bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An empirical investigation of job burnout among expatriates
Authors: Bhanugopan Ramudu , Fish Alan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the level of workplace “job burnout” experienced by expatriate managers in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The study also examined the relationship between job burnout and intention to quit, and findings suggest that expatriates are affected by job burnout.Design/methodology/approachThe study has assessed three key job characteristics (role conflict, role ambiguity and role overload) and their association with three dimensions of job burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal commitment). Data were collected from 189 respondents who were stratified via industry, age, size of organization, education and nationality. LISREL VIII was employed to evaluate the fit of the measurement model, and to examine the relationship between “job burnout” and expatriates “intention to quit”.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the three job characteristics are significantly associated with job burnout with role conflict being the main reason. Whilst role ambiguity was also a key issue, job burnout was least effected by role overload.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has only begun to address the many issues that are of importance to the expatriates working in PNG and developing countries more generally. Also, this study was based on expatriates at a management level only; hence it is difficult to generalise beyond this.Practical implicationsProvides insights into the effects and consequences “job burnout” on expatriates in a developing country.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to understanding on relationship between the job burnout and expatriate failure.
Transsexuals and workplace diversity
Authors: Barclay J.M. , Scott L.J. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the key issues involved in situations within the workplace when an employee goes through gender reassignment, in order to consider how such situations might be managed more effectively.Design/methodology/approachIt analyses a case study from a national public sector organisation in the UK where a transsexual person went through male to female gender reassignment. The case was compiled via participant observation and one to one interviews with the key players in the process (managers, human resource staff and colleagues as well as the individual).FindingsKey issues discussed include the effects on trust and relationships at work, harassment, the role of trade unions, training, and other support. It explores the difficulty of gaining acceptance for a transsexual, and links this to literature on managing diversity and change management.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study is in the public sector in the UK, but implications are valid for other organisations.Practical implicationsMakes suggestions for managing transsexual issues for management and for trade unions, whilst being cautious about the extent of acceptance that can be achieved.Originality/valueExisting literature tends to focus on the transsexual individual's own viewpoint, and guidelines from transgender support groups. This study includes the roles and reactions of all the key people involved within a real organisational case, and offers insights into the issues involved when managing transsexual cases in the workplace.
The buzz and the reality: when the rubber hits the bibliographic services road in the University of California and what that means for the rest of us ...
Authors: Barbara Watstein Sarah 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the “buzz” about the University of California's Bibliographic Services Task Force report Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California and begins to explore Task Force findings from a public service perspective.Design/methodology/approachMembers of the University of California's Bibliographic Services Task Force were interviewed about their report published in December 2005, Rethinking How We Provide Bibliographic Services for the University of California.FindingsEstablishes that “search and retrieval” are of primary importance to today's library users, and that the design and delivery of bibliographic services are of equal import to public services librarians.Practical implicationsInforms and stimulates discussion about the value of “search” as service, and reinforces the importance of bibliographic services in today's information marketplace.Originality/valueChallenges librarians and library workers to think about their roles and responsibilities with regards to the care for and tending of the entire bibliographic information space.
Focus group interviewing in the library literature
Authors: Walden Graham R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeFocus group interviewing, an important social science research methodology dating to the 1920s, is currently experiencing renewed popularity worldwide. This paper aims to review the implementation of this qualitative assessment tool as it relates to the library environment. The article is designed to stimulate the use of focus groups in librarianship and to demonstrate the range of positive applications across various activities within this field, such as administration, cataloging, reference, internet, and other areas. The goal is to bolster recognition that this data‐gathering technique can be utilized to achieve a variety of goals.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive search of online databases was conducted in library science and in numerous other social sciences, given the interdisciplinary nature of the topic. The salient monographic and journal literature was selected and annotated. A number of standard handbooks, textbooks, references sources, and scholarly articles were consulted to provide the background information found in the introductory essay.FindingsThe paper finds focus group interviewing can be successfully employed in a wide range of endeavors within librarianship. Relative to the other social sciences, to date libraries have underutilized the approach.Originality/valueThis research may be useful for librarians, library administrators, and others who are involved in planning and conducting a focus group project in order to appraise the quality of library programs, services, and policies. No other article provides this level of in‐depth review and evaluation through copiously annotated entries covering the spectrum of use throughout the library literature.
The information commons as a collaborative workspace
Authors: Malenfant Chuck 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the evolving concept of “Information Commons” through the documentation of one library's renovation and the comparison of that library's experience with the earlier theoretical and case study literature.Design/methodology/approachThe paper cites gate counts, a user‐satisfaction survey, and examples of emerging collaboration between library and information technology staff as evidence of substantial changes in how the library is used by both staff and students following its transformation into an information commons.FindingsThis paper finds that the library's transformation into an information commons has resulted in dramatically high gate counts, indications of user satisfaction, and anecdotal evidence that demand for reference service is increasing. The author also finds that, perhaps equally as important, the blending of information technology and library staffs as the information commons was implemented has led to a number of collaborative partnerships developing among them.Practical implicationsShows that the Westminster College's experience has transformed its library to an information commons, and demonstrates how one library chose to remain a vital and effective resource for its students.Originality/valueThe paper shows that although a growing number of libraries are moving towards various forms of an information commons, few case studies describing how these changes have affected library services one year or more after the changes have been made have appeared.
Evaluating public opinion polls: designing a model for library instruction
Authors: Woods Stephen 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to design and describe a model of instruction for librarians to effectively teach evaluation skills for public opinion polls.Design/methodology/approachThe paper show a coherent framework for instruction was identified through a survey of the literature. Learning objectives or essential core questions were identified by looking at codes and standards from five major organizations: National Council on Public Polls, Council of American Survey Research Organizations, World Association of Opinion and Marketing Research, American Association for Public Opinion Research, and the European Society of Marketing and Research. The objectives were incorporated into the aforementioned structure.FindingsThe paper finds from nine documents produced by these organizations 15 elements were identified and grouped into nine essential questions: purpose of the poll, sponsor of the poll, polling organization, questions asked, order of the questions, who was polled, how were the interviews conducted, date of the poll, statistics offered to substantiate accuracy. A consistent framework was identified from an earlier work by Dodd.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper shows it is virtually impossible to provide a comprehensive list of all the possible ways that opinion polls can be misrepresentative. These are only a list of essential elements and questions necessary for an evaluation of polls.Practical implicationsThe public opinion poll continues to have a prominent role as a source of information in the societies of the world. As such, it is important that librarians as well as users are conversant in how to evaluate and place into context this type of information.Originality/valueThis paper continues a dialogue within the profession about the impact of numbers as an information source. Librarians must become more conversant with numbers and, along with users, savvy consumers.
A tool for all places: a web‐based reference statistics system
Authors: Smith Michael M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a report of the results of an automated system that was developed and implemented for the collection of reference statistics, and to evaluate the system within the context of issues and proposed solutions culled from the literature.Design/methodology/approachThe paper shows that the system discussed has been in operation for the past two years, making it a good candidate for a post‐implementation review.FindingsThe paper finds that the system has proved to be effective and efficient in the collection of reference statistics, eliminating manual tabulations and report generation. The ability to access the system from any Library computer has improved the collection of data on reference interactions occurring away from the physical reference desk.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper does not address the important issue of whether these statistics are the right statistics to be captured given the goals/objectives of the service. These wider management issues need to be explored further.Originality/valueThis paper outlines an effective approach to collecting reference statistics and discusses many of the operational approaches and issues facing academic reference units.
Global leadership potential in Mexican firms
Authors: Murphy David S. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeExploratory research which provides insight into the global leadership potential that is being developed in Mexican companies through their management practices.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 500 executives of firms that were members of the American chamber of commerce of Mexico. The response rate, with follow up mailings, was 69.4 per cent (347 questionnaires). The questionnaires gathered information about the criteria used in making executive management promotion decisions and for performance evaluation.FindingsSignificant differences between management practices in Mexico and the US were identified. These differences may influence the ability of Mexican companies to compete in the global market place.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research should be conducted to measure the effects of different management styles and cultural differences on the ability of firms to compete in the global market place. The findings in this paper may not be generalizable to companies in cultures that are significantly different from Mexico.Practical implicationsMexican companies, when compared to US firms, appear to place more emphasis on administrative management skills than on leadership skills. In addition, they place less emphasis on developing international expertise. To increase their level of global competitiveness and orientation the paper recommends that the companies modify their training programs and management practices.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new view of the reward and promotion practices within Mexican companies and relates that view to the development of global managers. This paper should be of interest to executives in Mexico and companies with operations in Mexico, and to researchers interested in global management.
Attitudes of Hispanics and non‐Hispanics in the US: a comparative study of business ethics
Authors: Peppas Spero C. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeGlobalization, changing demographics, and a push for diversity have resulted in corporate cultures that are less homogeneous, increasing the likelihood that individuals working side by side may not see eye‐to‐eye when it comes to business ethics. The objective of this study was to examine whether Hispanics and non‐Hispanics, living in the US, shared similar attitudes with regard to business ethics.Design/methodology/approachHispanics and non‐Hispanics were asked to indicate their levels of disagreement/agreement with eight business ethics value statements.FindingsSeveral significant differences in attitudes toward business ethics values were found.Research limitations/implicationsWhile there were more similarities than differences between the two samples, the findings of this study support the idea that ethics values are in part shaped by subculture and may be further influenced by individual characteristics.Practical implicationsSociety expects organizations today to conduct their business in an ethical manner. However, significant differences exist among individuals in terms of what is ethical behavior. Further, differences among subcultures may magnify differences among individuals. Organizations must be able to understand and take advantage of a multicultural workforce; therefore, it is imperative that business leaders gain as much information as possible with regard to the values, attitudes, and beliefs of the subcultures represented in their companies.Originality/valueA company’s productivity and success in a highly competitive global economy require having employees who are comfortable working in an environment comprised of different races, classes, and backgrounds. These findings should lead to better understanding of the Hispanic subculture, help organizations manage cultural diversity, and promote ethical decision‐making.
Exploring stakeholder emotional intelligence
Authors: Keane Timothy P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis research proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the causal factors influencing conflicts that evolve in highly regulated industries. The stakeholder emotional intelligence framework assesses two critical factors – emotional intensity and stakeholder power – that influence how an issue gets defined in the general public and ultimately resolved with policymakers over the lifecycle of the issue.Design/methodology/approachThe framework presented outlines a methodology for assessing conflicts in the alcohol, tobacco, firearms and gambling industries, identifying factors influencing policy outcomes. An important objective of the framework was increasing the understanding of how the key stakeholders in each industry engaged in discourse, particularly when emotional intensity in the industry was high.FindingsThe framework indicated that emotional intensity and stakeholder power did impact the level of authentic discourse surrounding policy conflicts in each of the highly regulated industries studied.Research limitations/implicationsThe next steps for the framework would be to apply the factors to other issues in highly regulated industries to see if there are similar findings.Practical implicationsWhen an issue reaches a balance in stakeholder power, where neither party dominates and there is an attempt to reduce the emotional intensity through authentic discourse between stakeholders, there is the potential for long‐term policy solutions.Originality/valueThe value of this research is the confirmation that an industry environment where engagement is transparent and inclusive will tend to advance mutual goals among stakeholders and policymakers.
A study of supply chain integration in Thai automotive industry: a theoretical framework and measurement
Authors: Boon‐itt Sakun , Paul Himangshu 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a conceptual framework and a scale development process, in order to address the reliability and validity in supply chain integration and environmental uncertainty constructs; in an effort to develop and revalidate scale metrics in different contexts.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were collected for a small pre‐test survey in the Thai automotive industry. The measurement scales were pre‐assessed using the Q‐sort method. In addition, a preliminary test for predictive validity was evaluated using correlation analysis.FindingsThis study established an explanatory model and a corresponding instrument to conduct future research in supply chain integration. Dimensions/constructs, including supply chain integration, environmental uncertainty, and firm competitive capability are operationally defined in terms of their scale development process.Practical implicationsThis study will provide a measurement scale for supply chain integration and uncertainty constructs. This will allow researchers to be confident and bring new insights when exploring supply chain integration under differing operational conditions.Originality/valueThe findings address additional steps required towards improved methodological aspects in terms of how to prevalidate and develop a measurement scale in various constructs within alternative domains.
Managerial perceptions on volume flexible strategies and performance in health care services
Authors: Jack Eric P. , Powers Thomas L. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of volume flexible strategies on organizational performance in academic medical centers (AMCs). Volume flexible strategies represent a variety of methods where organizations use their portfolio of resources and capabilities to meet fluctuating customer demand while improving organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachA path model is developed and tested based on a survey of AMCs in the USA as listed in the American hospital directory.FindingsThe results indicate that desired levels of volume flexibility have a positive impact on organizational capabilities that in turn, positively influence how internal sources of volume flexibility are leveraged. In addition, volume flexible capability and the use of internal strategies were found to have a positive influence on customer‐related performance that in turn, positively impacts financial and market share performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was exploratory in nature and limited to a sample of AMCs. To improve the generalizability of these results, future studies should evaluate these constructs using a larger sample of health care organizations.Practical implicationsThe deployment and use of volume flexible strategies is germane to any health care organization's strategy and performance. This study offers some guidance to administrators who need both a clear understanding of the underlying tradeoffs involved in deploying these strategies and a prescriptive model to help guide their use.Originality/valueThis work answers the recent calls for more empirical research in general, and specifically, for more operations strategy research on flexibility in service industries. It should assist future researchers who focus on flexibility in health care services and would also be of interest to practitioners interested in keeping up with academic literature.
ERP investment analysis using the strategic alignment model
Authors: Presley Adrien 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo develop a model to assist in the analysis of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems based upon a validated approach to aligning information systems with enterprise strategies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a proposed analytic network process (ANP) model built on the strategic alignment model (SAM) to support the alignment of ERP investment decisions to strategies. The model developed is generic enough to be applied to a wide range of enterprises and applications while being based on the well‐documented SAM. A small illustrative example is provided to show the use and applicability of the model.FindingsThe SAM is found to provide a useful framework for investment analysis. ANP provides a conceptually easy to use but decisionally robust model which can be used to operationalize the SAM for investment analysis.Practical implicationsThe model provides practitioners a flexible tool for making investment decisions not only for ERP systems but also for other IS investments. The paper provides academics and researchers with a methodology for the important area of IS alignment.Originality/valueThe paper represents a novel use of the multi‐attribute decision‐making method of ANP. It is also a new applied tool within the area of strategic IS evaluation.
Relationship between leadership power bases and job stress of subordinates: example from boutique hotels
Authors: Erkutlu Hakan V. , Chafra Jamel 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo examine the influence of leadership power bases on subordinates’ job stress at boutique hotels.Design/methodology/approachA total of 400 subjects (20 managers and 380 non‐managerial employees) participated in this study from 20 boutique hotels. Participants were told that the study was designed to collect information on the leadership power bases used by first line managers and on the job stress levels of employees in the hospitality workforce. The Rahim Leader Power Inventory and Spielberger and Vagg's Job Stress Survey were used to assess leadership power bases and job stress, respectively.FindingsThere are significant relations between leader power bases and subordinates’ job stress. The findings support the suggestion in the literature that positional power bases stimulate job stress in the hospitality industry.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has several limitations that could be future research topics, such as hotels’ source of funding, demographic characteristics of the participants, etc. There is a question about the generalizability of these findings to other hospitality organizations such as four or five‐star hotels.Originality/valueThis paper explores an aspect of leadership in the hospitality industry that is often neglected. Organizations that actively consider leadership approaches and wish to nurture and develop their leaders and managers will need to be mindful of the leadership power bases.