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1 – 10 of 308Phillippa Carnemolla, Katherine Mackinnon, Simon Darcy and Barbara Almond
Design policy and regulations within our cities can significantly impact the accessibility and social participation of people with disability. Whilst public, wheelchair-accessible…
Abstract
Purpose
Design policy and regulations within our cities can significantly impact the accessibility and social participation of people with disability. Whilst public, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are highly regulated spaces for this reason, very little is known about how wheelchair users use them or what wheelchair users think of current design standards.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory inquiry adopts an embodied approach to investigate the perspectives of powered and manual wheelchair users on public bathroom usage and design. The study encompasses twelve interviews, delving into how participants utilise accessible bathrooms based on mobility, disability, support levels, wheelchair types, urinary/bowel regimes and catheter use.
Findings
A thorough analysis of individual public bathroom elements (layout, toilet, handwashing and grab rails) discussed in the interviews reveals themes of safety, hygiene, planning/avoidance and privacy and dignity. Strikingly, many wheelchair users invest significant effort in planning for bathroom use or avoid public bathrooms altogether. The ongoing maintenance and regular cleaning of bathrooms, something not captured in regulatory standards, has been highlighted as something of critical importance to the ongoing accessibility and safety of public bathrooms for wheelchair users. This points to a relationship between the design and the maintenance of public bathrooms as influencers of health, well-being, community inclusion and the social participation of people with disability.
Research limitations/implications
This qualitative research is exploratory and contributes to a growing body of evidence that explores how public spaces are experienced by diverse members of our communities, including people with disability. To date, there have been very few investigations into the embodied perspectives of wheelchair users about public bathroom design.
Practical implications
The findings can potentially drive innovative and inclusive approaches to bathroom design regulations that include operational and maintenance guidance.
Social implications
The research aims to inform design regulations, standards development and practices of designers, architects, facilities managers, developers and planners, ensuring public spaces are designed to support more accessible, inclusive and socially sustainable cities.
Originality/value
Whilst wheelchair-accessible bathrooms have been designed and constructed for public use (in many countries) for many years, we know very little about how wheelchair users actually use them or what wheelchair users think of current design standards.
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Daniella Abena Badu and Pietro Micheli
This study aims to examine how different uses of performance measurement systems (PMS) enable or hinder organizational ambidexterity (OA), intended as the simultaneous pursuit of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine how different uses of performance measurement systems (PMS) enable or hinder organizational ambidexterity (OA), intended as the simultaneous pursuit of exploitation and exploration.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a qualitative research design, we gathered data through semi-structured interviews, observations and reviews of documents at four departments of an automotive firm.
Findings
We contribute to operations management research and practice by demonstrating how PMS, which are typically associated with exploitation, can also foster exploration and enable organizations to become ambidextrous. Specifically, we show how PMS can be structured and used in more agile ways and, in relation to innovation, we identify which PM practices should be introduced and with what effects and those that should be avoided. We also contribute to organization theory by highlighting how a single management tool can promote the achievement of both exploration and exploitation.
Practical implications
In investigating PMS uses and their effects, we identify several positive practices. For example, we show how managers can use PMS more effectively and how targets could be deployed to stimulate creativity and innovation. We also emphasize the need for managers to opt more often for team incentives rather than individual ones to encourage the collaboration needed for OA.
Originality/value
We provide in-depth insight into how PM tools affect an organization’s ability to pursue exploitation and exploration, thus contributing to research in operations, innovation and organization theory.
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Jeffrey Muldoon, William C. McDowell, Robert Konopaske and Matteo Cristofaro
This paper explores the often overlooked and novel academic concept of honest incompetence as a potential “dark” side of social entrepreneurship, where well-intentioned but…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the often overlooked and novel academic concept of honest incompetence as a potential “dark” side of social entrepreneurship, where well-intentioned but inadequately skilled agents hinder the effectiveness and sustainability of positive social change initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach
We have adopted a multiparadigm approach to theory building, known as metatriangulation. We draw upon agency theory and behavioral decision theory to undergird a framework consisting of antecedents, processes, outcomes and moderators of honest incompetence in social entrepreneurship.
Findings
We introduce a detailed framework for understanding honest incompetence in social entrepreneurship. This framework identifies antecedents such as knowledge gaps, examines mechanisms like misguided interventions and explores consequences, including group vilification. Additionally, it investigates moderating factors, emphasizing the disadvantages of outcome-based compensation and the difficulties in evaluating outcomes.
Originality/value
This article investigates factors that engender honest incompetence in social entrepreneurship, revealing how even well-intentioned efforts can inadvertently hinder goals. Despite their sincere motives, social entrepreneurs might make choices that conflict with their objectives. Addressing this issue necessitates a customized approach, which includes engaging actively with the community and fostering robust social connections.
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Thi-Hong-Diep Pham, Quoc Hoi Le and Huong Ho
This paper examines the impact of leadership behaviors on startup's entrepreneurship in Vietnamese southern areas in the time of Covid-19.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the impact of leadership behaviors on startup's entrepreneurship in Vietnamese southern areas in the time of Covid-19.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses OLS regression model to evaluate the impact of leadership behaviors on startup's entrepreneurship in Vietnamese southern areas. Besides, the paper also uses AHP method to identify the factors that influence leadership behaviors in startups in the context of economic shock like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Findings
Results reveal that the transformational leadership behavior has a positive correlation with startup's entrepreneurship while the transactional and laissez-faire leadership behaviors are negatively related to startup's entrepreneurship. In addition, using AHP method, certain determinants of leadership behaviors in startups have been specified; among which, the most profound influencing factors are respectively hi-tech use (0.081), training policy (0.079) and check (0.78). In contrast, the factors with negligible impacts include recruitment policy (0.004) and culture (0.037) in startups in the context of economic shock like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
This research only evaluates this impact in the Covid-19 times. In the future, comparisons between the time after the Covid-19 at traditional enterprises and state enterprises are to be done to clarify the difference of this impact.
Practical implications
By using OLS model and AHP model with the data collected from 209 start-ups, the paper examines the impact of leadership behaviors on start-up's entrepreneurship in the time context of economic shock like the Covid-19 pandemic and propose some recommendations to enhance entrepreneurship in startups in the developing countries.
Social implications
This study is a step forward in the entrepreneurship research branch that investigates the entrepreneurship issue from the perspectives of social and interpersonal processes. With the identification of the leadership behaviors’ role in shaping start-up's entrepreneurship come highly applicable implications towards the emergence of more effective entrepreneurial startups in the time of Covid-19 and this prevalent digital context.
Originality/value
With the identification of the leadership behaviors' role in shaping startup's entrepreneurship come highly applicable implications toward the emergence of more effective entrepreneurial startups in the time of Covid-19 and this prevalent digital context. This study is conducted to analyze the impact of leadership behaviors on startup's entrepreneurship in the southern areas of Viet Nam having the most startups but affected the most seriously by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has not research on this topic for startups in a developing country like Vietnam in the context of an economic shock.
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Simon Önnered, Anna Sannö, Ioana Stefan and Peter E. Johansson
The purpose of this study is to explore the long-term, deeper transformations occurring in the wider energy transition to anticipate emerging issues through collective…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the long-term, deeper transformations occurring in the wider energy transition to anticipate emerging issues through collective anticipatory intelligence.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a co-productive research design, the authors collectively scanned and discussed contemporary developments in the Swedish energy transition. The acquired insight was used in a causal layered analysis over three horizons to separate between views and developments in time and space.
Findings
Findings of this study present current, transitionary and emerging issues and how they emerge from deeper levels such as values and worldviews. These issues are discussed around how underlying changes may change to mitigate them, suggesting three strategies.
Practical implications
The framed and anticipated issues enable monitoring and proactive response, and the discussion contributes insight to ongoing political debates, as well as implications for managing similar initiatives.
Social implications
Insights are provided into the changing cultures and values required in a future energy system, showing, e.g. how demand-side response may either come through relinquishing control over consumption or through increased flexibility and change.
Originality/value
Studying issues of growing concern and novel approaches, this paper should be of interest to practitioners in the energy sector and foresight professionals. It provides a critique and framing of issues to be monitored, adding to the growing library of energy futures studies.
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Elena Mazurova and Willem Standaert
This study aims to uncover the constraints of automation and the affordances of augmentation related to implementing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems across different…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to uncover the constraints of automation and the affordances of augmentation related to implementing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered systems across different task types: mechanical, thinking and feeling.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative study involving 45 interviews with various stakeholders in artistic gymnastics, for which AI-powered systems for the judging process are currently developed and tested. Stakeholders include judges, gymnasts, coaches and a technology vendor.
Findings
We identify perceived constraints of automation, such as too much mechanization, preciseness and inability of the system to evaluate artistry or to provide human interaction. Moreover, we find that the complexity and impreciseness of the rules prevent automation. In addition, we identify affordances of augmentation such as speedier, fault-less, more accurate and objective evaluation. Moreover, augmentation affords to provide an explanation, which in turn may decrease the number of decision disputes.
Research limitations/implications
While the unique context of our study is revealing, the generalizability of our specific findings still needs to be established. However, the approach of considering task types is readily applicable in other contexts.
Practical implications
Our research provides useful insights for organizations that consider implementing AI for evaluation in terms of possible constraints, risks and implications of automation for the organizational practices and human agents while suggesting augmented AI-human work as a more beneficial approach in the long term.
Originality/value
Our granular approach provides a novel point of view on AI implementation, as our findings challenge the notion of full automation of mechanical and partial automation of thinking tasks. Therefore, we put forward augmentation as the most viable AI implementation approach. In addition, we developed a rich understanding of the perception of various stakeholders with a similar institutional background, which responds to recent calls in socio-technical research.
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Julianne Cecile Barry, Tara Lise Erb and Krista Stelkia
The British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) aims to support and advance research leadership among Indigenous communities, collectives and…
Abstract
Purpose
The British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) aims to support and advance research leadership among Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations (ICCOs) within British Columbia, Canada. The BC NEIHR provides support and funding to ICCOs for research development and knowledge sharing. This funding model supports ICCOs' self-determined health research by providing funds that are fully controlled by ICCOs, without the requirement of a non-Indigenous host organization.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted a critical analysis of 35 ICCO research development and knowledge-sharing grant applications to identify how ICCOs are decolonizing research and methodologies.
Findings
Six themes were identified from ICCO decolonizing methodologies: (1) identified, driven, and led by Indigenous Peoples and community; (2) guidance from advisors, ethical guidelines, and local protocols; (3) follow traditional and cultural practices; (4) determine what is knowledge and ways to share knowledge; (5) celebrating the sharing and returning of knowledge and (6) advancing relationality: building and strengthening relationships.
Originality/value
This paper highlights the impact of how the BC NEIHR and ICCOs are advancing decolonizing methodologies to support self-determined Indigenous health research led by, and grounded in, Indigenous communities. It reflects on the work of Maori scholar Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples and contributes to the literature of decolonizing methodologies.
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Jochen Fähndrich and Burkhard Pedell
This study aims to analyse the influence of digitalisation on the management control function of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In particular, it aims to illuminate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyse the influence of digitalisation on the management control function of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In particular, it aims to illuminate how digitalisation influences management control elements, organisation and roles/competencies and to identify obstacles to digitalisation of management control in SMEs and measures taken to overcome them.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on guideline-supported expert interviews conducted with 14 financial managers from SMEs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Findings
This study reveals the influence of digitalisation on management control elements, organisation, and roles/competencies. The automation and standardisation of management control processes result in new elements for management control, such as strategic support for management. In addition, the increased availability and transparency of data enable the use of instruments within a company that allow for quick analyses of the company's development. Digitalisation leads to the integration of management control into the corporate network and, thus, a change in the organisation of management control. It also triggers the expansion of management control competencies, especially IT competencies. A shortage of internal digitalisation resources, unclear corporate roadmaps, and a lack of managerial experience loom as central challenges for digitalising the management control function. Measures derived from the interviews can help SMEs overcome the obstacles to the digitalisation of management control.
Originality/value
This research is the first interview-based study of the impact of digitalisation on management control in SMEs, potential obstacles to that digitalisation, and measures to overcome those obstacles. Thus, it contributes to the emerging debate on factors that may explain why SMEs lag in terms of the digitalisation of their internal processes.
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Niels van der Baan, Simon Beausaert, Wim Gijselaers and Inken Gast
Employers increasingly require students to possess competences that go beyond theoretical knowledge and academic expertise, such as lifelong learning skills. To equip students…
Abstract
Purpose
Employers increasingly require students to possess competences that go beyond theoretical knowledge and academic expertise, such as lifelong learning skills. To equip students with these competences, higher education institutes have introduced coaching as part of their teaching programs. The present study qualitatively evaluates a career coaching practice in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted semi-structured interviews with graduates who had participated in career coaching activities at a Dutch university (N = 12). The interviews were conducted between February and May 2022. Atlas.ti version 9 was used to analyse the interviews.
Findings
Results revealed that graduates believed that career coaching helped them to adjust to the workplace. They indicated that the coaching practice helped them to acquire reflection skills, which was considered the main mechanism for adjustment to the workplace.
Research limitations/implications
These results add to the transition-related literature by identifying one way that graduates successfully adjust to the workplace.
Practical implications
The results also provide insight into how higher education can best prepare students for their transition to the workplace.
Originality/value
As the education-to-work transition does not end upon graduation, this research focusses on graduate employees’ work adjustment as an important phase in the transition process.
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Madison B. Harvey, Heather L. Price and Kirk Luther
The purpose of this study was to explore potential witnesses' memories for a day that was experienced an unremarkable. There may be instances in an investigation in which all…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore potential witnesses' memories for a day that was experienced an unremarkable. There may be instances in an investigation in which all leads have been exhausted, and investigators use a broad appeal for witnesses who may have witnessed something important. Investigators can benefit from knowing the types of information that may be recalled in such circumstances, as well as identifying specific methods that are effective in eliciting useful information.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study explored how the delay to recall and recall method influenced the recollection of a seemingly unremarkable day that later became important. Participants were asked to recall an experienced event that occurred either recently (a few weeks prior) or in the distant past (a year prior). Participants recalled via either a written method, in-person individual-spoken or collaborative-spoken interviews.
Findings
Results suggest an independent benefit for individual-spoken in-person recall (compared to written or collaborative-spoken recall) and recall undertaken closely after an event (compared to delayed recall). Both individual-spoken interviews as well as more recent recollection resulted in a greater number of overall details recalled. The authors further examined the types of details recalled that might be important to progressing an investigation (e.g. other witnesses and records).
Originality/value
The present work provides important implications for interviewing witnesses about a seemingly unremarkable event that later became important.
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