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1 – 10 of 85
Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Loretta M. Isaac, Elaine Buggy, Anita Sharma, Athena Karberis, Kim M. Maddock and Kathryn M. Weston

The patient-centred management of people with cognitive impairment admitted to acute health care facilities can be challenging. The TOP5 intervention utilises carers’ expert…

Abstract

Purpose

The patient-centred management of people with cognitive impairment admitted to acute health care facilities can be challenging. The TOP5 intervention utilises carers’ expert biographical and social knowledge of the patient to facilitate personalised care. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether involvement of carers in the TOP5 initiative could improve patient care and healthcare delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

A small-scale longitudinal study was undertaken in two wards of one acute teaching hospital. The wards admitted patients with cognitive impairment, aged 70 years and over, under geriatrician care. Data for patient falls, allocation of one-on-one nurses (“specials”), and length-of-stay (LOS) over 38 months, including baseline, pilot, and establishment phases, were analysed. Surveys of carers and nursing staff were undertaken.

Findings

There was a significant reduction in number of falls and number of patients allocated “specials” over the study period, but no statistically significant reduction in LOS. A downward trend in complaints related to communication issues was identified. All carers (n=43) completing the feedback survey were satisfied or very satisfied that staff supported their role as information provider. Most carers (90 per cent) felt that the initiative had a positive impact and 80 per cent felt that their loved one benefitted. Six months after implementation of the initiative, 80 per cent of nurses agreed or strongly agreed that it was now easier to relate to carers of patients with cognitive impairment. At nine-ten months, this increased to 100 per cent.

Originality/value

Actively engaging carers in management of people with cognitive impairment may improve the patient, staff, and carer journeys, and may improve outcomes for patient care and service delivery.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

Roberta Adami, Andrea Carosi and Anita Sharma

This paper aims to study long-term savings accumulation in the UK. The authors use cross-sectional information from the extensive data set of the Family Resources Survey to…

790

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study long-term savings accumulation in the UK. The authors use cross-sectional information from the extensive data set of the Family Resources Survey to compare long-term saving amongst different ethnic groups with the control group, the native population. The paper reflects on whether different groups are more likely to suffer poverty in retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

In this analysis, the authors apply the life-cycle framework to explain saving profiles. This theoretical model has been used extensively in the field of economics and can be applied to empirical studies to examine changes in income and saving patterns over the life-course. The framework contends that individuals make savings decisions to smooth consumption over different phases of their life-cycle.

Findings

The findings indicate that socio-economic factors are key elements in determining whether individuals plan for retirement if factors are controlled for the differences in saving behaviours between ethnic minorities and the control population decrease considerably. Asian women, with good education and social standing, display greater saving rates than the control group, while the socio-economic disadvantage suffered especially by Pakistani and Bangladeshi women is key to their inability to save long-term. High levels of poverty in retirement are more likely to be caused by the interaction of low levels of education, part-time work and long spells of unemployment than by ethnicity.

Originality/value

The important contribution to the debate on savings by ethnic minorities is the extension of the life-cycle model to specific sections of the population and to proffer new insights into their saving/dis-saving patterns and ultimately their welfare in retirement.

Details

Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1086-7376

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2014

Neeraj Kaushik, Anita Sharma and Veerander Kumar Kaushik

In developing countries like India, changing economic and social condition necessitated working of women irrespective of their religion, class or social status. But at the same…

6861

Abstract

Purpose

In developing countries like India, changing economic and social condition necessitated working of women irrespective of their religion, class or social status. But at the same time, it raised number of related issues like managing for family adjustment, working environment, etc. The purpose of this paper is to study gender issues like gender stereotype, gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the context of Indian environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was developed to collect primary data from 500 firms in India. The data collected through questionnaire was coded and tabulated keeping in context with the objective of the study and was analysed by calculating frequencies, factor analysis and one way analysis of variance.

Findings

Results elucidate seven job-related factors (infrastructure, HR functions, organisational climate, legal pursuit, empowerment, training and development and ethical concerns) and two individual factors (interpersonal and mindset) that are considered essential for women employees in Indian organisations. Analysis indicates that though age and level of management has no significant effect on these factors but male and female respondents differ significantly on their opinion regarding these issues.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents in present study have been taken mainly from service sector, manufacturing sector and education sector, thus the study looks at only organised sector. The research work suffers from the usual limitations of survey research method.

Practical implications

With women becoming an integral part of the workforce, managers must examine their reliance on stereotypical views concerning women. Gender is a socio-cultural phenomenon and organisations are a key aspect of a given culture. Organisational analysis needs to take into account the relationship between gender, gender stereotypes and organisational life.

Originality/value

The paper studies gender issues of gender stereotype, gender discrimination and sexual harassment on a pan India basis covering various sectors and contribute to the subject from Indian perspective.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2019

Shwadhin Sharma and Anita Khadka

Drawing on the taxonomy of patient empowerment and a sense of community (SoC), the purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors that impact the intention of the individual to…

1242

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the taxonomy of patient empowerment and a sense of community (SoC), the purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors that impact the intention of the individual to continue using online social health support community for their chronic disease management.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey design was used to collect the data from multiple online social health support groups related to chronic disease management. The survey yielded a total of 246 usable responses.

Findings

The primary findings from this study indicate that the informational support – not the nurturant support such as emotional, network, and esteem support – are the major types of support people are seeking from an online social health support community. This research also found that patient empowerment and SoC would positively impact their intention to continue using the online health community.

Research limitations/implications

This study utilized a survey design method may limit precision and realism. Also, there is the self-selection bias as the respondents self-selected themselves to take the survey.

Practical implications

The findings can help the community managers or webmasters to design strategies for the promotion and diffusion of online social health group among patient of chronic disease. Those strategies should focus on patient’s empowerment through action facilitating and social support and through creating a SoC.

Originality/value

An innovative research model integrates patient empowerment and a SoC to study patient’s chronic disease management through online social health groups to fill the existing research gap.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 December 2021

Katrin Schwaiger, Anita Zehrer and Boris Braun

This study targeted hospitality family business owners as essential pillars of the tourism industry. How they perceive aspects of the crisis and what they derive organizational…

1709

Abstract

Purpose

This study targeted hospitality family business owners as essential pillars of the tourism industry. How they perceive aspects of the crisis and what they derive organizational resilience from, including the role of their human resources, are explored. Internal and external factors of resilience are analyzed alongside different levels of resilience action.

Design/methodology/approach

The World Health Organization announced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In Tirol, the hospitality industry has particularly been affected as tourism businesses find themselves in the challenging times of returning to normal business, corresponding to the fourth phase in Faulkner’s (2001) Tourism Disaster Management Framework. The authors used a qualitative exploratory approach, using semi-structured interviews.

Findings

In taking on a holistic explorative approach, the authors determined several methods used by entrepreneurs in dealing with a pandemic crisis to increase business resilience at a specific stage. Internal and external resilience factors have been detected among three levels of resilience action (personal, regional and governmental). The most surprising result of the semi-structured in-depth interviews was the entrepreneurs’ rather positive outlook.

Originality/value

Generally, this study creates an in-depth understanding of the tourism businesses in their dealing with a global crisis, using family business owners as an exemplary stakeholder group. The authors bridge a gap in the literature by applying a holistic explorative approach in the early stage of a never seen worldwide crisis and by addressing organizational resilience. Three levels of resilience action give new insight into how the beginning of a pandemic crisis is handled and perceived by hospitality family business entrepreneurs.

目的

本研究的重点是作为区域旅游业骨干的酒店业家庭企业业主。探讨了他们如何应对危机, 以及他们如何看待自己的组织复原力, 包括其人力资源的作用。该研究进一步确定了企业业主的具体角色, 即在处理危机时的不同性格和个人处事方法。

设计/方法/途径

世界卫生组织(WHO)于2020年3月11日宣布了COVID-19的大流行。在蒂罗尔州, 酒店业尤其受到政府措施和旅行禁令的影响。在本研究中, 旅游企业发现自己正处于恢复正常业务的挑战期, 相当于Faulkner(2001)的旅游灾难管理框架中的第四阶段。本研究采用半结构化访谈的定性探索方法来研究问题并得出结论。

研究结果

在采取全面的探索性方法时, 我们发现企业家在特定阶段有几种处理大流行病危机的方法, 以提高企业的复原力。半结构化深度访谈得到最令人惊讶的结果是企业家们相当乐观的心态。

原创性/价值

总的来说, 这项研究以家庭企业业主为示范性的利益相关者群体, 取得了对旅游业处理诸如Covid-19大流行病等危机的更好理解。由于小型家庭企业对旅游和酒店业的重要性, 本研究以Faulkner(2001) 的旅游灾难管理框架为指导工具, 为旅游背景下的危机管理提供了新的视角。

Objetivo

Este estudio se centra en los propietarios de empresas familiares de hostelería que funcionan como la columna vertebral de la industria turística regional. Se explora cómo afrontan la crisis y cómo perciben su propia resiliencia organizativa, incluido el papel de sus recursos humanos.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) anunció una pandemia de COVID-19 el 11 de marzo de 2020. En el Tirol, la industria hotelera se ha visto particularmente afectada por medidas gubernamentales y prohibiciones de viaje. En el presente estudio, las empresas turísticas se encuentran en tiempos difíciles para volver a sus actividades normales, correspondientes a la cuarta fase del Tourism Disaster Management Framework de Faulkner (2001). Se utilizó un enfoque exploratorio cualitativo mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas para responder a la pregunta de investigación y sacar conclusiones.

Resultados

Al adoptar un enfoque exploratorio holístico, encontramos varias formas en las que los empresarios se enfrentan a una crisis pandémica para aumentar la resiliencia empresarial en una etapa específica. El resultado más sorprendente de las entrevistas en profundidad semiestructuradas fue el estado de ánimo bastante optimista entre los emprendedores.

Originalidad/valor

En general, el estudio crea una mejor comprensión de cómo la industria del turismo está lidiando con una crisis como la pandemia Covid-19, utilizando a los propietarios de empresas familiares como un grupo de partes interesadas ejemplar. Cubrimos una brecha en la literatura aplicando un enfoque exploratorio holístico y abordando la resiliencia organizacional abiertamente, lo que lleva a tres perspectivas que van desde el gobierno, la región y el individuo (percepciones de los propietarios de empresas familiares) en el contexto del Marco de gestión de desastres turísticos de Faulkner (2001).

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2018

Gabriela Leiß and Anita Zehrer

The purpose of this paper is to explore how intergenerational communication between predecessors and successors impacts on the entrepreneurial family and the family business, and…

2228

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how intergenerational communication between predecessors and successors impacts on the entrepreneurial family and the family business, and aims at developing a typology of communication patterns in family business succession.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on grounded theory methodology, ten in-depth narrative family interviews with predecessors and successors were conducted, transcribed and analyzed. The qualitative data analysis followed a hermeneutic approach focusing on in situ language phenomena such as positioning, syntax, semantics and interaction patterns.

Findings

The reconstruction of the interviewees’ subjective realities resulted in a theoretical concept with four communication types, varying between continuity and change, and between relatedness and autonomy. Given the fact that succession is not a single event but a long-lasting process, the typology can be transferred into a dynamic model for succession comprising three consecutive stages: intergenerational transmission, independent acquisition and finally interdependent development of the family firm heritage.

Research limitations/implications

First, the results are based upon a small sample size (n=10) that should not be generalized to the population of family businesses at large. Hence, to complete the overall picture, a broader survey among family-run firms by means of an extended qualitative or even a quantitative survey would be most valuable to generate more objective data. Another shortcoming is that the authors only investigated intra-family succession and challenges. No attention was paid to the various opportunities of external succession of family businesses, such as management buyout, management buy in, external management or liquidation.

Practical implications

Understanding the sociological and psychological aspects of communication helps family firms to identify characteristics in communication during their succession process. First, the knowledge that various communication types are highly dependent upon the personal interactions among the parties involved, might be an asset for family firms which are handing over their company in the future. Second, knowledge on different communication types might raise awareness for and prevent from conflicts and emotional relationships during the firm succession and thus function as a strategic advantage.

Social implications

Following a sustainable and responsible strategy, family firms can be regarded as the pillars of our economy. Yet, they can be compared to an endangered species often not surviving the transfer from one generation to the next. Succession seems to be a delicate stage in a company’s lifecycle, the failure of which threatens thousands of jobs every year. When it comes to the survival rate of family firms, the increase of communicative and reflexive competence as it is addressed by this paper, is one of the key factors helping the family to deal with conflicts and thus strengthen their self-efficacy.

Originality/value

The dynamic succession model presented in this paper gives experts a comprehensive insight into the inner logic of entrepreneurial families reconstructed by their communicative patterns. Understanding the different dimensions of succession lays the foundation for consulting and supporting family members in transition processes helping them to cope with intergenerational ambivalences and find solutions that are both beneficial for the individuals as well as for the business.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 April 2023

Ruffin Relja, Philippa Ward and Anita L. Zhao

This study explores the psychological determinants of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) use in the UK and reviews the efficacy of existing payment constructs.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the psychological determinants of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) use in the UK and reviews the efficacy of existing payment constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 533 BNPL users engaged in story stem completion. Template analysis was used, supported by the identification of four BNPL sentiment groups to enable comparison.

Findings

Whilst positive attitudes towards BNPL dominate, other psychological determinants are apparent to a varied extent. Psychological distance and ownership of borrowed money are redolent, while transparency and transaction convenience are less appreciable. BNPL users understand temporality beyond its current conceptualizations. Some users construe BNPL as a “savings” product, and hence payment format conceptualizations may be erroneous. Those with a positive sentiment foreground BNPL’s consumption and budget management benefits. However, the potential for unintended consequences is manifest across all users.

Research limitations/implications

The potentially unwanted consequences, or dark side, of BNPL use in the UK are highlighted. The specified constructs, whilst helpful, do not particularize the complex interconnected nature of the psychological determinants of BNPL use. Improved conceptualization offering richness and clarity is needed – temporality specifically requires consideration.

Practical implications

Users’ sophistication and misunderstanding are both evident, necessitating fuller conversations among various stakeholders, including, providers, policymakers, consumers and advocacy groups.

Originality/value

This research advances the scarce literature exploring consumers’ BNPL use determinants and challenges current conceptualizations surrounding payment format perceptions.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 July 2020

Anita Zehrer and Gabriela Leiß

This paper aims to explore the pertinent issues, barriers and pitfalls of intergenerational communication in business families during their leadership succession period.

7535

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the pertinent issues, barriers and pitfalls of intergenerational communication in business families during their leadership succession period.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on relational leadership theory, the paper makes use of an action research approach using a qualitative single case study to investigate communication barriers and pitfalls in business transition.

Findings

Through action research, interventions were taken in the underlying case, which increased the consciousness, as well as the personal and social competencies of the business family. Thus, business families stuck in ambivalent entanglement understand their underlying motives and needs within the change process, get into closer contact with their emotional barriers and communication hindrances, which is a prerequisite for any change, and break the succession iceberg phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should undertake multiple case studies to validate and/or modify the qualitative methods used in this action research to increase the validity and generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Given the large number of business families in transition, our study shows the beneficial effects action research might have on business families’ communication behavior along a change process. The findings might help other business families to understand the value of action research for such underlying challenges and decrease communication barriers.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to have addressed intergenerational communication of business families using an action research approach.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 November 2021

Mira Bloemen-Bekx, Frank Lambrechts and Anita Van Gils

This study explores how and when intuitive forms of planning can be used in a family firm's succession process.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study explores how and when intuitive forms of planning can be used in a family firm's succession process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an extended focus group meeting, consisting of individual, group and subgroup discussions with seven highly experienced external family business advisors in the Netherlands to gain a holistic understanding of the succession process and its underlying logic. The study also employs pre- and post-group questionnaires.

Findings

This study reveals that advisors perceive intuitive forms of planning as an integral part of the succession process, with the latter containing both intuitive and formal logic and activities. Both logics are used situationally and flexibly to deal with the uniqueness and unpredictability of the succession process and to build strong relations and manage relational dynamics in business families to address tasks, dilemmas and contingencies.

Originality/value

The succession process is an important part of business families' achievement of transgenerational intent. Creating commitment among potential successors begins when they are children, and understanding the role of the more intuitive forms of planning during the succession process will provide us with a more holistic perspective on its dynamics.

Details

Journal of Family Business Management, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2018

Md. Aftab Uddin, Monowar Mahmood and Luo Fan

Adopting a multi-level research approach, this study aims to investigate the impact of employee engagement on team performance. It further explores the mediating effects of…

8325

Abstract

Purpose

Adopting a multi-level research approach, this study aims to investigate the impact of employee engagement on team performance. It further explores the mediating effects of employee commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour on the employee engagement–team performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a quantitative method. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire survey using snowball and convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics and bi-variate correlation analyses were conducted using SmartPLS 2 and SPSS 20 software, and subsequently, a structural equation model was developed.

Findings

The study suggests that better employee engagement could improve team performance in organizational contexts. Organizational commitment and citizenship behaviour played a mediating role in the employee engagement–team performance relationship. Further research on the meditating effects of demographic factors is suggested to advance knowledge in the employee engagement domain.

Research limitations/implications

Based on premises of the social exchange theory and the employee stewardship theory, the study integrates multi-level variables to impact of individual employee engagement on organizational team performance. The findings of the study contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the impact of individual-level variables on team-level performance. It reiterates the need for multi-level modelling of organizational behavioural research.

Originality/value

The study used a multi-theoretical approach to investigate team performance in organizational contexts, i.e. individual employee engagement, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour. This integrated model using predictors from multiple levels demonstrates that team performance could be enhanced from interactions of different factors of individual behaviour.

Details

Team Performance Management: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-7592

Keywords

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