Search results
1 – 10 of 118Ummaha Hazra, Asad Karim Khan Priyo and Jamil Jahangir Sheikh
Bangladesh recently experienced frequent demonstrations by drivers of ridesharing applications. Since the drivers are not excluded from the technology environment, rather they are…
Abstract
Purpose
Bangladesh recently experienced frequent demonstrations by drivers of ridesharing applications. Since the drivers are not excluded from the technology environment, rather they are a part of the digital ecosystem, these protests may point toward the existence of unequal interactional outcomes for different stakeholders afforded by the digital system within the country’s social and cultural contexts. This research is an attempt to unveil the reasons behind value inequality experienced by drivers of ridesharing applications in Bangladesh and understand how power asymmetries influence adverse digital incorporation that can result in the emergence of resistance.
Design/methodology/approach
We obtain the data by conducting interviews with 91 drivers of ridesharing platforms in Dhaka, Bangladesh and analyze our data using thematic analysis. We propose an integrated framework unifying adverse digital incorporation (ADI) with the “powercube” model to illuminate our inquiry.
Findings
We find the existence of all three drivers to ADI – ignorance/deceit, direct compulsion and exclusion – exclusion being the most prevalent – that are experienced by the drivers of ridesharing applications in Bangladesh. We also find support for the four causes behind value inequality – design inequality, resource inequality, institutional inequality and relational inequality with the respondents placing the highest emphasis on relational inequality. There are visible, hidden and invisible forms of power involved in how the drivers are incorporated into the ridesharing platforms. The forms of power in the platform environment are exercised primarily in closed spaces and the invited spaces for the drivers are very few. The drivers in response to the closed spaces of power create their own space (claimed space) through the help of social media and other messaging apps. We also find that the power over the drivers is exercised at global, national and local levels.
Practical implications
Our research identifies norms specific to the social and cultural contexts of Bangladesh and can help decision-makers to make more informed choices during the formulation of future digital platform guidelines. Based on the research findings, the paper also makes short-term and long-term policy recommendations.
Social implications
This research has implications for creating a decent work environment for ridesharing drivers which broadly falls under the Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8).
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that integrates the ADI model with the “powercube” framework to reveal that the drivers working on the ridesharing platforms in Bangladesh are adversely incorporated into the digital system where value inequalities are operating within the power dimensions.
Details
Keywords
This paper proposes a set of recommendations based upon the limitations found with the application and assessment process to become a Special Constable (SC) with one of the 43…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes a set of recommendations based upon the limitations found with the application and assessment process to become a Special Constable (SC) with one of the 43 police forces in England and Wales.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants were recruited via online social media platforms Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as personal networks and the study was geared towards both respondents who had completed the whole of the application and assessment process, as well as those who may have withdrawn at a particular point or who failed an element of the assessment.
Findings
This study yielded several key findings. First, some respondents had limited to no knowledge of the role of the Special Constable, nor of the depth of police work that would be expected of them. Secondly, respondents indicated that they would have benefited from support during the application and assessment process, specifying the advantages that could be derived from a variety of sources such as local force input and workshop sessions. Finally, respondents stated that poor communication from recruiting teams impacted their experience of applying to the Special Constable programmes, causing them to rethink their decision to join.
Originality/value
This research proposes that a far greater input from serving Special Constables during the application and assessment process is key to improving the experiences of candidates, and to their chances of success with the programme.
Details
Keywords
Jacqueline M. Drew and Chantal Chevroulet
The purpose of this research is to empirically test the role of psychological contract breach in explaining the relationship between leadership style and procedural justice…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to empirically test the role of psychological contract breach in explaining the relationship between leadership style and procedural justice, burnout and psychological distress. This study provides important insights for police agencies who seek to positively impact, through the actions of their leaders, on both performance and psychological health of their officers. Drawing from the study findings, key recommendations for police leadership development programs are made.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study with a large sample of Australian police (N = 1763), explores the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) leadership style and two sets of outcomes. The first is procedural justice, an important job performance outcome related to police practice. The second outcome includes two measures of psychological health, specifically burnout and psychological distress. Psychological contract breach (PCB) is investigated in the current research as a potential mediator in the relationship between leadership and (a) job performance and (b) psychological health.
Findings
Using mediated regression analyses, high LMX leadership is associated with greater PCB, higher procedural justice and reduced psychological health impairment amongst staff. The relationship between LMX and procedural justice was fully mediated by PCB, meaning that PCB explains the relationship between LMX and procedural justice. Partial mediation was found for both psychological health outcomes. As such, leadership style has a direct relationship with psychological health, and is partly explained by PCB.
Originality/value
Very little research has considered the role of PCB in explaining how leadership style is related to job performance and psychological health outcomes in policing. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has empirically examined whether leadership style makes it more likely that a police officer will perceive PCB. And further, whether this breach is associated with reduced job performance (i.e. less procedural justice) and poorer psychological health (i.e. increased burnout and psychological distress).
Details
Keywords
Mohammed Mufaddy Al-kasasbeh, Ghassan Issa Alomari, Fakhri Abudl Kareem Bani Doumi and Haitham M. Alzoubi
The study aims to assess the impact of electronic learning (e-learning) on students' performance (SP), with an emphasis on the mediating role of sustainable education (SE) at the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to assess the impact of electronic learning (e-learning) on students' performance (SP), with an emphasis on the mediating role of sustainable education (SE) at the Sharjah Police Sciences Academy (SPSA). The urgency of this study was highlighted by the global COVID-19 pandemic that happened between 2020 and 2022, which emphasized the need for e-learning as a tangible and imperative solution.
Design/methodology/approach
The study applied a quantitative approach, targeting the 91 student population at SPSA in the winter semester of 2022/2023 who practiced the e-learning process. A comprehensive survey was implemented disseminating 91 questionnaires by Google Forms to all students. Of the total, 61 questionnaires were returned, resulting in a response rate of 67.03%.
Findings
The results revealed that e-learning predictors explained 85.4% of the variations in SP, and 46.4% of the variations in SE. The model demonstrated a strong fit and high predictive relevance. The indirect impact of e-learning on SP through SE was found to be positive and statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Consequently, the mediation effect was considered partial and statistically significant.
Practical implications
Policymakers and educators should consider findings of the study when designing educational programs and policies. Accordingly, the SPSA management could gradually focus on safeguarding a sustainable e-learning environment and improving high-tech platforms. This would involve creating a sustainable e-learning curriculum to enable students to remain informed on the best e-learning practices.
Originality/value
An empirical study is essential for exploring the optimal answers to inquiries related to e-learning, SE and their impact on SP. The finding of the current study may contribute to the existing knowledge on e-learning, SE and SP. Additionally, they may improve learning activities and provide more sustainable learning experiences, leading to enhanced learning outcomes for students
Details
Keywords
This study employed technological frames of reference (TFR) theory to explore officer attitudes toward body-worn cameras (BWCs) in the Chicago Police Department (CPD), identifying…
Abstract
Purpose
This study employed technological frames of reference (TFR) theory to explore officer attitudes toward body-worn cameras (BWCs) in the Chicago Police Department (CPD), identifying frames that may undermine compliance.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 officers, focusing on their perceptions of the BWCs’ purpose, adoption catalysts, effectiveness metrics and benefits and drawbacks.
Findings
Officers viewed BWCs primarily as tools for oversight and cited external influences and the department’s desire to be perceived as progressive as key catalysts for BWC adoption. There was widespread uncertainty regarding the criteria CPD uses to gauge BWC effectiveness. The protective feature of the cameras was cited as the primary benefit of the technology, while privacy intrusion and discretion were identified as key drawbacks. Noteworthy nuances were observed across these perceptual domains.
Research limitations/implications
The study focuses on a single police agency, limiting its generalizability. Nevertheless, it holds value for departments experiencing BWC policy compliance issues and those preparing to implement the cameras.
Practical implications
Insights into officers’ technological frames help identify perspectives that threaten desired use of BWCs and highlight necessary training and policy interventions that align officers' BWC readings with departmental goals to enhance policy compliance.
Originality/value
This study is among the few that employ TFR theory to examine officer perceptions of BWCs in a large urban police agency.
Details
Keywords
Kristina Marie Kokorelias, Anna Grosse, Dara Dillion, Joshua Wyman, Elsa Nana Nzepa, Meena Bhardwaj, Andrea Austen and Samir K. Sinha
This paper aims to provide an in-depth examination of culturally and linguistically diverse older adults’ perceptions of and experiences with the Toronto Police Service to inform…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide an in-depth examination of culturally and linguistically diverse older adults’ perceptions of and experiences with the Toronto Police Service to inform the development of a training curriculum for police officers working with older persons.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative descriptive study using virtual focus groups with 26 older adults from Toronto was conducted.
Findings
Three main themes emerged: understanding intersectionality; the impact of police officer attitudes and biases; and the need for age-friendly policing. Although many older adults rely on police services to keep them safe, there is dissatisfaction with some aspects of how police interact with older adults, particularly from minority groups.
Originality/value
Participants were older adults from culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are not usually included in studies on improving police services.
Details
Keywords
In the past decade, financial austerity has brought significant pressure upon emergency services in the UK. For the British Government, one approach to alleviate this pressure was…
Abstract
Purpose
In the past decade, financial austerity has brought significant pressure upon emergency services in the UK. For the British Government, one approach to alleviate this pressure was to increase collaborative efforts in core functions (e.g. information systems and technology) between multiple organisations. Despite the consensus that collaborations are key in addressing complex problems, the majority fail or become discontinued. This research explores the development of collaborative information infrastructures between one Police Force and two Fire and Rescue Services in the UK, with a specific focus on how the difference in culture, identities and rules and norms, can work in a collaborative emergency service environment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigated an example of successful development of a collaborative information infrastructure within the context of public safety and, specifically, the technology-based structures that underpin information management. A case study approach was taken, combining semi-structured interviews, document analysis and site visits. The study used activity theory as a theoretical and analytical framework.
Findings
The research revealed that creating a shared identity is not essential in emergency services collaboration, and organisations may maintain their separate identity, given they address other elements of the activity system (e.g. leadership, motivated subjects). However, pursuing this strategy will create multiple tensions throughout the collaboration process.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the information systems literature concerning inter-organisational collaborations in the public sector providing a novel view to the implications of maintaining separate identities, and the significance of misalignment between interacting activity systems.
Details
Keywords
Rui Sun and Ziqiang Han
This study aims to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 impacts and auxiliary police officers’ mental health as well as the moderating role of supervisor procedural…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 impacts and auxiliary police officers’ mental health as well as the moderating role of supervisor procedural justice.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the role theory and a police officer survey from China, this quantitative study investigates the relationship between COVID-19 impacts and mental health status among auxiliary police, a rarely examined police type. We also examine the moderating role of supervisor procedural justice.
Findings
Auxiliary police officers reported both negative and positive impacts from COVID-19, while the negative impacts were mainly in the work domain, but the positive impacts were primarily in the life area. OLS regression results indicate that negative impacts, especially work-related negative impacts, are significantly related to depression and anxiety, and supervisor procedural justice moderates the relationship between positive impacts and depression and anxiety.
Originality/value
Firstly, we adopted the role theory to examine how public health emergencies affect police officers in their work and life domains. Secondly, we advance the organizational justice literature by assessing whether supervisor procedural justice can moderate the relationship between COVID-19 impacts and their mental health. Thirdly, this research extends the literature on depression and anxiety of auxiliary police officers in China, who attracted less attention in current literature and policies.
Details
Keywords
Widura Abd Kadir, Umi Asma’ Mokhtar and Zawiyah M. Yusof
This study aims to conduct an analysis of the strategy used by Royal Malaysian Police in auditing investigation records and information.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to conduct an analysis of the strategy used by Royal Malaysian Police in auditing investigation records and information.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative methodologies were used based on the pragmatic philosophy and a case study approach.
Findings
This paper discusses the strategy for auditing the investigation records and information (AIRI), which includes the pre-auditing (input), auditing (process) and post-auditing (output) phases that will be used to develop the AIRI framework.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses on auditing investigative records and information that may not be universally applicable to all organisations.
Practical implications
The implications arising from this paper are those related to the need to understand, promote and implement auditing of records and information in organisations.
Originality/value
This study presents an opportunity and establishes the foundation for enhancing and broadening the scope of information auditing, a crucial component within the records and information management (RIM) life cycle.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to explore and conceptualize the emotional labor of racial minorities and women in the gig economy.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore and conceptualize the emotional labor of racial minorities and women in the gig economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on current research on gig workers' engagement in emotional labor and accounts of unfair practices in the gig economy. It calls out the presence of bias in algorithmic systems used within the gig economy as a means of control and gig worker management. The negative impact of such bias on a specific gig worker demographic is theorized.
Findings
Through a review of research on the nature of work in the gig economy, the paper suggests an unspoken mandate exists for gig workers to engage in emotional labor practices. Specifically, the nature of gig work in terms of algorithmic control, coupled with gig work dependence, often creates a need for gig workers to engage in emotional labor. This need is heightened for racial and ethnic minorities and women gig workers.
Research limitations/implications
As gig platforms increasingly rely on algorithms for management and gig workers face biases, this paper offers valuable insights that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the gig economy's impact on worker well-being. The paper discusses the need for more profound research into the nature of work in the gig economy and the life experiences of gig workers.
Practical implications
This paper has significant implications for organizations and gig workers. Understanding the relationships proposed in this paper can inform organizational strategies to enhance the well-being of gig workers and improve their overall work experiences, potentially leading to increased satisfaction and reduced turnover. Additionally, the paper recommends strategies gig workers can utilize to achieve positive outcomes.
Originality/value
The evolving work landscape, driven by the gig economy, necessitates a thorough understanding of new work dynamics. This paper sheds light on the often-overlooked diversity within the gig workforce, mainly focusing on the unique experiences of women and racial and ethnic minorities.
Details