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Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Liliana Ávila, Luís Miguel D.F. Ferreira and Marlene Amorim

Social enterprises live in the limbo between social and market objectives, posing many operations management challenges. This study extends the discussion of operational…

Abstract

Purpose

Social enterprises live in the limbo between social and market objectives, posing many operations management challenges. This study extends the discussion of operational priorities, which has focused on purely for-profit organisations, to the context of social enterprises by exploring, from a resource-based perspective, which resources and operational priorities are most important to them and how they are used to respond to conflicting demands.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case study research was carried out involving five Portuguese social enterprises, representative of the main sectors in which social enterprises operate in Europe. Ten semi-structured interviews with directors and other high-ranking respondents were conducted, and content was analysed to gather evidence on the key resources and operational priorities pursued by social enterprises. Cross-case conclusions were drawn, resulting in theoretical propositions and a conceptual framework.

Findings

Findings suggest that social enterprises rely on intangible resources and combine different operational priorities, which may vary throughout their lifecycle. Community engagement has emerged as a specific operational priority, in addition to those already reported in the manufacturing and services literature. To balance conflicting demands, most social enterprises studied combine innovation with community engagement or customer focus.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the development of knowledge about the operations strategy in the specific context of social enterprises, an organisational model that has not been systematically addressed in the operations management literature, and brings the discussion of operational priorities into the social enterprise field, thus strengthening the link between these two fields.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 2 September 2024

Damian Mellifont, Annmaree Watharow, Sheelagh Daniels-Mayes, Jennifer Smith-Merry and Mary-Ann O'Donovan

Ethical principles and practices frequently support the position that people with disability are vulnerable. Vulnerability in research traditionally infers a need for protection…

Abstract

Ethical principles and practices frequently support the position that people with disability are vulnerable. Vulnerability in research traditionally infers a need for protection from harm and raises questions over the person’s capacity to consent and engage. In addition, vulnerability in ethics infers a state of permanency and one that is all-encompassing for everyone within the vulnerable groups. This construction of vulnerability in effect legitimises the exclusion of people with disability from research or monitors and restricts how people with disability can engage in research. This results in an implicitly ableist environment for research. In this chapter, which has been led by researchers with disability, we argue that there is a critical need to move beyond a popularised social construction of vulnerability which serves to perpetuate barriers to including people with disability in research. Like all terms, the traditional and popular construction of vulnerability is open to reclaiming and reframing. Under this reconstruction, what is traditionally viewed as a limiting vulnerability can be owned, openly disclosed and accommodated. Following a pandemic-inspired ‘new normal’ that supports flexible workplace practices, and in accordance with UNCRPD goals of inclusive employment and reducing disability inequity, we argue that the pathway for people with disability as career researchers needs an ethical review and overhaul. We provide readers with a practical roadmap to advance a more inclusive academy for researchers with disability.

Details

Advances in Disability Research Ethics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78769-311-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Osvaldo Hernández, Leila Regina Durán, Andrés Fresno and María Fernanda Chamorro

In response to the challenges posed by the social environment, numerous individuals with autism use coping strategies, engaging in a phenomenon known as “camouflaging” to mask…

Abstract

Purpose

In response to the challenges posed by the social environment, numerous individuals with autism use coping strategies, engaging in a phenomenon known as “camouflaging” to mask their distinctive traits. Despite the growing attention directed toward this area of study, to date, there are no bibliometric studies delineating the evolution of this research theme. This study aims to analyze scientific research on camouflage and the autistic spectrum published in Web of Science (WoS).

Design/methodology/approach

Articles on camouflage and autism were retrieved from the WoS. The advanced search interface used was “Title, Abstract, Keywords (autistic OR asperger syndrome OR Autism OR ASD AND camouflage OR camouflaging AND Masking).” The analysis and visualization of the selected records and their data were carried out using MS Excel (v16.0) and Biblioshiny (v2.0, R package).

Findings

Following the selection process, a total of 70 articles were included. Notably, the UK emerged as the leading contributor in terms of the number of published articles. Prominent authors in this domain included William Mandy, Laura Hull and Meng-Chuan Lai, who exhibited the highest number of published articles and citations. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders stood out as the most prolific journal. Predominant research themes encompassed camouflage (and its synonyms, masking or compensation), gender differences and mental health.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing knowledge on this topic, as well as identifying new areas of research related to autism and camouflage. Moreover, it serves as a valuable resource for health-care professionals, including physicians and clinical psychologists, who may seek to augment their understanding and proficiency in the field.

Details

Advances in Autism, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3868

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Julie Dachez, Sylvie Seksek, Natacha Ete, Marc Bianciotto, Marie-Pierre Toubhans, Zineb Rachedi Nasri, Raven Bureau and Philippe Garnier

The employment rate of autistic people is low, and they are often employed in low-paying jobs or in jobs involving tasks that fall short of their skills and competence. To address…

Abstract

Purpose

The employment rate of autistic people is low, and they are often employed in low-paying jobs or in jobs involving tasks that fall short of their skills and competence. To address this situation, the individual placement and support method (IPS) offers promising perspectives for personalized and long-term support measures. This evidence-based method has produced positive results in several countries. IPS has been used in France only since 2016. This paper aims to examine the experience of autistic people in France who have benefitted from supported employment measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Nineteen autistic adults in France took part in semistructured interviews. Interview questions focused on work and measures to support employment. The authors analysed the interviews using reflexive thematic analysis, within the paradigm of critical realism. The authors adopted a participatory approach; the project was led by an autistic researcher and autistic individuals were included at all stages.

Findings

This study identified six primary themes and three subthemes across the data: (1) The uphill battle to obtain adjustments in the workplace; (2) insufficient knowledge of autism; (2.1) explaining again and again: the educative burden; (3) the challenge of making oneself heard; (3.1) when the entourage steps in; (4) support measures as material assistance and reassurance; (4.1) between benevolence and condescension; (5) organizational factors that affect the quality of support; and (6) personal and professional life are closely intertwined.

Originality/value

This research provides a better understanding of how autistic people experience supported employment in France and highlights ways to improve it. Job coaches play a crucial role in offering practical help and reassurance, and their efforts to nurture an active personal life are perceived positively. However, supported employment also carries the risk of limiting autistic individuals' capacity for action and causing several difficulties if job coaches are not well-informed about autism, do not reflect on their own attitudes, do not assist in obtaining necessary accommodations and if there are organizational problems leading to a lack of resources.

Details

Advances in Autism, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3868

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 July 2024

Paige Milburn, Carol Galvin, Amanda Louise Bryan and Patrick John Kennedy

Factors that may influence risk and/or vulnerability to radicalisation or involvement in terrorism by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are currently undetermined…

Abstract

Purpose

Factors that may influence risk and/or vulnerability to radicalisation or involvement in terrorism by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are currently undetermined. The purpose of this rapid evidence assessment (REA) was to identify and review studies which consider the association between ASD and terrorism to explore potential risk or vulnerability factors and the implications for intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

The REA method was used to review the literature, with 16 papers meeting inclusion criteria.

Findings

Ten factors were identified as relevant to ASD and terrorism which were combined into four overarching themes: cognitive, social, psychological and ASD traits.

Originality/value

This REA presents a novel review of literature relating to ASD and terrorism. The findings are valuable to practitioners working with individuals with ASD who may present with the identified risk and/or vulnerability factors. The implications of these factors for intervention are discussed, along with directions for future research.

Details

Safer Communities, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-8043

Keywords

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