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Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Nora Denner, Thomas Koch, Benno Viererbl and Alicia Ernst

This study examines the functions of informal communication in organizations. Informal communication can be characterized as any interaction within an organization in which two or…

348

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the functions of informal communication in organizations. Informal communication can be characterized as any interaction within an organization in which two or more individuals assume personal roles rather than their professional roles and in which employees do not intend to solve work-related problems. Despite its central role in organizations, a comprehensive understanding of the specific functions of informal communication within workplace dynamics is lacking.

Design/methodology/approach

We reviewed existing literature to identify the functions of informal communication and then surveyed employees (N = 1,380). We asked them to indicate their agreement with statements measuring the functions of informal communication that we derived from the literature.

Findings

Using exploratory factor analysis, we identified four core functions: stress management and recreation, nurturing private relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness and facilitating information exchange and coordination. We then examined how these core functions related to job-related and sociodemographic characteristics. Our findings underscore the importance of informal communication in organizations, particularly in facilitating the development and maintenance of social relationships as well as information exchange and coordination, both of which play critical roles in organizational success.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to systematize the functions of informal communication in organizations and to empirically extract core functions that can be used for further research. It is also highly relevant to practitioners of organizational management and organizational communication.

Details

Journal of Communication Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-254X

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2024

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Abstract

Details

Big Data Applications in Labor Economics, Part A
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-975-7

Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2024

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Abstract

Details

Big Data Applications in Labor Economics, Part B
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-713-7

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Article
Publication date: 27 January 2025

Mohammad Amin Kuhail, Ons AL-Shamaileh, Justin Thomas, Erik Thornquist and Syed Jawad Hussain Shah

This study investigates the impact of emoji use and user personality traits (conscientiousness vs extraversion) on user behavior in the context of academic advising. It uniquely…

57

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of emoji use and user personality traits (conscientiousness vs extraversion) on user behavior in the context of academic advising. It uniquely considers the interaction between these chatbot characteristics and human users' dominant personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-factor design experiment involving 153 university students was employed. Participants interacted with four different chatbot conditions: a conscientious bot and an extroverted bot, each with and without emojis.

Findings

The inclusion of emojis negatively influenced users' intentions to use the chatbots but did not affect trust, perceived authenticity or intended engagement with the bots. Additionally, the students' personality traits played a role in evaluating the different chatbot types.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel approach by integrating emoji use and human personality traits into chatbot communication, focusing on academic advising. It examines the interaction effects of emojis and personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion) on user behavior, also considering the user’s personality traits. This work enriches the human-computer interaction field and guides future chatbot development.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

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Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Hirou Karimi and Guita Farivarsadri

This paper aims to examine the barriers to adopting collaboration in architectural design studios from the instructors' perspectives and explore strategies to overcome barriers.

65

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the barriers to adopting collaboration in architectural design studios from the instructors' perspectives and explore strategies to overcome barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 coordinators in architecture and interior architecture design studios to gather insights into their experiences and perspectives on collaboration. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes and patterns in the data.

Findings

The study reveals that collaboration is highly valued by instructors for its potential to enhance creativity, problem-solving abilities, and preparation skills among students. However, the study identified several barriers, such as student conflicts, coordination challenges, cultural differences, and technological constraints.

Practical implications

The instructors recommended specific strategies to promote collaboration in architectural design studios. These strategies include involving students in collaborative projects, providing training in collaboration skills, striking a balance between online and in-person activities, and developing supportive policies and skills. Implementing these strategies can help design programmemes that prepare students for professional success and future careers.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the importance of integrating collaboration skills in architectural education. By exploring barriers and suggesting strategies, it provides valuable insights for educators and encourages further research into the implementation of these strategies. Design programmes can benefit from adopting a multifaceted approach to foster collaboration among students, thereby enhancing their learning experience and future prospects.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

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Book part
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Maylon Hanold

Genderwashing is an organizational phenomenon in which claims to gender equity remain superficial because organizational efforts toward gender equity are unsuccessful at creating…

Abstract

Genderwashing is an organizational phenomenon in which claims to gender equity remain superficial because organizational efforts toward gender equity are unsuccessful at creating substantive change. I introduce the concept of encounter as a useful framework in extending our understandings of the ways that genderwashing might occur within workplaces. Drawing on “encounters” as fundamentally informal, everyday interactions, I explore the ways in which these seemingly trivial social interactions make significant contributions to the quality of workplace relationships. Using the manager–employee relationship and performance review process as a basis, I show how paying attention to “small talk” is not trivial, but rather has a significant impact on the performance review process, and functions as an important site for the reproduction of or challenge to existing gender inequities. I also suggest that the consideration of “encounters” offers practical insights that can help identify additional behaviors that result in significant movement toward gender equity.

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Book part
Publication date: 9 December 2024

Victoria A. Bauer

The concept of student behaviour provides a tool for describing and understanding the underlying mechanisms between academic success as a dependent variable and individual…

Abstract

The concept of student behaviour provides a tool for describing and understanding the underlying mechanisms between academic success as a dependent variable and individual determinants of students and the institutional context of study as independent variables. Defined as the micro-level characteristics that encompass students' actual behaviour and transitions within higher education, student behaviour influences the outcomes of academic performance, learning outcomes, the duration of studies, completion rates and future career paths. Student behaviour therefore serves as an intermediary construct between inputs and student outcomes. This chapter provides a comprehensive heuristic framework of student behaviour, drawing on insights from a range of disciplinary theoretical perspectives, including education, psychology, sociology, economics and political science. The conceptual model outlines the central role of student behaviour within the student life cycle and its implications for higher education research. In doing so, the chapter offers a conceptual panorama that encompasses both the factors that explain student behaviour and the phenomena that student behaviour itself influences, including its relationship to the concept of student engagement. The framework is not limited to conceptual delineation but invites further theoretical development.

Details

Theory and Method in Higher Education Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-716-8

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Article
Publication date: 23 January 2025

Xiang Ying Mei, Caroline Ventzel and Ida Zachariassen

This study aims to understand how Gen Z consumers perceive fashion brands’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication through emotional appeals on Instagram and how such…

81

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand how Gen Z consumers perceive fashion brands’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication through emotional appeals on Instagram and how such perception affects their overall behaviour towards the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative research approach through photo-elicitation and 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews with members of Gen Z, using one of the world’s largest fast fashion brands, H&M, as the study context.

Findings

It is increasingly difficult to capture the attention of Gen Z as they have become immune to the typical CSR messages despite attempting to appeal to their emotions. This makes CSR communication alone challenging in influencing brand perception. However, behaviour towards the brand, such as purchase intention, is not necessarily dependent on whether consumers are convinced of the brand’s CSR activities, as greater value is placed on fast fashion’s price and availability. For Gen Z, such elements surpass their concern for sustainable fashion. Since more emphasis is placed on neutral endorsers due to their trustworthiness, CSR efforts may be disseminated through such third parties to achieve desired outcomes.

Practical implications

Understanding consumers’ perceptions of the current CSR effort allows brand managers to reevaluate their CSR communication strategies to appeal to Gen Z and encourage positive brand behaviour.

Originality/value

Contrary to previous studies, which have focused on organisational outcomes, the study has in-depth explored consumers’ perception of CSR efforts on Instagram and the implications of such perceptions for long-term brand building.

Details

Young Consumers, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-3616

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 July 2024

Franz Rumstadt, Dominik K. Kanbach, Josef Arweck, Thomas K. Maran and Stephan Stubner

When CEOs are publicly weighing in on sociopolitical debates, this is known as CEO activism. The steadily growing number of such statements made in recent years has been subject…

1080

Abstract

Purpose

When CEOs are publicly weighing in on sociopolitical debates, this is known as CEO activism. The steadily growing number of such statements made in recent years has been subject to a flourishing academic debate. This field offers first profound findings from observational studies. However, the discussion of CEO activism lacks a thorough theoretical grounding, such as a shared concept accounting for the heterogeneity of sociopolitical incidents. Thus, the aim of this paper is to provide an archetypal framework for CEO activism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a multiple case study approach on 145 activism cases stated by CEOs and found seven distinct statement archetypes.

Findings

The study identifies four main structural design elements accounting for the heterogeneity of activism, i.e. the addressed meta-category of the statement, the targeted outcome, the used tonality and the orientation of the CEOs’ positions. Further, the authors found seven distinguishable archetypes of CEO activism statements: “Climate Alerts”, “Economy Visions”, “Political Comments”, “Self-reflections and Social Concerns”, “Tech Designs”, “Unclouded Evaluations” and “Descriptive Explanations”.

Research limitations/implications

This typology classifies the heterogeneity of CEO activism. It will enable the analysis of interrelationships, mechanisms and motivations on a differentiated level and raise the comprehensibility of research-results.

Practical implications

The framework supports executives in understanding the heterogeneity of CEO activism and to analyse personality-fits.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this marks the first conceptualisation of activism developed cross-thematically. The work supports further theory-building on CEO activism.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 62 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 28 November 2024

Patricia A. Banks

Following the tradition of scholarship showing that elites institutionalize their tastes via cultural philanthropy, this chapter investigates patronage of Asian art at the…

Abstract

Following the tradition of scholarship showing that elites institutionalize their tastes via cultural philanthropy, this chapter investigates patronage of Asian art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Drawing on content analysis of museum press releases and other documents, I conceptually elaborate and empirically illustrate different patterns of Asian art patronage among Asian and white patrons as well as among Asian patrons from different ethnic groups. Engaging theory asserting that elites legitimate art tied to their ethnoracial heritage through supporting it at cultural organizations, I elaborate how Asian elites are especially committed to supporting Asian art at the museum. In addition, I illustrate how, compared with each other, Asian elites particularly champion art from their respective ethnic groups – for example, Chinese elites support Chinese art at higher levels than Asian elites who are not Chinese, and Indian elites support Indian art at higher levels than Asian elites who are not Indian. This chapter advances theory about elites and cultural legitimation, elites and organizational contributions, and progressiveness within the elite.

Details

Elites, Nonelites, and Power
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-583-9

Keywords

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