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Article
Publication date: 16 November 2022

Carlena Orosco and Janne E. Gaub

While police culture typically refers to the culture among sworn police personnel, there are internal cultural differences between subgroups. This has been documented among sworn…

Abstract

Purpose

While police culture typically refers to the culture among sworn police personnel, there are internal cultural differences between subgroups. This has been documented among sworn personnel, such as the difference between street cops and management cops (Reuss-Ianni, 1983). The divide between professional and sworn staff in a law enforcement context has also been discussed at length (Maguire, 1997; Reiss, 1992), specifically the “us versus them” mentality that stems from feelings of isolation among professional and sworn staff. The relationship between dispatchers and officers is vital to public and officer safety; it is imperative that cultural barriers preventing effective collaboration between two of the most critical components of policing are identified, and recommendations to bridge the gap are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use semi-structured interview data from a sample of peer-nominated top dispatch de-escalators (TDDs) considered highly skilled at de-escalation with callers and officers. Reflexive coding techniques were used to identify key themes in an area largely unexamined by research.

Findings

The authors find that the police culture creates friction between sworn officers and dispatchers in a number of contexts. This diminishes organizational commitment and increases burnout and frustration.

Practical implications

There are several policy recommendations for both communications centers and sworn staff to foster understanding and increase collaboration, all of which may result in improved outcomes for community members, dispatchers and officers.

Originality/value

The authors use qualitative methods to explore the implications of the sworn-civilian divide for police practice, such as more effective de-escalation and incident resolution, as well as the conceptualization of police culture writ large.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. 46 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2011

Pascal Paillé, Pierre‐Sébastien Fournier and Sophie Lamontagne

The purpose of this study is to use three foci of commitment (to the organization, to the colleagues, and to the superior) to improve employee retention in high turnover work…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use three foci of commitment (to the organization, to the colleagues, and to the superior) to improve employee retention in high turnover work environments.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, survey questionnaires measuring affective commitment to the organization, the supervisor‐dispatcher and colleagues were administered to 294 truckers. The two‐step approach was used. While the first step involved a confirmatory factor analysis, the second step used structural equation modeling to test hypotheses.

Findings

Findings show that the model that best fits the data is the one in which both affective commitments to the dispatcher and to the colleagues affects the intention to leave the organization through affective commitment to the organization.

Originality/value

Existing research on trucker turnover has neglected to examine the role of psychological variables such as employee commitment. Using field theory premises, this research contributes to the literature on trucker turnover by demonstrating the relevance of using several foci of commitment to predict intention to leave the organization.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 April 2021

Charlotte Huard, Andrée-Ann Deschênes and Charles-Antoine Rioux

The main purpose of this research is to establish the relationships between emotional self-efficacy and workplace psychological health for emergency dispatchers.

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to establish the relationships between emotional self-efficacy and workplace psychological health for emergency dispatchers.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlational design was used to validate results of the study. Between December 2018 and February 2019, a secure online questionnaire was sent to dispatchers through four emergency call centers. Participation was voluntary. A total of 257 emergency dispatchers participated in this study. Gilbert et al.’s (2011) scale of workplace psychological health and Deschênes et al.’s (2019) scale of emotional self-efficacy were used. Multiple linear regression and Pearson's correlation tests were run using the SPSS 25 program in order to establish relationships between the two variables.

Findings

A total of three emotional competencies positively affect workplace psychological well-being (PWB), i.e. self-efficacy beliefs on managing one's own emotions, on managing other people' emotions and on using one's own emotions. As regards to psychological distress (PD), it is negatively correlated to self-efficacy beliefs on managing and using one's own emotions.

Research limitations/implications

One of the study's theoretical contributions is to broaden the scientific knowledge of emergency service dispatching, in addition to opening up a new field of study in workplace people management.

Practical implications

These scientific findings therefore show the importance of emotional self-efficacy in the workplace. The manager or the dispatch leader should focus on developing the following three emotional skills: self-efficacy in managing emotions, managing the emotions felt by others and using emotions. Training allowing the development of these emotional skills should be considered and would be beneficial for emergency dispatchers to maximize their well-being at work.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other study has focused on emergency dispatchers and included the emotional self-efficacy and workplace mental health variables.

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2002

Scott B. Keller

Competitive market pressures within today’s contemporary business environments have encouraged the partnership of many supply chain members. Of particular interest is the…

4003

Abstract

Competitive market pressures within today’s contemporary business environments have encouraged the partnership of many supply chain members. Of particular interest is the development of successful relationships between firms in an effort to gain product and service quality and efficiency that would otherwise go left unclaimed. This research specifically identifies the need for supply chain members to foster healthier relationships within the firm in order to realize more fully success and obtain the benefits associated with external partnerships. The concept of internal relationship marketing is employed and a model is proposed to aid companies in identifying the variables associated with marketing to the internal customer. The motor carrier industry provides an appropriate service setting for the analysis, and implications for retaining the very best customer‐conscious frontline employees are outlined.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 32 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2017

Anastasia Miller, Lynn Unruh, Ning Zhang, Xinliang Liu and Tracy Wharton

The purpose of this paper is to determine a baseline level of the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL 5) in emergency dispatchers in the state of Florida, as well as to examine…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine a baseline level of the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL 5) in emergency dispatchers in the state of Florida, as well as to examine the how it is associated with psychological resilience, perceived coworker support, different types of debriefing, and perceived organizational support.

Design/methodology/approach

This was done through a cross-sectional administration of surveys to emergency telecommunicators and dispatchers in the state of Florida.

Findings

In total, 186 surveys were completed by active emergency dispatch personnel across the state of Florida. The study found that psychological resilience, education, and perceived organizational support were statistically related to professional quality of life in Florida Dispatchers.

Research limitations/implications

There are limitations due to the nature of cross-sectional survey design and due to the sample size. There are also possible issues with the accuracy of self-reported survey answers. The lack of participation from all agencies also hinders generalizability.

Practical implications

This study serves as a reference point for a very under studied emergency service population. There are also implications that psychological resilience development in dispatch personnel would assist in multiple aspects of their professional quality of life.

Originality/value

This is the first study to use the ProQOL 5 on dispatch personnel in Florida. It also displays statistical relationships between factors which dispatch agencies could use to increase employee job satisfaction and potentially reduce turnover.

Details

International Journal of Emergency Services, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2047-0894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2022

Minakshi Sharma, Rajneesh Kumar and Anurag Jain

During high demand for the virtualized resources in cloud environment, efficient task scheduling achieves the desired performance criteria by balancing the load in the system.

Abstract

Purpose

During high demand for the virtualized resources in cloud environment, efficient task scheduling achieves the desired performance criteria by balancing the load in the system.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a task scheduling approach used for load balancing in cloud environment. Task scheduling in such an environment is used for the task execution on a suitable resource by considering some parameters and constraints to achieve performance.

Findings

The presented mechanism is an extension of the previous proposed work quality of service (QoS)-enabled join minimum loaded queue (JMLQ) (Sharma et al., 2019c). The proposed approach has been tested in the CloudSim simulator, and the results show that the proposed approach achieves better results in comparison to QoS-enabled JMLQ and its other variants in the cloud environment.

Originality/value

90%

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2012

Aleš Popovič and Andreja Habjan

The information system (IS) literature has previously emphasized the positive contribution of IT‐enabled quality information on decision making and firm performance, particularly…

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Abstract

Purpose

The information system (IS) literature has previously emphasized the positive contribution of IT‐enabled quality information on decision making and firm performance, particularly when firms operate in highly competitive and uncertain settings. Yet, our understanding of how such information potentially transforms transport operations and generates improvements in organizational performance is limited. In response, the authors conduct an exploratory comparative case study of three transport firms that have introduced the global positioning system (GPS) in their operations. The purpose of this paper is to focus on assessing changes in transport operations due to the use of the quality information GPS provides and the link between these changes and organizational benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews, direct observations and archival documentation in the three transport firms. Applying methods of a comparative case study, the data were analyzed by employing iterative and inductive analyses.

Findings

The results identify transport operations as the missing element in a more comprehensive explanation of previously hypothesized relationships between information quality improvements and organizational benefits in road transportation. Notably, it was found that different information quality affects transport operations in various ways. In addition, improved transport operations, namely transport service planning, vehicle routing and transport control, result in improved customer service, enhanced transport asset utilization, reduced transport costs and time, and in increased satisfaction of employees working within the transport process.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers a series of propositions that aims to stimulate empirical research and theoretical thinking on this topical subject.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable insights to transport firms, while providing and improving information quality for transport service planning, vehicle routing and transport control that results in organizational benefits linked to customer service, transport asset utilization, costs, and employee satisfaction. For information to have practical value, firms must use it in those transport operations identified as adding value to the firms' performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge this is an early attempt to inform firms in the transport industry about the information quality change following from GPS use and its implications for transport operations.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 112 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2013

Stephen A. LeMay, Larry Johnson, Zachary Williams and Michael Garver

Driver turnover has plagued the truckload industry in the USA since deregulation in 1980. Turnover in truck load firms averages above 100 percent in good economic times and over…

507

Abstract

Purpose

Driver turnover has plagued the truckload industry in the USA since deregulation in 1980. Turnover in truck load firms averages above 100 percent in good economic times and over 40 percent in bad ones, costing the industry billions of dollars. This research sought a best‐fit regression model to show how a firm might control its own turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper distributed a survey questionnaire to 800 truck drivers at a large US truckload motor carrier. The questionnaire included over 50 items with a seven‐point Likert‐type scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The paper analyzed 309 usable responses using regression analysis with scaled scores on aspects of a driver's job. The dependent variable was intent to quit (ITQ).

Findings

Research on truck driver turnover has focused on driver attitudes as determinants of ITQ, looking at drivers' attitudes that might lead to higher ITQ and higher turnover. In this research, drivers' attitudes toward top management and dispatchers did not influence ITQ, a surprising result that raises questions and suggests a new direction for research.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted in only one firm. Its results may not generalize to all trucking firms, especially not to smaller firms. The method used, however, does generalize. Other firms may use this same approach to identify the causes of turnover in their organizations.

Practical implications

This research demonstrated a method for researching the causes of driver turnover that are practical and accessible to firms of all sizes.

Social implications

This research was conducted in only one firm. Its results may not generalize to all trucking firms, especially not to smaller firms. The method used, however, does generalize. Other firms may use this same approach to identify the causes of turnover in their organizations.

Originality/value

The results of this research suggest that the relationship between drivers and the firm have changed, probably because of the extensive use of new technology. The methods used here will help large trucking firms allocate resources for driver management and retention. They may also help smaller firms understand the implications of investment in sophisticated technology.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 17 December 2003

Russell Cropanzano, Howard M Weiss and Steven M Elias

Display rules are formal and informal norms that regulate the expression of workplace emotion. Organizations impose display rules to meet at least three objectives: please…

Abstract

Display rules are formal and informal norms that regulate the expression of workplace emotion. Organizations impose display rules to meet at least three objectives: please customers, maintain internal harmony, and promote employee well-being. Despite these valid intentions, display rules can engender emotional labor, a potentially deleterious phenomenon. We review three mechanisms by which emotional labor can create worker alienation, burnout, stress, and low performance. Though not as widely discussed, emotional labor sometimes has propitious consequences. We discuss the potential benefits of emotional labor as well.

Details

Emotional and Physiological Processes and Positive Intervention Strategies
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-238-2

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 September 2023

Rongsheng Wang, Tao Zhang, Zhiming Yuan, Shuxin Ding and Qi Zhang

This paper aims to propose a train timetable rescheduling (TTR) approach from the perspective of multi-train tracking optimization based on the mutual spatiotemporal information…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a train timetable rescheduling (TTR) approach from the perspective of multi-train tracking optimization based on the mutual spatiotemporal information in the high-speed railway signaling system.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a single-train trajectory optimization (STTO) model is constructed based on train dynamics and operating conditions. The train kinematics parameters, including acceleration, speed and time at each position, are calculated to predict the arrival times in the train timetable. A STTO algorithm is developed to optimize a single-train time-efficient driving strategy. Then, a TTR approach based on multi-train tracking optimization (TTR-MTTO) is proposed with mutual information. The constraints of temporary speed restriction (TSR) and end of authority are decoupled to calculate the tracking trajectory of the backward tracking train. The multi-train trajectories at each position are optimized to generate a time-efficient train timetable.

Findings

The numerical experiment is performed on the Beijing-Tianjin high-speed railway line and CR400AF. The STTO algorithm predicts the train’s planned arrival time to calculate the total train delay (TTD). As for the TSR scenario, the proposed TTR-MTTO can reduce TTD by 60.60% compared with the traditional TTR approach with dispatchers’ experience. Moreover, TTR-MTTO can optimize a time-efficient train timetable to help dispatchers reschedule trains more reasonably.

Originality/value

With the cooperative relationship and mutual information between train rescheduling and control, the proposed TTR-MTTO approach can automatically generate a time-efficient train timetable to reduce the total train delay and the work intensity of dispatchers.

1 – 10 of 527