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1 – 8 of 8John Burgess, Lindy Henderson and Glenda Strachan
The purpose of this article is to assess the ability of formal equal employment opportunity (EEO) programmes and workplace agreement making to facilitate work and family balance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to assess the ability of formal equal employment opportunity (EEO) programmes and workplace agreement making to facilitate work and family balance for women workers in Australia.
Design/methodology/approach
This article uses documentary analysis and semi‐structured interviews in six Australian organisations that are required to develop formal EEO programmes.
Findings
Formal EEO programmes and agreement making are limited in their ability to promote work and family‐friendly arrangements at the workplace. Informal arrangements and managerial discretion are important in realising work and care balance.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is Australian based, and the case studies were confined to six organisations, which restricts the findings.
Practical implications
Leave and work arrangements need to be required within agreements and EEO programmes. Most programmes gravitate towards minimum requirements, hence, it is important to ensure that these minimum requirements provide for work and care reconciliation. Programmes beyond the workplace, such as funded childcare, are important in this context.
Originality/value
The article highlights that formal mechanisms cannot achieve work and care reconciliation for women workers if they are built upon very limited minimum requirements, are voluntary and are dependent upon a bargaining process at the workplace.
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Glenda Strachan, John Burgess and Lindy Henderson
Organisations have to respond to a range of legislative and policy initiatives intended to promote equal employment opportunity for women. The purpose of this paper is to analyse…
Abstract
Purpose
Organisations have to respond to a range of legislative and policy initiatives intended to promote equal employment opportunity for women. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the mix of legislation and policies in Australia: anti‐discrimination and equal opportunity legislation, equal pay, work and family and managing diversity policies.
Design/methodology/approach
Legislation, industrial relations changes and policies relating to pay equity, non‐discrimination on the grounds of sex, affirmative action and equal opportunity, including work and family policies and managing diversity approaches are reviewed in the context of changing labour conditions and social trends.
Findings
Organisations are presented with a range of policies from which to choose and the result is variety in the extent and type of equity programs which produce variable outcomes for women in the workplace.
Practical implications
While this paper deals in particular with Australia, the pattern of multiplicity of approaches is common to other Western countries. As organisations choose among a variety of approaches in implementing an equal opportunity programme, the outcomes for women will vary.
Originality/value
The paper offers insight into equal employment opportunity legislation and policies within the Australian context.
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The purpose of this paper is to consider the view that America is “the land of the future”. It argues that, owing to its sponsorship of a model of development that is exploitive…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider the view that America is “the land of the future”. It argues that, owing to its sponsorship of a model of development that is exploitive and unsustainable, this is no longer the case and that US futurists, in particular, need to consciously re‐evaluate their roles and work.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper advances a cultural critique of US hegemony. It considers background myths and their role in creating “American exceptionalism” in various fields, including futures studies. It also critiques free market ideology, the role of corporations, market failures and the economics of exploitation. This leads to issues of truth and power and the view that a continuation of an ideology of “free enterprise” leads to the collapse of the global system.
Findings
The paper suggests a number of strategies for futurists to consider as ways of opening out their vision beyond current limitations.
Practical implications
A rationale is outlined that can support shifts in more progressive directions and moves toward more fruitful work.
Originality/value
The American futures enterprise is currently at risk from its uncritical association with dysfunctions in US society, culture and economy. The paper draws attention to some of these and indicates possible ways forward.
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Carl Senior, Hannah Smyth, Richard Cooke, Rachel L. Shaw and Elizabeth Peel
To describe the utility of three of the main cognitive neuroscientific techniques currently in use within the neuroscience community, and how they can be applied to the emerging…
Abstract
Purpose
To describe the utility of three of the main cognitive neuroscientific techniques currently in use within the neuroscience community, and how they can be applied to the emerging field of neuromarket research.
Design/methodology/approach
A brief development of functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography and transcranial magnetic stimulation are described, as the core principles are behind their respective use. Examples of actual data from each of the brain imaging techniques are provided to assist the neuromarketer with subsequent data for interpretation. Finally, to ensure the neuromarketer has an understanding of the experience of neuroimaging, qualitative data from a questionnaire exploring attitudes about neuroimaging techniques are included which summarize participants' experiences of having a brain scan.
Findings
Cognitive neuroscientific techniques have great utility in market research and can provide more “honest” indicators of consumer preference where traditional methods such as focus groups can be unreliable. These techniques come with complementary strengths which allow the market researcher to converge onto a specific research question. In general, participants considered brain imaging techniques to be relatively safe. However, care is urged to ensure that participants are positioned correctly in the scanner as incorrect positioning is a stressful factor during an imaging procedure that can impact data quality.
Originality/value
This paper is an important and comprehensive resource to the market researcher who wishes to use cognitive neuroscientific techniques.
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Gwen Adshead, Rachel Canterbury and Suzanna Rose
Although disasters remain statistically rare events, the lastdecade has seen an increase in the number of major incidents affectingthe UK. Concurrent with this increase have come…
Abstract
Although disasters remain statistically rare events, the last decade has seen an increase in the number of major incidents affecting the UK. Concurrent with this increase have come clinical data, showing how psycho‐social health may be adversely affected by disasters. Aims to give the UK Department of Health a survey of the current provision of psycho‐social care after disasters at English Regional Health Authority level and to make recommendations regarding good practice in the care of victims of trauma by health care professionals. Uses varied methodology. Letters were sent to all the Regional Public Health Departments, asking for information about the psychological care element within their major incident plans. Shows that the provision for psycho‐social care following a disaster in England is extremely variable and although there are undoubtedly regions with considerable expertise and interest, there are also regions where provision appears to be minimal or non‐existent. Recommends the provision of specialist traumatic stress services at regional level.
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