Search results

1 – 10 of 59
Article
Publication date: 22 February 2013

Neil Howlett, Karen Pine, Ismail Orakçıoğlu and Ben Fletcher

Clothing communicates information about the wearer and first impressions can be heavily influenced by the messages conveyed by attire. The purpose of this paper is to investigate…

12716

Abstract

Purpose

Clothing communicates information about the wearer and first impressions can be heavily influenced by the messages conveyed by attire. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of minor changes in clothing on the perception of a male model, in the absence of facial information with limited time exposure.

Design/methodology/approach

In an on‐line study, 274 participants rated four images on five dimensions (confidence, success, trustworthiness, salary and flexibility). The man was depicted wearing a bespoke (made‐to‐measure) and a regular (off‐the‐peg) suit, which differed only in minor details. Participants saw the faceless images for a maximum five seconds.

Findings

The man was rated more positively on all attributes apart from trustworthiness when pictured in the bespoke suit. The earnings of participants also played a role in perception, with higher earners giving lower ratings to both suit types.

Practical implications

Minor clothing manipulations can give rise to significantly different inferences. Even small changes in clothing choice can communicate different information to a perceiver. On the evidence of this study it appears men may be advised to purchase clothing that is well‐tailored, as it can positively enhance the image they communicate to others.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically investigate first impressions using time‐limited images with minor clothing manipulations on a faceless model. Impressions arose only from clothing and were not confounded by physical attractiveness or facial features.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2020

Sasekea Harris, Cheryl Folkes, Karen Tyrell and David Brown

In an experience economy, the alternative options for higher education are varied; resulting in competition and a deliberate focus on student experience to create competitive…

Abstract

Purpose

In an experience economy, the alternative options for higher education are varied; resulting in competition and a deliberate focus on student experience to create competitive advantage. In this regard, the various constituents of the university, including the library, are required to transform the organisational culture, specifically, the service culture, to engage students in a way that creates a memorable experience. In response, The UWI, Mona Library re-launched its Customer Service programme: using an in-house inspired 10 element service model, with initiatives aimed at realising each element, the library purposed to build a service culture. This paper seeks to assess employees' perception of the impact of the initiatives of this model.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey research employed individual interviews to assess employees' perception of the impact of the initiatives of the service model, with the objective of refining the model, where needed, for continued use in the Mona Library, and for use in libraries desirous of implementing the model.

Findings

The initiatives of the service model are creating the desired customer service culture and aspects have been identified for refinement.

Research limitations/implications

The model is based on the needs, experiences, history, culture and strategic priorities of one Caribbean university library. It centres on the employees and their perception. As such, it focuses less on the product, space and the external customer; but it is hoped that by focusing on the employees (specifically creating a service culture amongst them) that this will ultimately impact product, space and the overall customer experience.

Practical implications

Provides the top priorities and considerations for a practicing Caribbean / developing country academic library manger, with an interest in a model for nurturing service culture amongst the employees.

Originality/value

This paper is of value as it centres on creating a service culture, rather than on the usual customer service satisfaction survey, offers a service model and adds to the literature on customer service in academic libraries.

Details

Library Management, vol. 41 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2009

Gulcin Gumus, Nancy Borkowski, Gloria J. Deckard and Karen J. Martel

As a profession, healthcare management values commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Individual participation, however, is voluntary and…

1372

Abstract

Purpose

As a profession, healthcare management values commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Individual participation, however, is voluntary and healthcare managers choose to participate based in part on perceptions of organizational support (rewards, promotion and recognition) as well as on individual values. As women are narrowing the career attainment gap, participation in development activities may play a critical role. This paper aims to present a pilot study which assesses the differences in male and female healthcare managers' participation in professional development activities and perceived organizational support.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory survey was emailed to current and past members of three professional associations who share similar missions “to provide educational and networking opportunities” for their members in the southern region of Florida.

Findings

The findings suggest that women healthcare managers are less likely to pursue professional development activities than their male counterparts even when the outcome (i.e. obtaining professional certification) is associated with career advancement and salary increases. Furthermore, men are more likely than women to attend multiple continuing education programs when paying out of pocket.

Research limitations/implications

This pilot study is one of the first attempts to account for the factors that explain gender differences in pursuing personal development activities. Rather than conclusive judgments, it provides directions for further research.

Practical implications

As professional and leadership competencies become more ingrained in the industry, women may need to recognize and commit to development activities associated with healthcare leadership and management.

Originality/value

Competencies gained through professional development activities may impact career attainment.

Details

Leadership in Health Services, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1879

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1987

On April 2, 1987, IBM unveiled a series of long‐awaited new hardware and software products. The new computer line, dubbed the Personal Systems 30, 50, 60, and 80, seems destined…

Abstract

On April 2, 1987, IBM unveiled a series of long‐awaited new hardware and software products. The new computer line, dubbed the Personal Systems 30, 50, 60, and 80, seems destined to replace the XT and AT models that are the mainstay of the firm's current personal computer offerings. The numerous changes in hardware and software, while representing improvements on previous IBM technology, will require users purchasing additional computers to make difficult choices as to which of the two IBM architectures to adopt.

Details

M300 and PC Report, vol. 4 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0743-7633

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2007

Robert Fox

This column aims to explore the important issue of developing native skills in the library profession in order to develop and maintain library applications.

470

Abstract

Purpose

This column aims to explore the important issue of developing native skills in the library profession in order to develop and maintain library applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the issue of developing native skills in the library profession in order to develop and maintain library applications.

Findings

This column is simply exploratory, and examines issues surrounding the utility and cost effectiveness of library developed software and the issue of related professional skills.

Practical implications

In order to prepare for the future and take the tools necessary to perform library work in the twenty‐first century, professional librarians and library staff members need to seriously evaluate their skill sets.

Originality/value

This column provides points of discussion for professional librarians and library staff concerning the issue of the skill sets required to develop and maintain library related software in order to meet the increasing demands of our patrons.

Details

OCLC Systems & Services: International digital library perspectives, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1065-075X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2007

Mitchell Brown

To report the highlights of the annual Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) Top Technology Trends program at 2007 American Library Association Annual Conference…

586

Abstract

Purpose

To report the highlights of the annual Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) Top Technology Trends program at 2007 American Library Association Annual Conference in Washington, DC.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a brief review of the conference program on technology issues in libraries.

Findings

This summary of LITA section Top Technology Trends program with presentations and information. The presentations focus is on new technologies and their applications in a variety of library environments. The program offered a wide variety of timely presentations that were on new and emerging technologies and the application to the library environment.

Originality/value

Provides descriptions of opinions on technological trends in library and information services from industry professionals.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 24 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2021

Karen L. Amendola, Maria Valdovinos Olson, Julie Grieco and Teresina G. Robbins

The purpose of this research is to initiate the development of a police-specific measure of work–family conflict (WFC) to assess spouse and/or partner perceptions of the impact of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to initiate the development of a police-specific measure of work–family conflict (WFC) to assess spouse and/or partner perceptions of the impact of WFC on them, their family and/or their personal lives by tapping existing dimensions of WFC and proposing three dimensions that may be specific to the policing profession. This developmental and exploratory work will serve as the basis for sample data collection with spouses of police.

Design/methodology/approach

For over five decades, researchers have examined the construct of WFC, a phenomenon that refers to the impact of work-related issues on the family of the worker. Despite the fact that policing is a high-stress profession, now under considerable scrutiny and increasing public pressure, much less is known about WFC in police families and the perceptions of spouses and/or partners of police officers regarding WFC. The methodology for developing this scale follows that recommended by psychometricians in the construction of reliable and valid scales for use in both descriptive and predictive research.

Findings

The data reported were generated from an initial content validity study relying on 14 subject matter experts with backgrounds in policing, police research and/or psychometrics and approximately 20 spouses/partners (significant others of police officers). The findings provide preliminary evidence for six potential dimensions of WFC totaling 34 items.

Originality/value

While some researchers have assessed the extent to which certain work-related factors impact police officers' family members, none have tapped additional domain-specific items for police while also surveying spouses and/or partners of officers.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2003

Lori Weeks and Karen Roberto

Although older women are at disproportionate risk of falling and becoming injured, little is known about the effect of falling on their quality of life. In this qualitative study…

Abstract

Although older women are at disproportionate risk of falling and becoming injured, little is known about the effect of falling on their quality of life. In this qualitative study, we examined the perceived causes of falling among older women, identified how older women's quality of life is influenced by falls, and explored how women can be empowered to prevent falls from occurring in their lives. Women who participated in focus groups indicated that the consequences of falling ranged in severity and duration and encompassed physical and psychosocial domains. The women took some ownership of preventing falls in their lives and believed that falls were caused by factors in the physical environment and personal health factors and practices. The results allow us to gain insight into the consequences of falls on the lives of older women, and that older women can influence change by preventing falls from occurring in their lives.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2007

Tim Forsyth

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to debates about environmental policy in developing countries by examining how far sustainable livelihoods approaches (SLAs) to…

1770

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to debates about environmental policy in developing countries by examining how far sustainable livelihoods approaches (SLAs) to development may allow an alternative and less universalistic approach to environmental changes such as soil erosion.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview of debates about environmental narratives and SLAs. There are tensions in both debates, about how far local institutions represent adaptations to predefined environmental risks, or instead enable a redefinition of risks according to the experience of poor people. In addition, there is a tension in how far SLAs should be seen as a fixed institutional design, or as a framework for organizing ideas and concerns about development. The paper presents research on soil erosion in Thailand as a case study of how SLAs can redefine risks from erosion for poor people.

Findings

SLAs provide a more contextual analysis of how environmental changes such as soil erosion represent risk to different land users, and hence SLAs can make environmental interventions more relevant for reducing vulnerability. But this approach can only succeed if intervener agencies are willing to consider challenging pre‐existing environmental narratives in order to empower local livelihoods.

Originality/value

The paper adds to existing research on SLAs by exploring the implications of SLAs for redefining environmental assumptions. The paper forms part of work aiming to make debates about the politics of environmental knowledge and science more practically relevant within development policy.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 34 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

Lisa Mitten

Native Americans made an early appearance on the Internet in 1994. The number of Indian‐run Web sites about Native American issues, histories and cultures continues to expand. Web…

843

Abstract

Native Americans made an early appearance on the Internet in 1994. The number of Indian‐run Web sites about Native American issues, histories and cultures continues to expand. Web sites are created and maintained by Indian tribes, organizations and individuals, and may be directed at tribal members, the non‐Indian public, or both. Major categories of Indian Web sites include tribes, organizations, education, media, businesses, music and languages. This article looks at 120 selected Web sites on these topics.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

1 – 10 of 59