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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2007

Philip M. Hider

The purpose of this research is to examine search goal redefinition during users' interaction with information retrieval systems.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine search goal redefinition during users' interaction with information retrieval systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized transaction logs from the OCLC FirstSearch service. Within each search session, logged queries were coded chronologically, according to their conceptual relationships, and indices of goal redefinition were constructed. Redefinition levels for different databases were compared, and certain features were isolated for examination as possible redefinition factors.

Findings

The transaction log analysis showed that different databases induced goal redefinition to different extents and identified several factors which can contribute to goal redefinition, including the presence of abstracts and hyperlinking descriptors. On the other hand, no evidence was found to indicate that abstract length has much effect on redefinition, nor hit rate or retrievability of records.

Practical implications

The research needs to be followed up using other methodologies and other information retrieval systems. A range of other possible factors affecting goal redefinition should be investigated.

Originality/value

The paper shows that system feedback affects not only strategy, but also higher levels of information seeking behaviour interaction. This aspect of user‐system interaction has rarely been researched. An index of goal redefinition and an interpretative form of transactional log analysis are put forward as means by which it may be investigated.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 63 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2007

Philip M. Hider

The purpose of this research is to discuss the methodological aspects of a study, the results of which are detailed in a second paper.

713

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to discuss the methodological aspects of a study, the results of which are detailed in a second paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Indices of search goal revision (or redefinition) were constructed based on the chronological coding of queries logged on the OCLC FirstSearch service. Queries within search sessions were coded according to their conceptual relationships, based on a set of rules designed to identify possible revisions of search goals, as well as strategic reformulations. Given the same user interface, similar types of user, and large datasets, it was assumed that the number of strategic reformulations would be reasonably uniform across databases, so that the indices could be regarded as indicators of relative amounts of goal revision.

Findings

The reliability of the coding used to construct the indices of goal redefinition was tested through parallel coding, and confirmed. Differences between the indices for various databases, on the other hand, were found to be statistically significant, allowing for the conclusion that the indices were able to show differences in the amount of goal redefinition occurring, given the assumption of similar levels of strategic reformulations across databases.

Originality/value

Transaction log analysis has mostly focused on syntactic issues; few analyses have examined the semantic content of queries or contextualised individual queries as part of an evolving search session. However, this paper shows that although transaction log analysis is a relatively indirect means of examining users' thoughts and intentions during their interaction with an information retrieval system, logs that provide sufficiently rich data may, in certain controlled situations, be used to provide deeper insights into information retrieval behaviour.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 63 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2007

Daniel Örtqvist, Mateja Drnovsek and Joakim Wincent

The purpose of this study is to analyze entrepreneurs' coping strategies used to face stakeholders' expectations.

1940

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze entrepreneurs' coping strategies used to face stakeholders' expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from the general management, role theory, and entrepreneurship literature to develop hypotheses that are tested by using hierarchical regression techniques on a sample of 183 Slovenian entrepreneurs. The paper develops and tests four coping strategies (structural role redefinition, personal role redefinition, reactive role behavior, and passive role behavior) to assess influence on new venture performance. The analysis examines moderating effects of entrepreneurs' perceived role‐related stress.

Findings

Results reveal that coping strategies focused on reducing expectations and/or working harder to meet expectations positively affect new venture performance. However, entrepreneurs' focus on suppressing perceived expectations negatively influences new venture performance. Furthermore, entrepreneurs' role‐related stress moderates the relationship between reactive role behavior and new venture performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a better understanding of types of coping strategies available to entrepreneurs and practical consequences for new venture performance. It also explores why some entrepreneurs perform well and why some may quit early being an entrepreneur while others remain and prosper in their role. Possible study limitations are discussed due to sample characteristics and measurement.

Practical implications

The study results are relevant for practising and nascent entrepreneurs, support organizations, and policy makers since empirical evidence can be used in designing entrepreneurs' training and competency‐building programs.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to illustrate effects on early entrepreneurial performance of coping strategies to meet stakeholders' expectations and, indirectly, entrepreneurs' ability to endure establishing a new venture.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 December 2011

Olivia Kyriakidou

The purpose of this paper is to build and enrich theory around professional identity construction by investigating the development of professional identity under conditions of…

2348

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build and enrich theory around professional identity construction by investigating the development of professional identity under conditions of marginalized gender identity. Professional identity is defined by Ibarra and by Schein as one ' s professional self-concept based on attributes, beliefs, values, motives, and experiences. Professional identity construction under conditions of marginalization presents an interesting puzzle. Professional roles are defined as prestigious and provide the role holder with autonomy and, often, a degree of privilege. However, minority professionals are often accorded little prestige and/or privilege because their identities are perceived as inferior.

Design/methodology/approach

The research studies narratives by 33 prominent women engineers with careers in management who discuss what it means to be both women and engineers holding high management positions in their organizations.

Findings

The research demonstrates that the process of identity construction for women engineers differs in significant ways from that of their male counterparts. The process is centered in redefinition that allows women professionals to construct possible selves and establish positive professional identities: redefinition of occupational rhetorics, disadvantage, and the self.

Research limitations/implications

This study of professional identity construction under conditions of disadvantaged gender identity contributes a new perspective for theorists researching professional identity construction. The results reveal that the development of professional identity for minority women may involve the processes and tasks of redefinition. The tasks in redefinition include redefining disadvantage, redefining the profession, and redefining the self. Moreover, the use of narrative calls for organizational researchers to consider theories in sociology, history, policy, and psychology in the attempts to answer careers questions.

Practical implications

The implications of this research are significant for human resource management practices in the construction and engineering field.

Originality/value

While there is growing interest in professional identity construction (e.g. Clarke et al.), little is known about how marginalization may influence the development of professional identity of minority professionals, such as women managers in engineering.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1997

Neil Jones

States that as use of networks becomes more innovative and widespread in higher education libraries, current approaches to the organization of network‐accessible resources reveal…

Abstract

States that as use of networks becomes more innovative and widespread in higher education libraries, current approaches to the organization of network‐accessible resources reveal flaws. Moving forward from the recommendations of the Follett Report, and adopting an approach which seeks to redefine conceptually conventional practices and standards the study examines, from a technical services perspective, issues and approaches relating to the development of existing cataloguing rules and practices, and machine‐readable standards, and proposes these standards as the most effective means of enhancing accessibility to electronic resources. Characterizes the current period as one of organizational, technological and conceptual transition, and addresses the broader issue of academic network‐accessibility in the local, regional, national and international context. Additionally, identifies the challenges to and implications for conventional, and future, technical services operations of these trends.

Details

New Library World, vol. 98 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2019

Nobin Thomas, Angela Randolph and Alejandra Marin

Research in entrepreneurial cognition has called for a better understanding of interactions between contextual variables and cognitive processes. Based on previous work done on…

Abstract

Purpose

Research in entrepreneurial cognition has called for a better understanding of interactions between contextual variables and cognitive processes. Based on previous work done on organizational learning and social networks, the purpose of this paper is to propose a formal model in which information acquisition, distribution and interpretation are tested as a function of cognition-based trust, perceived expertise and tie strength between organizational members in two different corporate entrepreneurship (CE) types.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a quantitative analysis based on network data in two companies located in India. Special procedures known as quadratic assignment procedure and multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure were used to run the correlations and multiple regressions, respectively. The authors complement this analysis with interviews and qualitative information to build a rich description in each of these cases.

Findings

The results indicate moderate support for the model. The evidence suggests that between both types of CE types, domain redefinition requires higher levels of tie strength, trust and perceived expertise. Sustained regeneration shows moderate significant results in tie strength, and cognition-based trust.

Originality/value

The authors combined insights on social network and organizational cognitive processes to analyze interactions between context and cognition. The authors were also able to compare two different companies. The authors found consistent results regarding tie strength, but the authors also found differences between both companies, which suggest that different CE types tend to require different dynamics between context and cognitive processes.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 58 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1986

Mick J. Bloor and Neil P. McKeganey

Therapy is reflexive but not synonymous with therapists' accounting practices. It is displayed and engenders dominance but it is not an institutional rhetoric or a mechanism of…

Abstract

Therapy is reflexive but not synonymous with therapists' accounting practices. It is displayed and engenders dominance but it is not an institutional rhetoric or a mechanism of social control. Six properties of therapeutic work are enumerated — reflexiveness, interpretativeness, interventionalism, domination, habituation tendencies and selectivity. All apart from reflexiveness are subject to differences of form and extension in different therapeutic communities. These variations in therapeutic work and communities can be empirically mapped. Such a conception of therapeutic work may have applications to therapeutic work outside the therapeutic communities and any other institutional setting. Two data extracts empirically ground the discussion.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2023

Giustina Secundo, Rosa Lombardi, Johannes Dumay and James Guthrie A.M.

This paper aims to critically review intellectual capital (IC) accounting research and practices in European public universities, specifically in Spain, Austria and Italy. These…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to critically review intellectual capital (IC) accounting research and practices in European public universities, specifically in Spain, Austria and Italy. These three countries represent the majority of IC accounting research related to universities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study critically reviews a selection of university-based IC accounting research, applying Alvesson and Deetz’s (2000) critical perspectives of insight, critique and transformative redefinition.

Findings

The analysis reveals that European public universities follow the Humboldtian model of higher education, integrating a third mission to society into their traditional roles as teaching and research institutions. This study explored how the emergence of a third mission for the university was conceptualised. This study also provided insights, critique and a transformative redefinition to advance IC as a strategic resource in European public universities.

Originality/value

The findings provide academics and policymakers with insights, critique and a transformative redefinition of IC as a strategic resource for European public universities to meet future challenges in an ever-changing world.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2003

Susanna Lo, Raymond Stone and Catherine W. Ng

This study examined the kinds of work‐family conflict experienced by female married professionals with children in Hong Kong and the coping strategies they had adopted. Data were…

4281

Abstract

This study examined the kinds of work‐family conflict experienced by female married professionals with children in Hong Kong and the coping strategies they had adopted. Data were obtained through 50 in‐depth interviews. The results revealed the general ineffectiveness of coping strategies being used by married women professionals. The percentage of women who attempted to use positive coping strategies designed around job changes was low, possibly due to their reluctance in negotiating for family‐friendly organizational policies. It appears that companies in Hong Kong extend little support to working mothers in managing the work‐family interface. Implications of the findings for women’s career progressions are also discussed in this paper.

Details

Women in Management Review, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0964-9425

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1999

Edgar H. Schein

Although organizational learning is often defined as the result of many individuals learning generatively in an organizational context, the argument is made that such learning is…

9092

Abstract

Although organizational learning is often defined as the result of many individuals learning generatively in an organizational context, the argument is made that such learning is de facto coercive persuasion. Generative learning by the individual requires free choice of exit if and when cognitive redefinition becomes painful. When organizations demand such redefinition as part of culture change programs they are de facto creating a situation of coercive persuasion. We must then examine our moral position with respect to both the methods of learning and the ultimate goals of the change effort.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

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