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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Anu Järvensivu, Ritva Horppu and Hanna Keränen

Multiple jobholding (MJH) is assumed to be a growing phenomenon due to working life changes. This study presents new knowledge on the MJH career paths, from the perspectives of…

Abstract

Purpose

Multiple jobholding (MJH) is assumed to be a growing phenomenon due to working life changes. This study presents new knowledge on the MJH career paths, from the perspectives of both employers and employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative interview study was focused on retail trade and restaurant and food service industries in Finland, where MJH is a quite common work arrangement compared to other European countries. The data were analyzed with the concepts of the chaos theory of careers and with an abductive thematic content analysis.

Findings

According to the results, several events and intertwined factors may lead individual careers gradually to MJH. Changing personal and family situations and leisure time needs attracted the careers towards MJH. MJH was not only a financial necessity to employees, but it also served their flexibility interests. The interviewed employers applied flexible non-standard employment arrangements mainly due to rapidly varying labor needs established in the industries. It was important for them to strengthen the non-standard core employees' sense of belonging to the work community. However, employees with work ability challenges were in risk to end up in peripheral positions at the labor market.

Originality/value

Previous research on multiple jobholding has not combined employers’ perspectives of MJH to employees’ experiences of career paths.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 44 no. 13/14
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 May 2023

Ana Junça Silva, António Caetano and Rita Rueff

Drawing upon the conservation of resources theory, the authors expected that daily micro-events, daily hassles and uplifts at work influenced well-being via work engagement at the…

1512

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing upon the conservation of resources theory, the authors expected that daily micro-events, daily hassles and uplifts at work influenced well-being via work engagement at the daily level.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two diary studies. In study 1, 181 workers answered a daily questionnaire for four working days (N = 181 × 4 = 724). In study 2, 51 workers filled in a questionnaire for ten consecutive working days (N = 51 × 10 = 510).

Findings

In study 1, the results demonstrated that work engagement fully mediated the effects of daily uplifts on well-being and partially mediated the effects of daily hassles on well-being. The results of study 2 revealed a full mediation for both kinds of daily micro-events. Hence, daily uplifts stimulated work engagement, which, in turn, enhanced well-being, and daily hassles minimized work engagement and, consequently, well-being.

Originality/value

The relationships explored provide new theoretical elements for models that explain well-being.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 44 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 March 2019

Hong Thi Thuy Nguyen

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the roles of human resource development (HRD) in open universities. The study also intends to assess the current situation of HRD at…

6171

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the roles of human resource development (HRD) in open universities. The study also intends to assess the current situation of HRD at Hanoi Open University (HOU) with an end view of proposing some suggested recommendations to enhance HRD to improve the training quality and effectiveness at HOU.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s first two parts refer to HRD’s role in open universities. The third one summarizes the existing research literature on HRD used as theoretical base for the author to evaluate the current HRD at HOU in the fourth part. The fifth part involves the methodology to gather the data on HRD practices at HOU while the next two important parts deal with the study’s findings and recommendations for better HRD at HOU. The final part summaries the study’s main points. Referring methodology, the survey data were analyzed through frequency, percentage and weighted mean as statistical tools.

Findings

The study’s findings show that HRD practices at HOU are not as effective as expected in terms of human resource quality, human resource structure and human resource management. There is a shortage of full-time well-qualified employees, inadequate and imbalance working positions, and un-synchronous, fragmented personnel management.

Originality/value

The study’s values are not only useful for building policies on HRD but also for developing strategies to train and foster capable and adequate staff in open universities’ academic environment and in HOU as well.

Details

Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2414-6994

Keywords

Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 21 February 2022

Dorota Kwiatkowska-Ciotucha and Urszula Załuska

The chapter discusses the assumptions and main conclusions from the international comparative research, the key purpose of which was to identify and characterise the

Abstract

The chapter discusses the assumptions and main conclusions from the international comparative research, the key purpose of which was to identify and characterise the representatives of the sandwich generation (SG) in selected European countries in relation to professional activity. The research covered five countries, and when choosing them we took into account the diversity of welfare state models. The research was carried out in the autumn of 2020 with the use of a proprietary questionnaire on representative samples of Internet users aged 45–65 from Belgium (only Flanders), Finland, Italy, Poland and Great Britain. The conducted analyses confirmed the diversification of the situation of SG representatives in specific countries.

Details

Working Women in the Sandwich Generation: Theories, Tools and Recommendations for Supporting Women's Working Lives
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-504-2

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 July 2019

Ángel López-Jáuregui, Mercedes Martos-Partal and Jose María Labeaga

This study aims to propose a theoretical framework and provide empirical evidence on the most successful marketing strategies for obtaining behavioural loyalty in small and medium…

7738

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose a theoretical framework and provide empirical evidence on the most successful marketing strategies for obtaining behavioural loyalty in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The data are based on 475 telephone surveys conducted among Spanish hairdressers. The authors have used ordinary least squares to estimate the empirical model.

Findings

Pricing, services and communication (Web page and in-store communication) are the main drivers of customer loyalty. SMEs have to be cautious with the use of social networks to avoid damaging loyalty. In addition, those positioned at high-price segments should pay more attention to communication on the Web, and all companies should find a balance between in-store communication and the sale of products for use at home.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should try to replicate the findings with data from consumers and firms.

Practical implications

Service managers need to understand the optimal strategy to succeed in the market. The key insights of this study could also apply to other sectors, such as health, personal care and wellness services.

Originality/value

Previous research focussed mainly on large companies, while the role of loyalty in the success of SMEs has been poorly studied, with focus only on the antecedents and the measurement of loyalty. This study contributes to the previous research by analysing the effect of the strategy (price, range of services, communication, size and location) in the achievement of loyalty in SMEs.

Objetivos

Este trabajo propone un marco teórico y aporta evidencia empírica sobre las estrategias de marketing más exitosas en la consecución de lealtad comportamental en PYMEs.

Metodología

Se ha realizado una encuesta telefónica a 475 peluqueros españoles. El modelo utilizado para la estimación es el de mínimos cuadros ordinarios.

Resultados

Precio, servicios, y comunicación (página web y comunicación en la tienda) son los principales generadores de lealtad. Las PYMEs tienen que ser cautelosas con el uso de las redes sociales para evitar dañar la lealtad. Además, aquellas posicionados en altos precios deben prestar más atención a la comunicación en la web y todas deben encontrar un equilibrio entre la comunicación en el tienda y la venta de productos para su uso en casa.

Limitaciones

Investigaciones futuras podrían replicar este estudio usando datos de consumidores y de empresa.

Implicaciones prácticas

Los gerentes necesitan entender la estrategia óptima para tener éxito en el mercado. Las ideas claves de este trabajo podrían aplicarse a otros servicios personalizados de salud y bienestar.

Originalidad/valor

La investigación previa se centra principalmente en grandes empresas mientras que el papel de la lealtad en el éxito de las pymes ha sido escasamente investigado y se ha centrado en los antecedentes y la medición de la lealtad. Este estudio realiza una contribución al analizar el efecto de la estrategia (precio, surtido de servicios, comunicación, tamaño y localización) en la consecución de la lealtad en las pymes.

Palabras clave

Lealtad; pequeñas y medianas empresas; Pymes; peluqueros; estrategia de marketing; salon

Tipo de artículo

Artículo de investigación

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Malin Rosell Magerøy and Siri Wiig

The purpose of this study is to increase knowledge and understanding of the relationship between full-time-culture and the outcome for quality and safety of care.

1958

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to increase knowledge and understanding of the relationship between full-time-culture and the outcome for quality and safety of care.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature review with a qualitatively oriented thematic analysis concerning quality or safety outcomes for patients, or patients and staff when introducing a full-time culture.

Findings

Identified factors that could have a positive or negative impact on quality and patient safety when introducing full-time culture were length of shift, fatigue/burnout, autonomy/empowerment and system/structure. Working shifts over 12 h or more than 40 h a week is associated with increased adverse events and errors, lower quality patient care, less attention to safety concerns and more care left undone. Long shifts give healthcare personnel more flexibility and better quality-time off, but there is also an association between long shifts and fatigue or burnout. Having a choice and flexibility around shift patterns is a predictor of increased wellbeing and health.

Originality/value

A major challenge across healthcare services is having enough qualified personnel to handle the increasing number of patients. One of the measures to get enough qualified personnel for the expected tasks is to increase the number of full-time employees and move towards a full-time culture. It is argued that full-time culture will have a positive effect on work environment, efficiency and quality due to a better allocation of work tasks, predictable work schedule, reduced sick leave, and continuity in treatment and care. There is limited research on how the introduction of full-time culture will affect the quality and safety for patients and staff, and few studies have been focusing on the relationship between longer shift, work schedule, and quality and safety of care.

Details

International Journal of Health Governance, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-4631

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 October 2022

Osama Salih and Rozzeta Dolah

This study aims to help nonprofit organizations (NPOs) implement business excellence models (BEMs). The authors identify and rank critical success factors and barriers to…

1386

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to help nonprofit organizations (NPOs) implement business excellence models (BEMs). The authors identify and rank critical success factors and barriers to implementing BEMs among NPOs in Saudi Arabia and investigate the impact of human resources availability on BEM implementation in these organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the review of relevant literature, the authors designed a questionnaire completed by 138 NPOs. Factor analysis was used to measure and rank the criticality of success factors and barriers to BEM implementation. A Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test was conducted to compare answers across groups classified by the number of full-time employees in the organization.

Findings

The study identifies the five most critical success factors for implementing BEMs in Saudi NPOs: data analysis and reporting capabilities, effective organizational communication, implementation strategy and approach, use of benchmarking and adoption of a clear governance framework. The five most critical barriers to implementing BEMs are the lack of a culture of continuous improvement, organizational strategy, qualified employees, customer orientation and clear organizational roles and responsibilities. The number of full-time employees in Saudi NPOs does not significantly impact the success or failure of implementing BEMs.

Originality/value

This paper is a continuation of research that aims to increase BEM adoption among NPOs, including micro-NPOs, in Saudi Arabia and, by extension, other countries.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Henry Jarva and Teresa Zeitler

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on internal auditing as the pandemic forced individual internal auditors and audit teams to…

3384

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on internal auditing as the pandemic forced individual internal auditors and audit teams to conduct the work remotely.

Design/methodology/approach

Five in-depth semi-structured interviews of internal audit experts that work in German retail and manufacturing industry were conducted between February and April 2021.

Findings

The authors find that the importance of audit technologies did not change significantly due to the pandemic, as audit technologies were already an integral part of internal audits. Interestingly, the transition to remote audits occurred with remarkable speed and efficiency. The presence of well-functioning information and communication technologies emerges as a critical facilitator for effective remote communication, collaboration and data exchange. However, audit technologies can only partially replace physical on-site examinations and human interaction. The main challenges of remote audits are related to the auditing of non-digitalized processes and the inherent limitations of auditee interviews and interactions.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' interview approach does not allow to cover variations between industries and between countries. While internal audit experts provided notably consistent responses during the interviews, acknowledging that the sample size is very small is important.

Practical implications

The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a catalyst for increased digitalization and technology adoption within the realm of internal auditing. A hybrid approach combining the benefits of on-site and remote audits is expected to prevail in the future.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first to document the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work of internal auditing using field-based research methods.

Details

Journal of Applied Accounting Research, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-5426

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Anna Ilsøe, Trine Pernille Larsen and Jonas Felbo-Kolding

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of part-time work on absolute wages. The empirical focus is wages and working hours in three selected sectors within private…

3049

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of part-time work on absolute wages. The empirical focus is wages and working hours in three selected sectors within private services in the Danish labour market – industrial cleaning, retail, hotels and restaurants – and their agreement-based regulation of working time and wages. Theoretically, this analysis is inspired by the concept of living hours, which addresses the interaction between working hours and living wages, but adds a new layer to the concept in that the authors also consider the importance of working time regulations for securing a living wage.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on desk research of collective agreements and analysis of monthly administrative register data on wages and working hours of Danish employees from the period 2008-2014.

Findings

This analysis shows that the de facto hourly wages have increased since the global financial crisis in all three sectors. This is in accordance with increasing minimum wage levels in the sector-level agreements. The majority of workers in all three sectors work part-time. Marginal part-timers – 15 hours or less per week – make up the largest group of workers. The de facto hourly wage for part-timers, including marginal part-timers, is relatively close to the sector average. However, the yearly job-related income is much lower for part-time than for full-time workers and much lower than the poverty threshold. Whereas the collective agreement in industrial cleaning includes a minimum floor of 15 weekly working hours – this is not the case in retail, hotels and restaurants. This creates a loophole in the latter two sectors that can be exploited by employers to gain wage flexibility through part-time work.

Originality/value

The living wage literature usually focusses on hourly wages (including minimum wages via collective agreements or legislation). This analysis demonstrates that studies of low-wage work must include the number of working hours and working time regulations, as this aspect can have a dramatic influence on absolute wages – even in cases of hourly wages at relatively high levels. Part-time work and especially marginal part-time work can be associated with very low yearly income levels – even in cases like Denmark – if regulations do not include minimum working time floors. The authors suggest that future studies include the perspective of living hours to draw attention to the effect of low number of weekly hours on absolute income levels.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 August 2018

Ioana Alexandra Horodnic

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of the factors that shape tax morale. A large range of random explanatory variables identified in the literature as…

19584

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of the factors that shape tax morale. A large range of random explanatory variables identified in the literature as determinants of tax morale are synthesised and structured by drawing inspiration from the institutional theory.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, a systematic search has been conducted using a library catalogue which provides access to more than 400 databases.

Findings

The finding is that the institutional theory provides a suitable theoretical basis to explore tax morale. Indeed, all the factors until now identified as determinants of tax morale (except the control variables/socio-demographic characteristics) can be categorised either as belonging to formal institutions or to informal institutions. The most salient factor is trust, with both vertical and horizontal trust positively related to tax morale.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome is a call for a more nuanced understanding of not only the effect of formal and informal institutions on tax morale but also how formal and informal institutions interact and alter each other and, consequently, affect tax morale.

Practical implications

The paper seeks to encourage governments to start recognising that as low tax morale arises when a gap exists between formal and informal institutions, they need to design policy measures aimed to reduce this gap, rather than persisting with deterrence measures.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic review of the factors that influence tax morale using an institutionalist lens.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 38 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

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