title: Novel polyoxometalates: Is antimony the new molybdenum?

authors: Nicholson, Brian K.

subjects: polyoxometalates

abstract: Polyoxometalates based on Mo, W or V have been known for a long time and present a diverse range of structures, with the [XMo₁₂O₄₀]ⁿ⁻ Keggin ions (X = P, Si ,…) perhaps the best known.¹ They are still subject to intense research with >4000 papers published in the past five years. Following on from our study² of aryl arsonic acids RAsO₃H₂, which are straightforward molecular species based on four-coordinate As(V), we became interested in the corresponding antimony compounds. Although aryl stibonic acids of nominal formula RSbO₃H₂ have been known for over 100 years,³ their composition has remained uncertain, as they form only amorphous solids, have complicated titration behaviour and only limited solubility. The presumption has been that they are polymeric, based on 5- or 6-coordinate Sb with Sb-O-Sb linkages, though direct evidence is sparse.⁴ Recently, it has been shown by Beckman that if very bulky R groups are used, then relatively simple dimers such as (2,6-Mes₂C₆H₃Sb₂O₂(OH)₄(Mes=mesityl) can be isolated, but these represent a special case.⁵

text: Novel polyoxometalates: Is antimony the new molybdenum? Polyoxometalates based on Mo, W or V have been known for a long time and present a diverse range of structures, with the [XMo₁₂O₄₀]ⁿ⁻ Keggin ions (X = P, Si ,…) perhaps the best known.¹ They are still subject to intense research with >4000 papers published in the past five years. Following on from our study² of aryl arsonic acids RAsO₃H₂, which are straightforward molecular species based on four-coordinate As(V), we became interested in the corresponding antimony compounds. Although aryl stibonic acids of nominal formula RSbO₃H₂ have been known for over 100 years,³ their composition has remained uncertain, as they form only amorphous solids, have complicated titration behaviour and only limited solubility. The presumption has been that they are polymeric, based on 5- or 6-coordinate Sb with Sb-O-Sb linkages, though direct evidence is sparse.⁴ Recently, it has been shown by Beckman that if very bulky R groups are used, then relatively simple dimers such as (2,6-Mes₂C₆H₃Sb₂O₂(OH)₄(Mes=mesityl) can be isolated, but these represent a special case.⁵

year: 2012

title: Contributors to perceived bullying behaviours in the workplace: A managerial perspective

authors: Deacon, Nicola

subjects: Workplace Bullying

abstract: Managers are frequently cited as the perpetrators of workplace bullying, however it has been the recipient perspective which has informed much of the current descriptions of workplace bullying, the perceived use of bullying behaviours and the design of interventions to reduce bullying. It is important to consider the perspective of those who might use these behaviours because if their perspective differs substantially from the recipient perspective, then current interventions may not be optimal. This research examined the use of workplace bullying behaviours from a managerial perspective, using the 22 behaviours of the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ) as its starting point. 
The research was conducted in three parts. Study 1 utilised an online survey with 102 New Zealand managers. Results from Study 1 showed that some behaviours were more commonly reported than others and the behaviours could be divided into two groups. Group A consisted of nine behaviours which were reported most often by respondents and were also perceived as having work related reasons for use. Group B consisted of 13 behaviours which fewer respondents had engaged in or believed might have work related reasons for use. 
Study 2 consisted of interviews with 31 New Zealand managers and focussed on the use of the Group A behaviours. Study 2 produced several findings. Different behaviours were likely to have different precipitating circumstances, and the management of unsatisfactory performance was a major reason why managers reported the use of these behaviours with subordinates. Participants described the acceptable versus unacceptable use of the behaviours differently to that reported in the literature on workplace bullying. The quality of the relationship between the managers and their subordinates (assessed using the LMX measure) did not appear to be an influencing factor in the use of a negative behaviour but did appear to suffer as a result of the use of the behaviour.
Study 3 consisted of interviews with eight senior managers and focussed on their ‘organisational perception’ of the reasons given by managers in Study 2 and the context of the situations and actions taken when they felt uncomfortable with the use of a behaviour by a manager. Study 3 results indicated that the use of the Group A behaviours was deemed reasonable if used within appropriate circumstances. The context of the situation was important in the choice of intervention and coaching was a common intervention choice.
The findings have multiple practical and theoretical implications. The difference in description between acceptable and unacceptable use of the behaviours has implications for the assessment of workplace bullying. The differentiation between the Group A and B behaviours also has multiple implications for recipients, managers, organisational representatives and HR policy, especially with regard to interventions and organisational responses. 
A key strength of this research is that it provides a managerial perspective of the use of bullying behaviours in the workplace. Limitations of the research and implications for further research are discussed.

text: Contributors to perceived bullying behaviours in the workplace: A managerial perspective Managers are frequently cited as the perpetrators of workplace bullying, however it has been the recipient perspective which has informed much of the current descriptions of workplace bullying, the perceived use of bullying behaviours and the design of interventions to reduce bullying. It is important to consider the perspective of those who might use these behaviours because if their perspective differs substantially from the recipient perspective, then current interventions may not be optimal. This research examined the use of workplace bullying behaviours from a managerial perspective, using the 22 behaviours of the Negative Acts Questionnaire (NAQ) as its starting point. 
The research was conducted in three parts. Study 1 utilised an online survey with 102 New Zealand managers. Results from Study 1 showed that some behaviours were more commonly reported than others and the behaviours could be divided into two groups. Group A consisted of nine behaviours which were reported most often by respondents and were also perceived as having work related reasons for use. Group B consisted of 13 behaviours which fewer respondents had engaged in or believed might have work related reasons for use. 
Study 2 consisted of interviews with 31 New Zealand managers and focussed on the use of the Group A behaviours. Study 2 produced several findings. Different behaviours were likely to have different precipitating circumstances, and the management of unsatisfactory performance was a major reason why managers reported the use of these behaviours with subordinates. Participants described the acceptable versus unacceptable use of the behaviours differently to that reported in the literature on workplace bullying. The quality of the relationship between the managers and their subordinates (assessed using the LMX measure) did not appear to be an influencing factor in the use of a negative behaviour but did appear to suffer as a result of the use of the behaviour.
Study 3 consisted of interviews with eight senior managers and focussed on their ‘organisational perception’ of the reasons given by managers in Study 2 and the context of the situations and actions taken when they felt uncomfortable with the use of a behaviour by a manager. Study 3 results indicated that the use of the Group A behaviours was deemed reasonable if used within appropriate circumstances. The context of the situation was important in the choice of intervention and coaching was a common intervention choice.
The findings have multiple practical and theoretical implications. The difference in description between acceptable and unacceptable use of the behaviours has implications for the assessment of workplace bullying. The differentiation between the Group A and B behaviours also has multiple implications for recipients, managers, organisational representatives and HR policy, especially with regard to interventions and organisational responses. 
A key strength of this research is that it provides a managerial perspective of the use of bullying behaviours in the workplace. Limitations of the research and implications for further research are discussed.

year: 2014

title: Whānau aspirations, extracurricular activity  and positive youth development:  The leisure activity patterns and narratives of successful young Māori men and how they might inform  urban whānau raising tamatāne.

authors: Clarke, Gloria Hinemoa

subjects: Leisure

abstract: The purpose of this research is to offer parents and whānau (extended family groups) insight about the kinds of leisure activities that might make a positive contribution to their boys’ development. Focused on the positive developmental benefits of leisure participation in relation to Māori boys, and employing a kaupapa Māori framework and qualitative methods, this study represents a foray into new territory. 
	Conducted ‘by, with, and for’ Māori (the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand), and guided by the question ‘How might the leisure activity patterns and narratives of successful young Māori men inform urban whānau raising tamatāne (Māori boys/sons)?’ the three-phase research design was strengths-based, collaborative, and both retrospective and prospective. In phase one, a group of 11 parents participated in focus group hui (gatherings) in which they established the criteria for ‘successful young Māori men’ (SYMM) based on their aspirations for their primary-school aged boys. In phase two, this whānau of interest then selected six SYMM from a pool of eight volunteers, who, along with one or both of their parents participated in one-off semi-structured interviews. In these interviews, we co-constructed life and leisure maps, and discussed how their childhood leisure activities and experiences contributed to their development and who they are today. In phase three, a selection of raw data from these interviews was prepared for a group analysis, during which the whānau of interest made three key observations: (1) As children and youth, these SYMM had participated in a number and range of organised and informal leisure activities including sport, kapa haka (Māori cultural performance), music, art, and for three of them, faith-based activities; (2) they were “connected” to their parent(s) and whānau; and (3) their leisure activities had brought them into contact with positive male role models. Consequently, the whānau of interest talked about increasing the number and variety of their boys’ leisure activities; how they could further support their boys’ leisure participation; and bringing more male role models into their boys’ lives. 
	The findings of this study support the current literature regarding extracurricular activity participation in relation to positive youth development, but also highlight some methodological issues and cultural and contextual nuances. The research supports international and local studies in which high-performing students participated in a number and combination of extracurricular activities. In contrast, however, the experiences and reflections of the SYMM in this study highlight the limitations of combining all sports and all arts into broad activity categories. The research participants’ leisure activities also point to the relevance and applicability of the Te Whare Tapa Whā model of health and wellbeing. Their involvement in kapa haka contrasts with the (North American) literature in which males are a minority in the performing arts, and while some studies indicate that participation in music making declines in high school, these young men began playing musical instruments in high school. Moreover, the salience and significance of the research participants’ casual leisure activities challenges the tendency to cast informal leisure as the antithesis of extracurricular activity participation. These findings raise questions about the applicability of using international activity categories in Aotearoa New Zealand research, and consequently the need to conduct our own leisure and positive youth development studies. 
Other topics raised in this thesis include rugby and masculinity, spirituality, and the tensions involved in building and honouring our children’s rangatiratanga (independence). The short answer to the research question is that a variety and balance of leisure activities has the potential to make positive contributions to boys’ lives. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

text: Whānau aspirations, extracurricular activity  and positive youth development:  The leisure activity patterns and narratives of successful young Māori men and how they might inform  urban whānau raising tamatāne. The purpose of this research is to offer parents and whānau (extended family groups) insight about the kinds of leisure activities that might make a positive contribution to their boys’ development. Focused on the positive developmental benefits of leisure participation in relation to Māori boys, and employing a kaupapa Māori framework and qualitative methods, this study represents a foray into new territory. 
	Conducted ‘by, with, and for’ Māori (the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand), and guided by the question ‘How might the leisure activity patterns and narratives of successful young Māori men inform urban whānau raising tamatāne (Māori boys/sons)?’ the three-phase research design was strengths-based, collaborative, and both retrospective and prospective. In phase one, a group of 11 parents participated in focus group hui (gatherings) in which they established the criteria for ‘successful young Māori men’ (SYMM) based on their aspirations for their primary-school aged boys. In phase two, this whānau of interest then selected six SYMM from a pool of eight volunteers, who, along with one or both of their parents participated in one-off semi-structured interviews. In these interviews, we co-constructed life and leisure maps, and discussed how their childhood leisure activities and experiences contributed to their development and who they are today. In phase three, a selection of raw data from these interviews was prepared for a group analysis, during which the whānau of interest made three key observations: (1) As children and youth, these SYMM had participated in a number and range of organised and informal leisure activities including sport, kapa haka (Māori cultural performance), music, art, and for three of them, faith-based activities; (2) they were “connected” to their parent(s) and whānau; and (3) their leisure activities had brought them into contact with positive male role models. Consequently, the whānau of interest talked about increasing the number and variety of their boys’ leisure activities; how they could further support their boys’ leisure participation; and bringing more male role models into their boys’ lives. 
	The findings of this study support the current literature regarding extracurricular activity participation in relation to positive youth development, but also highlight some methodological issues and cultural and contextual nuances. The research supports international and local studies in which high-performing students participated in a number and combination of extracurricular activities. In contrast, however, the experiences and reflections of the SYMM in this study highlight the limitations of combining all sports and all arts into broad activity categories. The research participants’ leisure activities also point to the relevance and applicability of the Te Whare Tapa Whā model of health and wellbeing. Their involvement in kapa haka contrasts with the (North American) literature in which males are a minority in the performing arts, and while some studies indicate that participation in music making declines in high school, these young men began playing musical instruments in high school. Moreover, the salience and significance of the research participants’ casual leisure activities challenges the tendency to cast informal leisure as the antithesis of extracurricular activity participation. These findings raise questions about the applicability of using international activity categories in Aotearoa New Zealand research, and consequently the need to conduct our own leisure and positive youth development studies. 
Other topics raised in this thesis include rugby and masculinity, spirituality, and the tensions involved in building and honouring our children’s rangatiratanga (independence). The short answer to the research question is that a variety and balance of leisure activities has the potential to make positive contributions to boys’ lives. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

year: 2020