Search results
1 – 10 of 865Siti Raba’ah Hamzah, Siti Nur Syuhada Musa, Zulaiha Muda and Maimunah Ismail
This study aims at investigating the relationship between the quality of working life and career engagement of cancer survivors and the mediating role of the effect of disease and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims at investigating the relationship between the quality of working life and career engagement of cancer survivors and the mediating role of the effect of disease and treatment.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 cancer survivors in Malaysia. The participants, aged between 18 and 40, were Malaysian citizens undergoing follow-up sessions at the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital and the National Cancer Institute of Malaysia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis that implemented Baron and Kenny’s method for mediation were used for analyses.
Findings
The effect of treatment and disease was found to significantly mediate the relationship between quality of work-life and career engagement of cancer survivors.
Research limitations/implications
The instrument for this study was a self-reported questionnaire, with participants responding to specific items on a five-point Likert scale under the supervision of the researchers. As results from the survey were subjective in nature, the bias in the participants could not be eliminated completely. This study was also limited to the two main parameters, namely, quality of working life and career engagement and a mediator, namely, effects of the disease and treatment. Moreover, as the survey was conducted in only two hospitals in the Klang Valley area, the results cannot be generalized to other cancer survivors in other regions of Malaysia.
Practical implications
The results of this study indicated that the mediating role of the effects of disease and treatment on the relationship of the quality of working life subscales with career engagement. Practical implications, cancer survivor consciousness of the effects of disease and treatment is very important and should be addressed and could be notable to improve the quality of working life.
Originality/value
This study gives valuable insight to managers and practitioners by investigating the relationship between the quality of working life and career engagement and mediates by the effects of disease and treatment. The findings highlight the challenges cancer survivors face on their return to working life. The findings also highlight the need for management to take steps to help cancer survivors cope with career engagement for better work performance.
Details
Keywords
Dianhan Zheng, Alexander R. Marbut, Jing Zhang, Avery Britt and David Nwadike
Cancer-related stigma is a troubling challenge faced by working cancer survivors and organizations aiming to promote inclusive work environments. Research suggests that a harmful…
Abstract
Purpose
Cancer-related stigma is a troubling challenge faced by working cancer survivors and organizations aiming to promote inclusive work environments. Research suggests that a harmful stereotype faced by cancer survivors is that the cancer survivors are low in competence. Leveraging the concept of the looking glass self and social cognitive theory, the authors develop a theoretical model about psychological processes through which cancer survivors' competence metaperceptions are related to work outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors recruited 200 working cancer survivors from online research panels and empirically test a theoretical model on how cancer survivors' metaperceptions of competence are related to the survivors' turnover intention and vigor at work. The authors additionally conducted an experimental vignette study among a sample of 133 students to examine confounds concerning causal order.
Findings
The authors found that favorable competence metaperceptions were related to decreased turnover intentions and increased vigor through cancer survivors' enhanced self-efficacy, especially for survivors high in need for emotional support.
Practical implications
This study suggests that inclusive organizations should pay attention to employees with cancer histories as a hidden disadvantaged group. To protect and motivate working cancer survivors, managers need to create a positive socio-cognitive working environment where cancer survivors are respected and valued.
Originality/value
By examining cancer survivors' metaperceptions and showing that survivors may internalize others' stereotype about individuals with a history of cancer, the authors advance the understanding about cancer survivors' return-to-work challenges.
Details
Keywords
Margaret O'Connor, Jennifer Watts, Melissa Bloomer and Kevin Larkins
The purpose of this paper is to determine how Australian workplaces, their managers and employees respond to those who are grieving at work, as a result of chronic or terminal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine how Australian workplaces, their managers and employees respond to those who are grieving at work, as a result of chronic or terminal illness, or caring for those with chronic or terminal illness. The review draws on Australian and relevant international literature and seeks to answer this question.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was undertaken in preparation for an Australian study examining workplace supports for people who are grieving – because they are carers, have experienced a death, or are balancing their own illness with their work. Using a range of search terms, the literature was searched for relevant work between 1980 and 2010. The search found examples of workplace supports throughout the world and some developing Australian literature.
Findings
Despite illness and death occurring at any stage of a person's life, there is little research that identifies workplace issues associated with grief and loss. And while workplace legislation allows for minimal supports, there was evidence that some workplaces have begun to offer flexibility for work life balance.
Practical implications
Effective workplace supports will involve individual and workplace responses, but also require legislative approaches in order to effect broad‐based system change.
Originality/value
The paper compares Australian and international literature about workplace supports and provides an overview of the issues arising.
Details
Keywords
Adela Elena Popa, Marta Kahancová and Mehtap Akgüç
This paper makes a conceptual contribution by intersecting two strands of literature (return to work following health issues and industrial relations) to facilitate our…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper makes a conceptual contribution by intersecting two strands of literature (return to work following health issues and industrial relations) to facilitate our understanding of the potential role of social dialogue in supporting return to work (RTW) following the diagnosis of a chronic illness. It conceptualises the levels and channels through which various actors and their interactions may play a role in RTW facilitation within the actor-centred institutional framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses an exploratory design based mainly on desk research but is also informed by roundtable discussions done in six countries as part of a larger project.
Findings
The conceptual and analytical framework (CAF) is developed to explain how various actors interact together in ways shaped by the RTW policy framework and the industrial relations systems, resulting in a continuum of RTW facilitation situations.
Originality/value
There is limited research on return-to-work policies following diagnosis of chronic illness from a comprehensive actor-oriented perspective. The existing literature usually focusses on just one stakeholder, overlooking the role of social dialogue actors. By bridging the two streams of literature and incorporating all potential actors and their interactions in a unitary model, the proposed framework provides a valuable tool to further discuss how successful RTW after a diagnosis of chronic illness can be facilitated.
Details
Keywords
Dwayne Van Eerd, Julie Bowring, Arif Jetha, F. Curtis Breslin and Monique A.M. Gignac
The purpose of this research was to conduct an environmental scan describing publicly available resources focussed on working with an episodic disability and providing information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research was to conduct an environmental scan describing publicly available resources focussed on working with an episodic disability and providing information and advice about communication and accommodation to support working people living with episodic disabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an environmental scan of English language, freely available, online resources relevant to episodic disabilities in the workplace. The authors used Google™ to conduct structured keyword searches. Resources were reviewed and data extracted about episodic health condition(s) addressed, intended audience(s), resource format and content about health, legal rights, workplace issues, and accommodation and communication needs.
Findings
Searches yielded 5,300 links to websites which was supplemented by 101 links identified by partners. Screening for relevance found 210 resources for which data were extracted. Of them, 158 addressed specific episodic disabilities or episodic disabilities generally. Most resources provided useful information addressing communication and accommodation of episodic disability. However, information specific to the episodic nature of disability was not consistently available. The resources generally lacked interactivity which could potentially limit users in applying the information to their personal circumstances.
Practical implications
The findings suggest there are good resources to help workers and managers/supervisors navigate accommodations for episodic disabilities. Research should aim to improve the interactivity of information to personalize resources to worker and workplace needs, as well as formally evaluate resources and their outcomes. Practitioners may wish to recommend resources that specifically address workplace challenges for their clients.
Originality/value
The authors believe this is one of few studies that examined publicly available resources relevant to working with episodic disabilities.
Details
Keywords
Donna Bramwell, Caroline Sanders and Anne Rogers
Given that current policy in the UK is focused on encouraging individuals with long-term health conditions (LTCs) to work wherever possible, the purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Given that current policy in the UK is focused on encouraging individuals with long-term health conditions (LTCs) to work wherever possible, the purpose of this paper is to explore employer’s and manager’s perspectives of supporting those with LTCs as any successful workplace engagement will largely be influenced by their readiness to be supportive.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 40 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with employers’ and managers’ from a range of organisations in the north-west of England during the period March 2011 to January 2012. Comparative analysis of the data was guided and informed by grounded theory principles.
Findings
All bar one participant typified their role as one of a difficult “balancing” act of additional and often incompatible demands, pressures and feelings. It was evident that coping with this ambivalent situation incurred an emotional consequence for participants.
Practical implications
Employers’ and managers’ response to ambivalent feelings may serve to undermine their capacity to translate supportive intentions into tangible action and are thus reflected in employee’s perceptions of unsupportive relations. Developing an intervention to raise awareness of the potential for this situation and subsequent impact on the return to work process would be beneficial for all stakeholders – the government, employees and employers alike.
Originality/value
This in-depth study gives voice to employers and managers whose experiences and perceptions of supporting people with LTCs is largely unknown and empirically under-researched. Findings add to the wealth of research from the employee perspective to provide a more nuanced picture of the workplace for those working with and/or supporting those with LTCs.
Details
Keywords
Sunwoo Tessa Lee and Kyoung Tae Kim
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hundreds of thousands of people to suffer severe illness or die and has had severe effects on individuals’ financial well-being as well…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hundreds of thousands of people to suffer severe illness or die and has had severe effects on individuals’ financial well-being as well. Unfortunately, it is very likely that the pandemic has had a disproportionate effect, particularly on vulnerable and underserved groups, including immigrants in the USA. This study aims to examine the association between perceived health risk and perceived financial risk attributable to COVID-19, and focuses on their heterogeneous effects depending upon immigrant status.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used the Understanding America Study (UAS) COVID-19 National Survey data collected from April 2020 to July 2021. Sets of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and fixed effects regression analyses were conducted on the perceived risk COVID-19 poses on households’ finances. The main focal variables of interest were immigrant status and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection and death.
Findings
The results showed that the correlation between health risk and perceived financial risk was much higher among first- and second-generation immigrants. Surprisingly, various types of government aid did not have a consistent and significant effect on the recipients’ perception of the risk that COVID-19 poses to their household finances.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few attempts to empirically examine the association between perceived health risk and financial risk during the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on the heterogeneity by immigrant status. The authors used an appropriate methodology that considered the panel structure of the UAS COVID-19 National Survey’s data. The study provides important implications for researchers and policymakers related to immigrants’ financial well-being.
Details
Keywords
Syed Saad Ahmed, Muhammad Mumtaz Khan and Mustaghis ur Rahman
The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between spiritual leadership and employee resilience. Specifically, this research explores how meaning mediates the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between spiritual leadership and employee resilience. Specifically, this research explores how meaning mediates the relationship between spiritual leadership and employee resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
This quantitative study collected data from the 439 respondents using a seven-point Likert scale. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the relationship among spiritual leadership, meaning and employee resilience.
Findings
The results shows that spiritual leadership, directly and indirectly, influences employee resilience. Spiritual leadership also instills meaning among employees through exhibiting genuine concern and communicating a shared vision. This research also demonstrates that meaning cultivates employee resilience to survive and thrive in a challenging business environment.
Practical implications
First, organizations should assess, incorporate and promote altruistic values and shared vision in their leadership program and staffing process. Second, this study urges leaders and managers to create meaning in the workplace. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily routines and order that humans are accustomed to, causing distressing circumstances for many people. This research calls for spiritual leadership to respond proactively by providing employees with support, appreciation and direction in those times.
Originality/value
This research moves forward the extant academic discussion on spiritual leadership, meaning and employee resilience in two ways. First, this study adds empirical evidence to the relationship between spiritual leadership and employee resilience, which has drawn scant attention from scholars. Second, this research buttresses the proposed framework from the perspective of positive psychology and broaden-and-build theory.
Details
Keywords
Sherri Sheinfeld Gorin and Patrick McAuliffe
The aims of this paper are to: briefly review the long‐term or late effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment on children and youth; examine the implications of these effects on…
Abstract
Purpose
The aims of this paper are to: briefly review the long‐term or late effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment on children and youth; examine the implications of these effects on the educational needs of the child or youth; explore the implications of childhood cancer survivorship on the school, particularly for female students. Over the last 25 years, treatments for childhood cancers have increased survival rates by 45 per cent, to nearly 77 per cent. It is estimated that one in 900 people aged 15‐44 years in the USA is a childhood cancer survivor; 80 per cent of children diagnosed with cancer in 1990 will survive into adulthood.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review of studies relevant to female childhood cancer survivorship and education over the past ten years was conducted, having been collected through searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYCINFO, and EMBASE.
Findings
Long‐term and late effects of cancer have been observed in neurocognition, cardiopulmonary symptoms, second cancers, reproductive organs, and hearing loss. Other health effects, such as impaired growth, osteopenia, hepatitis C infection, oral and dental malformations, and behavioral risk factors such as fatigue, obesity, and smoking have also been reported among childhood cancer survivors. These longer‐term treatment sequelae, particularly on neurological systems, have implications for changed student educational needs, including the provision of specialized instruction, classroom adaptations, as well as ancillary health services.
Research limitations/implications
Based on the ecologic model, a research agenda is proposed for better integrating the increasing numbers of childhood cancer survivors into the educational environment.
Practical implications
Practical interventions for survivors who are experiencing difficulties in school are listed.
Originality/value
To the best of one's knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review on the implications of childhood cancer survivors in schools.
Details
Keywords
Katherine S. Virgo, Chun Chieh Lin, Amy Davidoff, Gery P. Guy, Janet S. de Moor, Donatus U. Ekwueme, Erin E. Kent, Neetu Chawla and K. Robin Yabroff
To examine associations by gender between cancer history and major health insurance transitions (gains and losses), and relationships between insurance transitions and access to…
Abstract
Purpose
To examine associations by gender between cancer history and major health insurance transitions (gains and losses), and relationships between insurance transitions and access to care.
Methodology
Longitudinal 2008–2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data were pooled yielding 2,223 cancer survivors and 50,692 individuals with no cancer history ages 18–63 years upon survey entry, with gender-specific sub-analyses. Access-to-care implications of insurance loss or gain were compared by cancer history and gender.
Findings
Initially uninsured cancer survivors were significantly more likely to gain insurance coverage than individuals with no cancer history (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.08–1.44). Females in particular were significantly more likely to gain insurance (unmarried RR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06–1.28; married RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02–1.16). Significantly higher rates of difficulty accessing needed medical care and prescription medications were reported by those remaining uninsured, those who lost insurance, and women in general. Remaining uninsured, losing insurance, and male gender were associated with lack of a usual source of care.
Research implications
Additional outreach to disadvantaged populations is needed to improve access to affordable insurance and medical care. Future longitudinal studies should assess whether major Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions enacted after the 2008–2013 study period (or those of ACA’s replacement) are addressing these important issues.
Originality
Loss of health insurance coverage can reduce health care access resulting in poor health outcomes. Cancer survivors may be particularly at risk of insurance coverage gaps due to the long-term chronic disease trajectory. This study is novel in exploring associations between cancer history by gender and health insurance transitions, both gains and losses, in a national non-elderly adult sample.
Details