Originality/valueThis contrast of successful women living in the Americas provides new insights for managers of international companies seeking to be gender inclusive.
Fast‐food work: are McJobs satisfying?
Authors: Allan Cameron , Bamber Greg J. , Timo Nils 
Published: September 2006

PurposeMcJobs in the fast‐food sector are a major area of youth employment. This paper explores young people's perceptions of work in this industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses the results of a survey of students' experiences of McJobs in Australia.FindingsFast‐food workers were generally dissatisfied with the industrial relations and work organisation aspects of their jobs. Nonetheless, they were generally much more satisfied with the human resource management and social relations aspects of their jobs.Research limitations/implicationsOur research has implications for understanding the human capital development practices adopted by employers in the fast‐food industry and in other sectors, especially those that employ young people. Much of the context for work and employment relations in Australia is comparable with those in most English‐speaking countries. Therefore, our findings have implications for work in similar sectors in other countries, in particular, other English‐speaking countries.Practical implicationsThis paper has implications for people who devise recruitment policies and design of jobs. It is a useful reminder that it is no longer appropriate for people to talk in simple terms of satisfaction at work per se; it is vital to differentiate between various aspects and contexts of job satisfaction, or the of the lack of it.Originality/valueEarlier studies of fast‐food work have tended to be polemical and polarized: either apologias or very critical. This paper adopts a more balanced approach and it puts the findings into context.
Course building and implementation of information literacy instruction for Chongqing University library
Authors: Li Xuejing 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to describe the course of information literacy given by the Chongqing University library to cultivate university students' information awareness. Up‐to‐date information retrieval skills, comprehensive document skills and innovative thinking are encouraged.Design/methodology/approachAdopts a range of innovative teaching/learning methodologies using modern teaching methods and materials; and combines these with scientific and technical consultation and patent agent cases. Describes how this course has been brought into the university undergraduate and graduate teaching plan.FindingsThe utilization rates for documents and resources in the library have improved; and many other social benefits have been achieved.Originality/valueWill guide others wishing to set up an information literacy education course and enhance the information literacy of university students.
Library as incubating space for innovations: practices, trends and skill sets
Authors: Li Xin 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss library transformation and creative approaches in public services.Design/methodology/approachUsing classic business concept and drawing on Cornell University service examples, changing customer demands and library's ability to innovate and respond to customers are assessed. The critical skills needed for library to remain competitive are outlined.FindingsIn order for libraries to remain relevant to their customers, they must follow the fundamental rule of business, that is, to supply what is demanded by their market. Library staff skills and library services all have to shift from book‐centric to user‐centric.Practical implicationsAs the academic library continues to redefine its role in teaching and research in the digital environment, it needs to leverage its strengths, such as physical space and collections, and to innovate responsive and convenient services.Originality/valueThe ideas presented in this paper are most useful to library managers and leaders as they address service weak points or the design and development of user‐centric, value‐added library services.
Leveraging quality web‐based library user services in the digital age
Authors: Li LiLi 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore key issues involved with opportunities, challenges, and future developing trends of delivering dynamic and distributed web‐based academic library information resources, services, and instructions for library users in the digital age.Design/methodology/approachBased on the typical web‐based, three‐tier client/server architecture, this paper explores ten key issues how to leverage quality library user services in the digital age: roles of academic libraries; funding support; information resources; information access; information services; instructions and trainings; impacts of cutting‐edge technologies and emerging technologies; web contents management and knowledge base; assessment and evaluation; and Librarians. Also discussed are the next‐generation web‐based client/server library information architecture and services in the foreseeable future.FindingsWith the rapid development of the internet and the world wide web, information exchange and information distribution can be transformed either by disparate formats or by dynamic channels. Knowledge, competence, and skills cannot follow up with the rapid advances of science and technologies. Many library users need assistance to access, locate, convert, synthesize, and evaluate information effectively and efficiently. It is very imperative for libraries and librarians to design, develop, enhance, implement, and deliver high quality user‐centered information services, resources, and instruction at the fingertips of library users.Originality/valueTarget readers who include librarians, instructors, trainers, consultants, managers, IT specialists, executives, and other professionals who are involved with developing and delivering distributed library user services via the internet will find this article of value.
Marketing library services to the Net Generation
Authors: Mi Jia , Nesta Frederick 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of marketing to new generations of library users.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews classical marketing texts and current user studies for applicability to library service.FindingsThe paper finds that libraries can apply classic marketing principles to attract and better serve new generations of users. Although libraries no longer have a monopoly on information sources, libraries do offer value‐added services.Originality/valueBy understanding the users and their contexts, the paper proposes various strategies of value to market librarians and library resources.
Building better customer relationships: case studies from Malta and the UK
Authors: Broady‐Preston Judith , Felice Joanna , Marshall Susan 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the results of two surveys conducted at the University of Malta Library, 2003‐20044 and Lanchester Library, University of Coventry, 2005‐2006. Relationships between library staff and their customers are explored using a customer relationships management (CRM) framework.Design/methodology/approachFocus groups were used to ascertain customer and staff perceptions of the quality of library service and the existing nature of customer/librarian relationships.FindingsCRM was a useful framework for analysing the perceived worth of university libraries. In the contemporary competitive environment, librarians needed not only to ascertain and meet customer need, but to form active collaborations with their customers if the true market potential of academic libraries is to be realised. Good communication strategies are essential for CRM to be successful. Training for staff and customers in information skills and/or new systems is an essential element of a CRM approach.Research limitations/implicationsFurther large‐scale research is desirable to test the basic premise and the methodology employed in greater depth.Practical implicationsInvolving customers actively in the design and delivery of library services has positive benefitsvis‐à‐visthe perceived worth and value of the service within the wider institution.Originality/valueDemonstrates the value of adopting a CRM strategy within university libraries.
Gender and racial differences in vocational education: an international perspective
Authors: van der Meulen Rodgers Yana , Boyer Teresa 
Published: September 2006

PurposeSeeks to examine the extent to which education systems around the world embrace vocational schooling and the degree to which exposure to vocational schooling differs by gender and race.Design/methodology/approachUses distributional analysis applied to cross‐country data from Unesco to examine shares of secondary school students enrolled in the vocational track, by gender. Also uses descriptive statistics based on US Department of Education data to examine fields of study within the vocational track.FindingsThe emphasis on vocational education and access to different types of training across demographic groups varies considerably around the world. European countries in particular, long known for their heavy emphasis on specialized vocational schooling, have relatively high vocational school shares in secondary school. At the other end of the distribution, almost 30 countries in the sample, most of them low‐income, have vocational school shares below 4 percent. In the majority of countries, a higher share of male secondary school students enroll in the vocational track compared with female students. Latin American countries stand out for having a high female representation among vocational school students. In the USA, male students cluster in trade and industrial courses, while female students cluster in business preparation courses. Also, white students are relatively concentrated in the trades, black and Hispanic students cluster in business courses, and Asian students are concentrated in technical courses.Originality/valueThese stylized facts set the stage for new research on vocational education and for new policy initiatives that create new opportunities for specialization in vocational training.
Ethnicity, gender and vocational education in Denmark
Authors: Colding Bjørg 
Published: September 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate whether family background and the choice of vocational field explain the observed gap in dropout rates from vocational upper secondary education between natives and children of immigrants in Denmark and to investigate ethnic and gender differences in educational choices.Design/methodology/approachA parsimonious version of Cameron and Heckman's (2001) dynamic statistical model of educational progression is estimated. By parceling educational attainment out into a series of transitions by grade, the model is able to identify barriers to educational progression and to determine the effects of explanatory variables at different stages of the educational career. In addition, the model is able to accommodate the institutional structure of an educational system with parallel branches of study at the upper secondary level and to control for educational selection and unobserved heterogeneity.FindingsThe main findings are: that family background variables do not explain the gap in dropout rates between natives and children of immigrants; that the dropout rates from different vocational fields are significantly different but affect natives and children of immigrants equally; that girls do better than boys in immigrant families; and that intergenerational mobility is greater among children of immigrants than natives.Research limitations/implicationsThe statistical model used is not available in any standard statistical package. For the purpose of this paper it was coded in GAUSS. Furthermore, the model demands fairly large data sets to be useful in empirical research.Originality/valueThe analysis provides more detailed information about differences in educational attainment between population groups than most previous studies.