bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of social identity theory with implications for training and development
Authors: Korte Russell F. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review social identity theory and its implications for learning in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis article is a conceptual paper based on a multidisciplinary review of the literature on social identity theory. This article explains the theoretical concepts, constructs, and findings of an identity‐based view of learning in organizations. The article describes the theoretical foundations of social identity theory and its elaboration as self‐categorization theory, along with some of the limitations of the theory. Important implications for workplace learning are presented.FindingsAlthough multiple factors influence how people work, social identity theory portends to be a unifying theory of organizational behavior because what and how people think as members of social groups influences subsequent behavior and attitudes in social systems. This influence has important implications for workplace learning..Practical implicationsThe social identities in organizations serve as important drivers of performance. How people think as members of groups affects the outcomes of learning interventions. Therefore, social identity is a key input to or driver of learning and performance in organizations.Originality/valueTraining and development have focused primarily on the individual and occasionally the organizational levels with little attention to the identity‐based dynamics of group behavior in organizational settings. This paper offers insights from social identity theory for training and development.
Examining the factor structure and predictive ability of the German‐version of the Learning Transfer Systems Inventory
Authors: Bates Reid , Kauffeld Simone , Holton Elwood F. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the construct and predictive ability of a German version of the Learning Transfer Systems Inventory (GLTSI), an instrument designed to assess a constellation of 16 factors known to influence the transfer of training in work settings.Design/methodology/approachThe survey data for this study was collected from 569 employees working in 17 private sector organizations in Germany. This data was used to test the construct validity of the GLTSI using principle components analysis (common factor analysis). The predictive validity of the instrument was tested against individual and organizational level outcome measures using hierarchical stepwise multiple regression.FindingsExploratory factor analysis of the GLTSI produced a 16 factor solution that was a highly consistent original English version of the LTSI. The results of the regression analysis showed that a subset of GLTSI scales were significant predictors of measures of individual transfer results and organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relies on self‐report data for both the independent and dependent variables and, although there is no evidence suggesting this was a problem, factors such as common method variance or social desirability could have influenced the correlations in this study in unknown ways. Certainly future criterion‐related validation research with the GLTSI using outcome measures that do not rely on self‐reports would be valuable. Future research with the GLTSI should also seek to modify certain items or add new items to enhance the emic or culture‐specific nature of specific scales.Originality/valueThis study contributes the study and practice of human resource development by furthering the dissemination of analytical tools across linguistic settings and enhancing the potential for the cross‐cultural study of learning transfer and training effectiveness.
Managing emotionally intelligent service workers
Authors: Dimitriades Zoe S. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the relative importance of personal‐demographic and positional factors in predicting emotional intelligence (EI) among service workers in the Greek context.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved administering Schutte et al.'s SREIT test to employees engaged in retailing, insurance, banking, tourism, entertainment, professional and public services. Altogether data were collected from a total of 330 survey responses.FindingsThe overall results of the data analysis suggest that twenty two percent of the variance in EI may be explained by the combined effect of personal (occupational choice) and positional factors (managerial level). Contrary to expectations, female gender and boundary‐spanning role responsibilities were not statistically significant in the sample studied.Practical implicationsThese findings endorse the validity of incorporating EI interventions alongside the recruitment, selection, and training and development process both of supervisory and non‐supervisory employees who choose to pursue a career in services.Originality/valueThis paper establishes a link between EI, personal‐demographic and positional factors.
The gendering of leadership in corporate social responsibility
Authors: Marshall Judi 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to review the potential gendering of leadership in the emerging field of corporate social responsibility (CSR). It explores whose voices are becoming dominant, how leaders speak, and what forms men's and women's leadership take.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a self‐reflective inquiry, analysing observational and secondary data to explore leadership and its gender patterning. It reflects on its approach and the voice in which it is written.FindingsWomen and men are often differently placed to work within the emerging dominant logics of CSR. The gender patternings considered are skewed rather than clear‐cut. In relation to organization‐based discourses and practices, leadership is dominated by white men. Some men are tempered radicals, inside‐outsiders acting for change. Some women leaders question the foundations of business and global power relations, and point to fundamental gender inequalities. Whilst they are recognised figures, they are operating at the margins, self‐identified as activists. Other influential women provide training in the alternative practices of leadership they advocate. Systemic theories of gendering are employed to review these findings.Originality/valueExplores some of the dynamics through which leadership can become gendered, in the challenging realm of how ecological sustainability and global social justice are addressed.
Women managers' careers in information technology in China: high flyers with emotional costs?
Authors: Aaltio Iiris , Huang Jiehua 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to focus on Chinese women managers and gender aspects in information technology (IT) management.Design/methodology/approachWomen managers' experience on career is explored in relation to the Chinese cultural environment and within the IT industry. Two special topics emerged from the in‐depth interview results: high future expectations and strong belief in own competence. Background methodology of the study is Q‐sort methodology and interpretive analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest that IT women managers are high achievers with a high level of ambition. A joy of career advancement and full use of their potential is seen in their perceptions of work and career. The findings also indicate that Chinese women's career development in the IT field calls for identity reconstruction in both their private and work lives. This refers to a work‐family conflict within Chinese culture which emphasizesGuanxiand close societal ties. Although not expressed specifically, it was possible to read from the subtext that women also expect certain emotional costs from career advancement.Practical implicationsAlthough there are still only few women in top‐level positions in China, the study confirms their potential to succeed in management, at least in a recently developed field like IT. The findings indicate that the recent sweeping technological changes provide women with a platform to penetrate. It gives them a chance to be recognised for their achievements in the field of new technology and proves their ability to advance to the upper realms in this field.Originality/valueThis study accumulates the understanding on women's careers and career strategies worldwide and especially in China.
Detailed cost modelling: a case study in warehouse logistics
Authors: Varila Mikko , Seppänen Marko , Suomala Petri 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the applicability of different drivers for assigning activity costs to products in warehouse logistics environment.Design/methodology/approachAn action research case study in the warehouse logistics of an electronics wholesaler. Data were collected from a single activity which was analysed in depth.FindingsThe study illustrates that there may be significant variation in activity costs that cannot be traced with any single transaction‐based driver. Automatic data collection methods can be used to support cost accounting in such a situation. It was clearly demonstrated that in certain environments it is possible to significantly increase the accuracy and versatility of accounting by measuring the actual durations together with other variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are derived from a single company and activity.Practical implicationsGives accountants in environments where data is rich and plentiful examples of methods for analysing the data for obtaining a deeper understanding of the cost behaviour of activities and products.Originality/valueComplements the discussion on activity cost drivers and logistics costing.
Achieving consumer focus in supply chains
Authors: Zokaei Keivan , Hines Peter 
Published: April 2007

PurposeSupply chain performance is two‐dimensional: efficiency and effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to further define and explore the demarcation between supply chain effectiveness and supply chain efficiency.Design/methodology/approachA case‐study research method is adopted in this paper. This contribution discusses an approach for the improvement of supply chain effectiveness, i.e. Supply Chain Kano‐QFD.FindingsA case‐study of the fast moving consumer goods sector is provided which shows how the proposed “Supply Chain Kano‐QFD” technique can be deployed to engage the capabilities and enthusiasm of the firms along the chain to enhance the value of the final consumable.Practical implications“Supply Chain Kano‐QFD” is an integrative method which helps drive effectiveness by focusing on how the various supply chain members might jointly develop innovative solutions to create unique, individualized sources of consumer value.Originality/valueA review of the existing supply chain literature shows that there is generally a strong focus on efficiency improvements while little attention is given to enhancing the effectiveness of the supply chain offer. The supply chain management literature, however, should evolve to address relevant methods for achieving consumer focus in the context of the supply chain, i.e. supply chain effectiveness.
Ethical and organisational tensions for work‐based learners
Authors: Moore Lesley J. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on examples of the perceived tensions of the healthcare work‐based learners as they experienced paradigm shifts in both practice and education.Design/methodology/approachExamples are drawn from a qualitative study to examine work‐based learning (WBL) workshops in a Dutch healthcare setting, and a developmental project led by an academic to implement a WBL accredited programme across Acute and Primary Care Trusts in a region of England. The paper also supports the argument of Flood and Romm that within complex organisations there is a need to develop “triple loop” learning as opposed to “double loop” learning. A discussion of the tensions which relate to experience and research is presented.FindingsThe paper finds that WBL is not easy, especially in times of rapid change and resistance to new ways of working by some colleagues. Managers, academics, mentors and healthcare learners need opportunities to discuss and interpret experience in order to construct meaning and new knowledge of practice. Key to enabling the development of the work‐based inquirer to cope with change and ethical dilemmas is the commitment of facilitators to inspire learning, support the exploitation of workplace resources and encourage networking within and external to the organisation.Practical implicationsA benefit of the WBL approach is that it engages the learner in problem solving and enhances the skills of inquiry, networking and creativity. It is important for the learner to gain awareness of the ethical knowledge underpinning practice. Tensions can arise as paradigms shift and when boundaries are misinterpeted, and personal and organisational values and beliefs conflict.Originality/valueWhile the focus is healthcare the discussion could be relevant and of interest to a wider international audience of WBL practitioners as it considers a topic that is undervalued in workplace learning journals but is a reality of shifting paradigms.
Professional practice projects: APEL or development?
Authors: Lester Stan 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper sets out to examine whether the process of accrediting prior experiential learning (APEL) as used in UK universities is the most appropriate approach for providing academic recognition for work‐based projects and learning.Design/methodology/approachWork‐based projects that had already been assessed in the context of a professional qualification were re‐examined to identify how they might be used towards a master's degree and what if any additional work the candidates would need to complete.FindingsThe study finds that in most cases it appeared that the candidates would be able in principle to gain a full master's degree based on their existing work and associated reflection and writing‐up, without the need to carry out additional investigation or projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based on a small sample of individuals from a specific field (the conservation of cultural heritage), and while the findings are clear and appear to have wider applicability they can only be regarded as pointers for practical trialling and further investigation.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that the current approach to APEL used in UK universities needs to be expanded so that awards can be made substantially on the basis of already‐completed workplace projects. A trial of this approach is proposed using candidates from the cultural heritage sector.Originality/valueThe paper proposes a basis for changes to credit practice that will provide better scope for individuals to use and build on workplace activities in gaining academic awards.
The measurement of compliance with ISA700
Authors: Fakhfakh Mondher , Consuelo Pucheta‐Martínez María 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the form and content of auditors' reports published by international accounting firms in Tunisia.Design/methodology/approachCompliance measurement of auditor's report published by Tunisian auditors who represent international auditing firms with International Standard on Auditing 700 (ISA700).FindingsAudit reports examined are not fully compliant with all elements of the report issued by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical evidence for limitation of standardisation efforts on auditors' reports and discusses the implications for accounting firms and their clients.
Is communicating intellectual capital information via the internet viable?
Authors: Lee Alina , Neilson John , Tower Greg , Mitchell Van der Zahn J‐L.W. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe first objective of this study is to examine the nature and extent of intellectual capital (IC) information Australian hospitals disclose to their stakeholders (patients, general public, healthcare professionals) via the internet. The second objective is to examine whether four hospital characteristics influence the disclosure of IC‐related information.Design/methodology/approachAnalysis reported in this study is based on IC disclosures by 128 hospitals on their internet web sites. IC disclosure is measured using an 85‐item research constructed index that covers six major sub‐categories. Measurement of IC disclosure was conducted during a four month period in the last third of 2005.FindingsIt is found that whilst the incidence rate of hospitals disclosing IC information is high, the extent of IC disclosure is relatively low. The quantity of IC disclosure varied significantly between different IC sub‐categories. In addition, the paper investigates possible determinants of variations in IC disclosure by Australian hospitals. Specifically, it is found that the quantity of IC information disclosed on a hospital web site varied according to the state location, designation as a private or public hospital, whether the hospital is specialized or general in its operations, and if the hospital is based in a city or regional location. A hospital's designation as being network or non‐networked is not a significant determinant.Originality/valueFew studies have examined the disclosure of IC information by healthcare providers such as hospitals. No studies, to the knowledge of the authors, have examined the specific disclosure of IC information by hospitals on their internet web sites.
A model for internal benchmarking: when and how?
Authors: Southard Peter B. , Parente Diane H. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo determine the criteria for internal benchmarking candidate processes. Using those criteria, to develop a decision flowchart to employ internal or external benchmarking. To then propose a framework for implementing internal benchmarking in an organization. Finally, to use a case study to apply both the Decision Flowchart and the proposed implementation framework.Design/methodology/approachThe method is theoretical framework design supported by a case study.FindingsThe development of a practical flowchart and framework is achieved. This is successfully used in improving a business process thorough an actual case study.Research limitations/implicationsThe information is limited to situations where quality programs including benchmarking are used or anticipated. Information is drawn from a single successful case study and existing literature.Practical implicationsProvides a practical prescriptive approach for identifying and applying the quality tool of benchmarking to internal processes.Originality/valueThis provides a new method of evaluating processes for improvement based on the availability of internal knowledge. No such flowchart has been proposed to date. It should be of use to both practitioners and academics by offering a step‐by‐step approach to improving their business processes and profitability.
Resource allocation within academic units
Authors: Sunil Dharmapala P. , Saber Hussein M. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeTo develop a methodology for faculty salary adjustment through market adjustment based on market demand for business PhDs and merit adjustment based on faculty members' performance levels in the areas of teaching, research and service.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is composed of two models: one for market adjustment and the other for merit adjustment. The market adjustment is handled through goal programming and the merit adjustment through data envelopment analysis (DEA).FindingsThe approach when applied to a sample of faculty salaries shows that the adjusted salary of each faculty member is higher than his/her current actual salary, and each faculty member in the particular discipline deserves a salary increase that reflects market demand and merit factors.Research limitations/implicationsThe DEA model used in this research does not impose restrictions on the weights. Realistically, one may impose bounds on the weights and exclude unreasonable solutions from DEA analysis and also set multiple goals instead of the single goal used in the goal programming model.Practical implicationsBased on a goal programming model that addresses the market demand and a DEA model that addresses the merit‐based performances, this methodology may be implemented as a solution procedure for restructuring faculty salaries.Originality/valueThe novelty in this approach is that DEA is being used as a benchmarking technique for merit adjustment of faculty salaries. In that sense, this research work may be the first, where benchmarking has been used in “faculty salary equity adjustment.”
Best manufacturing practices and their linkage to top‐performing companies in the US furniture industry
Authors: Quesada‐Pineda Henry , Gazo Rado 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between top‐performing US furniture manufacturers and industry's best manufacturing practices.Design/methodology/approachIn the past studies, best manufacturing practices were mostly determined using qualitative methods. In this paper, a quantitative evaluating method to determine best manufacturing practices was designed by taking into consideration qualitative criterions. A sample of 122 manufacturing practices was observed in six US furniture companies, two of them considered world‐class performers and the other four considered average. A logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between best manufacturing practices and top‐performing companies.FindingsStatistical analyses showed a positive relationship between top‐performing companies and use of best manufacturing practices by these companies. A database of best manufacturing practices was created and shared with the participant companies.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this study is that the causal relationship between performance and best practices was not considered. Future studies could employ statistical methods such as structural equation model to better understand this causality. Other methods could possibly be developed to audit and classify manufacturing practices.Originality/valueIt is believed that the database of best manufacturing practices will help average or below‐average performing companies to identify and adopt best manufacturing practices. It will also help top‐performing companies in the cycle of continuous improvement.
Education and research related to organic waste management at agricultural engineering schools
Authors: Soliva Montserrat , Bernat Carles , Gil Emilio , Martínez Xavier , Pujol Miquel , Sabaté Josep , Valero Jordi 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of the Agriculture Engineering School of Barcelona (ESAB), where undergraduate students were involved in field research experiments on organic waste use in agricultural systems.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines how the formation of professionals oriented to work for OWM companies has been successfully promoted.FindingsAgricultural systems can assimilate self‐produced organic wastes (OW) and others from different sources. Their management for crop production can generate enormous economic and environmental benefits which can contribute to sustainable development. The implementation of an integrated strategy for OW treatment (OWT) and management (OWM) must be adapted to the characteristics of the specific geographical region and must consider the interrelations among diverse subjects such as: soil science, fertilizer management, plant production, animal husbandry, farm machinery, climate and culture.Practical implicationsThe education of future specialists in OWM requires a multidisciplinary education which can be effectively achieved if those topics are incorporated into the educational programs of agriculture engineering schools.Originality/valueThe paper shows how agricultural systems can assimilate self‐produced organic wastes from different sources.