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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Phuong Thanh To and David Grierson

Providing improved access to nature within educational settings can promote stronger child–nature connections and is conditional on making evidence-based decisions for the…

363

Abstract

Purpose

Providing improved access to nature within educational settings can promote stronger child–nature connections and is conditional on making evidence-based decisions for the planning, design and refurbishment of school architecture. The study offers insight into ways of reconnecting children with nature by examining the distribution and classification of diverse natural elements for enhancing children's visual and non-visual experiences of educational environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines quantitative and qualitative analysis of data gathered through measurement and observation at three schools in Glasgow, with a total of 75 students, to identify key issues influencing child–nature multi-sensorial connections within indoor and outdoor environments and on building envelopes and layouts. It applies children's open-questions and diagrams to investigate children's discovery of nature, their feelings around natural attributes and their environmental preferences within school contexts.

Findings

This study's findings reveal that architectural features and landscape settings have significant influence on the quantitative and qualitative degrees of children's natural exploration through visual and non-visual sensorial modalities and environmental preferences.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are that the data was gathered in the Spring season and with different groups of children from The Glasgow Academy who received the same educational curriculum. Thus, there is a need for further investigation on children's experiences of nature based on temporal and contextual differences, and varying educational-socio-cultural and economic factors.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that applications of natural diversity, accessible and flexible pathways and indoor natural settings, are potential approaches to connect children with nature within their study and play environments.

Originality/value

The authors provide a deeper understanding of how nature-based settings, including indoor and outdoor environments, constructively benefit children's multi-sensorial experiences, knowledge and biophilic feelings toward nature.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 6 August 2024

Ana Isabel Couto, Ana Cláudia Rodrigues, Eva Petiz Lousã and Dora Martins

This paper investigates how organisations responded to the home office imposition during the recent global health crisis and its impacts on people management, detailing the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates how organisations responded to the home office imposition during the recent global health crisis and its impacts on people management, detailing the organisational factors crucial for effective home-office implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

We used an exploratory design based on a multiple case study with four companies from two contrasting sectors (manufacturing and information technology (IT)). We interviewed a total of 12 managers, including one HR manager (HRms) and two team managers from each company. We also conducted an online questionnaire with open questions, reaching out to 128 home-office workers from the four participating companies. This diverse group consisted of 67 workers from the IT sector and 61 workers from the manufacturing sector. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, we opted for a qualitative approach to examine the data.

Findings

Findings enabled detail of the organisational factor of the Belzunegui-Eraso and Erro-Garcés (2020) extended Baruch and Nicholson’s (1997) model into people management issues: organisational culture, team management and human resources management (HRM) practices, as well as the technological support. The results also revealed that people management benefits from the successful home-office implementation, which boosted the digitalisation of human resources (HR) processes.

Originality/value

Considering the lessons learned from the home-office imposition, this research provides original insights into the field by exploring the roles of supervisors and HR managers, in non-health organisations, with different previous remote work experiences, in a recent global disruptive moment, based on a rich qualitative approach. The paper offers concrete guidelines for companies that intend to implement remote work management programs and contributes to deepen the knowledge of home-office experience, offering a model focusing on managers’ roles (HRms and TMs) and HRM practices.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 June 2024

Roberta Cuel, Aurelio Ravarini, Barbara Imperatori, Gilda Antonelli and Teresina Torre

This manuscript explores the evolving roles of HR professionals amidst global megatrends and organizational transitions, focusing on the Italian context, which has experienced…

Abstract

Purpose

This manuscript explores the evolving roles of HR professionals amidst global megatrends and organizational transitions, focusing on the Italian context, which has experienced disruptive adoption of new forms of work such as remote and hybrid work. In this challenging scenario, our research aims to uncover if and how HR professionals are transforming their roles or maintaining the status quo in navigating organizational changes, dealing with the upcoming working scenario, and challenging conventional perceptions of HR practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the social-symbolic work lens, that contributes to a deeper understanding of how HR professionals work to construct organizational life, the identities of employees, and the societal norms and assumptions that provide the context for organizational action. This perspective highlights HR professionals’ personal efforts, consisting of the emotional labor entailed in steering organizational transformations and, eventually, maintenance in a context where remote work has become prevalent. Data was collected through 16 online focus groups involving 76 HR professionals from Italian organizations.

Findings

Our research offers two interrelated contributions to HR literature. First, we provide pieces of evidence on how HR practitioners act as agents of change in two emerging roles: the “Wannabe Hero” and the “Ordinary Hero”. This challenges the prevailing rhetorical discourse about the so-called HR business partner. Secondly, we delve into the persistent obstacles that hinder HR professionals from making a substantial impact in addressing radical changes. These findings will provide useful insights into effectively engaging HR practitioners as agents of change in organizational transformation, shedding light on praxis, structures, and their emotional work.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes HR professionals’ social-symbolic work, which offers an original contribution to the comprehension of the activities they carry on in practice and the emotions they have been experiencing. These influence both the way HR professionals play their role and the organizational and institutional environment.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 June 2024

Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, Mohamed Ahmed Hafez Ahmed, Opeoluwa Akinradewo and Igbebo Omoh-Paul

The construction industry is unique but with uncertainties. This is because of the operating environment. This intricacy gives rise to several construction risks and is compounded…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry is unique but with uncertainties. This is because of the operating environment. This intricacy gives rise to several construction risks and is compounded in developing countries’ turbulent times. If not managed, these risks enhanced in turbulent times could negatively impact the Nigerian construction projects’ cost, time, quality, and performance. Hence, this study investigated the perceived encumbrances facing construction risk management techniques and identified measures to promote sustainable-based construction risk management in turbulent times.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers adopted a qualitative approach and achieved saturation with 28 participants. The participants were government policymakers, quantity surveyors in government ministries/agencies/departments, consultant engineers, consultant architects, consultant and contracting quantity surveyors, and construction contractors knowledgeable about construction risk management. The research employed a thematic analysis for the study’s data.

Findings

Findings identified turbulent times related to the industry and major techniques for managing construction project risks in the Nigerian construction industry. It revealed lax adoption and implementation of practices. Also, the study identified major encumbrances facing construction risk and proffered initiatives that would promote sustainable-based construction risk management in turbulent times.

Originality/value

This study investigates encumbrances and suggests measures to promote construction project risk management in turbulent times in Nigeria. Also, the study contributes to the literature’s paucity, uncovering perceived encumbrances and evolving organisations’ management styles to imbed sustainable-based risk management practices by qualitative research design method.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 42 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 February 2024

Almina Bešić, Christian Hirt and Zijada Rahimić

This study focuses on HR practices that foster employee engagement during Covid-19. Companies in transition economies are particularly vulnerable to crisis and downsizing and…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study focuses on HR practices that foster employee engagement during Covid-19. Companies in transition economies are particularly vulnerable to crisis and downsizing and other recessionary practices are frequently used.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the model of caring human resource management, we utilise interviews with human resource representatives of 10 banks in the transition economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We analyse the banks at two different times to demonstrate how and why companies adapt their HR practices.

Findings

Our findings show a changing mindset in the deployment of highly context-specific HR practices. Strengthening company culture through a sense of community and communication ensure stability and continuity in work. Rather than layoffs, flexible work has become standard.

Practical implications

By highlighting the interplay between HR practices and employee engagement, we contribute to the discussion on engagement in exceptional circumstances and challenging settings and demonstrate how caring responsibilities “migrate” into HR practices in the professional context of a transition economy.

Originality/value

We propose a context-specific “protective caring approach” to foster employee engagement during crises.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 46 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2023

Ariadna Monje-Amor

This study aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of different work models, including hybrid and remote models, as perceived by millennial and Gen Z students in Spain…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of different work models, including hybrid and remote models, as perceived by millennial and Gen Z students in Spain. Additionally, it seeks to identify ways to promote work engagement in the context of this paradigm shift.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved 44 undergraduate and graduate students who participated in two classroom discussions on the impact of hybrid and remote work models on well-being. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results indicate that students' expectations have significantly shifted, and HR managers need to implement hybrid and remote work models to ensure a balance between long-term employee and organisational interests. Younger generations seek flexibility in work and education to achieve a better quality of life, rather than a 100% remote system.

Originality/value

The growing demand for hybrid and flexible working has the potential to create a paradigm shift in the way we work. This study contributes to the organisational behaviour literature by investigating the factors that organisations and policymakers should consider when implementing work models in response to the pandemic to promote well-being. The practical implications of this study can be useful for organisations and educators seeking to adapt to this changing work landscape.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2023

He Ding, Jun Liu and Enhai Yu

Drawing on conversation of resources theory, the present paper aimed to investigate the effect of strengths-based leadership on follower career satisfaction and the mediating role…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on conversation of resources theory, the present paper aimed to investigate the effect of strengths-based leadership on follower career satisfaction and the mediating role of follower strengths use as well as the moderating role of emotional exhaustion in the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Research data were gathered at 3 time points with a sample of 210 participants working in various organizations in China. Structural equation model (SEM) was applied to examine the authors' hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that strengths-based leadership has a positive impact on follower career satisfaction and follower strengths use fully mediates the effect of strengths-based leadership on follower career satisfaction. More importantly, emotional exhaustion enhanced the direct relationship between strengths use and career satisfaction and the indirect association of strengths-based leadership with follower career satisfaction through follower strengths use.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the present paper was the single source of research data.

Originality/value

The present paper advances strengths-based leadership theory and research and provides a new insight into cultivating employee career satisfaction.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 53 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

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