Search results
21 – 30 of over 4000Within the dynamic nature of labour markets, career systems have witnessed major changes in recent decades. This paper presents several career perspectives, to manifest a trend in…
Abstract
Within the dynamic nature of labour markets, career systems have witnessed major changes in recent decades. This paper presents several career perspectives, to manifest a trend in career systems and their meaning and implications for individuals, organizations and society. This trend may be portrayed as a transition from what may be labelled “linear career system” into a “multidirectional career system”. Possible explanations to the phenomenon are presented, with suggested ideas for analysing and learning from the trend. The last section of the paper presents the academic career model as a prospective role model for future career systems, suggested as an intriguing idea and food for thought. Such a mental exercise of examining alternative career models, different from the traditional concept of careers, may be useful for both theory development and managerial practice.
Details
Keywords
Ambreen Sarwar, Muhammad Kashif Imran, Nadeem Akhtar and Tehreem Fatima
This paper draws on the affordance perspective, to explore the social media (SM) usage experiences that might render valuable for academic women professionals, for knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper draws on the affordance perspective, to explore the social media (SM) usage experiences that might render valuable for academic women professionals, for knowledge exchange, networking and success. Owing to the increased SM usage during COVID-19 pandemic, this paper tries to find out that in what ways do SM affordances facilitate the underprivileged group of women professionals to grow in their careers in a masculine, conservative society through knowledge exchange.
Design/methodology/approach
By utilizing qualitative study design, the authors collected data from 31 women employed in Pakistani universities, through unstructured questionnaires. The responses were analyzed through Nvivo.
Findings
The generated themes suggested that women in Pakistan are aware of SM's potential for knowledge exchange among fellow professionals. They use it to aid them in communication, collaboration and networking. Additionally, they utilize it to share knowledge and build networks that are vital for career progression and success.
Research limitations/implications
The paper concludes with the implications for practitioners that would aid them in boosting career prospects for women academicians through SM usage in a developing country Pakistan; where women's career outlooks are not as promising as for men; or as bright as for women working in the developed economies.
Originality/value
This a unique attempt to explore knowledge exchange dimensions with the help of SM in the context of working women by the deploying the phenomenological approach.
Details
Keywords
Haiyan Kong, Catherine Cheung and Hanqin Qiu Zhang
This paper aims to explore the current situation of career management in China's state‐owned hotels and to delve into employees' perceptions of such activities.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the current situation of career management in China's state‐owned hotels and to delve into employees' perceptions of such activities.
Design/methodology/approach
To obtain a comprehensive view of the career management situation, three qualitative research methods were applied in the study, namely, case study, focus groups, and in‐depth interviews. The results were combined to provide a better insight into career management activities in China and employees' perceptions of these activities. Based on the data collected, career management practices in China's hotel industry are grouped into four dimensions: assessment tools, career development information, professional training, and promotion system.
Findings
The findings of the study reveal that not all Western career management activities are being practised in China's hotels. The results of the qualitative research methods also reveal several career management techniques with Chinese characteristics. Although career management plays an important role in human resources management, there is a gap between hotel career management and employees' career needs. To obtain the best result, it is necessary to find a match between the requirements of the hotel and the aspirations of the individual employee.
Practical implications
Based on the data collected, recommendations and directions on career management practices are established and given to state‐owned hotels management. By developing the four dimensions of career management activities, the paper generates important references and suggestions for further study in the area of employees' career development.
Originality/value
For both hotel operators and hotel employees, the paper is the first attempt to provide comprehensive information concerning China's hotel career management. The development of the four career management dimensions may serve as a basis for future study.
Details
Keywords
Indahwati Gunawan Go and Brian H. Kleiner
Looks at promotion as a method of recognition and reward and considers the pitfalls of selection and the potential for discrimination allegations. Outlines several promotion…
Abstract
Looks at promotion as a method of recognition and reward and considers the pitfalls of selection and the potential for discrimination allegations. Outlines several promotion systems adopted by many business organizations and their respective merits. Cites the need for performance evaluation and the methods which could be used. Provides recommendations for prompt, fair and equitable promotion and the need for effective communication and feedback to employees.
Details
Keywords
Sehun Oh, Diana M. DiNitto and Yeonwoo Kim
This study aimed to (1) systematically identify evaluation studies of U.S. active labor market programs (ALMPs) focusing on postsecondary education and job skills training for…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to (1) systematically identify evaluation studies of U.S. active labor market programs (ALMPs) focusing on postsecondary education and job skills training for low-income individuals with employment barriers (hereinafter, Human Capital Development [HCD] programs) since the U.S. federal welfare reform of 1996, and (2) provide a synthesis of common strategies used by programs that reported post-program earnings higher than poverty thresholds.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) criteria endorsed by the Cochrane Collaboration, we identified evaluation studies of HCD programs from seven electronic databases and experts' suggestions. Using data (e.g., post-program earnings, main types of services) extracted from the included studies, we describe common strategies used by the programs reporting earnings above the poverty level.
Findings
Of 877 studies identified from an initial search, 10 studies met our inclusion/exclusion criteria and thus were included in the final sample. Findings showed that HCD programs reporting earnings above the poverty level for a family of three were characterized by (1) curriculums targeting specific job sectors and occupations, (2) local employers' involvement in developing curriulums and providing work opportunities and (3) post-program job retention and career advancement services.
Originality/value
The present study used a systematic review approach to fill gaps in research regarding HCD-focused ALMPs in the U.S. post-welfare reform era by identifying common strategies the effective programs used to help participants obtain employment and exit poverty. Findings may inform the design and implementation of employment programs that will help low-income individuals with employment barriers acquire marketable knowledge and job skills, and thus increase their economic self-sufficiency via improved employment outcomes.
Details
Keywords
Cathrine Reineholm, Daniel Lundqvist and Andreas Wallo
The purpose of this paper is to assess previous research on conditions for managers’ learning and development in daily work practices and how such conditions may influence their…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess previous research on conditions for managers’ learning and development in daily work practices and how such conditions may influence their sustainability and also to propose a concept and a heuristic model that reconceptualizes and expands on the theoretical foundations generated in previous studies of managers’ learning and development at work.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on an integrative literature review. The literature search identified 1,403 unique studies. Nine qualitative and seven quantitative studies met the relevance and quality criteria and were included in the review.
Findings
The results of the review found associations between managers’ learning conditions, career opportunities, individual engagement and sustainability. However, the small amount of empirical data used in the reviewed studies and the cross-sectional design of the studies make it difficult to establish the nature of the relationship between different variables.
Practical implications
The results of this paper show that managers need to care for and take advantage of opportunities for their own development and not only function as creators of their employees’ development. Employers should keep in mind that the development environment includes managers and employees.
Originality/value
This paper contributes with an original concept of managers’ development environments and a conceptual model that integrates theory with results from the included studies. Based on the model, propositions that may serve as an agenda for future research are formulated.
Details
Keywords
Guo Zhiwen and Beatrice I.J.M. van der Heijden
The purpose of this article is to provide an assessment of business educational reform requirements in China, in the light of current employability needs.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to provide an assessment of business educational reform requirements in China, in the light of current employability needs.
Design/methodology/approach
After introducing the problem the paper discusses labour market demands for business graduates. The paper continues with a thorough conceptualisation of the concept of employability and current notions on career development, and concludes with proposals for reforming the business education curriculum.
Findings
Employability enhancement should be an integrated activity that is undertaken in close collaboration between different parties, and to eliminate recruitment bottlenecks, policies that affect both graduates' suitability and labour requirements are needed.
Practical implications
The paper is a useful source of information and advice for educators, employers, and business education students planning to invest in their future employability. The paper is meant to evoke discussion and to stimulate curriculum reform efforts.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on current labour market demands and offers insights for educational institutions engaged in optimizing curricula.
Details
Keywords
Drawing on existing literature and ongoing research in large corporations, examines the impact of employer work‐family policies on the career development of women. A summary of…
Abstract
Drawing on existing literature and ongoing research in large corporations, examines the impact of employer work‐family policies on the career development of women. A summary of evaluation research of work‐family policies and programmes, focusing on work‐related outcomes, reveals that relatively few studies have been conducted. Further, the primary focus of existing research has been to examine such outcomes as recruitment, turnover, absenteeism, morale and job satisfaction; few studies have examined the impact of use of family‐friendly policies on career advancement. Existing data indicate there is widespread belief that use of certain work‐family policies, particularly non‐traditional work arrangements, is detrimental to career advancement. Summarizes findings regarding the validity of this belief and deems them inconclusive. Discusses the influence of supervisors and corporate culture on the work‐family interface, and presents recommendations for further research.
Details
Keywords
Krista Loogma, Meril Ümarik and Raivo Vilu
Information technology (IT) is a new service sector characterised by an intensive dynamic that puts high demands of learning, flexibility and mobility on IT specialists. This…
Abstract
Information technology (IT) is a new service sector characterised by an intensive dynamic that puts high demands of learning, flexibility and mobility on IT specialists. This article identifies two features that are decisive for the formation of work identities of employees working in the sector: first, an “entrepreneurial” employment model that transfers responsibilities for skills acquisition, professional development and risk management to the individual; and second, a conflict between a strong identification with IT‐related technology and flexibility requirements. The article analyses the implications these features have in terms of the role of initial and continuing vocational training, skills demands and the professional development of employees working in the sector. It also discusses how boundaryless career paths, characterised by ambiguity and uncertainty, influence work‐related identities of IT specialists.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Hamid Murtza, Hafiz Muhammad Usman Khizar, Shahzad Ali Gill, Syed Muhammad Javed Iqbal and Saba Javaid
This qualitative study deals with the career longevity phenomenon in the hospitality sector of Pakistan and aimed at exploring the factors which become the reason for continuing…
Abstract
Purpose
This qualitative study deals with the career longevity phenomenon in the hospitality sector of Pakistan and aimed at exploring the factors which become the reason for continuing services in this sector for a longer period despite the prevailing perception of the short-term and unsatisfactory hospitality careers.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has taken up an interpretive social constructivism approach to carry out the research. The purposive sampling technique is used to solicit expert insights into the dynamics of the hospitality career. A thematic analysis was employed to identify the common themes, extract the meaning from the discussion patterns of the respondents, and outline viewpoints and ideas of the respondents.
Findings
The findings of the study are discussed at three levels of career, i.e. entry level, development level, and consolidation level. Long careers in the hospitality sector are a product of dedication and commitment to the job, professionalism, variety, complexity of the job, and healthy relationship with coworkers, supervisors, and guests.
Originality/value
The study links the belief of belonging and socialization attributes to the retention of employees in the hospitality sector jobs. Secondly, the study uses a qualitative approach to provide a diverse perspective of employee–industry loyalty rather than employee–organization loyalty. Thirdly, the study brings forth practical implications for personnel managers in the hospitality sector and proposes that the management should systematically stimulate the socialization of the workers to hold the talent despite providing workers with the opportunity to join another sector. Finally, the study informs about research limitations and directions for future research.
Details