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11 – 20 of 324
Article
Publication date: 10 March 2022

Sumbul Zaman and Amirul Hasan Ansari

There is a compelling need for developing constructs in management science rather than adapting the constructs that have been developed in other domains. Having emerged in the…

Abstract

Purpose

There is a compelling need for developing constructs in management science rather than adapting the constructs that have been developed in other domains. Having emerged in the 1950s, quality of work-life (QWL) measures have proved to be ineffective due to the lack of conceptual clarity and theoretical support. The article analyses the QWL measures highlights their coherence and verifies them for being used in specific contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes three stages to develop a QWL Measurement Scale. Fourteen questions were developed based on QWL concepts. They were validated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) which split the dimensions into five factors. A survey was conducted on 375 medical residents. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergence and validity were tested along the five dimensions.

Findings

Results extend the QWL concept and provide theoretical support for the same. Five dimensions were developed to measure QWL namely: pay and benefits, supervision, intra-group relations, working conditions and training.

Practical implications

The study may offer an overview of evaluation strategies to researchers and organizations that aim to improve employee QWL while they enhance its effectiveness through reliable instruments.

Originality/value

The scale developed in this study contributes to the body of QWL literature in the healthcare arena. It may be beneficial to carry out further research in this domain.

Details

Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2054-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 July 2013

Seema Arif and Maryam Ilyas

The purpose of this paper is to explore various dimensions of quality of work‐life (QWL) as it affects the life and attitude at work of teachers of private universities in Lahore…

3326

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore various dimensions of quality of work‐life (QWL) as it affects the life and attitude at work of teachers of private universities in Lahore, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was quantitative in nature. A survey was conducted with 360 faculty members from private universities in Lahore, in order to find out their perceptions of QWL, and its spill‐over effect on employee commitment, engagement, job involvement and reputation of the university.

Findings

It was found that perceived value of work, work climate, work‐life balance and satisfaction with relationships in life were the major factors which shaped work attitudes and employee perceptions of overall quality of work‐life.

Research limitations/implications

The data were cross‐sectional, collected at one point in time and relatively small in size. The responses are limited to private organizations, excluding public universities.

Originality/value

The study makes both a scholarly and practical contribution. The scholarly contribution highlights that the dominant constructs of QWL play an important role in shaping attitudes towards work, life and relationships of teachers of private universities. On a practical level, the study hints at the possible implications of dissatisfaction and imbalance within employee commitment and engagement, and even the reputation of the university.

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2013

Abu Taher

The main purpose of this research was to analyze the key issues related to quality of work life (QWL), which have become increasingly important to HRD scholars and practitioners…

2542

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this research was to analyze the key issues related to quality of work life (QWL), which have become increasingly important to HRD scholars and practitioners. In addition, the significant differences between the academic professionals of public and private universities in Bangladesh in terms of QWL were also addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

A total number of 202 academic professionals were selected as a sample based on stratified and random sampling techniques. Questionnaire survey method was used to gather primary data. Sirgy et al.'s survey instrument was adopted in this study. Discriminant analysis was utilized to differentiate QWL among academic professionals of the study sample and tested the hypotheses.

Findings

The study findings show that the job design of an organization can have a significant effect on its organizational performance (OP) and hence the need to give proper attention to the quality of work life (QWL). Moreover, the two factors like “creativity of outside work” and “payment for work” were significantly differentiated between academic professionals of public and private universities in Bangladesh.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this paper is the relatively small sample size of only academic professionals in Bangladesh with regard to data concerning QWL, which limits the generalizability of the findings. However, the author feels that the outcomes of this research will be beneficial for policy makers and planners to formulate effective strategy of HRD in Bangladesh and other similar countries.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the role of QWL in managing human resources which determines organizational success. To make the best use of human resources, organizational leaders need to give more attention to the human network (interpersonal relationship), the nature and content of jobs performed.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. 37 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1981

Don Ronchi

Occasionally, a new idea will burst upon the world of work with such a force that it commands the attention of researchers and practitioners alike. It generates excitement…

Abstract

Occasionally, a new idea will burst upon the world of work with such a force that it commands the attention of researchers and practitioners alike. It generates excitement, perhaps even a certain vogue, as active minds attempt to exploit it. Of course, the courtship eventually ends and a general consensus emerges as to just how seminal the idea was to begin with. Most likely it will come to occupy a niche in the prevailing scheme of industrial and organisational thought. Some—very few—pass into that select company of honoured concepts which have established new schemes for research and practice.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1986

John Nirenberg

In the West, society has been on an inexorable journey from autocracy to democracy. Though there have been dark ages and various regressions there seems to have been a fairly…

Abstract

In the West, society has been on an inexorable journey from autocracy to democracy. Though there have been dark ages and various regressions there seems to have been a fairly consistent move toward granting rights and entitlements to individuals which were once denied them or solely retained by a governing élite. The struggle for man's individual freedom to create the kind of life he so desires first freed him from the authority of bandits and feudal lords, then the authority of established churches, then from assorted tyrants, then from a secular governing elite. Now the struggle has shifted to the corporation where labour unions and others have been struggling to establish workers' rights and entitlements vis‐à‐vis the organisation. The owners and managers have become the latest in a long line of dominant ruling forces which retain vestiges of the feudal master's powers over the individuals in their realms — modern organisations.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2023

Vanishree Beloor and T.S. Nanjundeswaraswamy

The purpose of this study is to determine the enablers of the quality of work life (QWL) of employees working in the Garment industries.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the enablers of the quality of work life (QWL) of employees working in the Garment industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out in a fivefold step. In the first step, the enablers of QWL were identified through an exhaustive literature survey, in the second step identified vital few components through Pareto analysis. Then the third step was followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to further, to identify the precise components and validate the same using confirmatory factor analysis in fourth step. The final step included interpretive structural modeling and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification analysis to model the validated components and determine the interrelationships and linkages.

Findings

Predominant QWL enablers of employees working in the garment industries are training and development, satisfaction in job, compensation and rewards, relation and co-operation, grievance handling, work environment, job nature, job security and facilities.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the interpretive structural model is designed based on the opinion of the experts who are working in the garment industry considering the responses from employees in garment sectors. The framework can be extended further to the other sectors.

Practical implications

In future, the researchers in QWL may develop a model to quantify the level of employees’ QWL who are working in different sectors. Enablers of QWL are essential, and based on this further statistical analysis can be carried out. This study will provide limelight to the researchers in choosing the valid and reliable set of enablers for the empirical studies. Organizations can get benefit by implementing the outcome of this research for the enhancement of the QWL of employees.

Originality/value

The study was carried out in 133 garment industries where 851 workers constituted the final valid responses that were considered for analysis. The outcomes from the study help administrators, policy and decision-takers in taking decisions to enhance QWL.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2024

Saba Sareminia and Fatemeh Sajedi Haji

This paper aims to present a dynamic model for strategic and personalized decision-making in human resources (HR), using data mining techniques to enhance corporate social…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a dynamic model for strategic and personalized decision-making in human resources (HR), using data mining techniques to enhance corporate social sustainability (CSS). The focus is on the interconnectedness of employee engagement (EE), enablement and the quality of work life.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model integrates various HR data, including demographic information, job specifications, payment and rewards, attendance and absence, alongside employees’ perceptions of their work-life quality, engagement and enablement. Data mining processes are applied to generate meaningful insights for senior and middle managers.

Findings

The study implemented the model within a production organization, revealing that factors influencing EE and enablement differ based on gender, marital status and occupational group. Performance-based rewards play a significant role in enhancing engagement, regardless of the reward amount. Factors such as “being recognized for competency” influence engagement for women, while payment has a greater impact on men. Engagement does not directly influence the quality of work life, but subcomponents like perceived transparency and the organization’s processes, particularly the “employee performance evaluation system,” improve work-life quality.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are specific to the studied organization, limiting generalizability. Future research should explore the model’s effectiveness in different cultural and organizational settings.

Practical implications

The proposed model provides practical implications for organizations that enhance CSS. Organizations can gain insights into factors influencing EE and enablement by using data mining techniques, enabling informed decision-making and tailored human resource management practices.

Social implications

This research addresses the societal concern regarding the impact of business activities on sustainability. Organizations can contribute to a more socially responsible and sustainable business environment by focusing on work-life quality and EE.

Originality/value

This paper offers a dynamic model using data mining and machine learning techniques for sustainable human resource management. It emphasizes the importance of customization to align practices with the unique needs of the workforce.

Details

Industrial and Commercial Training, vol. 56 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0019-7858

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2018

Toyin Ajibade Adisa and Gbolahan Gbadamosi

In recent years, there has been a rapid decline in the quality of working life (QWL) of Nigerian workers at all levels. This phenomenon is cryptic and knowledge thereof is…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, there has been a rapid decline in the quality of working life (QWL) of Nigerian workers at all levels. This phenomenon is cryptic and knowledge thereof is inadequate due to a dearth of compelling research on QWL in Nigeria. The purpose of this paper is to a deeper understanding of QWL among Nigerian workers by investigating the impact of corruption and regional crises on QWL in this non-western context. The study also examines what QWL means to Nigerian employees.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs qualitative data gleaned from semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The research reveals that corruption has a strongly negative effect on employees’ QWL, which in turn affects their motivation, attitude towards their job and the psychological contract between them and their employers. Furthermore, the findings revealed that regional crises (such as the heinous activities of the Boko Haram sect in the north–east, the continuing agitation of the secessionists (e.g. the Indigenous People of Biafra), in the south–east, and the tumultuous activities of the Niger Delta Avengers in the south–south) have combined to reduce employees’ QWL.

Research limitations/implications

The extent to which the findings of this research can be generalised is constrained by the selected sample of the research (public sector employees).

Originality/value

These results and the practical implications thereof will be useful to the Nigerian Government, policymakers and organisations for creating and enhancing good QWL in Nigeria.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2000

R.S.M. Lau

Service profit chain is a well‐received model to explain the sustainable competitiveness of many service organizations. The model attributes a service organization’s financial and…

8496

Abstract

Service profit chain is a well‐received model to explain the sustainable competitiveness of many service organizations. The model attributes a service organization’s financial and market performance to its relationships with its customers and employees. According to the service profit chain, internal service quality serves the foundation of the model and it ignites a chain effect leading to an organization’s growth and profitability in the end. The purpose of this study is to provide an ad hoc analysis of two key elements of the service profit chain. Specifically, this research explores the direct linkage between performance in growth and profitability and quality of work life, which is a proxy for internal service quality in the service profit chain model. The performance of companies with a reputation of high quality of work life were contrasted to a control group of S&P 500 companies using COMPUSTAT data.

Details

International Journal of Service Industry Management, vol. 11 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-4233

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2020

Shazia Nauman, Connie Zheng and Ameer A. Basit

This study contributes to the leadership literature by examining how and when despotic leadership jeopardizes employees' performance. Specifically, we examine whether employees'…

2679

Abstract

Purpose

This study contributes to the leadership literature by examining how and when despotic leadership jeopardizes employees' performance. Specifically, we examine whether employees' job performance could be harmed by despotic supervision through employees' work withdrawal behaviour. Moreover, we investigate whether the quality of work-life (QWL) helps in toning down the harmful effects of despotic supervision on work withdrawal.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a multi-wave research design with data collected from 195 employees and their supervisors working in Pakistan's manufacturing sector. At time 1, we measured the independent variable (i.e. despotic leadership) and moderator (QWL), whereas, at time-2, the mediator (work withdrawal) was tapped by the same respondent with a time interval of three weeks between them. At time 3, the outcome (supervisor-rated job performance) was assessed directly by the supervisors.

Findings

The results support the mediating effect between despotic leadership and employees' performance through an enhanced level of work withdrawal behaviour. The effect of despotic leadership on job performance via work withdrawal behaviour was found to be weaker among employees with a higher level of QWL.

Practical implications

For individuals, QWL serves as an enhancement of personal resources to deal with despotic leaders at the workplace; for organizations, our study results alert managers and leaders at the workplace to address employees' need for QWL as this positive resource may discourage work withdrawal behaviour and stimulate employees to perform well in their jobs despite facing despotic supervision.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the leadership literature by introducing work withdrawal as an underlying mechanism to explain the despotic leadership – job performance relationship. Further, we examined how the harmful effects of despotic leadership can be toned down through the moderating variable of QWL thus having practical implications for both employers and employees.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

11 – 20 of 324