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Article
Publication date: 7 July 2023

Jia Zhang, Chunlu Liu, Mark Luther, Brian Chil, Jilong Zhao and Changan Liu

Physical environments, especially the sound environments of ILSs on a university campus, have become increasingly important in satisfying the diverse needs of students. Poor sound…

Abstract

Purpose

Physical environments, especially the sound environments of ILSs on a university campus, have become increasingly important in satisfying the diverse needs of students. Poor sound environments are widely acknowledged to lead to inefficient and underutilised spaces and to negatively influence students' learning outcomes. This study proposes two hypotheses to explore whether students' sound environment perceptions are related to their individual characteristics and whether students' preferences for the type of ILS are related to their sound environment sensitivities.

Design/methodology/approach

An investigation through a questionnaire survey has been conducted on both students' individual characteristics affecting their sound environment perceptions in informal learning spaces (ILSs) of a university campus and their sensitivities to the sound environments in ILSs affecting their preferences for the type of ILSs.

Findings

The research findings indicate that students' sound environment perceptions are associated with some of their individual characteristics. In addition, the results show that students' sound environment sensitivities affect their preferences for the type of ILS they occupy.

Originality/value

This study could help architects and managers of university learning spaces to provide better sound environments for students, thereby improving their learning outcomes. The article contributes valuable insights into the correlation between students' individual characteristics, sound environment perceptions and preferences for ILSs. The research findings add to the existing knowledge in this field and offer practical implications for enhancing design and management of university learning environments.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2020

Nelson Oly Ndubisi, Obaid Al-Shuridah and Celine Capel

Premised on the shortage of research on the role of organisational mindfulness in promoting environmental sustainability, this study evaluates the effects of organisational…

Abstract

Purpose

Premised on the shortage of research on the role of organisational mindfulness in promoting environmental sustainability, this study evaluates the effects of organisational mindfulness and mindful organising on environmental sustainability outcomes in the critical case of multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in the oil and gas sector in the Arabian Gulf.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from the (oil and gas sector) MNES. A total of 92 completed responses were received. The respondents include executives, senior managers and directors. The data were analysed using SmartPLS software. The measurement and structural models were evaluated.

Findings

The models show that four (of five) dimensions of organisational mindfulness (defined as organisational goals, desires and strategies) and mindful organising (defined as organisational tactics and practices) are significantly related. Mindful organising is significantly associated with more environmentally sustainable outcomes. But contrary to expectations sensitivity to the local environment did not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between mindful organising and environmental sustainability initiatives and outcomes of these MNEs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents several hypotheses, most of which were confirmed. Direct effects of organizational mindfulness, mindful organizing were confirmed. Environmental sensitivity has a direct effect rather than a moderating effect (as hypothesized) on environmental sustainability.

Practical implications

Environmental sustainability can be approached by MNEs in the oil and gas sector by among other factors, increased environmental sensitivity, signalling environmental behaviours the organisation expects, rewards and supports and putting in place a social process that is reliant on extensive and continuous interactions between individuals and among teams regarding these environmental expectations.

Social implications

Social and environmental performance of MNEs can be improved through mindfulness-based approaches, effects of which can be transmitted through a social process that relies on continuous real-time communication and interactions among members through formal and informal interactions during meetings, briefings, work and play. Sensitivity and respect for the host community and environment can bolster brand image and social relations.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the greening issues surrounding the largely unexplored context of the Arabian Gulf’s oil and gas sector. It demonstrates that ongoing greening communications and interactions through briefings, meetings, updates and in teams' ongoing work are some of the mechanisms for achieving sustainability. Also environmental sensitivity is a direct driver rather than a contingent factor of sustainability.

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Vladislav Valentinov

The rise of the general systems theory in the twentieth century would not have been possible without the concept of feedback. Of special interest to the present paper is Niklas…

Abstract

Purpose

The rise of the general systems theory in the twentieth century would not have been possible without the concept of feedback. Of special interest to the present paper is Niklas Luhmann’s reconstruction and critique of Wiener’s cybernetic approach to the feedback concept. Luhmann has suggested that the operation of the feedback-controlled systems potentially poses problems of sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to explore this suggestion in more detail.

Design/methodology/approach

The reconstruction of the arguments of Luhmann and Wiener shows that both scholars approached the feedback concept from the “system-environment” perspective. Luhmann takes system-environment relations to be inherently precarious. Wiener underscores the importance of the sensitivity of the feedback-controlled systems to their environment.

Findings

Drawing on Norbert Wiener’s and Niklas Luhmann’s ideas, the paper shows that every specification of the feedback mechanism implies the drawing of the moral boundary that demarcates those parts of the environment to which the relevant system is sensitive from those to which it is not. A likely outcome of this boundary drawing is the maintenance of intra-systemic complexity at the cost of the deteriorating sustainability of the system in its environment.

Originality/value

Until today, the general system theory has sought to explain organized complexity and rightly underscored the role of feedback in maintaining it, thereby inadvertently creating the chasm between the complexity and sustainability dimensions of human civilization. The present paper pleads for reorienting of the systems-theoretic analysis of the feedback concept toward closing this chasm.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 46 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2019

Rawa Alwadani and Nelson Oly Ndubisi

Family centered non-economic (FCNE) goals, such as environmental and social goals, are sometimes strenuous to “sell” to non-family members in a family business, and are often open…

Abstract

Purpose

Family centered non-economic (FCNE) goals, such as environmental and social goals, are sometimes strenuous to “sell” to non-family members in a family business, and are often open to resistance. The purpose of this paper is to identify socio-psychological mechanisms for achieving FCNE goals because, in addition to economic goals, they are the other two components of the triple bottom line.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a juxtaposition of the literature on family businesses, and the theories of mindfulness and psychological ownership, this paper argues for the facilitating roles of family involvement and mindful organizing in the achievement of FCNE goals. An example of how a Kuwaiti oil company implements these ideas is appended.

Findings

A moderated link between family involvement, mindful organizing and FCNE goal of environmental sustainability. Besides its direct effect on environmental sustainability, mindful organizing also has a potential mediating role in the relationship between family involvement and environmental sustainability. Psychological ownership, environmental sensitivity and individual mindfulness will moderate the relationship between mindful organizing and the achievement of environmental sustainability goals.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents ten propositions and argues that three types of family involvement (ownership, management and inter-generational), together with non-family engagement (through mindful organizing) would lead to success in achieving the FCNE goal of environmental sustainability. Psychological ownership, environmental sensitivity and individual mindfulness are potential moderators.

Practical implications

The paper suggests some key drivers of FCNE goal of environmental sustainability as well as several contingent factors. Applicable to family businesses, owners and/or managers of similar firms can apply knowledge from this study in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

The paper’s model advances the current understanding of the link between family involvement, mindful organizing, environmental sustainability, psychological ownership, environmental sensitivity and individual mindfulness in the context of family business. The paper further suggests new future research directions.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 41 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2008

J.A.S.K. Jayakody

As the number of studies reported on the new leadership approach in the South Asian region and especially in Sri Lanka is very limited, the present study aims to explore to what…

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Abstract

Purpose

As the number of studies reported on the new leadership approach in the South Asian region and especially in Sri Lanka is very limited, the present study aims to explore to what extent the Conger and Kanungo (C‐K) model can be employed to explain the leadership phenomenon in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was undertaken among 53 managers who are reading for MBA degrees using the questionnaire devised and validated by Conger and Kanungo, and the data were subjected to principle component factor (varimax rotation) analysis.

Findings

The paper finds that the Sri Lankan version of charismatic leadership is found to be similar to the C‐K model in terms of personal risk, sensitivity to member needs and sensitivity to the environment. However, it differs from the C‐K model, as it does not contain unconventional behavior and articulation of vision, and contains a new dimension – creating excitement. The variation is attributed to some aspects of culture i.e. conservative, hierarchical, caring and less futuristic.

Originality/value

There have not been very many attempts at replicating new leadership theories in the South Asian region that is in some ways, i.e. level of development, religion and cultural values, different from the rest of the world. The present study fills this empirical gap.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 May 2021

Kristof van Assche, Vladislav Valentinov and Gert Verschraegen

The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of adaptive governance, which is advocated for as a manner to deal with dramatic changes in society and/or environment. To

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deepen the understanding of adaptive governance, which is advocated for as a manner to deal with dramatic changes in society and/or environment. To re-think the possible contributions of organizations and organization theory, to adaptive governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on social systems theory this study makes a distinction between “governance organizations” and “governance communities.” Organizations are conceptualized as the decision machines which organize and (co-)steer governance. Communities are seen as the social environments against which the governance system orients its operations. This study considers the adaptive mechanisms of organizations and reflect on the roles of organizations to enhance adaptive governance in communities and societies.

Findings

Diverse types of organizations can link or couple in different ways to communities in their social environment. Such links can enhance the coordinative capacity of the governance system and can also spur innovation to enable adaptation. Yet, linking with communities can also slow down responses to change and complexify the processes of deliberation in governance. Not all adaptive mechanisms available to organizations can be used in communicating with communities or can be institutionalized, but the continuous innovation in the field of organizations can inspire continuous testing of small-scale adaptive mechanisms at higher levels. Society can thus enhance its adaptive capacity by managing the role of organizations.

Originality/value

The harnessing of insights in organization theory and systems theory for improving understanding of adaptive governance. The finding that both experiment and coordination at societal level are needed, toward adaptive governance, and that organizations can contribute to both.

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2019

Qiong Liu, Zhongming Cheng and Min Chen

This study aims to propose the corresponding ways and methods to strengthen the environmental moral education based on scientific research methods, rigorous scientific theory and…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose the corresponding ways and methods to strengthen the environmental moral education based on scientific research methods, rigorous scientific theory and the specific content of environmental moral education.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, taking 360 volunteers of Yangtze University, Hubei, as the research samples, the 32-week (3 h per week) experimental research was preceded in this study. Among the 360 distributed copies of questionnaires, 289 copies are valid, with the retrieval rate 80 per cent.

Findings

The research results show significant correlations between environmental education and environmental ethics; environmental ethics and environmental literacy; and environmental education and environmental literacy.

Research limitations/implications

The research on the environmental moral education in China was still in the primary stage, and there were few results that can be used for reference. As a result, there was a lack of empirical research in this paper, which needed to be further expanded and improved.

Practical implications

This study put forward a series of new judgments and new views to solve the problems, which provided a good theoretical basis for the current education and teaching work of the majority of educators and valuable reference for future research on related topics. This study was helpful to further enhance the environmental moral awareness and environmental moral level. Aiming at the problems existing in environmental moral education, this study proposed a series of solutions to make the whole society, schools and families work together for the improvement and development of environmental moral education.

Originality/value

This study was helpful to promote environmental moral quality and level, promote the harmony between man and nature and form a good habit of environmental protection in the whole society.

Article
Publication date: 15 October 2018

Hossein Sayyadi Tooranloo, Masoume Alavi and Sepideh Saghafi

Nowadays, the main problem of industries is the issue of environmental pollution. The green supply chain (GSC) is one of the processes that can be effective to consider this issue…

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays, the main problem of industries is the issue of environmental pollution. The green supply chain (GSC) is one of the processes that can be effective to consider this issue and its practices in all working processes in every organizations, so that the concept of GSC has been emerged with the acceleration of the government regulations and rules to achieve environmental standards and the increasing demands of consumers to supply green products. Therefore, the organizations should move toward the development of environmental activities in today’s turbulent world. In other words, the current organizations should consider making their supply chain more agile and green to survive in the competition arena or in other words, they should consider making agile the GSC. The necessity of considering this issue needs to identify the evaluating indicators of the agility of the GSC. This study aims to consider this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

With reviewing the research literature and having survey with the experts, totally 7 criteria and 37 sub-criteria were identified as the evaluating indicators of the agility of the GSC. The results from collecting research data and using the confirmatory-factor analysis suggest the suitability of the above-mentioned indicators.

Findings

The idea of the GSC is to remove or minimize the greenhouse, chemical/hazardous gases and waste throughout the supply chain. On one hand, the agility of the supply chain as an operational capability in quick response to the uncertain and turbulent markers not only improves the performance of the company but also leads to cost decrease and increase of the professional capabilities. Therefore, the organizations should step toward the development of the environmental activities in the today’s turbulent world. The importance of the issue of agility and considering the environment in the supply chain double the necessity of identification of the factors of agility of the GSC.

Originality/value

The present research considers the identification of the evaluating indicators of the agility of the GSC in industries.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 November 2021

Visar Hoxha, Dhurata Hoxha and Jehona Hoxha

While facilities management (FM) in Kosovo is a constantly growing discipline, the studies so far in Kosovo have been scarce and too general. The purpose of the paper is to

Abstract

Purpose

While facilities management (FM) in Kosovo is a constantly growing discipline, the studies so far in Kosovo have been scarce and too general. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the current situation of FM in Kosovo, identify challenges and recommend new future development directions of the sector with regard to capabilities of facility managers, integration of technology in FM and FM standardization.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses qualitative method by using semi-structured interviews with purposive sample of 20 FM professionals with experience of more than 15 years that cover public, private sector and international organizations.

Findings

The present study finds that FM in Kosovo is in its infancy stage, and it is mainly perceived as maintenance and cleaning with the low level of outsourcing. Generally, it was agreed that FM industry in Kosovo faces several challenges such as lack of budget, resources and staff; inappropriate FM planning; absence of uniform KPIs and low sensitivity of FM to sustainability. The study finally finds that FM in Kosovo can be enhanced only through integration of novel technologies, development of adaptive capability of facility managers and adequate FM standardization.

Research limitations/implications

The present study helps researchers and practitioners to understand the current situation of FM in Kosovo in terms of planning, outsourcing and primary purpose of FM in Kosovo. The study also provides an overview of challenges of FM in Kosovo, which can be used by researchers and practitioners to identify future development directions for the sector and profession.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the current knowledge about the state of development of FM in transitional countries such as Kosovo. The findings will identify future development areas of FM in Kosovo especially with regard to capability and skills of FM professionals and integration of technology in FM, which can be used by other countries facing the same perceptional and developmental challenges in FM.

Details

Property Management, vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1993

Siobhan Alderson

Presents an original top management team‐based approach tomanagement competences. Based on the results of a survey of thousands oftop executives across Europe and many years of…

Abstract

Presents an original top management team‐based approach to management competences. Based on the results of a survey of thousands of top executives across Europe and many years of in‐depth consultancy and research with top executives, presents a practical guide to the key top management team competences identified by top executives as essential to success and to the impact of poor performance in these key competence areas. Additionally, presents the results in a cross‐cultural framework and outlines the need, in an international business environment, for a heightened understanding of the impact of cultural differences in management behaviour, performance, and expectations. Also considers the management development implications of the findings.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

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