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Article
Publication date: 23 October 2020

Fariba Darabi, Mark N.K. Saunders and Murray Clark

The purpose of this study is to explore trust initiation and development in collaborations between universities and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the implications…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore trust initiation and development in collaborations between universities and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the implications for enabling engaged scholarship (ES).

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a qualitative inductive approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive maximum variation sample comprising 14 SMEs and 12 university stakeholders.

Findings

The authors highlight the role of calculus-based trust in the initiation of collaborations emphasising the key roles of networking and referrals. As collaborations develop, reciprocal insights regarding stakeholders’ competencies and integrity and the development of knowledge-based trust can support engagement, in particular, knowledge application. Although relationships have a common sense of purpose, a fully engaged campus remains absent.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on a collaborative research between eight SMEs and one university business school and does not reflect ES fully as conceptualised. It provides few insights into the role of trust (or distrust) in such collaborations where things go wrong.

Practical implications

Universities looking to enable ES collaborations with SMEs need to develop and enact strategies which support ongoing engagement and enable identification-based trust (IBT). Recommendations for universities and human resource development regarding interventions to support trust initiation and development to enable knowledge application ES are outlined and suggestions are offered for future research.

Social implications

University strategies to support the development of trust and, in particular, IBT are likely to benefit longer-term relationships and the development of ES between SMEs and universities.

Originality/value

Little research has been undertaken on trust initiation and development between academic and SME stakeholders or the associated implications for ES.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 45 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2014

Tracy-Anne De Silva, Michelle Stratford and Murray Clark

The purpose of this paper is to examine intellectual capital reporting patterns of New Zealand companies over a longitudinal period, comparing knowledge intensive companies with…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine intellectual capital reporting patterns of New Zealand companies over a longitudinal period, comparing knowledge intensive companies with traditional product-based companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was used to examine the intellectual capital reporting of five knowledge intensive companies and five traditional product-based companies listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange during 2004-2010.

Findings

The longitudinal study found that although there was an increase in intellectual capital reporting from 2004 to 2010, there was no strong pattern reflecting a marked increase in reporting over the time period. The findings also show that the level of intellectual capital reporting cannot be determined by the type of organisation. Further, the majority of intellectual capital reporting was found to be in discursive form and only a small percentage of reporting conveyed negative news.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study are limited by the small sample size overall and the small number of companies in both the knowledge intensive and the traditional product-based groups.

Practical implications

The research suggests areas that could be considered by regulatory bodies and policy makers when developing more informed intellectual capital reporting guidelines.

Originality/value

This research provides a basis for further research, debate and action regarding intellectual capital in both academia and practice. Longitudinal intellectual capital reporting research and distinctions between knowledge intensive and traditional product-based companies have seldom been undertaken. Consequently little is known about the changes in intellectual capital reporting over time or the differences in intellectual capital reporting, if any, between type of company.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2012

Fariba Darabi and Murray Clark

To investigate the initiation and development of effective business relationships, including knowledge transfer partnerships, with the primacy of trust as a key factor for…

1647

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the initiation and development of effective business relationships, including knowledge transfer partnerships, with the primacy of trust as a key factor for collaborative development. Specifically, the aim was to explore Vangen and Huxham's (2003) notion of a “trust building loop” in the context of a Northern (UK) Business School and regional SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach employed was the “General Analytic Induction” for the interpretation of the data. This was used to develop theory inductively from 23 in‐depth interviews.

Findings

The results emphasized that trust, especially trust in individuals, is fundamental to collaborative settings, from both practitioners’ and academic points of view. The study identified barriers and drivers to initiating trust‐based relationships and a model of initiating collaboration was suggested.

Practical implications

The benefits from the research were seen as facilitating the development of effective business relationships between local business schools and SMEs in their regions. This investigation provided pointers that might assist business schools to understand how to manage their relationships with this group of stakeholders (SMEs) to stimulate and improve engagement.

Originality/value

There has been minimal research works on building successful collaborations within the business schools context, which contributes to professional practice through collaboration between business schools and SMEs.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2011

May‐Chiun Lo and T. Ramayah

Building on social exchange theory, this paper aims to hypothesize the direct impact of mentoring on employees' job satisfaction.

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Abstract

Purpose

Building on social exchange theory, this paper aims to hypothesize the direct impact of mentoring on employees' job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used to gather the information that was required in this study to examine the relationship between mentoring and employees' job satisfaction among employees from small and medium enterprises in Malaysia. A total of 200 questionnaires were sent out to executives of the middle and lower management level from the 21 selected small and medium enterprises. A total of 156 Malaysian executives participated.

Findings

The results show that there was a positive relationship between career mentoring and all dimensions in job satisfaction such as co‐workers, job itself, promotion and supervisors. On the other hand, no significant relationship was found between psychosocial mentoring and three aspects of employees' job satisfaction, namely co‐workers, job itself, and promotion.

Practical implications

This study has helped to establish a foundation for the study of job satisfaction and mentoring. The foundation established has generated more knowledge and arguments on mentoring in the workplace to enhance performance. This paper contributes to the literature on the relationship between mentoring and employees' job satisfaction.

Originality/value

Considering the potential cascading effect that a good relationship can have on subordinates' job satisfaction, the paper shows that previous researches may have underestimated the impact of mentoring on job satisfaction.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Titus Oshagbemi

While several publications exist on the topic of job satisfaction, little is known about personal correlates of overall job satisfaction. This paper reviews the literature on…

9489

Abstract

While several publications exist on the topic of job satisfaction, little is known about personal correlates of overall job satisfaction. This paper reviews the literature on single and multiple studies concerned about the relationships between age, gender, rank and length of service and job satisfaction. Collecting a large sample from UK universities, the paper finds that the rank of an individual and the length of service he/she has worked within higher education are significant predictors of the level of the individual's overall job satisfaction. However, while academic rank is positively and very strongly correlated with the overall job satisfaction, length of service in higher education is negatively related. In addition, while gender, age and length of service in present universities are not significantly associated directly with the overall job satisfaction, several of the interactive relationships of the variables, such as rank and gender or length of service in higher education and age, are statistically significant. The implications of the results are discussed as well as suggestions are given for further research.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 30 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1996

Brian Dollery and Joe Wallis

Clem Tisdell is one of Australia’s pre‐eminent economists who has made decisive contributions in several areas of economics, perhaps most notably development economics…

Abstract

Clem Tisdell is one of Australia’s pre‐eminent economists who has made decisive contributions in several areas of economics, perhaps most notably development economics, environmental economics and natural resource economics. Tisdell is presently Professor of Economics at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, and is also a long‐standing member of the editorial advisory board of the International Journal of Social Economics. This interview, which falls in the tradition of Klamer, was recorded in his Brisbane home in November 1995 and seeks to explore Tisdell’s extraordinary career, the development of his thinking about economics in general and his prodigious research output in particular. Tisdell answered the questions in his customary quietly‐spoken and good‐humoured manner.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 23 no. 4/5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2022

Paul Nathan Bennett

The purpose of this study was to explore how teacher coaching was implemented across eight schools.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore how teacher coaching was implemented across eight schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A subjectivist epistemological position was adopted as the most appropriate for this study, and a qualitative approach to methodology, data collection and analysis was used within an evaluative multiple case study framework in order to investigate three research questions.

Findings

The findings indicate coaching has the potential to provide schools with a professional learning approach that allows staff to explore a wide variety of challenges of practice. However, inconsistencies in perceptions, staffing and coach development mean positive outcomes for students may not be guaranteed.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that it provides a snapshot of teacher coaching in relation to a specific group of schools in a constantly changing New Zealand context.

Practical implications

School leaders implementing teacher coaching programmes are encouraged to consider how they will evaluate whether their programmes are changing teachers’ practice and improving outcome for students. School leaders should also plan how to manage changes in personnel.

Social implications

The findings show the concept of teacher coaching is a social construct influenced by the unique environmental context and individual perceptions of those involved, leading to variations in its application.

Originality/value

This study provides new knowledge in relation to the challenges that can be experienced when implementing teacher coaching across a community of schools.

Details

International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6854

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 April 2008

Rachid Zeffane, Mohamed E. Ibrahim and Rashid Al Mehairi

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of job satisfaction on employee attendance and conduct.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of job satisfaction on employee attendance and conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach was to use data from a study on job satisfaction and performance conducted in a utility company operating in the United Arab Emirates. Job satisfaction was measured using the 20‐item MSQ (Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire) short form. Performance measures were based on the utility company employee performance rating system.

Findings

Preliminary analysis of the data revealed significant differences on aspects of job satisfaction and performance between the two gender groups (i.e. males vs females). In general, female respondents were less satisfied with various aspects of their jobs and the job context than their male counterparts. Similarly, they tended to be less performing than their male counterparts on a number of job performance criteria. This pattern is indicative of an underlying linkage between satisfaction and performance, particularly in relation to gender groups.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the potential cultural specificities of the results and their implications for future research and management practice with regard to job satisfaction and performance.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 January 2012

Roger L. Mackett

Purpose – In this chapter, issues involved in trying to reduce car use in urban areas are examined, drawing on experience in Britain, and the possible lessons for China are…

Abstract

Purpose – In this chapter, issues involved in trying to reduce car use in urban areas are examined, drawing on experience in Britain, and the possible lessons for China are considered.

Methodology – The advantages and disadvantages of the car are considered to explain the growth in car use in Britain. The political difficulties of reducing urban car use are discussed. A variety of methods of reducing car use by changing travel behaviour are described, including charging for the use of the road, fuel pricing, control of car parking and alternative methods of accessing the car such as car clubs and car sharing. The evidence on the effectiveness of measures to reduce car use is examined. The potential for reducing car use in China is then considered.

Findings – Most of the initiatives for reducing car use in Britain have focused on reducing congestion rather than actually reducing car use. The largest initiative to do this has been the London Congestion Charging scheme; this was successful, unlike proposals for some other cities, for a variety of reasons. However, while there have been many initiatives in Britain, there is little systematic evidence of their effectiveness.

Practical implications – The chapter discusses some of the political difficulties involved in trying to reduce car use and then illustrates these, particularly for congestion charging using the example of London.

Value of the chapter – The main value of this chapter is to illustrate the range of possible approaches to reducing car use, drawing upon evidence from various cities showing some of the ways of overcoming the barriers to implementation.

Details

Sustainable Transport for Chinese Cities
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-476-3

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1964

National Library Week was first launched in America in the spring of 1958 with the slogan “Wake Up and Read”. It is now an established, continuing, year‐round programme to help…

Abstract

National Library Week was first launched in America in the spring of 1958 with the slogan “Wake Up and Read”. It is now an established, continuing, year‐round programme to help build a reading nation and to spur the use and improvement of libraries of all kinds. The sponsors seek the achievement of these objectives because they are the means of serving social and individual purposes that are immeasurably larger.

Details

New Library World, vol. 66 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

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