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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2014

Sally Nathan, Jeffrey Braithwaite and Niamh Stephenson

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the views of community representatives participating in a large health service in Australia.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the views of community representatives participating in a large health service in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional survey of 49 community representatives and interviews with a purposeful sample of representatives (n=10) and staff (n=19).

Findings

Most community representatives had positive attitudes about their value and potential for influence, citing concrete examples of impact. Having an external network or group was related to their beliefs in their ability to add value to their health service. Community representatives largely agreed they provided a link to, and represented, the wider community although most thought staff did not understand their role or how to work with them. Some staff questioned representativeness of their community representatives.

Practical implications

Improving community participation is argued to be important in delivering better healthcare services, but effective engagement and representation at the local level is often challenging. Focusing on community representative views takes us beyond debates around representativeness to identify practical strategies to improve practice. The authors recommend health services recruit consumers with strong links to networks in the community, provide a structured and supported program, and improve staff understanding of the range of possible roles for community representatives. Local examples of community representatives’ impact on policy and practice should be widely communicated.

Originality/value

In giving prominence to the views of consumers using triangulated methods, the authors found most could report with clarity what their role was and how they impacted at their local health service.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

Sally Nathan, Elizabeth Harris, Lynn Kemp and Ben Harris‐Roxas

This paper sets out to report attitudes of staff on key health service committees towards community participation before and after appointment of community representatives.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper sets out to report attitudes of staff on key health service committees towards community participation before and after appointment of community representatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows a self‐completed questionnaire administered to staff on committees as a baseline measure and 12 months after community representatives had been appointed.

Findings

The paper finds that significantly more staff at the follow‐up survey reported that they and other staff were clear about the role of community representatives and how to work with them on committees. Significantly more staff at follow‐up felt that the health service was ready for this type of initiative. There was no significant increase in the percentage of staff who felt that financial and other supports for community representatives were sufficient and no significant changes in staff views about the potential for community representatives to influence decision making, although there were strong trends in a positive direction.

Research limitations/implications

The study in this paper was conducted in one health service and did not follow changes in attitudes of particular staff over time. Larger samples would be necessary to assess generalisability of findings and future studies should examine in more depth staff beliefs about the role and influence of community members on committees.

Practical implications

The paper implies that the development of ongoing and constructive relationships between health services and communities clearly takes time and, at least in part, results from direct experience working alongside community members.

Originality/value

The paper shows that this is the first study examining how the attitudes of health service staff to community participation change over time and as a direct result of interaction with community members on committees. A better understanding of health service staff attitudes to community participation is important for health care managers to effectively address structural and attitudinal barriers to community participation.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 October 2009

Lisa K. Hussey

Although there is great potential for diversity, library and information science (LIS) is a relatively homogenous profession. Increasing the presence of librarians of color may…

Abstract

Although there is great potential for diversity, library and information science (LIS) is a relatively homogenous profession. Increasing the presence of librarians of color may help to improve diversity within LIS. However, recruiting ethnic minorities into LIS has proven to be difficult despite various initiative including scholarships, fellowships, and locally focused programs. The central questions explored in this research can be divided into two parts: (1) Why do ethnic minorities choose librarianship as a profession? (2) What would motivate members of minority groups to join a profession in which they cannot see themselves?

The research was conducted through semi-structured, qualitative interviews of 32 ethnic minority students from one of four ethnic minority groups (African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American) currently enrolled in an LIS graduate program. Eleven themes emerged from the data: libraries, librarians, library work experience, LIS graduate program, career plans and goals, education and family, support, mentors, ethnicity and community, acculturation, and views of diversity.

The findings seem to support many assumptions regarding expectations and career goals. The findings related to libraries, librarians, mentors, and support illustrate that many recruitment initiatives are starting in the right place. However, the most noteworthy findings were those that centered on identity, acculturation, and diversity because they dealt with issues that are not often considered or discussed by many in the profession outside of ethnic minority organizations.

Details

Advances in Library Administration and Organization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-580-2

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Robert Cole, Heli Gittins and Norman Dandy

This paper's purpose is to explore the current interest and knowledge that UK consumers hold around agroforestry. Despite the many reported benefits of agroforestry systems…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper's purpose is to explore the current interest and knowledge that UK consumers hold around agroforestry. Despite the many reported benefits of agroforestry systems, uptake in the UK, as well as other temperate nations, has been low. As the consumer has a role to play in the transition of agriculture to methods that are more environmentally friendly it is vital to have an understanding of their perceptions. Yet to date no work has looked at agroforestry from the perspective of the UK consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted using a convenience sample accessed by floating a link through social media and messaging apps. The survey was also shared to the members of a private Facebook group associated with an organic vegetable box service. A mix of multiple choice and open text boxes were used. The survey received 139 responses.

Findings

Non-parametric tests indicate that this sample of UK consumers would be mostly likely to buy, and willing to pay more for, agroforestry produce; and the sample showed a split group regarding familiarity. Inductive thematic analysis of the qualitative data highlighted some important barriers to the purchase as well as capturing a snapshot of this sample's perceptions.

Originality/value

This paper presents, to the authors knowledge, the first set of data regarding a sample of UK consumers' perspective of agroforestry produce. The findings could bolster producers' confidence in adopting agroforestry practices, but also highlight the need for policymakers to bolster consumer support through parallel means.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 June 2011

Christopher G. Worley and Sally Breyley Parker

This chapter provides a rich and thick description of a collaborative, place-based, interorganizational process in the domain of social, ecological, and economic sustainability…

Abstract

This chapter provides a rich and thick description of a collaborative, place-based, interorganizational process in the domain of social, ecological, and economic sustainability. Governmental agencies, businesses, philanthropic organizations, NGOs, consulting firms, and private citizens tried to move from an underorganized and tacit set of ineffective relationships toward a structural collaboration in service of a “place” known as the Cuyahoga River Valley. While the process built momentum and expectations among its participants and other stakeholders, an important outcome of the collaboration did not materialize as planned. The leading actors struggled with scaling a “negotiated order” and leveraging the high levels of commitment among the participants. Despite the setback, many of the aims of the collaboration continue to be achieved, albeit at a slower pace and without a high regional priority. The chapter explores whether the trans-organization development (Cummings, 1984) perspective is a useful model for intentionally intervening in a multi-stakeholder collaboration and the roles that negotiated order (Nathan & Mitroff, 1991) and referent organizations (Trist, 1983) play.

Details

Organizing for Sustainability
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-85724-557-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2012

Malcolm Pattinson, Cate Jerram, Kathryn Parsons, Agata McCormac and Marcus Butavicius

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behaviour response of computer users when either phishing e‐mails or genuine e‐mails arrive in their inbox. The paper describes how…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behaviour response of computer users when either phishing e‐mails or genuine e‐mails arrive in their inbox. The paper describes how this research was conducted and presents and discusses the findings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a scenario‐based role‐play experiment that involved the development of a web‐based questionnaire that was only accessible by invited participants when they attended a one‐hour, facilitated session in a computer laboratory.

Findings

The findings indicate that overall, genuine e‐mails were managed better than phishing e‐mails. However, informed participants managed phishing e‐mails better than not‐informed participants. Other findings show how familiarity with computers, cognitive impulsivity and personality traits affect behavioural responses to both types of e‐mail.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not claim to evaluate actual susceptibility to phishing emails. The subjects were University students and therefore the conclusions are not necessarily representative of the general population of e‐mail users.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this research would assist management in their endeavours to improve computer user behaviour and, as a result, help to mitigate risks to their organisational information systems.

Originality/value

The literature review indicates that this paper addresses a genuine gap in the research.

Abstract

Details

Sports Charity and Gendered Labour
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-429-5

Book part
Publication date: 16 June 2017

Hayley E. Christian, Gavin R. McCormack, Kelly R. Evenson and Clover Maitland

This chapter aims to review evidence of the relationships between dog ownership, dog walking and overall walking and the factors associated with dog walking. It reviews the…

Abstract

This chapter aims to review evidence of the relationships between dog ownership, dog walking and overall walking and the factors associated with dog walking. It reviews the evidence using a social ecological framework. The chapter finds that dog ownership and dog walking are associated with higher levels of walking. A number of social ecological factors are associated with dog walking. Motivation and social support provided by the dog to walk and a sense of responsibility to walk the dog are associated with higher levels of dog walking. Positive social pressure from family, friends, dog owners and veterinarians is also associated with higher levels of dog walking. Built and policy environmental characteristics influence dog walking, including dog-specific factors such as access to local attractive public open space with dog-supportive features (off-leash, dog waste bags, trash cans, signage), pet-friendly destinations (cafes, transit, workplaces, accommodation) and local laws that support dog walking. Large-scale intervention studies are required to determine the effect of increased dog walking on overall walking levels. Experimental study designs, such as natural and quasi-experiments, are needed to provide stronger evidence for causal associations between the built and policy environments and dog walking. Given the potential of dog walking to increase population-levels of walking, urban, park and recreational planners need to design neighbourhood environments that are supportive of dog walking and other physical activity. Advocacy for dog walking policy-relevant initiatives are needed to support dog walking friendly environments. Health promotion practitioners should make dog walking a key strategy in social marketing campaigns.

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Sarah-Anne Munoz, Jane Farmer, Rachel Winterton and Jo Barraket

The purpose of this paper is to present an Australian case study and to explore how social enterprises may be conceptualised as spaces of well-being, that is the ways in which…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an Australian case study and to explore how social enterprises may be conceptualised as spaces of well-being, that is the ways in which social enterprises, not explicitly delivering health services, may be producing health and well-being benefits for those who come into contact with them.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study in Australia is used to explore in depth the mechanisms of well-being production. Data were collected using ethnographic observation, focus groups and walking interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, GIS and the lens of therapeutic assemblage.

Findings

The case study social enterprise produces well-being as integration, capability, security and therapy. The social enterprise acts as a therapeutic assemblage with well-being “spoken”, “practiced” and “felt” within the social enterprise. The ways in which well-being is generated are often linked to the productive element of enterprise – and have the potential to contribute to tackling several contemporary health challenges and inequalities relating to, for example, a lack of physical activity and levels of social isolation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper draws on a single Australian case study but points to the need for further in-depth work in the area of social enterprise and health.

Originality/value

The paper advances our understanding of how social enterprises may be linked to health and well-being. It goes beyond quantification of, for example, number of clients helped, to consider the wider experience of well-being for those who come into contact with social enterprises.

Details

Social Enterprise Journal, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-8614

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 4 October 2012

Sally Burford

Purpose – This research examines the nexus of two important phenomena: established information practices and the uptake of social media tools to facilitate or extend these…

Abstract

Purpose – This research examines the nexus of two important phenomena: established information practices and the uptake of social media tools to facilitate or extend these practices. It aims to provide a conceptual account of how social media is embedded in the practices of the information sector.

Methodology – The research design is based on qualitative multiple case studies and grounded theory following Eisenhardt (1989). It uses an information practice as a unit of analysis and collects data as written and spoken descriptions of practice.

Findings – Existing knowledge and expertise in the use of social media is nascent and disparate and often available only as anecdote. As a result of this research, it is captured and conceptualized and a theoretical frame for social media use in information work emerges – a deeper understanding ensues.

Originality/value – This research uses a practice perspective to focus on the activity involved in social media adoption to support information work. In theorising across multiple descriptions of information practices, this research provides a steadying influence in information environments that may feel obligation to embrace the global phenomena of social media. Clarifying guidance for purposeful information work will benefit the information profession and advance its various practices.

Details

Social Information Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-833-5

Keywords

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