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To investigate the possible effects of workplace stress in academics on the student learning experience.
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the possible effects of workplace stress in academics on the student learning experience.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were designed and distributed to all academic staff at a Scottish Higher Education Institute. This measured perceived levels of stress amongst academic staff and the possible impact of this on the learning experience of students.
Findings
Stress can be seen to impact both negatively and positively on the student learning experience. However, over half of respondents considered themselves to be considerably or extremely stressed and similar levels perceive that stress causes their teaching to be “below par” thus impacting negatively on the student learning experience.
Research limitations/implications
The research was carried out in one institution and hence results cannot be generalised to cover the whole higher education sector.
Practical implications
The findings, together with a growing awareness of the impact of employee stress on organisations, emphasise the need for the institution, and individuals within it, to control stress levels to ensure the student learning experience does not suffer. The paper does not address the growing phenomenon of e‐learning which may act as a stressor: further research is recommended in this area.
Originality/value
This paper highlights that the detrimental effect of stress does not only impact upon members of staff; stress may also impact negatively on the student learning experience.
Beatrix Potter is best remembered as the creator of the notoriously naughty bunny, Peter Rabbit. Peter and his circle of friends grace the pages of the little books, so called…
Abstract
Beatrix Potter is best remembered as the creator of the notoriously naughty bunny, Peter Rabbit. Peter and his circle of friends grace the pages of the little books, so called because they measure less than six inches tall. These children's classics have been delighting readers since The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published in 1901. During Potter's lifetime the little books were read in the United Kingdom, America, and Canada. Foreign language translations of her work introduced her characters to children of other nations. Note the 1987 publishing event, the “new editions from the original watercolors,” which Warne used to great advantage! A flurry of books accompanied this event, by biographer Judy Taylor plus reprints (e.g., Linden). Today sales of the little books show no sign of abating. An industry of Peter Rabbit spinoff products has existed for almost as long as Peter has. Toys, games, videos, and collectibles of the Potter characters can be found on store shelves worldwide.
You wonder: What does it mean to live with an emotional spirit, a spirit that cares about what others are feeling, that feels with and for them, a spirit that is “helplessly…
Abstract
You wonder: What does it mean to live with an emotional spirit, a spirit that cares about what others are feeling, that feels with and for them, a spirit that is “helplessly attached to being human” (Pelias, 2004, p. 141). To discover the heart of such questions, you follow Ron Pelias's lead and track your day.
Under this heading are published regularly abstracts of Reports and Memoranda of the Aeronautical Research Council and Publications of other similar Research Bodies as issued.
Under this heading are published regularly abstracts of Reports and Memoranda of the Aeronautical Research Council and Publications of other similar Research Bodies as issued.
Ashly H. Pinnington, Hazem Aldabbas, Fatemeh Mirshahi and Mary L. Brown
This study investigates the relationship between women’s networks perceptions and job satisfaction. It also examines the mediating effects of perceived organizational support…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the relationship between women’s networks perceptions and job satisfaction. It also examines the mediating effects of perceived organizational support (POS) for women’s work contributions on the relationship between networks perceptions and job satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The participants are female employees working in Scotland (n = 247). The data were collected using a survey questionnaire. PROCESS macro (model 4, Hayes, 2018) was used to test the proposed model.
Findings
The results revealed that (controlling for work time, age and sector) there is a significant relationship between women’s networks perceptions and job satisfaction. In addition, POS for women’s work contribution mediates the relationship between networks perceptions and job satisfaction. These findings show the significant effects of networks perceptions on employees’ job, satisfaction directly and through POS for women’s work contributions. Therefore, understanding the networks perceptions of employees and organizational factors will assist in improving job satisfaction.
Originality/value
This study is unique for examining the role of POS for women’s work contribution in the relationship between employees’ networks perceptions and job satisfaction. It addresses gender inequality in the workplace in terms of women’s career advancement and job satisfaction. In addition, this research offers insight into the development of a seven-item measurement scale related to networks perceptions.
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Keywords
While most efforts to combat climate change are focussed on energy efficiency and substitution of fossil fuels, growth in the built environment remains largely unquestioned. Given…
Abstract
While most efforts to combat climate change are focussed on energy efficiency and substitution of fossil fuels, growth in the built environment remains largely unquestioned. Given the current climate emergency and increasing scarcity of global resources, it is imperative that we address this “blind spot” by finding ways to support required services with less resource consumption.
There is now long overdue recognition to greenhouse gas emissions “embodied” in the production of building materials and construction, and its importance in reaching targets of net zero carbon by 2050. However, there is a widespread belief that we can continue to “build big”, provided we incorporate energy saving measures and select “low carbon materials” – ignoring the fact that excessive volume and area of buildings may outweigh any carbon savings. This is especially the case with commercial real estate.
As the inception and planning phases of projects offer most potential for reduction in both operational and embodied carbon, we must turn our attention to previously overlooked options such as “build nothing” or “build less”. This involves challenging the root cause of the need, exploring alternative approaches to meet desired outcomes, and maximising the use of existing assets. If new build is required, this should be designed for adaptability, with increased stewardship, so the building stock of the future will be a more valuable and useable resource.
This points to the need for increased understanding and application of the principles of strategic asset management, hitherto largely ignored in sustainability circles, which emphasize a close alignment of assets with the services they support.
Arguably, as the built environment consumes more material resources and energy than any other sector, its future configuration may be critical to the future of people and the planet. In this regard, this paper seeks to break new ground for deeper exploration.
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Ashly Pinnington, Hazem Aldabbas, Fatemeh Mirshahi and Tracy Pirie
This study aims to investigate the relationship between different organisational development programmes (360-degree feedback; Coaching; Job assignment; Employee assistance…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between different organisational development programmes (360-degree feedback; Coaching; Job assignment; Employee assistance programmes; On-the-job training; Web-based career information; Continuous professional development; External education provision) and employees’ career development. The implications of the moderating effects of gender on the relationships between these eight organisational programmes and career development are assessed.
Design/methodology/approach
To examine hypothesised relationships on eight organisational programmes and career development, this paper computed moderated regression analyses using the PROCESS macro (3.5), for a two-way analysis of variance (Hayes, 2018). The data collected are based on a survey sample of employees (n = 322) working in Scotland.
Findings
Two main findings arose from this empirical study. First, there are significant direct relationships between seven out of the eight organisational development programmes and their influences on employees’ career development. Second, gender is a significant moderator for four of the programmes’ relationship with career development, namely, coaching, web-based career information, continuous professional development and external education provision. However, gender failed to moderate the four other programmes’ (i.e. 360-degree feedback, job assignment, employee assistance programmes and on-the-job training) relationship with career development.
Originality/value
This paper concludes that closer attention should be given to the organisational design of these development programmes and consideration of potential gender differences in employees’ perception of their importance for career development in their organisation. To date, the majority of research in the literature has concentrated on the impact of training on career development, so this study contributes to the body of knowledge on a set of organisational development programmes and their effect on career development moderated by gender.
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Carole Anne Kirk, Campbell Killick, Anne McAllister and Brian Taylor
The purpose of this paper is to explore professional perspectives on restorative approaches with families in elder abuse cases.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore professional perspectives on restorative approaches with families in elder abuse cases.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from 37 social workers in statutory and voluntary organisations through nine focus group sessions in one region of Northern Ireland. A thematic analysis was undertaken and themes were derived from the data using NVivo software.
Findings
This paper reports main findings under the themes of engaging families and service users; managing risk in working with families in adult safeguarding; and challenges for professionals in practice. A key finding was that professionals felt challenged personally and professionally in managing the risks and working with families in these highly complex cases.
Originality/value
Investigative approaches have their limitations in relation to adult abuse situations. This study adds to the existing knowledge base, identifies potential practice developments and discusses the challenges in adopting restorative approaches with families in elder abuse cases. The study highlights the need for further specialist training. Managers should consider the creation of specialist teams with a focus on alternative or restorative approaches with families.
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