bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constructing theory for leadership in intercultural contexts
Authors: Collard John 
Published: October 2007

PurposeEstablished educational leadership discourse has been dominated by Anglo‐American perspectives oblivious to the cultural diversity that characterizes the contemporary world. It has frequently privileged mono‐cultural, mainstream values which have meant indigenous and ethnic groups have suffered alienation, exclusion and disadvantage. Western‐led educational interventions in developing nations also frequently fail to acknowledge the rich cultural traditions of recipient societies and theories and practice are rarely appropriately scrutinized for “cultural fit”. The purpose of this paper is to construct a theory for leadership in intercultural contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe article reviews how monocultural assumptions of colonial and national leadership cultures in the past were frequently inappropriate for the diverse populations they were intended to serve. The global era has witnessed the emergence of cross‐cultural theory and research paradigms to combat cultural blindness and develop cultural sensitivities. While applauding these developments, the epistemological assumptions that underlie such research are questioned. A case for more nuanced theory, which acknowledges complex interactions between agents from different cultures, is developed. This includes a call for more dynamic research tools based upon constructivist and phenomenological premises.FindingsCross‐cultural research has generated territorial maps that promote insight and mutual understandings. However, it relies upon essentialist stereotypes that mask the existence of complex sub‐cultures and dynamic forces of change within national cultures. Case study research which taps the subjective understandings of cultural actors is cited to reveal a more complex process of interaction between cultural agents.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a theoretical exploration, not an empirical report. It is limited by the scarcity of existing research in a fledgling field.Practical implicationsThe article encourages researchers to move from observationally based, stereotypical portraits to more nuanced concepts of cultures as complex, multi‐layered and changing phenomena. It establishes the epistemological foundations for future research in inter‐cultural contexts.Originality/valueThe paper develops new directions for future theory and research.
Black leadership, white leadership: race and race relations in an urban high school
Authors: Brooks Jeffrey S. , Jean‐Marie Gaetane 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate how race and race relations influence school leadership practice.Design/methodology/approachThis ethnographic study was conducted in a high‐poverty, high‐minority, urban high school in the Southeastern USA. The authors utilized an anthropological conceptual framework called a moiety, through which the school's leadership culture was conceived as two distinct racial leadership subcultures, one black and one white.FindingsFindings suggested that the members of each of these leadership subcultures conceived of and enacted leadership in a different manner. Members of each subculture interacted with one another in a manner consistent with anthropological inquiry focused on moiety cultures.Research limitations/implicationsThough under‐used in educational leadership research, the moiety approach seems to have potential for explaining certain (sub)cultural dynamics of leadership in organizations. In the context of this school, race and race relations had a tremendous influence on the ways school leaders interacted with non‐moiety members in terms of reciprocity, rivalry, antithesis, and complementarity.Originality/valueThese findings suggest that school leaders should understand how race and race relations within and between various school subcultures influence leadership practice.
A case study in leading schools for social justice: when morals and markets collide
Authors: Stevenson Howard P. 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThis paper explores how school leaders seek to promote social justice agendas within the context of multi‐ethnic schools in England.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on data from five case‐study secondary schools in England. Qualitative data was derived from interviewing principals in each institution together with interviews with staff, students and members of the wider community.FindingsEffective principals in multi‐ethnic schools had strong values commitments to social justice and were able to articulate these values across and through the policies and practices in their schools. However, in some cases value commitments to equity and inclusivity could be challenged by the consequences of policies promoting school choice and the development of a quasi‐market for school education. This could present school leaders with complex moral dilemmas that counter posed inclusion aspirations against performance in the local market.Originality/valueSchool leadership committed to promoting social justice can be both supported and undermined by the context created by national policy initiatives. This paper highlights the need to ensure education policy is fully aligned with social justice objectives if it is facilitate, not hinder, efforts in school to challenge inequalities.
Concluding reflections on “Leadership for learning in the context of social justice
Authors: Skrla Linda , Bell McKenzie Kathryn , Scheurich James Joseph 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to reflect on and respond to the papers contained in this Special Issue of Journal of Educational Administration.Design/methodology/approachA commentary is provided for each of the nine articles in the Special Issue.FindingsThe papers in the Special Issue constitute a substantial and important contribution toward incorporating international perspectives into an existing research discourse on educational leadership for social justice. One of the immediate challenges that will need to be addressed is how to systematically work against the hegemony of Western thought and colonialism that infiltrates all our discourses, even those that generate scholarship such as that found in this Special Issue.Originality/valueThe paper reflects on the current Special Issue, and provides directions for future research.
The effect of academic culture on the implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model in UK universities
Authors: Davies John , Douglas Alex , Douglas Jacqueline 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to explore the effect of academic culture on the implementation of the European Foundation for Quality Management's (EFQM) Excellence Model in UK universities.Design/methodology/approachA literature review reveals several aspects, which collectively define the academic culture in UK universities. These aspects were explored in four case studies of the implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model in UK universities.FindingsIt was found that certain of these aspects had a good “cultural fit” with the EFQM Excellence Model and its underpinning concepts and others acted as cultural barriers to the implementation of the model.Research limitations/implicationsThe research only covers four cases and is therefore only generalisable back to theory rather than to the population of UK university academic units. The paper identifies aspects of academic culture.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes an ideal mix of cultural aspects to facilitate implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model. Strategies are recommended for dealing with situations where the assessed academic culture does not fit well with the use of the model. These strategies include both attempts to influence and change the academic culture to provide a better fit with model and also suggested amendments to the use of the model to provide a better fit with the academic culture.Originality/valueThis paper makes a contribution to the understanding of academic culture and its effect on the implementation of a quality improvement methodology. Academic managers in universities may find its recommendations useful if planning a similar implementation.
Zen, motorcycle maintenance and quality in higher education
Authors: Lomas Laurie 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to deepen the understanding of university lecturers' perceptions of quality.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a literature review to establish a robust analytical framework and the use of in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with a random sample of 20 lecturers in a range of UK universities. The interview data was categorised using the constant comparative method.FindingsThe majority of the respondents perceived quality to be largely related to fitness for purpose and accountability rather than transformation. Many respondents made reference to quality assurance or terms associated with it. On the other hand, very few respondents referred to quality enhancement or associated terms.Research limitations/implicationsThe research would suggest that enhancement activities in universities need to be developed further and then highlighted as the respondents in this small sample perceived quality to be more about assurance than enhancement. The research would need to be extended to a far greater number of respondents, as at the moment the results are largely illuminative.Practical implicationsAcademic development staff should review the impact of their quality initiatives and, if necessary, consider different ways in which they can enhance the quality of the teaching in their universities.Originality/valueThere has been an evaluation of the effect of particular Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund initiatives and the impact of subject reviews, but there has been relatively little consideration of lecturers' perceptions of quality.
The quality of an action research thesis in the social sciences
Authors: Zuber‐Skerritt Ortrun , Fletcher Margaret 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe paper seeks to identify the quality characteristics of critical action research and action research theses compared to traditional research thesis writing.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the literature and the authors' experience with supervising and examining action research theses, the paper identifies key problem areas in the literature and suggests effective strategies for meeting these challenges and avoiding pitfalls through reflective practice and questioning insight. The paper includes sets of crucial questions for higher degree students to address.FindingsThe paper presents definitions of and checklists for quality action research, a quality thesis, and a quality action research thesis. It also presents two conceptual models that illustrate the differences between the “research” and thesis “writing” activities and processes in general, and the collaborative core action research in the fieldwork and the critical action research thesis that needs to be the candidate's independent contribution to knowledge in theory and practice.Originality/valueThe definitions, checklists and conceptual models will be useful to postgraduates, supervisors and examiners of action research theses, because they clarify for them the similarities and differences between a traditional thesis in the social sciences and a thesis by action research.
What is a competent “competence standard”?
Authors: Mclellan Effie 
Published: October 2007

PurposeUsing the UK's recent disability legislation as a trigger, the paper explores issues in evidencing competence in the current context of using assessment as a tool for learning.Design/methodology/approachA modified version of the pragmatic method is used, in which assessment theory is used to explore the tension in assessment which is both legislatively compliant and theoretically coherent.FindingsIn the current context of requiring assessment to be edumetrically sound, the legislation of competence standards is problematic in four respects. Task validity is now a much more diffuse concept. Scoring validity has to contend with many possible accommodations. Assessment generalisability has to consider both the relevance and representativeness of the assessment task. Consequential validity is essentially concerned with formative assessment, which is considered pedagogically important but, politically, is of less significance than summative assessment.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis here is in terms of legislation within the UK and therefore may not refer to nuances of difference in the anti‐discrimination legislation in other jurisdictions.Practical implicationsThe study offers academics and administrators a framework within which to review the edumetric soundness of their assessment practices and policies. In so, doing possible difficulties in equitable assessment can be made explicit. This, in turn, has implications for staff development.Originality/valueThe paper uses significant pedagogical theory to illuminate a legislative requirement and thereby contextualise difficulties in implementing equitable assessment.
Building trust in construction projects
Authors: Khalfan Malik M.A. , McDermott Peter , Swan Will 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to present different perspectives on building “trust” among supply chain participants working on construction projects.Design/methodology/approachA case study methodology was adopted; with five construction projects selected as five case studies for the trust in construction project on the basis a selection criteria devised for the research project. Over 40 interviews were conducted with participants operating at different levels in their respective organisations and at different point in the supply chain.FindingsThe information provided by the multiple informants was, to a large extent, consistent with much of the academic literature relating to the importance of and barriers to trust. Specifically, the case studies highlighted: what people within the construction industry understand by trust, reliance, and honest professional relationship; the key factors that contribute towards building trust and factors that result into breakdown of trust; and organisational and project related factors that influence trust and relationships among people within the industry.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings from this study are limited due to: a small number of case studies undertaken, focused within the North West Region of England, and limited time and resources available. However, the ideas proposed for ways to develop trust in construction projects as seen from project findings have important implications for not only the clients but also for the main contractors and sub‐contractors who need to pay greater attention to build trusting and long‐term relationship as part of an integrated supply chain in order to deliver the continuous demand for services especially from public sector clients.Practical implicationsIf more businesses operating in the construction sector gave more thought to the importance of trust in construction projects then this could have a significant impact on contract design and over all procurement strategy. Specifically the repetitive work carried out by the local authorities in the UK, such as school building and maintenance, social housing stock improvement, etc., can be subcontracted to the contractors on a longer term basis resulting into long term supply chain relationship among organisations and cost savings.Originality/valueThe research is among the first attempts in response to Latham report published in 1994, in order to explore the role of trust in construction projects, from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. The paper provides insights into the practical issues that prevent the widespread development of trust within the construction industry, which is a challenge that clearly warrants further attention from academics and practitioners.
From serendipity to sustainable competitive advantage: insights from Houston's Farm and their journey of co‐innovation
Authors: Bonney Laurie , Clark Rob , Collins Ray , Fearne Andrew 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to demonstrate the importance of a strategic approach to collaborative innovation and the use of a value chain research methodology for identifying opportunities for co‐innovation.Design/methodology/approachValue chain analysis is used to map three flows in the Houston Farms value chain; material flow, information flow and relationships. Having diagnosed the current level of co‐innovation we then identify improvement projects and opportunities for co‐innovation to reduce cost and add value, for the benefit of the value chain as a whole.FindingsThe application of the value chain analysis methodology to the Houston Farms value chain revealed the importance of strategy and robust processes in key areas for co‐innovation – R&D and new product development. It also revealed that small businesses can enjoy a degree of success as a result of comparative advantage in certain areas but that sustainable competitive advantage cannot occur by chance – identifying the potential for co‐innovation is an important first step in the right direction.Research limitations/implicationsThe value chain innovation roadmap represents a useful framework for exploring the current state and future capability for co‐innovation in a value chain. The value chain analysis methodology is an effective diagnostic tool as it focuses on what happens at the interface between stakeholders and how this relates to what final consumers regard as value adding, rather than traditional financial and functional KPIs which make it difficult to explore the competitiveness of the value chain as a whole.Originality/valueThe explicit and objective measurement of what consumers value is an important addition to the value chain analysis methodology and the co‐innovation roadmap is an original attempt to illustrate the core drivers and capabilities for achieving co‐innovation in a value chain. The insights from the case demonstrate the value of this approach to companies who are open to innovation and recognise the need to focus the use of scarce value‐adding resources on specific value chains and the needs and wants of final consumers therein.
Performance measurement of supplier relationships
Authors: Giannakis Mihalis 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical model for assessing the performance of supplier relationships (SRs). The majority of performance measurement models incorporate hard quantitative measures that are not appropriate for the soft features of business relationships. As they are usually designed by the customer organisation, they are imposed on suppliers, they do not take into account the relationship as a unit of analysis and therefore they carry a bias in their interpretation.Design/methodology/approachFor the development of the model, the nature of a SR is conceptualised in terms of two typologies: one based on the level of its analysis and one based on its genesis and development and the methodology of gap analysis is used.FindingsThe performance of SRs is assessed in terms of several disparities that exist between the participating parties' perceptions of the nature and their performance to the relationship as well as their perception of their partners' performance to the relationship. The proposed model can be utilised with qualitative (interviews) as well as quantitative (survey) data. The aim of any improvement strategy for the performance of SRs should be to minimise the gaps in partners' perceptions and pursuit the role that the parties play in the relationship and identify those factors that have greater importance to the relationship. Appropriate strategies should be then selected to minimise the gaps in the perceptions of the individuals against these factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe usefulness of the model in assessing SRs' performance lies in the fact that a holistic view of SRs is achieved by taking into account both soft and hard dimensions of SRs. Contrasting the model to other performance management models its major limitation is that it cannot be used as a “scientific” diagnostic tool for suggestion of best practices. Further research is required to identify the causes behind poor performance in a particular area and then devise appropriate strategies.Practical implicationsThe proposed model can be used in different context (manufacturing or services), does not require specialised knowledge or external consulting and provides scope for improvement of relationships between departments within an organisation.Originality/valueThis paper emphasises the importance of performance measurement of SRs and proposes an innovative for performance measurement model, which overcomes the limitations of existing tools and can be applied in several contexts.
SCM practices and the health of the SMEs in Pakistan
Authors: Khurrum S. Bhutta M. , Rana Arif I. , Asad Usman 
Published: October 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to provide a window into the supply chain practices of the small and medium enterprise sector in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe Small and Medium Enterprise Center (SMEC) at the Lahore University of Management Sciences undertook a survey in 2003 to gauge the health of this sector. A survey of 650 firms in ten districts in the country was conducted. This paper presents the results and analyses of the supply chain practices of these SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThere is dearth of independent data and research in the field of SME's in Pakistan. This paper provides a window to the supply chain practices of SME's in Pakistan and will enable future researchers to use this research as a building block in understanding these practices and the factors that pertain to successful firms.Practical implicationsThe implications of this study are far reaching enabling trainers, consultants, donor agencies, and entrepreneurs in the SME sector to learn the practices of successful firms and adopt/help SMEs adopt these in their operations.FindingsThis paper we report some of the results of the survey and our analysis of factors related to supply chain management practices that seem to correlate with the health of the enterprise. The analysis shows that successful firms on average had more products, more customers as well as more new customers. SMEs into exports were the healthiest and exhibited most dynamic characteristics, followed by those that sold to OEMs. Another interesting insight is that growing firms sold more directly to end users while firms with higher sales per employee sold the least to the end user.Originality/valueA major frustration for most policy researchers in the SME area is the virtual non‐existence of scientific data on this sector in the country. This is the first survey of its kind in Pakistan.