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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 July 2020

John Fiset and Melanie A. Robinson

Scholars and practitioners generally acknowledge the crucial importance of visions in motivating and inspiring organizational change. In this article, we describe a two-part…

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Abstract

Purpose

Scholars and practitioners generally acknowledge the crucial importance of visions in motivating and inspiring organizational change. In this article, we describe a two-part activity based on visionary leadership scholarship and theory designed to teach students to cultivate foresight and consider future possibilities through the organizational vision statement development process.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an experiential design, the exercise draws on several empirically validated techniques to encourage foresight and future thinking, to help students place themselves in the shoes of the chief executive officer of a hypothetical organization and use dramaturgical character development strategies to craft the vision statements that they will champion.

Findings

The exercise has been used in three different business courses (N = 87) and has been well received.

Originality/value

The content of the exercise is adaptable to a variety of courses in which leadership and vision are focal topics – such as organizational behavior, strategy and leadership – and could also be modified for an online classroom setting.

Details

Organization Management Journal, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1541-6518

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2021

Nadia Zainuddin, Julia Robinson, Jennifer Algie and Melanie Randle

This paper aims to examine driving retirement and its impact on the well-being of older citizens. The concepts of value creation and destruction are used to understand older…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine driving retirement and its impact on the well-being of older citizens. The concepts of value creation and destruction are used to understand older consumers’ experiences with the self-service consumption activity of driving. This paper formally introduces the concept of value re-creation, as a means of restoring the overall value lost from the destruction of certain components of previous value structures. In doing so, this paper explores the different ways that resources across the micro, meso and macro levels of the ecosystem can be re-aligned, in order for older citizens to maintain their well-being after driving retirement.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, individual-depth interview approach was undertaken with 26 participants living in New South Wales, Australia. The participants comprised of both drivers approaching driving retirement age, as well as driving retirees. Thematic analysis was undertaken to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings identified that emotional value in the forms of freedom, independence/autonomy and enjoyment, functional value in the forms of convenience and mobility and community value are created from driving. Driving retirement destroys certain components of this value (e.g. enjoyment and convenience) irrevocably, however freedom, independence/autonomy, mobility and social connectedness can still be maintained through re-aligning resources across the micro, meso and macro levels of the ecosystem. New components of value are also created from driving retirement. These include peace of mind, which contributes to the re-creation of the emotional value dimension, and cost savings, which creates the new value dimension of economic value. These changes to the value structure effectively re-create the overall value obtained by individuals when they retire from driving.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this work is the formal introduction of the concept of value re-creation at the overall and value dimension level, and development of a conceptual model that explains how this value re-creation can occur. The model shows the resource contributions required across all levels of the ecosystem, expanding on existing conceptualisations that have predominantly focussed on resource contributions at the individual and service levels.

Details

Journal of Services Marketing, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0887-6045

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Melanie Pius Dsouza, Ankitha Shetty, Tantri Keerthi Dinesh and Pooja Damodar

Mindfulness is gaining popularity in the business world as a way to improve mental health and productivity in employees. However, the application of mindfulness for employees in…

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Abstract

Purpose

Mindfulness is gaining popularity in the business world as a way to improve mental health and productivity in employees. However, the application of mindfulness for employees in the hospitality sector is still in its nascent stage. This paper aims to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness practice on employees in this high-pressure service industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This narrative review identifies and integrates insights from journal articles researching mindfulness in the hospitality industry. Synthesis and reflective description of the literature reveal an exigent need for practice, policy-making and future research.

Findings

This review paper describes mindfulness-based interventions used in the literature. It shows how the practice of mindfulness stimulates a culture of well-being and effectiveness at work, consequently having a positive impact on the customer and the organization. It points to the role of mindfulness in helping hospitality employees deal with stress, depression, anxiety, burnout and emotional labor peculiar to this industry, lowering absenteeism levels and turnover intention.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for hospitality managerial practice, human resource (HR) policy development, employees at all levels in the hospitality industry, business coaches/trainers, educationists, students pursuing hospitality management and researchers.

Originality/value

This first review article on mindfulness in the hospitality industry lays the foundation to accentuate the need and benefits of prioritizing mindfulness in this sector. It provides directions for future research, application in HR management in hospitality and designing effective interventions.

Details

IIMBG Journal of Sustainable Business and Innovation, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2976-8500

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Melanie Feinberg

In this conceptual essay, the purpose of this paper is to argue that the structure of databases and other information systems provides valuable information beyond their content…

1050

Abstract

Purpose

In this conceptual essay, the purpose of this paper is to argue that the structure of databases and other information systems provides valuable information beyond their content. The author contends that reading databases – as a separate, distinct activity from retrieving and reading the documents that databases contain – is an under-studied form of human-information interaction. Because the act of reading databases encourages awareness, reflection, and control over information systems, the author aligns the author’s proposal with “slow” principles, as exemplified by the slow food movement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an extended argument to demonstrate the value of reading a database. Reading a database involves understanding the relationship between database structure and database content as an interpretation of the world. For example, when a supermarket puts vermicelli in the pasta section but rice vermicelli in the Asian section, the supermarket suggests that rice vermicelli is more “Asian” than “noodle.” To construct the author’s argument, the author uses examples that range from everyday, mundane activities with information systems (such as using maps and automated navigation systems) to scientific and technical work (systematic reviews of medical evidence).

Findings

The slow, interpretively focused information interactions of reading databases complement the “fast information” approach of outcome-oriented retrieval. To facilitate database reading activities, research should develop tools that focus user attention on the application of database structure to database contents. Another way of saying this is that research should exploit the interactive possibilities of metadata, either human-created or algorithmically generated.

Originality/value

This paper argues that information studies research focuses too heavily on seeking and retrieval. Seeking and retrieval are just two of the many interactions that constitute our everyday activities with information. Reading databases is an area particularly ripe with design possibilities.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 73 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2010

Richard Burdett, Vicky Hulbert, Melanie Robinson, Mark Richardson, Harriet Shaw and Simon Will

This article focuses on the use of film and animation at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorset ‐ a comprehensive with 2216 on roll. It cites the development of the Films for Learning…

Abstract

This article focuses on the use of film and animation at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorset ‐ a comprehensive with 2216 on roll. It cites the development of the Films for Learning (FFL) website as the driving force in the use of film and animation to promote and share learning. The article explores the various ways teachers and students have been using film and animation to help students with learning difficulties and includes:• how the English department have used film to improve listening and cooperation skills• how the ICT department have used screen capture software to help students with literacy difficulties• how the Education Extra department have used film to introduce a new course• how the Science department use film banks such as YouTube and National Geographic to help the lower ability students understand science topics• how the History department have made films with low ability students to help their understanding of historic periods.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2021

Katherine Dewey and Melanie Hodgkinson

The purpose of this study is to explore fathers’ experiences of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), taking into consideration how this experience fluctuates as…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore fathers’ experiences of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), taking into consideration how this experience fluctuates as their child develops from infancy to adulthood.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were used to investigate the experiences of fathers who have a young adult with ASD. Seven fathers participated in this study. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Four themes were identified, these were: ubiquitous impact, divergent support, impeding factors and facilitating factors.

Practical implications

Findings from this study highlighted the pervasive impacts of having a child with ASD. This study highlighted the need to educate health-care professionals, the general public and prospective fathers. Creating “dads groups” could help to direct fathers towards other people who understand their situation. Finally, trialling methods to accelerate fathers’ acceptance, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), could help to reduce psychological stress.

Originality/value

To date, most research largely focusses on mothers’ experiences, as mothers are typically seen as the primary caregiver. Previous research also tends to focus on the earlier years of life. This research addresses the often-overlooked topic of fathers’ experiences, investigating their experience of having a child with ASD from birth through to adulthood.

Details

Advances in Autism, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3868

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2018

María Helena Jaén, Nunzia Auletta, Josefina Bruni Celli and Melanie Pocaterra

This paper presents an overview of Latin American (LA) publications on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and closely related themes that appear in ISI Thompson Reuters Social…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents an overview of Latin American (LA) publications on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and closely related themes that appear in ISI Thompson Reuters Social Science Citation Index journals, in the period 2000-2017. The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to understand the institutional context in which this research is being produced, and to reflect on how it can be improved. The second is to map out key research strands in this literature, to discuss its achievements and limitations, and identify opportunities for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative-qualitative systematic review was performed using a standard bibliometric approach. A total of 148 articles from 36 journals, indexed in the ISI Thompson Reuters Social Science Citation Index, were selected and analyzed. A systematic analysis was performed, based on a review protocol, which comprised following eight steps: research objectives, article search, articles selection, article identification, root themes coding, data coding, data coding validation and content analysis.

Findings

Research about CSR Latin America features a very low citation record. It is also very fragmented. Both of these characteristics reflect little conversation amongst scholars publishing on this topic in indexed venues. More generally, participation in these venues reflects the location of scholars working on this topic as peripheral actors in scholarly conversations. The study identifies many opportunities for future research that attend to key issues that are relevant for Latin America and that will stimulate a more dynamic conversation among scholars interested in the region.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study is limited to articles on CSR research on LA published in ISI journals. It does not show the whole trend of other academic and managerial publications in the region. Second, although the articles selected were retrieved based on 17 search terms derived from the theoretical framework, the complexity of CSR-related themes and its evolution could have caused some terms, and therefore publications, to be left out.

Practical implications

Results provide scholars interested in the region with updated information about the state of research on the topic and about opportunities for future research. They also provide business schools in the region with a valuable input for a comprehensive reflection on research policy.

Social implications

In the 30th anniversary of Academia (Revista Latinoamericana de Administración), this study offers recommendations on how research on CRS in Latin America could be made more visible and relevant.

Originality/value

This is the first bibliometric analysis of scholarly publications on CSR and related issues in Latin America. It is also unique in addressing institutional factors that may be conditioning intellectual production on the topic.

Propósito

Este artículo presenta una descripción general de las publicaciones sobre América Latina (AL) acerca de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE) y temas estrechamente relacionados que aparecen en las revistas del Índice ISI Thompson Reuters de Ciencias Sociales, en el período 2000-2017. El propósito de este estudio es doble. El primero es comprender el contexto institucional en el que se está produciendo esta investigación, y reflexionar sobre cómo se puede mejorar dicho contexto. El segundo es trazar líneas de investigación clave en esta literatura, para discutir sus logros y limitaciones, e identificar oportunidades para futuras investigaciones.

Metodología

Se realizó una revisión sistemática cualitativa-cuantitativa utilizando un enfoque bibliométrico estándar. Se seleccionaron y analizaron un total de 148 artículos de 36 revistas indexadas en el Índice de citas de Ciencias Sociales de ISI Thompson Reuters. Se realizó un análisis sistemático, basado en un protocolo de revisión que comprendía ocho pasos: objetivos de la investigación, búsqueda de artículos, selección de artículos, identificación de artículos, codificación de temas raíz, codificación de datos, validación de codificación de datos y análisis de contenido.

Recomendaciones

Las publicaciones sobre RSE en AL presentan un registro de citas muy bajo, además de muy fragmentado. Ambas características reflejan poca conversación entre los académicos que publican sobre este tema en revistas indexadas. En términos más generales, la participación en estas publicaciones refleja la ubicación de los académicos que trabajan en este tema como actores periféricos en las conversaciones académicas. El estudio identifica muchas oportunidades para futuras investigaciones que atienden temas clave que son relevantes para AL y que estimularán una conversación más dinámica entre los académicos interesados en la región.

Limitaciones

En primer lugar, este estudio se limita a artículos sobre investigación de RSE en AL publicados en revistas ISI. No muestra la tendencia general de otro tipo de publicaciones académicas y gerenciales sobre la región. En segundo lugar, aunque la búsqueda en esta investigación se hizo con base en 17 términos derivados del marco teórico, la complejidad de los temas relacionados con la RSE y su evolución podrían haber ocasionado que algunos términos, y por lo tanto publicaciones, hayan quedado fuera del análisis.

Implicaciones prácticas

Los resultados proporcionan a los estudiosos interesados en la región información actualizada sobre el estado de la investigación sobre el tema y sobre las oportunidades para investigaciones futuras. También le ofrecen a las escuelas de negocios de la región un aporte valioso para una reflexión integral sobre la política de investigación.

Implicaciones sociales

En el 30 aniversario de Academia (Revista Latinoamericana de Administración), este estudio ofrece recomendaciones sobre cómo la investigación sobre RSE en AL podría hacerse más visible y relevante.

Originalidad

Este es el primer análisis bibliométrico de publicaciones académicas sobre RSE y temas relacionados en AL. También es único al abordar los factores institucionales que pueden condicionar la producción intelectual sobre el tema.

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1992

Melanie Williams

Describes the introduction of a TQM culture at Pitney Bowes plc in the United Kingdom in order to make it more competitive in a receding market. Reports on the formation of…

Abstract

Describes the introduction of a TQM culture at Pitney Bowes plc in the United Kingdom in order to make it more competitive in a receding market. Reports on the formation of corrective action teams and continuous improvement teams in order to help implement the change process. Details how these teams worked together to identify areas for improvement and the effects of the success of the TQM programme on the organization′s performance.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 4 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1993

Melanie E. Thwaites

Begins by defining the term “ethnic minority group”.Racism and bias in children′s literature are seen as amajor issue, with the lack of black studies′ non‐fictionand Eurocentrism…

Abstract

Begins by defining the term “ethnic minority group”. Racism and bias in children′s literature are seen as a major issue, with the lack of black studies′ non‐fiction and Eurocentrism in existing history and science stock being a key issue for some potential users. Sees the absence of appropriate periodicals, music cassettes, film videos and print material as a barrier to use, particularly to speakers of lndian subcontinent languages. The absence of multilingual guiding and staff knowledgeable both in languages and race relations is also seen as a factor affecting library use. Discusses racist terminology in the subject catalogue, and the special needs of Muslim women. Concludes that although barriers do exist, there are many positive initiatives under way to combat them successfully.

Details

Library Management, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1992

Melanie Williams

Discusses the philosophy and practice of Richer Sounds plc, a hi‐fi separates company with the highest sales per square foot of any retail outlet in the world, focusing on its…

Abstract

Discusses the philosophy and practice of Richer Sounds plc, a hi‐fi separates company with the highest sales per square foot of any retail outlet in the world, focusing on its motto “provide second‐to‐none service and value‐for‐money for our customers”, and exploring its recognising quality service.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 2 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

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