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Article
Publication date: 14 May 2019

Leonor Rodriguez and Pat Dolan

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of empathy in adolescents coping with maternal cancer to identify passive and active empathy forms and the role of these in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the role of empathy in adolescents coping with maternal cancer to identify passive and active empathy forms and the role of these in adolescent coping at a challenging time.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a secondary content analysis carried out on 15 adolescent interviews that were analysed to find the evidence of empathy in active and passive forms. Adolescents were between 14 and 20 years of age, their mothers were diagnosed with cancer in the previous 24 months to the interview.

Findings

The analysis identified more evidence of active forms of empathy than passive directed at ill mothers and their families as helpful behaviours and emotional support. Passive empathy was experienced by adolescents who did not have major changes in their daily routines because of maternal cancer. Both passive and active empathy were perceived as coping mechanisms. Maternal illness motivated adolescents’ empathy and encouraged actions to support their mothers, immediate and extended families.

Originality/value

Empathy is complex but can be important for adolescent development including their social skills and relationships; however, research has not evaluated the role of empathy in adolescents experiencing maternal cancer.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2022

Edel Tierney, Leonor Rodriguez, Danielle Kennan, Carmel Devaney, Bernadine Brady, John Canavan, Cormac Forkan, Anne Cassidy, Pat Malone and Caroline McGregor

Participation is the active involvement of children and young people in decision-making regarding issues that affect their lives. It is crucial in the context of child protection…

Abstract

Purpose

Participation is the active involvement of children and young people in decision-making regarding issues that affect their lives. It is crucial in the context of child protection and welfare systems and how they respond to the needs of children and young people. The purpose of this paper is to report on the evaluation of child and family participation in an early intervention and prevention programme implemented by the Irish Child and Family Agency. It provides an analysis of a comprehensive, “whole organization” approach to understand how participation is embedded in policy and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports on a comparative qualitative case study of the perspectives of managers and practitioners about participation practice, identifying the facilitators and barriers, as well as their perspectives of the sustainability of participation within the agency and its partners. The authors draw on two complementary, theoretically informed studies evaluating participatory practice within the Agency using qualitative interviews with participants.

Findings

Overall, managers and practitioners had a positive attitude towards participation and identified examples of best practices. Facilitators included training, access to resources and the quality of relationships. Challenges for meaningful participation remain, such as the need to engage, hard to reach populations. Differences were identified regarding how embedded and sustainable participation was.

Originality/value

This paper provides a critical understanding of participation in practice and how to embed a culture of participation in child protection and welfare.

Details

Journal of Children's Services, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-6660

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2017

Leonor Rodriguez

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the methodological challenges in the design and implementation of an emotionally sensitive topic involving research with adolescents based…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the methodological challenges in the design and implementation of an emotionally sensitive topic involving research with adolescents based on a study evaluating the experiences of adolescents and families facing a diagnosis of maternal cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper builds an argument based on experiences from the field of qualitative data collection with adolescents and builds on arguments that were identified in the literature to provide with a detailed argument on the methodological challenges that researchers can face while undertaking sensitive research with young people.

Findings

Carrying out research on sensitive topics is challenging because rigour can be affected by real people experiencing pain, sorrow and other emotions linked to sensitive and difficult moments in their lives. Researchers need to decide how they will deal with the emotional impact that these topics can have on them as people but also continue to carry out high quality research.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the current body of knowledge by describing the challenges faced in the field carrying out data on sensitive issues with adolescents but it also provides alternatives and solutions on how these limitations can be overcome from early stages of the research design until the dissemination of results.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2018

Leonor Rodriguez, Ann Marie Groarke, Pat Dolan and Padraig MacNeela

As an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth understanding of adolescent experiences of maternal cancer to identify…

Abstract

Purpose

As an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth understanding of adolescent experiences of maternal cancer to identify the individual and contextual factors that shape adolescent experiences and evaluates the potential applicability of the Family Ecology Model to the illness context.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis is focussed on three female adolescents who completed semi-structured interviews, which were subjected to IPA. Maternal illness is a challenge for adolescents, which can be improved or undermined by their contexts. The analysis yielded three sub-themes: family structure, social supports, experiencing maternal cancer at a time of transition and the lasting impact of cancer.

Findings

This study found that adolescent experiences of maternal cancer depend on their contexts from an ecological perspective the type and quality of adolescent interactions determine coping and adjustment. Maternal cancer can be difficult as adolescents are already facing specific developmental challenges. Future research can benefit from adopting an ecological perspective to further understand adolescent experiences to support adolescent that may be more vulnerable and benefit from additional supports. This is not a generalisable piece of research but it provides a very deep and detailed understanding of the impact of maternal cancer on adolescents’ developmental course and determines how the complexity of their contexts can serve as a risk or a protective factor at this challenging time.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of research by providing a comprehensive understanding of adolescents facing maternal cancer. The Ecological Model supports the findings of this research and proves to be a good model to understand the complex interplay between adolescents and their environments when facing a difficult challenge like maternal cancer is.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2022

Leonor Rodriguez, Pat Dolan, Michael Kerin and Annmarie Groarke

This secondary data analysis explores the unmet needs of adolescents experiencing maternal cancer in Ireland. Research has shown that one of the challenges adolescents deal with…

Abstract

Purpose

This secondary data analysis explores the unmet needs of adolescents experiencing maternal cancer in Ireland. Research has shown that one of the challenges adolescents deal with at the time of maternal cancer is having unmet needs that can impact negatively on their experience and their ability to cope through this difficult challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen adolescents completed qualitative interviews as part of a larger study that explored the experience of adolescent adjustment to maternal cancer. The transcripts of these original interviews were analysed using a secondary content analysis underpinned by the categories included in the Offspring Cancer Needs Instrument (Patterson et al., 2013).

Findings

The findings of this study suggest a necessity to individually explore the unmet needs of adolescents as these were not uniform even within a small sample of 15 adolescents. Unmet needs change and evolve over time as does maternal illness. Adolescents themselves identified the need for more education in the general public and in clinical practitioners on how to respond appropriately to their needs. It is crucial that adolescent's needs and emotions are validated at the time as part of the support provided for them.

Originality/value

This study provides important recommendations for practice and policy on how to provide tailored supports for adolescent who experience cancer in their families as currently there is a lack of effective and evidence-based targeted supports for this specific age group.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2019

Sergio Rodríguez Cañamero, Jorge García-Unanue, José Luis Felipe, Javier Sánchez-Sánchez and Leonor Gallardo

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the ways clients find out about a sport centre and the factors that lead them to enrol and influence their satisfaction with their…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the ways clients find out about a sport centre and the factors that lead them to enrol and influence their satisfaction with their membership. A secondary objective was to determine the reasons for continuing to attend a sport centre and how they influenced satisfaction towards achievement. Finally, the authors aimed to identify differences between reasons for enroling and reasons for continuing at a sport centre.

Design/methodology/approach

A specially developed 16-item questionnaire was sent to 125,000 clients and 21,043 responses were obtained.

Findings

Clients who found out about the centre through a recommendation or the internet were 25 per cent more likely to be satisfied with it than those who knew of the centre due to proximity. Similarly, clients who had a specific motive to continue using the centre, for example, to prepare for a sports competition were twice as likely to be satisfied with their membership as any other group (p<0.001).

Research limitations/implications

It identifies a set of research priorities for the journal and the field.

Practical implications

In conclusion, the option of staying fit is established as the most effective recruitment method for retaining clients at the sport centre.

Originality/value

This paper intends to do is to establish the bases of information and knowledge for the treatment of high motives, as well as for managers of sports centres to remodel their strategies of marketing to attracting customers.

Details

Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-678X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2020

Elisabeth Brito, Leonor Pais, Nuno Rebelo dos Santos and Cláudia Figueiredo

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the extent to which knowledge management (KM), customer satisfaction (CS) and organizational image (OI) discriminate quality-certified…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the extent to which knowledge management (KM), customer satisfaction (CS) and organizational image (OI) discriminate quality-certified municipalities from non-certified ones (ISO 9001).

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was carried out involving 81 Portuguese municipalities (40 certified, 41 non-certified), paired in a random sampling procedure. The Knowledge Management Questionnaire (n=1,372 municipality employees), the Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Organizational Image Questionnaire (n=3,096 residents) were applied. Multiple discriminant analysis was performed.

Findings

The results indicate that certified and non-certified municipalities are distinct based on a function that considers KM (competitive orientation and formal KM practices), CS (intangible and tangible factors) and OI (favorable image).

Research limitations/implications

The findings need further validation in other countries. However, the results highlight the importance of quality certification for both employees and residents.

Practical implications

The results encourage local public administration organizations to introduce and maintain quality certification.

Originality/value

This research is the only one, to the authors’ knowledge, that simultaneously explores organizational processes of KM, CS and OI in local public administration. The sampling procedure and the information from diverse data sources are unique contributions. The conclusions may aid practitioners and scholars in understanding these organizational phenomena in the context of quality-certified and quality non-certified municipalities.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2023

Tânia Ferraro, Leonor Pais, Nuno Rebelo Dos Santos and Vicente Martinez-Tur

The growing attention to business ethics, integrity and respect for human rights at work has become increasingly relevant. Decent work is an important concept representing the…

Abstract

Purpose

The growing attention to business ethics, integrity and respect for human rights at work has become increasingly relevant. Decent work is an important concept representing the promotion of human rights at work and business, the fulfilling and productive work maintained with social dialogue. This study aims to present the adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Decent Work Questionnaire (DWQ), allowing the decent work assessment in Spanish. Initially developed and validated for Portuguese-speaking countries, the DWQ’s Italian version was also recently adapted and validated.

Design/methodology/approach

The 31-item scale was applied to a sample of 1,528 Spanish high-skilled workers. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. Convergent and discriminant validity was tested, examining the links of the DWQ to Work Engagement and Burnout measures.

Findings

CFA confirmed the original higher-order model with seven factors, a very good model fit and good internal consistency reliability (α = 0.94). Statistical analyzes also supported its convergent and discriminant validity.

Originality/value

The results confirmed the DWQ’s Spanish version as a reliable and valid multidimensional measurement tool and strengthened it as a good cross-cultural measure of decent work.

Propósito

La creciente atención a la ética empresarial, la integridad y el respeto de los derechos humanos en el trabajo ha sido un tema cada vez más relevante. El trabajo decente es un concepto importante que representa la promoción de los derechos humanos en el trabajo y en las empresas, como un trabajo gratificante y productivo mantenido a través del diálogo social. El presente estudio presenta la adaptación y validación de la versión en español del Cuestionario de Trabajo Decente (CTD), que permite evaluar el trabajo decente en español. Inicialmente desarrollado y validado para los países de habla portuguesa, la versión italiana del CTD también se adaptó y validó recientemente.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

La escala de 31 ítems se aplicó a una muestra de 1528 trabajadores españoles altamente cualificados. Se realizó un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio. La validez convergente y discriminante se probó examinando los vínculos del CTD con las medidas de Work Engagement y Burnout.

Hallazgos

El Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio confirmó el modelo original de orden superior con 7 factores, con un muy buen ajuste del modelo y buena consistencia de confiabilidad interna (α = 0.94). También se apoyó su validez convergente y discriminante.

Originalidad/valor

Nuestros resultados confirmaron la versión en español del CTD como una herramienta de medición multidimensional confiable y válida. También reforzaron la idea de que este instrumento es una buena medida intercultural del trabajo decente.

Objetivo

A crescente atenção à ética empresarial, integridade e respeito aos direitos humanos no trabalho tem sido um tema cada vez mais relevante. O trabalho digno é um conceito importante que representa a promoção dos direitos humanos no trabalho e nas empresas, assim como o trabalho realizante e produtivo mantido com o diálogo social. O presente estudo apresenta a adaptação e validação da versão em espanhol do Questionário de Trabalho Digno (QTD), permitindo a avaliação do trabalho digno em espanhol. Inicialmente desenvolvido e validado para países de língua portuguesa, a versão italiana do QTD também foi recentemente adaptada e validada.

Desenho/metodologia/abordagem

A escala de 31 itens foi aplicada a uma amostra de 1528 trabalhadores espanhóis altamente qualificados. A análise factorial confirmatória (AFC) foi realizada. A validade convergente e discriminante foi testada, examinando as ligações do QTD às medidas de Engajamento no Trabalho e Burnout.

Resultados

AFC confirmou o modelo original de ordem superior com 7 fatores, com um ajuste de modelo muito bom e boa consistência interna de confiabilidade (α = 0,94). Também testamos sua validade convergente e discriminante. Ambas foram suportadas.

Originalidade/valor

Nossos resultados confirmaram a versão em espanhol do QTD como uma ferramenta de medição multidimensional confiável e válida. Também reforçaram a ideia deste instrumento ser uma boa medida transcultural do trabalho digno.

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2012

Rafaela Barros Paiva, Ana Neves, Vera Sequeira, Carlos Cardoso, Narcisa Bandarra, Leonel Serrano Gordo and Maria Leonor Nunes

There are very few studies that characterize the properties of the edible part from deep‐water fish species which constitute a new target for developing fisheries. Therefore this…

209

Abstract

Purpose

There are very few studies that characterize the properties of the edible part from deep‐water fish species which constitute a new target for developing fisheries. Therefore this paper aimed to examine the balance between health benefits and risks associated to the birdbeak dogfish consumption, with a special emphasis on the assessment of the risks of toxic metal intake.

Design/methodology/approach

Between September 2008 and May 2009, 82 individuals were analysed. The chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein and lipid content), essential elements (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sodium (Na)), toxic elements (mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) and fatty acid composition were determined using standard procedures.

Findings

The species is a lean fish (fat content <2.0 per cent) and for both females and males the mineral concentration in descending order was K>Na>Mg>Fe>Zn>Cu. The edible part of birdbeak dogfish is a good source of several minerals, namely K and Na, reaching respectively ca 18 and 36 per cent of the recommended daily intakes for a 150 g muscle portion. Polyunsaturated fatty acids prevail in the fatty acid composition of both sexes and significant differences between females and males were only found in palmitic acid, arachidonic acid and omega 6. Females attained larger length and higher Hg values. The risk assessment was established for three different consumption scenarios (one and two portions of 150 g per month and one portion of 150 g per week) and showed that only a regular consumption of one portion of a female dogfish per week posed a higher health risk (15 per cent).

Practical implications

This study presents the information about the quantity of shark muscle (in g) to be ingested in terms of the PTWI allowing each consumer to have access to the risks and benefits in eating this fish.

Originality/value

No data existed for fatty acid profile and risk assessment yet and this is the first information on the essential and toxic elements for the European waters.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 114 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Jorge García-Unanue, José Luis Felipe, Carlos Gómez-González, Julio del Corral and Leonor Gallardo

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of the environment on the financial performance in public sports agencies at the local level.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of the environment on the financial performance in public sports agencies at the local level.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of the socio-demographic, socio-economic and political environment on the financial condition of municipal sports agencies in Spain from 2003 to 2011 was studied by several regression models.

Findings

The results show a negative influence of the size of the population and a positive influence of the municipal taxes per capita. The influence of the political context is not demonstrated. However, the set of variables only explain a small percentage of the variance.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the possible existence of other non-controlled environmental variables. However, this study approaches genuinely the effect of the environment on municipal sports agencies, which has important research implications as it shows additional information to be contrasted with other researches in different countries or regions.

Practical implications

The information provided in this study will be of great importance for managers to select more objectively other entities in benchmarking development.

Originality/value

Finally, this study uses a non-exploited database and redirects performance management studies to other areas of service provision such as sport.

Objetivo

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la influencia del entorno sobre el rendimiento financiero de las agencias de servicios deportivos municipales.

Diseño y metodología

Se ha analizado la influencia del entorno socio-demográfico, socio-económico y político sobre la condición financiera de las agencias de servicios deportivos municipales en España, del 2003 al 2011, a través de diversos modelos de regresión.

Resultados

Los resultados muestran una influencia negativa del tamaño de la población y una influencia positiva de los impuestos municipales per cápita. La influencia del contexto político no queda demostrada. Sin embargo, el conjunto de variables utilizadas solo explica un pequeño porcentaje de la varianza.

Limitaciones e implicaciones de la investigación

La principal limitación de este estudio es la posible existencia de otras variables del entorno que no han sido controladas. Sin embargo, este estudio es pionero al analizar la influencia del entorno en agencias deportivas, lo cual conlleva implicaciones de investigación ya que muestra información para ser contrastada con nuevos estudios en otros países.

Implicaciones prácticas

La información proporcionada en este estudio será de utilidad para los gestores, al poder seleccionar de forma más objetiva otras entidades para el desarrollo de actividades de benchmarking.

Valor y originalidad

Por último, este estudio utiliza una base de datos no explotada, redireccionando los estudios de gestión del rendimiento a otras áreas de servicios concretas como la deportiva.

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