bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing directors, key questions for the training and development community
Authors: Coulson‐Thomas Colin 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to share the findings of investigations into how directors have and should be prepared for their boardroom roles.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the findings of surveys of director development undertaken by the author and others and the author's experience of advising over 100 boards on director and board development.FindingsThe findings suggest many directors and boards do not receive the development they require to be more effective in their roles. Trainers and developers interested in addressing their requirements need to understand the development role of the chairman of the board, the distinct nature of director development, obstacles to development at board level, the learning preferences of directors and formal and informal learning options that are available and ask key questions to assess the development context.Practical implicationsThe surveys examined have mainly involved UK directors and unitary boards. The situation might be different in other countries. It would be helpful if more studies were undertaken of director and board development in other contexts and involving different board structures, e.g. two‐tier or management and supervisory boards. Directors need a proper induction and must remain current throughout their directorial career. Trainers and developers can address this requirement by a combination of formal and informal means.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the nature of the director development challenge, and that the boardroom represents a key learning environment. The paper should be of value to those who support directors and boards and have an interest in improving the competence of directors and the effectiveness of boards.
Adding value through the use of internet‐based testing
Authors: McDonald Angus S. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the impact of internet technology on psychometric testing and the issues this raises for best practice in test use.Design/methodology/approachThe approach draws on best practice in the field of psychometrics and the author's experience in using the internet for test delivery.FindingsThe internet offers may significant advantages for the delivery and application and psychometric tests, but also poses a number of significant challenges to good test use, particularly in terms of the quality of test materials, effective administration and the authenticity of test results. These challenges, however, need not undermine the effectiveness of tests when they are used sensitively and with due regard for the issues raised by remote testing through the internet. Engaging respondents in the testing process is identified as key to all parties getting the maximum value from the applications of tests, as is a developmental mindset which identifies the value to both test users and respondents of participating in any testing process.Practical implicationsUsers of internet‐based tests need to be aware of how to evaluate the quality of test materials and how to administer tests effectively. Although issues around respondent authenticity remain, these can be significantly overcome by helping test takers seen how they will benefit from test completion. Guidelines are given to test users on effective test administration.Originality/valueThis paper offers practical guidance on how to maximise the effectiveness of the increasing number tests that are available for internet delivery.
“A list” instructional design
Authors: Lasher Neil 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline an updated, six‐point model for instructional design which takes account of modern delivery trends in learning, such as informal and workflow e‐learning.Design/methodology/approachThe model is based on empirical research carried out over at least 20 years.FindingsThe paper finds that to adhere to the modern goal of aligning learning with business strategy, we need to predict the needs of the user and select the most useful content and delivery techniques. Until now, the instructional design model for informal and workflow e‐learning did not exist. Learners must be engaged by the learning programme/materials they are using. Learning modules should be narrowly focused to a single learning point. The learning content must be up‐to‐date and always retrievable. Learners must be motivated to use the new information they are being given via the learning materials. The effectiveness of learning materials is enhanced by the designer finding and exploiting something in the piece of learning that is significant to the learners and will affect them emotionally. Learners organise what they know through meaning and association; so, to get people to learn, we have to entice them – via building associations from what they know now to what we are going to teach them. Informal learning modules and workflow learning techniques do not always require delivery via a learning management system. Speed of access to learning materials is now an issue for users.Originality/valueThis paper explores a new – and augmented – model of instructional design which applies particularly to the design of e‐learning materials (which were unknown to the “key” instructional design gurus).
Why it is so hard to evaluate training in the workplace
Authors: Berge Zane L. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore these reasons regarding why it is difficult or perhaps impossible to properly evaluate the impact and effectiveness of workplace training.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is to describe the barriers to effectively measure training in the workplace.FindingsThe paper finds that, essentially, training sometimes lacks planning, sponsorship, budget, or because training is done for the wrong reasons. Evaluation of training is also difficult because operating unit managers are looking for increased performance and not necessarily the increased learning on which trainers usually judge the success of their training. Additionally, in almost all cases, the lack of performance is only partially due to the need for training. Even when training is needed, a deficit of skills and knowledge is often a small part – 15 percent‐20 percent perhaps – of the overall lack of performance. Training's effectiveness in helping to increase performance is reduced even further since training is often wasted because the skills and knowledge gained in training are not applied on the job and thus have no impact. Add to these things, the antiquated accounting methods used to measure and evaluate training, and it becomes easy to understand why evaluation of the impact training has within the organization is difficult.Originality/valueKnowing the causes for difficulty in evaluating training in the workplace may help planners in this field to develop ways to overcome them.
Embodying disability in diversity management research
Authors: Thanem Torkild 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce an embodied approach to disability into the field of diversity management research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper critically examines previous diversity management research and it draws on previous disability research in the social sciences to develop an embodied approach to disability for diversity management research.FindingsThe paper argues that an embodied approach is required because previous diversity management research on disability ignores important aspects of disability.Research limitations/implicationsThe embodied approach to disability proposed in this paper expands the understanding of disability in diversity management research, and it discusses implications for future research and for organizations.Originality/valueThe paper is unique in proposing an embodied approach to disability in diversity management research.
Is there a male advantage in the effects of feedback and leadership on leaders’ occupational self‐efficacy?
Authors: Schyns Birgit , von Elverfeldt Anne , Felfe Jörg 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe focus of this paper is on the effects of transformational/charismatic leadership and feedback on the occupational self‐efficacy (OCCSEFF) of male and female managers. Given that transformational/charismatic leadership fits the female role better than other leadership styles, it seems likely that female leaders benefit from leading transformationally. However, the feedback they receive may not reflect their actual leadership behaviour and, thus, transformational leadership may not enhance female leaders’ self‐efficacy.Design/methodology/approachThe results of three different studies are reported.FindingsResults indicate that women prefer charismatic leadership and that charismatic leadership is rated more female than male. The feedback female and male leaders receive, however, does not differ. There is a moderating effect of gender on the relationship between individualized consideration and OCCSEFF but none on the relationship between feedback and OCCSEFF.Research limitations/implicationsSample sizes are in part relatively small.Practical implicationsFemale leaders seem not to gain from leading transformationally. More feedback in that direction may help to overcome this problem.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the discussion of female leadership. In contrast to other work, it highlights the consequences for women themselves.
A study of individual values and employment equity in Canada, France and Ireland
Authors: Saha Sudhir K. , O’Donnell David , Patel Taran , Heneghan John 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper, in the context of the employment equity (EE) field, is to explore the relationship between individual values/beliefs and simulated hiring decisions of minority candidates in Canada, France and Ireland.Design/methodology/approachIndividual values/beliefs were elicited using Likert type scales; subjects responded to a series of simulated hiring scenarios.FindingsThe link between individual value and belief systems and EE‐related HR decision making on recruitment of minority candidates is modestly supported by the findings presented here. The values/beliefs of students from leading business schools influenced, if in part, their simulated hiring decisions on minority candidates presented in the scenarios. National context also matters as EE institutions differ at the societal level of analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe subjects were business school students of limited work experience addressing scenario situations, not practicing managers making real hiring decisions. The use of self‐reports leads to the usual issues related to common method variance, the consistency motif, social desirability bias, and so on and we note the limits due to the reverse ecological fallacy. Research findings provide modest support to this argument but should be treated with caution.Practical implicationsIndividual values and beliefs matter in HR decision making on recruitment of minority candidates.Originality/valueMuch EE research focuses on antecedents of values/beliefs; this paper is one of a handful of investigations that attempts to establish possible outcomes of values/beliefs towards EE.
“Doing well by doing good” garners broad appeal for Academy of Management Conference
Authors: Johnson C. Douglas 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the 67th Annual Academy of Management Conference held 3‐8 August 2007, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.Design/methodology/approachConference highlights are categorized into five themes: justice and equality, ethics and social responsibility, power and privilege, harassment and discrimination and diversity and inclusion. A sampling of papers and symposia deemed exemplars for each theme were included in the report.FindingsThe conference theme, “doing well by doing good”, generated theme‐related submissions which are of interest to theEOIreadership.Originality/valueThe report offers insights on various themes from authors from different theoretical perspectives and varied research methodologies.
New individual and organizational strategies for the reduction of discrimination
Authors: King Eden B. , Botsford Whitney E. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this report is to highlight an important set of papers that address strategies for reducing discrimination that were presented at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)'s annual conference.Design/methodology/approachThis paper summarizes four papers from the SIOP conference that dealt explicitly with methods that individuals and organizations can take to avoid or reduce prejudice and discrimination.FindingsEach paper provided empirical evidence of the existence of discrimination, as well as unique strategies for its reduction.Practical implicationsThis report underscores the need for individuals and organizations, as well as researchers and practitioners, to work toward breaking down systems of privilege that legitimize discrimination.Originality/valueThe 2007 SIOP conference overall, and this set of presentations in particular, contributed critical new evidence that should guide research and practice regarding the equitable management of diversity in organizations.
Does political marketing need the concept of customer value?
Authors: Brennan Ross , Henneberg Stephan C. 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility and usefulness of adapting the concept of “customer value” from commercial marketing for use in the field of political marketing.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of the field of customer value, and the application of a prominent “means‐end hierarchy” model of customer value to the political context.FindingsFrom the application of the customer value approach to the political context, it is concluded that an analogous concept of “voter value” can be delineated and is the basis for a promising approach to the development of political marketing strategy.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral important testable hypotheses emerge from the article concerning the application of “voter value” as a segmentation tool in the field of political marketing.Practical implications“Voter value” emerges as a potentially useful tool in political marketing strategy, in particular with respect to shaping political communications messages, and segmenting voter populations.Originality/valueIt is widely acknowledged that “customer value” is an important concept in commercial marketing. This article addresses the important questions of whether and how the concept can be transferred to a different area of marketing.
Opportunities for green marketing: young consumers
Authors: Lee Kaman 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify important factors that affect Hong Kong adolescent consumers' green purchasing behaviour.Design/methodology/approachA total of 6,010 (2,975 males and 3,035 females) adolescents in Hong Kong were recruited through multi‐staged random sampling. They were surveyed on their green purchasing behaviour, environmental attitude, environmental concern, perceived seriousness of environmental problems, perceived environmental responsibility, perceived effectiveness of environmental behaviour, social influence and concern for self‐image in environmental protection.FindingsMultiple regression analysis showed that social influence was the top predictor of Hong Kong adolescents' green purchasing behaviour, followed by environmental concern as the second, concern for self‐image in environmental protection as the third, and perceived environmental responsibility as the fourth top predictor.Research limitations/implicationsA major limitation of this study lies in the self‐reported nature of the survey used. Future study should include some objective assessments (such as observations or other‐reported survey) of the subjects' green purchasing behaviour.Practical implicationsThis paper is a useful source of information for international green marketers about what works and what does not in appealing to the young consumers in Hong Kong.Originality/valueThis paper serves as a pioneer study to identify important factors in affecting young consumers' green purchasing behaviour in the Hong Kong context. It offers practical guidelines to international green marketers planning to target the Asian markets.
Modelling the consequences of e‐service quality
Authors: Sahadev Sunil , Purani Keyoor 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to model the consequences of achieving better service quality in e‐services.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model is developed though a survey of literature on e‐services and allied domains and validated through a survey of users of job‐portals in India.FindingsThe conceptual model finds significant support based on the empirical study. It is seen that the four components of e‐service quality: efficiency, fulfilment, system availability, privacy, are linked to trust and satisfaction.Practical implicationsThe study underscores the need to focus on service quality in the context of e‐services. The positive linkages should motivate practitioners to invest more to achieve greater service quality.Originality/valueBy focusing on the consequences of e‐service quality, the study contributes to the growing stream of e‐service quality literature. This is also one of the few studies to look at other categories of e‐services apart from e‐tailing.
Corporate marketing management and corporate‐identity building
Authors: Tsai Shu‐pel 
Published: October 2008

PurposeCorporate identity has become one of the major topics in the field of corporate marketing studies, but the relationship between corporate marketing management and corporate‐identity building seems still stuck at the stage of operational rather than strategic considerations. Corporate identity is understood largely in terms of instrumentality for enhancing competitive advantage, and corporate marketing is mostly discussed as only an execution part in representing corporate identity to the stakeholders. To address this issue, the purpose of this paper is to propose a model which explicates the strategic roles the corporate marketing manager plays in building effective corporate identity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explores strategic management of the corporate‐identity construction process and marketing communication management of corporate‐identity representation from the perspectives of sociology, organisational psychology and corporate marketing communication, primarily based on the narrative paradigm. Detailed theoretical exploration, coupled with several conceptual propositions as well as analyses of exemplary cases, provides academic and practical implications for corporate marketing researchers and managers.FindingsThe proposed model conceptualises that the corporate marketing manager assumes three strategic roles for building effective corporate identity: narrative coordinator to manage the narrative construction process, narrative‐network weaver to manage the narrative network, and narrative co‐author to manage the external communication programmes. These roles define the strategic relationship between corporate marketing management and corporate‐identity building.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to furthering the understanding of how to use the narrative paradigm for effective corporate‐identity building, which may help enhancement of business performance.
E‐commerce standard user interface: an E‐menu system
Authors: Tucker Shin‐Ping 
Published: October 2008

PurposeA rapidly growing segment of the internet is e‐commerce. The future of economic competitiveness for most enterprises relies on entrance and active participation in the e‐commerce market. About a third of the time users fail when they try to purchase products on an e‐commerce site. An essential problem with e‐commerce is that the controls and organization are different for each site. There is no standard way of building the navigation of the e‐commerce site. Most sites do not have a global navigation system and the local one may be confusing, like solving a maze. The goal of this study is to minimize users' look up time and make e‐commerce sites usable so visitors can easily and quickly access information. The objective of this study is to provide an implementation method by which an agent of the artificial intelligence (AI) user interface creates a standard navigation menu, called E‐menu, to increase the usability of e‐commerce.Design/methodology/approachThe selected E‐menu items are based on a study of the graphical user interface (GUI) used in Windows environment and an evaluation of one hundred and two (102) e‐commerce sites. The prototype of the E‐menu system proves that a standard menu can be created by an intermediate intelligent agent, acting on behalf of the system user. Three sites out of 102 were chosen to be edited by the E‐menu server for the pilot study. This study also applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) identifying components of usefulness and ease of use that predict user attitude toward the usage of the E‐menu system by conducting a Web‐based survey.FindingsThe survey result is promising and indicates that the e‐commerce users accept the idea of the E‐menu system. The E‐menu system makes it possible to create a standard navigation menu globally for e‐commerce sites. Although E‐menu is not ready for prime time, the prototype proves that a standard menu can be created by an intermediate intelligent agent, acting on behalf of the system user. These types of agents will become more popular in the internet paradigm as the number of e‐commerce sites increase and the usability of the sites decrease due to rapid deployment strategies and technological deficiencies.Originality/valueThe paper provides information on a method to increase the usability of e‐commerce sites.
Does TQM impact on role stressors? A conceptual model
Authors: Teh Pei‐Lee , Ooi Keng‐Boon , Yong Chen‐Chen 
Published: October 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model to examine the multidimensionality of total quality management (TQM) practices and its impact on role stressors.Design/methodology/approachThe background of TQM philosophy and theory of role stressors serve as starting‐points to develop the conceptual model. From the extensive literature review, six practices of TQM and two components of role stressors were identified to construct the model.FindingsThe model based on TQM with respect to role stressors provides a basis for assessing the level of role conflict and role ambiguity under which the use of different aspects of TQM should be retained or revised. This finding suggests that TQM is not a panacea that can be unthinkingly applied, but must be practised with a clear sense of the impact on role stressors.Practical implicationsGiven that role stressors are often detrimental to organizational functional efficiency, it is appropriate for management to invest time and effort to diagnose effects of implementation of TQM practices on role stressors. For this analysis, this model will prove valuable.Originality/valueThis conceptual model provides an insightful foundation for the analysis of multidimensionality of TQM practices on role stressors. The model examines the independent influences of TQM practices on role stressors and treats role conflict and role ambiguity as dependent variables. This design stands in contrast to other researchers' study of conflict and ambiguity as independent variables.