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Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Meggan Press and James Henry Smith

This paper tracks the literature through narrative progression from defining accessibility and inclusivity to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and disability justice. This…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper tracks the literature through narrative progression from defining accessibility and inclusivity to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and disability justice. This review culminated in the development of a check list of best practices for librarians who create online learning objects to consider. Then we turn to a case study of presenting these findings to professionals through the framework of UDL with a focus on multiple means of representation and engagement. We conclude with a reflective discussion on process and the potential for broader impact and future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a case study of informing praxis with existing research while experimenting to address gaps in the literature through practice.

Findings

This paper presents a strong argument for using UDL frameworks beyond primary, secondary and higher education to contexts where professionals may be learning.

Originality/value

The research surrounding UDL beyond standard educational contexts does not currently exist, inside or outside of the library literature. This paper presents a new paradigm in expanding accessible and inclusive learning practices to include less formalized learning spaces.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Ana Cid-Bouzo, Francisco-Jesús Ferreiro-Seoane and Adrián Ríos-Blanco

The best workplaces have been left out from the literature of social sustainability. These companies may cause a significant impact on society given their excellent human…

Abstract

Purpose

The best workplaces have been left out from the literature of social sustainability. These companies may cause a significant impact on society given their excellent human resources practices and the employer brand reputation derived from them. This study aims to fill this gap by analysing the social sustainability for the best organisations to work for in Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from an annual ranking for the best workplaces in Spain during 2013–2021, it is proposed to analyse critical social sustainability indicators, comparing organisations within and outside the ranking. Therefore, the authors ask whether companies from the ranking have greater female presence in CEO positions, generate more employment, pay higher salaries and contribute more to the public sector. Methodology comprehends descriptive, exploratory and inference techniques.

Findings

Although companies within the ranking achieve a higher score on it when the CEO is female, it does not translate into a greater female CEO presence with respect to companies outside the ranking. On the other hand, best workplaces achieve higher employment rates and pay higher salaries, almost all the time. Also, these excellent companies to work for generate more contributions to the public sector.

Originality/value

This research covers the relation between best human resources practices and social sustainability development, because the former is a great opportunity for pursuing the innovative and long-term policies necessary for the latter. Therefore, findings are valuable for managers and policymakers.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 20 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 February 2024

I. Zografou, E. Galanaki, N. Pahos and I. Deligianni

Previous literature has identified human resources as a key source of competitive advantage in organizations of all sizes. However, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face…

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Abstract

Purpose

Previous literature has identified human resources as a key source of competitive advantage in organizations of all sizes. However, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face difficulty in comprehensively implementing all recommended Human Resource Management (HRM) functions. In this study, we shed light on the field of HRM in SMEs by focusing on the context of Greek Small and Medium-sized Hotels (SMHs), which represent a dominant private sector employer across the country.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and 34 in-depth interviews with SMHs' owners/managers, we explore the HRM conditions leading to high levels of performance, while taking into consideration the influence of internal key determinants.

Findings

We uncover three alternative successful HRM strategies that maximize business performance, namely the Compensation-based performers, the HRM developers and the HRM investors. Each strategy fits discreet organizational characteristics related to company size, ownership type and organizational structure.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge this is among the first empirical studies that examine different and equifinal performance-enhancing configurations of HRM practices in SMHs.

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2024

Eugene Kafui Agbeka, Fanny Adams Quagrainie and Alan Anis Mirhage Kabalan

While operational performance is important for a company's competitiveness and profitability, this study claims that procurement may be required to drive operational performance…

Abstract

Purpose

While operational performance is important for a company's competitiveness and profitability, this study claims that procurement may be required to drive operational performance. This study aims to focus on how procurement practices is related to operational performance among selected manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested on a sample of 329 manufacturing firms in clothing and textiles, chemicals and plastics, food and beverages processing, wood processing, metal processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries in a developing economy.

Findings

The results indicate that firms with higher and optimal level of procurement practices achieve higher levels of operational performance. Regardless of the H1 rationale, this study suggests that increasing procurement techniques has a limit in terms of improving operational performance. This study establishes that extreme level of procurement practices is associated with decreasing operational performance.

Practical implications

This study calls attention to how managers can guide organizations in refining their procurement strategies and practices; there is the need to strive to strike a balance between diversification and efficiency in procurement.

Social implications

Manufacturing firms are often integral parts of local communities. The decisions they make regarding procurement practices can impact the economic health of these communities. Striking a balance between diversification and efficiency can contribute to sustainable business practices that benefit both the company and the local community.

Originality/value

As the main contribution, this study brings the additional perspective that extreme level of procurement practices is associated with decreasing operational performance.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 August 2024

Haerold Dean Layaoen, Ahmad Abareshi, Muhammad Dan-Asabe Abdulrahman and Babak Abbasi

Transport and logistics companies (TLCs) have adopted green practices to reduce their emission and waste in support of environmental protection requirements. However, not all…

Abstract

Purpose

Transport and logistics companies (TLCs) have adopted green practices to reduce their emission and waste in support of environmental protection requirements. However, not all green practices of TLCs have resulted in green performance (GP) because of inherent variations in internal abilities and external factors affecting firms in different operational environments. Using institutional (INT) and resource-based view (RBV) theories we develop a model that shows how institutional pressures and internal abilities impact TLCs’ GP.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinned by INT and RBV theories, this study utilised structural equation modelling on a cross-sectional survey of 222 TLC firms operating in the Philippines.

Findings

The study reveals that TLCs’ regulatory compliance, social obligations and competitor pressures have significant direct effects on TLCs’ GP while supplier integration and resource capabilities serially mediate the relationships. The findings indicate that institutional pressures and internal abilities that shape firms’ environmental policies and procedures explain TLCs’ GP.

Research limitations/implications

As a result of the cross-sectional nature of our data, findings may be time, population and prevailing situation dependent. The long-term validity of the research can be improved if longitudinal design is employed. We collected data from a single respondent considered as the best respondent. However, with time and resource availability, a jury of executives for each company would have been a better alternative respondent.

Practical implications

The findings of this research provide TLC managers, policymakers and other stakeholders with much-needed guidance for crafting policies and strategies for handling the challenges of caring for the planet and maintaining sustainable operations.

Social implications

Improving green practices of TLCs to enable waste and emission reductions is critical to the health and well-being of people and the planet. An environment free of pollution will result in fewer health challenges, fewer medical/insurance-related expenses, and, above all, enable a higher quality of life and a more productive workforce.

Originality/value

Studies have extensively explored the green practices of TLCs as well as the influences of both institutional pressures and internal abilities of TLCs on their green practices. This study identifies critical factors that significantly affect the GP of TLCs and provides a conceptual framework for a better understanding of the dynamics of strategic, tactical and operational issues that TCLs may face in their effort at greening the sector.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2024

Md. Mamun Mia

This study aims to fill a knowledge gap about the best ways to execute waste management regulations that support sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to fill a knowledge gap about the best ways to execute waste management regulations that support sustainability and environmental responsibility. However, the study seeks to investigate and assess how well waste management systems support sustainability and environmentally friendly behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Since the quantitative technique was used to discover and generate hypotheses about relationships between variables, it was chosen for the entirety of the study. The data collection from ready-made garments (RMG) in Bangladesh was carried out using a survey strategy that involved the distribution of questionnaires using a cluster sampling approach. The partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used for quantitative analysis with SmartPLS.

Findings

However, the results show the importance of waste management, green practice methods and sustainability for the company's goal of maintainable performance. On the other hand, PLS-SEM demonstrated that based on the provided t-statistics and p-values, all of the routes in the structural model are statistically significant at the level of p < 0.05. These routes also appeared to have far broader and more powerful effects. Principles of the circular economy are highlighted, as are the importance of holistic methods, awareness and education, stakeholder participation and fusing these concepts. Furthermore, it seems to affect significantly both short-term and long-term success due to its distinctiveness in sustained performance.

Research limitations/implications

Much time will be required to assess waste management methods and their long-term effects. A healthcare manager may adapt research findings to practice, ensuring the study enhances management and patient care.

Originality/value

This research addresses a significant literature gap by providing managers and policymakers with concrete ideas on integrating sustainability into operational and strategic frameworks. In today's competitive environment, integrating stakeholder engagement and green practices into core company operations is an innovative way to achieve sustainable excellence.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2023

Trinity McNicol, Bailey Carthouser, Ivano Bongiovanni and Sasenka Abeysooriya

The purpose of this study is to address the generalised lack of guidance on ethical treatment of corporate (e.g. non-research) data in higher education institutions, by focusing…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the generalised lack of guidance on ethical treatment of corporate (e.g. non-research) data in higher education institutions, by focusing on the case of the University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia). No actionable framework is currently available in the country to govern the ethical usage of corporate data. As such, this research takes a stakeholder-centred approach to data ethics; the lived experience of the stakeholders involved coupled with a theory-based ethical framework allowed the authors build to build a framework to guide ethical data practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a revised canonical action research approach focused on intervention on the context, the authors conducted a review of the literature on ethical usage of data in higher education institutions; administered one survey to university students (n = 168); and facilitated three workshops with professional staff (two) and students (one).

Findings

Collected data highlighted how, among other themes, the role and ethical importance of transparency was the dominant claim among all stakeholder groups. Findings helped the authors develop an Enhanced Enterprise Data Ethics Framework (EEDEF) emphasising transparency and stakeholder-centricity.

Practical implications

Legislation is the driver to regulate the use of corporate data in higher education; however, this can be problematic because legislation is retrospective, lacks normativity and offers scarce directions for cases that do not exactly follow within the legislative mandate. In light of these regulatory limitations, the authors’ EEDEF offers operators guidance on how to ethically manage corporate data in the higher education environment.

Originality/value

This study fills gaps in praxis and theory; that is the lack of literature and guiding ethical frameworks to inform data practice in higher education. This research fosters a more ethical data management by virtue of genuine and authentic engagement with stakeholders and emphasises the importance of strategic decision-making and maturity of data culture in the higher education sector.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 37 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 September 2024

Oleksandr Dorokhov, Krista Jaakson and Liudmyla Dorokhova

Due to population ageing, the European Union (EU) has adopted active ageing as a guiding principle in labour and retirement policies. Among the strategies for active ageing…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to population ageing, the European Union (EU) has adopted active ageing as a guiding principle in labour and retirement policies. Among the strategies for active ageing, age-friendly workplaces play a crucial role. This study compares age-friendly human resource (HR) practices in the Baltic and Nordic countries. The latter are pioneers in active ageing, and as the employment rate of older employees in the Baltics is like that in the Nordic countries, we may assume equally age-friendly workplaces in both regions.

Design/methodology/approach

We used the latest CRANET survey data (2021–2022) from 1,452 large firms in seven countries and constructed the fuzzy logic model on age-friendliness at the workplace.

Findings

Despite a high employment rate of older individuals in the Baltics, HR practices in these countries fall short of being age-friendly compared to their Nordic counterparts. Larger firms in the Nordic countries excel in every studied aspect, but deficiencies in the Baltics are primarily attributed to the absence of employer-provided health and pension schemes. The usage of early retirement is more frequent in the Nordic countries; however, its conceptualisation as an age-friendly HR practice deserves closer examination. Our findings suggest that the success of active ageing in employment has translated into age-friendly HR practices in larger organisations in the Nordics, but not in the Baltics. It is likely that high employment of older individuals in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is a result of the relative income poverty rate.

Originality/value

Our model represents one of the few attempts to utilise fuzzy logic methodology for studying human resource practices and their quantitative evaluation, especially concerning age-friendly workplaces.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

C. Zoe Schumm and Linda S. Niehm

Traditional purchasing best practices primarily follow a commercial logic and may not necessarily be applicable for social enterprises (SEs) supplier selection. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

Traditional purchasing best practices primarily follow a commercial logic and may not necessarily be applicable for social enterprises (SEs) supplier selection. This study examines how SEs focused on poverty alleviation select suppliers amidst competing institutional logics to achieve both social impact and economic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded theory methodology is applied to guide semi-structured interviews with 18 fair trade verified SEs. Constant comparison methods aided in determining the point of data saturation was reached.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that SEs select marginalized suppliers based on implicit criteria that is initially based on social-welfare logic and then through a blend of commercial and social-welfare logic based on company structure.

Originality/value

This study is the first to reveal that SEs addressing social issues do not follow the traditional criteria for supplier selection but have their own unique selection criteria when selecting suppliers.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 44 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Mervyn Conroy, Steve Kempster and Robyn Remke

This paper brings attention to the role of hybrid middle managers. In particular it explores the relationship of organisational purpose and role requirements.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper brings attention to the role of hybrid middle managers. In particular it explores the relationship of organisational purpose and role requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary research question for the original research was: What does it mean to hybrid managers to lead and deal with imposed changes (restructuring) to services? A novel narrative approach based on a synthesis of Czarniawska, Gabriel and Boje was applied. Accounts from interviews were condensed into narratives by initially using the categories defined by Gabriel (2000) as epic, tragic, comic and romantic and then further categorised into stories, themes and a serial (Czarniawska, 1997). The final stage of the three-way synthesised narrative approach incorporated Boje’s (2001) notion of “antenarrative” to include pre-emplotment elements.

Findings

Four narratives are provided that give insight to the nature of the struggles the hybrid middle managers were in the midst of. A struggle to address incongruent demands being placed on them that cause tension with their sense of purpose, organisational goals and their hybrid clinical roles and management roles. In the midst of these struggles the narratives illustrate the dynamic of ethical resistance that seeks a way forward. However, this appears to come at a health and well-being cost to the middle managers.

Originality/value

The paper offers up the notion of an added third bind to the traditional double, that of “ethical resistance”, a struggle to align organisational purpose with clinical and management role requirements. Theorising this third bind provides a new insight into understanding the context and dynamics of the hybrid middle manager role and behaviour. Indeed, the idea of ethical resistance may cause a revision of how resistance is understood.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 43 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

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