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This paper aims to explore how employees reconceptualized their time and space to order and structure their lives in an unprecedented scenario of nonvoluntary work from home.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how employees reconceptualized their time and space to order and structure their lives in an unprecedented scenario of nonvoluntary work from home.
Design/methodology/approach
Set in the context of lockdowns due to the pandemic scenario, the study uses a constructivist approach to collect data through in-depth online interviews to understand how employees coped with the challenges emanating in a nonvoluntary work from home situation. The respondents were purposively selected to reflect a diverse pool in terms of gender, familial responsibilities and age/tenure.
Findings
The findings present temporal and spatial themes that provide several insights into how employees made sense of time and space as resources to navigate their challenging work-home roles.
Research limitations/implications
In the present study, the authors found that when boundaries get violated, it does not necessarily manifest in the form of dissatisfaction with one or the other domain. The respondents in the current study show-cased adjustment mechanism to cope with the boundary permeability that happened. They adopted ways in which they could safe-guard their multiple identities in the situation they found themselves in, do justice to the salient roles in their lives, emerge as more empathetic humans and look forward to a brighter and more hopeful future. This opens-up a possibility of studying the theory behind human behavior in crisis-like situations and the degree of acceptance that people show when they find themselves in undesirable-unalterable situations.
Practical implications
A mental reorientation is required on the part of both employees and employers to navigate smoothly in this new “normal” and find more sustainable solutions to the problem if the remote working or hybrid mode of working becomes mainstay. Clear demarcations between work and nonwork time are a key element to ensure proper work schedules for remote workers. Offline meetings and get-togethers can be organized on a periodic basis to facilitate employee interaction and engagement. Participation of employees in key decisions becomes more important in such situations as it makes employees feel more connected with their work space.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is original as it is set in a completely unprecedented situation of lockdowns (during the pandemic) that affected the lives of everyone in some way or the other. The findings of the study are unique and insightful, as they help understand the sense-making mechanism adopted by people to successfully navigate through the crisis.
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Kim Moloney, Gwenda Jensen and Rayna Stoycheva
This study asks whether external auditors enable the transfer of policies to the United Nations organizations that they audit and, if so, what types of policies are transferred.
Abstract
Purpose
This study asks whether external auditors enable the transfer of policies to the United Nations organizations that they audit and, if so, what types of policies are transferred.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical research is based on a content analysis of 512 external auditor recommendations from 28 pre- and post-accrual reports of 14 UN bodies.
Findings
We find that external auditors do enable policy transfer and that such involvements may, at times, veer into non-neutral policy spaces.
Research limitations/implications
We did not analyze all UN organizations with accruals-based accounting. We also did not engage in a longer longitudinal study.
Practical implications
Our findings raise new questions about international organization accountability, the technocratic and policy-specific influences of external auditors, and open a debate about whether attempted policy transfers can be neutral.
Originality/value
The world’s largest group of international organizations is affiliated with the UN. External auditors help ensure that member-state monies are appropriately utilized. Our study is the first to compare pre- and post-accrual external auditor recommendations for 14 UN bodies. It is also the first to notate and study the attempted policy transfers from external auditors to the audited UN bodies.
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Pratheek Suresh and Balaji Chakravarthy
As data centres grow in size and complexity, traditional air-cooling methods are becoming less effective and more expensive. Immersion cooling, where servers are submerged in a…
Abstract
Purpose
As data centres grow in size and complexity, traditional air-cooling methods are becoming less effective and more expensive. Immersion cooling, where servers are submerged in a dielectric fluid, has emerged as a promising alternative. Ensuring reliable operations in data centre applications requires the development of an effective control framework for immersion cooling systems, which necessitates the prediction of server temperature. While deep learning-based temperature prediction models have shown effectiveness, further enhancement is needed to improve their prediction accuracy. This study aims to develop a temperature prediction model using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Networks based on recursive encoder-decoder architecture.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explores the use of deep learning algorithms to predict the temperature of a heater in a two-phase immersion-cooled system using NOVEC 7100. The performance of recursive-long short-term memory-encoder-decoder (R-LSTM-ED), recursive-convolutional neural network-LSTM (R-CNN-LSTM) and R-LSTM approaches are compared using mean absolute error, root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error and coefficient of determination (R2) as performance metrics. The impact of window size, sampling period and noise within training data on the performance of the model is investigated.
Findings
The R-LSTM-ED consistently outperforms the R-LSTM model by 6%, 15.8% and 12.5%, and R-CNN-LSTM model by 4%, 11% and 12.3% in all forecast ranges of 10, 30 and 60 s, respectively, averaged across all the workloads considered in the study. The optimum sampling period based on the study is found to be 2 s and the window size to be 60 s. The performance of the model deteriorates significantly as the noise level reaches 10%.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed models are currently trained on data collected from an experimental setup simulating data centre loads. Future research should seek to extend the applicability of the models by incorporating time series data from immersion-cooled servers.
Originality/value
The proposed multivariate-recursive-prediction models are trained and tested by using real Data Centre workload traces applied to the immersion-cooled system developed in the laboratory.
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Aslina Nasir and Yeny Nadira Kamaruzzaman
This study was conducted to forecast the monthly number of tuna landings between 2023 and 2030 and determine whether the estimated number meets the government’s target.
Abstract
Purpose
This study was conducted to forecast the monthly number of tuna landings between 2023 and 2030 and determine whether the estimated number meets the government’s target.
Design/methodology/approach
The ARIMA and seasonal ARIMA (SARIMA) models were employed for time series forecasting of tuna landings from the Malaysian Department of Fisheries. The best ARIMA (p, d, q) and SARIMA(p, d, q) (P, D, Q)12 model for forecasting were determined based on model identification, estimation and diagnostics.
Findings
SARIMA(1, 0, 1) (1, 1, 0)12 was found to be the best model for forecasting tuna landings in Malaysia. The result showed that the fluctuation of monthly tuna landings between 2023 and 2030, however, did not achieve the target.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides preliminary ideas and insight into whether the government’s target for fish landing stocks can be met. Impactful results may guide the government in the future as it plans to improve the insufficient supply of tuna.
Practical implications
The outcome of this study could raise awareness among the government and industry about how to improve efficient strategies. It is to ensure the future tuna landing meets the targets, including increasing private investment, improving human capital in catch and processing, and strengthening the system and technology development in the tuna industry.
Originality/value
This paper is important to predict the trend of monthly tuna landing stock in the next eight years, from 2023 to 2030, and whether it can achieve the government’s target of 150,000 metric tonnes.
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Adam W. Du Pon, Andrea M. Scheetz and Zhenyu “Mark” Zhang
This study aims to examine the determinants of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations and consequences of FCPA enforcements.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the determinants of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations and consequences of FCPA enforcements.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses publicly available data from Compustat, I/B/E/S and Thomson Reuters databases, combined with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) cases, to extract insights on FCPA violations and enforcements using econometric approaches.
Findings
The main determinants of FCPA violations appear to be firm size, multinational structure, country corruption and Sarbanes-Oxley Act control weaknesses. Traditional misreporting risks (F-score and M-score) do not predict FCPA violations. This study discovers significant differences between FCPA violations by motivation, as in, sale generation, rent extraction or cost evasion. Bribes motivated by sale generation or rent extraction are partially driven by the extent of the firm’s global operations, whereas bribes motivated by cost evasion relate to internal influences. This study also finds that enforcement is more salient for criminal violations (DOJ enforcement), compared to civil violations (SEC enforcement).
Research limitations/implications
This research provides new insights into the determinants of FCPA violations while underscoring the need for effective measures to combat bribery and promote ethical business practices. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to curtail bribery, offering valuable insights into the characteristics of firms more likely to engage in bribery and contexts in which these activities occur. It provides critical implications for regulatory bodies, highlighting the differential responses of firms to varying types of enforcement, namely, criminal versus civil, as the authors observe greater decreases in internal control weaknesses following DOJ enforcement compared to SEC enforcement.
Practical implications
For enforcement agencies, the findings underscore the importance of rigorous criminal enforcement against FCPA violations, highlighting the improved control environments prompted by DOJ actions. Managers will find this research relevant, as it demonstrates that a firm’s entry into international markets substantially elevates the risk of its representatives engaging in bribery with foreign officials. In addition, the results are of interest to regulators, revealing that the underlying motivations driving a firm’s activities can significantly alter the factors to consider that might lead to an FCPA violation.
Originality/value
This paper is the original work of the authors and explores the determinants and consequences of FCPA violations and enforcement actions since 2002. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first to explore bribe determinants by their motive and documents industry-wide benefits arising from criminal enforcement.
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Mark Ashton, Viachaslau Filimonau and Aarni Tuomi
Although virtual worlds, such as the Metaverse, can disrupt the hospitality sector, few empirical investigations have critically evaluated the scope and scale of this disruption…
Abstract
Purpose
Although virtual worlds, such as the Metaverse, can disrupt the hospitality sector, few empirical investigations have critically evaluated the scope and scale of this disruption from an industry perspective. This study aims to rectify this knowledge gap by exploring the opportunities and challenges of the Metaverse as seen by hospitality professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a Delphi study conducted with UK-based senior hospitality industry practitioners experienced in designing and implementing digital innovations within their organisations.
Findings
The Metaverse is most likely to be adopted by hospitality organisations willing and able to take risks, such as large and/or chain-affiliated enterprises. The Metaverse will not replace traditional hospitality services but supplement and enhance them with new layers of service. The main applications are in the context of events and experiences. The Metaverse will also provide the “try before you buy” option, revealing the opportunities to design digital twins of physical businesses. Young and technology-savvy individuals are most likely to first adopt the Metaverse. The key challenges of the adoption are attributed to the technological unpreparedness of hospitality organisations; market immaturity; inflated customer expectations; a skills gap among hospitality employees; and regulatory issues. These challenges require the engagement of various stakeholders to create an operational and monitoring framework for hospitality organisations to embrace the Metaverse.
Practical implications
This study highlights how the Metaverse can disrupt the hospitality industry at the level of strategic planning and business operations.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first empirical investigations of the potential of the Metaverse from the viewpoint of hospitality industry practitioners.
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Faiza Ihsan-Ghafoor, Rachel Worthington and Louise Coughlin
This systematic review sought to examine the research body on acquisitive offending among female offenders, specifically exploring what factors may take females closer towards…
Abstract
Purpose
This systematic review sought to examine the research body on acquisitive offending among female offenders, specifically exploring what factors may take females closer towards engaging in acquisitive offending and what factors may support desistance from this behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review was conducted, using the recommended guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A total of 8,129 initial articles were identified from the search terms, 77 articles were deemed suitable to meet the inclusion criteria and are explored in the results section. Papers were screened for quality appraisal and risk of bias.
Findings
Ten factors were identified that took females closer towards offending. Five factors were identified that took females away from offending. Based on the findings, four typologies of female acquisitive offenders were identified: short-term orientation (adolescent); mental health orientation; life-course persistent (theft); and acquisitive diversity (including robbery and burglary).
Research limitations/implications
Future research would benefit from exploring a more rich understanding of the mechanisms that underpin why females engage in acquisitive offending and what factors contribute towards their desistance. A wider range of bio-psycho-social factors, which may increase the risk of acquisitive offending, should also be considered in future research alongside ways in which interventions may be gender-responsive.
Originality/value
This review provides insight into the differing functions and typologies of female acquisitive offending. Interventions for each of these typologies are considered within the review.
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Dinesh Kumar, Hamed Taherdoost and Sunil Kumar
The objective of this research is to examine the connections between mindfulness, psychological empowerment and the manifestation of ostracism in the workplace, particularly…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this research is to examine the connections between mindfulness, psychological empowerment and the manifestation of ostracism in the workplace, particularly instigated ostracism, among university professors.
Design/methodology/approach
The study relies on data from 746 professors from a renowned university located in northern India. The researchers utilized pre-established scales to measure latent variables, and a seven-point Likert scale for evaluation purposes. The data were analyzed using PLS-SEM.
Findings
The results indicate a positive correlation between mindfulness and psychological empowerment, explaining 42.20% of its variance. Additionally, a negative correlation between psychological empowerment and workplace ostracism is observed, accounting for 1.70% and 5.20% of their variances, respectively. These findings suggest associations but do not imply causality, highlighting the need for further research to explore these relationships.
Research limitations/implications
Its focus on university professors limits the study’s insights from a specific region, potentially affecting the findings' generalizability. Future research should encompass a broader demographic and geographic range to enhance the applicability and relevance of the results across diverse academic contexts.
Practical implications
This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting a correlation between mindfulness and perceived psychological empowerment among university professors. It also suggests a potential association between psychological empowerment and reduced perceptions of the workplace and instigated ostracism. These preliminary findings, while not indicative of causality, could inform future research and the development of policies promoting mindfulness and empowerment in academic environments.
Originality/value
This study examines the correlations between mindfulness, psychological empowerment and ostracism within academic settings. It uniquely highlights the positive correlation between mindfulness and psychological empowerment and how this relates to reduced perceptions of workplace ostracism among university faculty. These findings suggest that universities could enhance work environments by focusing on these areas, potentially enriching higher education management practices.
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Adebukola E. Oyewunmi, Oluwatomi Adedeji and Abimbola Adegbuyi
Practitioners and management researchers have chorused the salvific tendencies of spiritual intelligence. Whilst the emergence of spirituality and its derivatives in the workplace…
Abstract
Purpose
Practitioners and management researchers have chorused the salvific tendencies of spiritual intelligence. Whilst the emergence of spirituality and its derivatives in the workplace is widely acclaimed, the conflict that exists between spiritual ideals and the capitalist ethos of modern organisations raises questions about dark manifestations. This incongruence necessitates the consideration of the misuse of spiritual intelligence.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts conceptual lens and theoretical arguments to interrogate the assumption of absolute constructiveness that is accorded spiritual intelligence in its framing and discusses the potential of a dark side.
Findings
The dark side of spiritual intelligence is its deployment to achieve self-serving purposes, to harm, rather than to help others. More practitioners and management researchers must acknowledge that spiritual intelligence and workplace spirituality may have dark manifestations and incorporate this reality in the assessment of organisations and the individuals within them.
Originality/value
This exploratory article joins the sparse extant literature on the dark side of spiritual intelligence and workplace spirituality. It contributes to the literature by offering critical insights into spiritual intelligence and the need to integrate the potential for misuse in the existing models.
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David Korsah, Godfred Amewu and Kofi Osei Achampong
This study seeks to examine the relationship between macroeconomic shock indicators, namely geopolitical risk (GPR), global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) and financial stress…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to examine the relationship between macroeconomic shock indicators, namely geopolitical risk (GPR), global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) and financial stress (FS), and returns as well as volatilities on seven carefully selected stock markets in Africa. Specifically, the study intends to unravel the co-movement and interdependence between the respective macroeconomic shock indicators and each of the stock markets under consideration across time and frequency.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed wavelet coherence approach to examine the strength and stability of the relationships across different time scales and frequency components, thereby providing valuable insights into specific periods and frequency ranges where the relationships are particularly pronounced.
Findings
The study found that GEPU, Financial Stress (FS) and GPR failed to induce significant influence on African stock market returns in the short term (0–4 months band), but tend to intensify in the long-term band (after 6th month). On the contrary, stock market volatilities exhibited strong coherence and interdependence with GEPU, FSI and GPR in the short-term band.
Originality/value
This study happens to be the first of its kind to comprehensively consider how the aforementioned macro-economic shock indicators impact stock markets returns and volatilities over time and frequency. Further, none of the earlier studies has attempted to examine the relationship between macro-economic shocks, stock returns and volatilities in different crisis periods. This study is the first of its kind in to employ data spanning from May 2007 to April 2023, thereby covering notable crisis periods such as global financial crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic episodes.
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