bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of sexual harassment for policewomen working alongside men
Authors: Somvadee Chaiyavej , Morash Merry 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis article aims to examine the sexual harassment experiences of US policewomen by using the Sexual Experience Questionnaire (SEQ) and asking them to describe incidents in which male colleagues’ behavior made them uncomfortable. It seeks to identify areas of discomfort and patterns of response in the context of current harassment policies.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample included 117 female law enforcement officers in the USA from two sheriff, two police, and one state police department. Participants completed surveys in small groups with the researcher present.FindingsStudy participants were especially concerned about male colleagues' view that women could not “do the job”. Sexual harassment policies and the integration of women into work groups with men influenced how women viewed and reacted to discomforting behaviors.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are consistent with those from a broader national sample and international research. Further study of the effects of US women's tolerance of sexual joking and remarks is needed.Practical implicationsOrganizational efforts to stop sexual harassment seemed to have brought some benefits to policewomen, as has their integration into all facets of police work. Still, women's concern that male colleagues think they cannot “do the job” persists, and tolerated harassment may negatively affect some women.Originality/valueThe qualitative data analysis shows the complexity of women's tolerance of behaviors in the workplace in order to fit in, and how working along with men heightens concerns about being seen as incapable of doing certain aspects of the job well.
Reintroducing “time” into the time series analysis of the police size‐crime relationship
Authors: Chamlin Mitchell B. , Sanders Beth A. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the causal relationship between crime rate measures (per 100,000 population) and police force size (full‐time employees per 100,000) within Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The data are annual, covering the years 1930 to 2004.Design/methodology/approachThe authors specify and estimate ARIMA and error correction models to examine the bivariate association between police force strength and total, property, and personal crime rates for a large, mid‐western city.FindingsConsistent with past research, the bivariate ARIMA analyses yield no evidence of a short‐term association between police force size and crime. However, the parameter estimates from error correction models indicate that changes in the level of crime have a longer‐term impact on police force strength.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on a single municipality. Hence, before one can generalize to cities as a whole, the findings need to be replicated in other jurisdictions. Nonetheless, the findings do suggest that municipalities are more responsive to changes in the level of crime than prior ARIMA analyses seemed to indicate.Practical implicationsThe findings point to the conclusion that, when studying causal processes that operate over time, one must be careful not to remove long run information from the data in the attempt to control for the spurious effects of autocorrelation.Originality/valueThis paper represents the first attempt to apply error correction models to the examination of the longitudinal relationship between crime and police force size.
Performance appraisal: essential characteristics for strategic control
Authors: Caruth Donald L. , Humphreys John H. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the need for and propose a more aligned and integrated standard for performance evaluation to enhance effective strategic control.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the various issues creating discontent with the performance appraisal systems within many organizations and demonstrates how these problems inhibit successful strategic control. It attempts to cogently incorporate the performance appraisal characteristics needed for the exercise to function as a critical organizational control metric and a useful feedback mechanism for strategic management of the firm.FindingsThe paper finds that, whereas performance evaluation has received reasonably robust examination in the human resources literature, explicit guidance toward the integration with strategic control is inadequate. Without consistent alignment between these functions, however, performance appraisal becomes an exercise in futility instead of a vital control measurement, often resulting in not only personnel dissatisfaction, but also, more importantly, an impediment to systematic strategy implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper offers a viewpoint based upon the authors' experiences and a review of the literature. It aims to stimulate a broader understanding and discussion of the crucial link between performance evaluation and strategic control.Practical implicationsAlthough it is possible to theoretically separate the human resource function of performance appraisal from broader strategic management processes, such an approach is not realistic for organizational leaders charged with strategy execution. These leaders would benefit from a framework for ensuring this important HR function also meets the requirements for operative strategic control.Original/valueWhile many in the literature have focused on how to conduct legal and efficient performance evaluations, guidance on crafting such appraisals as control metrics is insufficient. The paper endeavors to provide this direction.
Implementing stakeholder management: a case study at a micro‐enterprise
Authors: Johansson Peter 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of stakeholder theory for organisational development and contribute to the knowledge of operational stakeholder management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a case study in a micro‐enterprise where data have been collected as participant observations.FindingsStakeholder theory suggests that to be sustainable, organisations must find a balance between different stakeholder interests. The paper presents a case study where a stakeholder model has been tested in a micro‐enterprise. Results include a revised model based on the experiences from the case. The stakeholder model has been adapted to accommodate a process approach and the PDSA‐cycle.Practical implicationsThe model can be used when wanting to develop a structured management system based on stakeholder interests.Originality/valueThe paper has a vast content of originality as not as much has been written about stakeholder management from an empirical point of view as from a theoretical.
Competitive priorities of manufacturing firms for internationalization: an empirical research
Authors: Zeng S.X. , Xie X.M. , Tam C.M. , Wan T.W. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to identify the competitive priorities of the manufacturing firms in their internationalization efforts.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire survey is conducted involving 569 manufacturing firms in China. The competitive priority in internationalization efforts is gauged by combining the degree of emphasis of manufacturing firms on a certain factor over the past three years and the level of improvement of the factor into an index.FindingsIt is found that “technology level”, “cost control”, and “brand consciousness” are the top three most important factors affecting the competitiveness of internationalization of manufacturing in China. The three bottlenecked factors that impede internationalization include “Internationalization business experience”, “Financing capacity” and “Senior managers with management know‐how”.Practical implicationsWith the rapid development of economy globalization, firms in the Chinese manufacturing sector have begun the process of internationalization. As these young firms venture into the foreign markets, they may face some uncertainty and risks which entail a process of learning and adaptation. It is hoped that the empirical findings can shed some insight for improving the process of internationalization of the manufacturing sector.Originality/valueThere is a paucity of internationalization efforts from manufacturing firms in developing countries. By examining the competitive priority of the Chinese manufacturing firms, this study can enrich the body of knowledge on internationalization of manufacturing firms in developing countries.
Developing and validating an instrument to assess performance of public sector organisations: a case study of Malaysian schools
Authors: Lee Nagarajah 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the procedures followed in developing and validating a context specific instrument to measure the performance of public schools in a Malaysian setting.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopted the mixed methodology, qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative approach was used at the initial stage of item generation for the instrument while the quantitative method was predominantly used to empirically establish the psychometric properties of the instrument.FindingsThe paper finds that the context‐specific instrument is psychometrically sound. The reliability index for all the dimensions are well above 0.75 and the various empirical analysis provide evidence of convergent, concurrent, and discriminant validity as well as dimensionality.Practical implicationsThe paper provides detailed information on developing and validating a new context‐specific instrument. The method and procedure can be a good reference for researchers interested in developing instruments.Originality/valueThe soft system methodology intervention enhances holistic discussion in relation to the focal at the item generation phase. This allows a greater amount of creative debate resulting in a comprehensive list of indicators to be used the instrument.
The future of learning and development functions: a new era for L&D
Authors: Cunningham Ian 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a case for a new future for learning and development (L&D) functions in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on work done in a variety of organizations as well as published sources. The article is provocative in suggesting a split of L&D from human resources (HR).FindingsThe paper finds that there is an alternative to the current model in many organizations of having L&D subservient to HR. Linking L&D with organizational development (OD) may be a better model.Practical implicationsThe paper has real practical implications for leaders/managers, and L&D professionals. The place of L&D is not a trivial issue. Given that all organizations have to invest in L&D to survive, where this function is located has real business impact.Originality/valueThe paper will be of value to senior managers and learning specialists in assisting them to think about the place of L&D in the organization.
Complexity: an alternative paradigm for teamwork development
Authors: Bokeno Michael 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to suggest an understanding of teamwork from a complexity perspective.Design/methodology/approachComplexity principles of nonlinearity, emergence, holism, and engagement are applied to conventional teamwork practice.FindingsThe complexity principles offer ways of thinking about teamwork that inspire a more genuine collaboration, especially for decision‐making teams who must be able to alter conventionally linear, cybernetic thinking patterns.Originality/valueThinking in complexity terms is an unfamiliar but necessary practice for decision‐making teams, enabling team members to think and act in collaborative ways, see the big picture, resist managing deviations that seems like errors, and develop interpersonal relationships that do so.
Employee engagement in the UK: meeting the challenge in the public sector
Authors: Pritchard Kate 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe paper draws from the ORC Putting it in Perspective Report, which annually presents the findings of employee research projects from a vast benchmarking database. This provides an insight into the key factors that influence employee engagement, with comparisons across different sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes some of the key findings from the 2007 Putting it in Perspective Report and offers suggestions as to how employee engagement can be improved.FindingsThe key finding of the paper is that while employee engagement is stable in the UK overall, organizational pride and satisfaction levels are markedly lower in public sector organizations. Similarly employee loyalty in this sector is low, highlighting that there is work to be done for managers within this sector. Furthermore, the report has shown that engagement takes a hit across all sectors during times of change.Practical implicationsA well‐crafted employee engagement survey enables an understanding of current levels of engagement. To improve employee engagement levels, and help combat the challenges of change management, the principles of say, stay and strive can act as a basis for assessing the level of employee engagement, whether through surveys or other means. Another key element for organizations to bear in mind is the “Employee Lifecycle”, which can be a useful tool for understanding the workforce.Originality/valueThis paper provides an insight into the key factors that influence employee engagement, with comparisons across different sectors.
Mentoring in an increasingly global workplace: facing the realities and challenges
Authors: Matuszek Tish , Self Dennis R. , Schraeder Mike 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to provide insight into some of the realities associated with mentoring in a business environment that is becoming increasingly global, with specific emphasis on challenges associated with communication.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes an applied approach to covering some of the realities and major challenges related to communication when mentoring within the global environment.FindingsMentoring continues to have value as a tool in enhancing organizational effectiveness. However, mentoring becomes more challenging in a global marketplace. Some of the most salient realities associated with global mentoring are examined.Originality/valueThe insight and topics covered in the article should enhance organizations' efforts to mentor employees dispersed in a multinational structure.
Walking between decision models: analogising in strategic decision making
Authors: Nilsson Anders 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of situations where managers analogise, and when they change to a different decision model; examine how the analogies are evoked, what characteristics they have and how they are used, and add to the understanding through taking a qualitative approach.Design/methodology/approachThis is an illustrative case study of a new market entry attempt by a medium‐sized manufacturing firm based on interviews and analytical dialogues with management team members.FindingsThe paper finds that decision makers analogise when cause/effect‐relationships are unclear, and change decision models when the analogy has helped to formulate a theory of the nature of the problem or a recipe for handling the situation. They evoke analogies by automatic recognition, using internal and external sources, for transfer within and between domains. The use of analogy occurs in problem setting, problem solving, action and sensemaking modes.Research limitations/implicationsMisunderstandings can occur in dialogue between researchers and decision makers. Future interpretive research should consider participant observation and conceptual modelling. A computational study might incorporate situational differences, roles, and the issues identified in this study.Practical implicationsAwareness of the prevalence of analogy in decision making can help practitioners critically evaluate the analogies used and consider multiple perspectives on problematic situations.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the literature by taking a qualitative approach to analogising. The findings offer some support to prior research using laboratory and analytical approaches, while suggesting reconsiderations and offering new insights.
A narrative analysis revealing strategic intent and posture
Authors: Landrum Nancy E. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper examines the letters to shareholders of Nike, Inc. and Reebok over the period 1990‐1999. Using narrative analysis, the purpose of this paper is to show how strategic intent of these two companies is revealed through their letters to shareholders.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative narrative analysis incorporating literary genres and strategic narratives and applying them to strategic schools of thought.FindingsNike uses many narrative styles, suggesting they view events in a variety of ways in their sensemaking. Reebok, on the other hand, used a limited number of narrative styles, suggesting a limited view or interpretation of events.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could include additional documents of the companies, both public and private.Practical implicationsThis analysis shows that companies can successfully use polyplotted and flexible narrative styles, whereas the old school of strategy suggested a single, unwavering course.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper is the use of organizational narrative as epistemology within the study of strategic management.
Of methods and methodology
Authors: Bryman Alan 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore what the term “methodology” might be taken to mean. It uses an aphorism by Howard Becker as a springboard for examining the nature of methodology, arguing that Becker's view of methodology was misleading.Design/methodology/approachThere are two components. First, “insider” account of research findings concerning the nature of mixed methods research is presented. These findings derive from a content analysis of articles based on mixed methods research and from interviews with mixed methods researchers. Second, the paper examines the paradox that qualitative research is often viewed as generating interesting findings but that qualitative researchers frequently feel that they experience difficulty in placing qualitative articles in mainstream journals.FindingsThe findings from the mixed methods study demonstrate that mixed methods research is often rationalized in a different way from how it is actually employed.Research limitations/implicationsThe second part of the paper should be extended so that a more comprehensive analysis of publication patterns can be carried out.Originality/valueThere are relatively few examinations of what we mean by “methodology.” The paper tries to move these considerations forward by arguing that methodology is about the examination of “methodic practice.”
Novel fold of VirA, a type III secretion system effector protein from Shigella flexneri
Authors: Davis Jamaine , Wang Jiawei , Tropea Joseph E. , Zhang Di , Dauter Zbigniew , Waugh David S. , Wlodawer Alexander 
Published: September 2008

AbstractVirA, a secreted effector protein from Shigella sp., has been shown to be necessary for its virulence. It was also reported that VirA might be related to papain‐like cysteine proteases and cleave α‐tubulin, thus facilitating intracellular spreading. We have now determined the crystal structure of VirA at 3.0 Å resolution. The shape of the molecule resembles the letter “V,” with the residues in the N‐terminal third of the 45‐kDa molecule (some of which are disordered) forming one clearly identifiable domain, and the remainder of the molecule completing the V‐like structure. The fold of VirA is unique and does not resemble that of any known protein, including papain, although its N‐terminal domain is topologically similar to cysteine protease inhibitors such as stefin B. Analysis of the sequence conservation between VirA and its Escherichia coli homologs EspG and EspG2 did not result in identification of any putative protease‐like active site, leaving open a possibility that the biological function of VirA in Shigella virulence may not involve direct proteolytic activity.
Clinical trial: a multistrain probiotic preparation significantly reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: WILLIAMS E. A. , STIMPSON J. , WANG D. , PLUMMER S. , GARAIOVA I. , BARKER M. E. , CORFE B. M. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground  The efficacy of probiotics in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) appears to be both strain‐ and dose‐related.Aim  To investigate the effect of LAB4, a multistrain probiotic preparation on symptoms of IBS. This probiotic preparation has not previously been assessed in IBS.Methods  Fifty‐two participants with IBS, as defined by the Rome II criteria, participated in this double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Participants were randomized to receive either a probiotic preparation comprising two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus CUL60 (NCIMB 30157) and CUL21 (NCIMB 30156), Bifidobacterium lactis CUL34 (NCIMB 30172) and Bifidobacterium bifidum CUL20 (NCIMB 30153) at a total of 2.5 × 1010 cfu/capsule or a placebo for 8 weeks. Participants reported their IBS symptoms using a questionnaire fortnightly during the intervention and at 2 weeks post‐intervention.Results  A significantly greater improvement in the Symptom Severity Score of IBS and in scores for quality of life, days with pain and satisfaction with bowel habit was observed over the 8‐week intervention period in the volunteers receiving the probiotic preparation than in the placebo group.Conclusion  LAB4 multistrain probiotic supplement may benefit subjects with IBS.
Effect of cold pre‐treatment duration before freezing on frozen bread dough quality
Authors: Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Siripatrawan Ubonrat , Tulyathan Vanna , Cleland Donald J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe effect of cold pre‐treatment (CT) duration prior to freezing on the quality of a standard bread dough was investigated. Doughs held at 0 °C or 10 °C for 1 h or 3 h before air‐blast freezing were compared with standard dough frozen after 0.5 h at 0 °C (0 °C/0.5 h) and fresh (unfrozen) dough. Cumulative gas production measured in a risograph was used to quantify the dough quality after storage at −18 ± 0.1 °C for 1, 7 or 17 days. Relative to fresh dough, gas production significantly reduced after freezing for all treatments. The doughs with CT at 0 °C for 1 or 3 h or 10 °C for 1 h had significantly higher gas production after freezing and less rapid decline in gas production during frozen storage than the doughs with the 0 °C/0.5 h CT. The 10 °C/3 h CT gave no gas production benefit after freezing and had the most rapid decline in gas production during frozen storage.