Barbara Van der Steen, Joke Van Saane and Gerda Van Dijk
In the leadership debate, one of the questions for public leaders nowadays is how to reflect and experience meaning in these complex and accelerated times. This article compares…
Abstract
Purpose
In the leadership debate, one of the questions for public leaders nowadays is how to reflect and experience meaning in these complex and accelerated times. This article compares three dominant theoretical narratives with the narratives of public strategic leaders in practice. The statement in literature is that leaders in organisations need to create time to reflect on “creating meaning” with others as an answer to the adaptive challenges. The limitation of these studies is that they do not explore leaders’ experiences in practice. We fill this gap by examining the experiences of public strategic leaders and exploring the implications.
Design/methodology/approach
We qualitatively explore the narratives of 25 public strategic leaders using interviews, group dialogues and surveys.
Findings
The central finding is a problematic gap between theory and practice. This is a concern because of the utopic ideology of reflectivity, which does not consider the forces present in political and bureaucratic organisations and the leaders’ perceptions of their role and position. The narrative exploration shows a pattern of leaders trying “to do good”, avoiding disruptions caused by doubts, emotions or intuitions.
Practical implications
The narratives of public strategic leaders show three persistent ideologies putting pressure on their reflective space in daily practice. These narratives offer a starting point for public organisations regarding the reflective practices of strategic leaders.
Originality/value
This article opens a debate about leadership and reflectivity paradigms in theory and practice. It offers a reality check for leaders’ and coaches’ daily practices, as opposed to the often utopic theories.
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Dara Mojtahedi, Rosie Allen, Ellie Jess, Maria Ioannou and John Synnott
Employability skills training programmes are an effective means for reducing unemployment rates. Such programmes also have the potential to improve the general well-being (e.g…
Abstract
Purpose
Employability skills training programmes are an effective means for reducing unemployment rates. Such programmes also have the potential to improve the general well-being (e.g. self-efficacy) of disadvantaged individuals, however, reliable longitudinal evaluations of the psychological benefits of such programmes are limited. The present study evaluated the impact of an employability programme offered to disadvantaged adults in North-West England on self-efficacy. Additionally, the study aimed to identify risk factors for programme disengagement to identify at-risk groups that require further support.
Design/methodology/approach
Secondary longitudinal data pertaining to the background characteristics, programme engagement and self-efficacy scores (repeatedly measured on a monthly basis) of 308 programme users were analysed.
Findings
Results demonstrated that employability programme engagement significantly increased self-efficacy scores. Additionally, the findings suggested that individuals with mental health and learning difficulties were more likely to disengage from the programme. The findings demonstrate that employability programmes can have a positive impact on the well-being of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, however, prolonged engagement is needed for which some individuals require further support with.
Originality/value
The present study analysed longitudinal data from a diverse sample of disadvantaged individuals to reliably evaluate psychological outcomes from employability training programmes.
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Megaproject supply chains involve multiple layers of stakeholders, leading to complex relationships and risks. The role of social interactions within these networks is unexplored…
Abstract
Purpose
Megaproject supply chains involve multiple layers of stakeholders, leading to complex relationships and risks. The role of social interactions within these networks is unexplored. Therefore, an analysis of construction supply chain risk management from the perspective of social networks is essential to identify related stakeholders, their relationships and the social network risk factors.
Design/methodology/approach
About 65 risk factors, identified from literature and interviews, informed the development of a questionnaire for the study. Online questionnaires administered in Ghana and South Africa produced 120 valid responses. Feedback from the responses was ranked and assessed to determine the overall social network risk levels using the Normalised Mean and Fuzzy synthesis analysis methods.
Findings
About 24 risk factors were identified and classified into six groups: Client/Consultant-related, Community-related, Government-related, Industry Perception-related, Supplier-related and Stakeholder Opportunism. The top five social network risks identified include bribery, supplier monopoly, incomplete design teams, poor communication and lack of collaboration.
Practical implications
The study provides detailed evaluations of social network risks in Africa, and the findings will help in developing strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by these challenges.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on supply chain risk management by offering context-specific insights into the social network perspective of megaprojects in Africa, which differs from those in developed countries.
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Lianfeng Shen, Jinhua Sun, Lei Miao, Haiping Gu, Shuzhen Qiao, Lei Wang and Wei Wei
The application of galvanized steel is widespread across industries due to its protective zinc coating that protects against atmospheric corrosion. However, previous studies have…
Abstract
Purpose
The application of galvanized steel is widespread across industries due to its protective zinc coating that protects against atmospheric corrosion. However, previous studies have primarily focused on long-term corrosion rates rather than the full-scale corrosion behavior of the zinc. This paper aims to study the full-scale corrosion evolution of galvanic steel under simulated marine atmospheric environment using real-time EIS measurement.
Design/methodology/approach
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) provides an advanced method in monitoring such behavior. Therefore, the EIS method has been used to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the corrosion behavior of galvanic steel in a full-time manner.
Findings
The results indicate that the corrosion process of galvanic steel can be divided into three stages: an initial stage with an increased corrosion rate, a subsequent stage with a reduced corrosion rate, and finally a third stage with the lowest and constant corrosion rate. The evolution of corrosion resistance is closely related to changes in composition and structure of the patina layer. In the initial stage, galvanized steel undergoes the formation of soluble ZnCl2 and needle-like Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O, which promotes the generation and maintenance of an electrolyte layer, consequently leading to an increase in corrosion rate. With prolonged corrosion time, there is a continuous accumulation of Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O within the patina layer, which reduces the content of soluble components and promotes the development of a denser inner layer, thus enhancing corrosion resistance.
Originality/value
This work holds significance in the monitoring of corrosion, understanding the evolution of corrosion and predicting the lifespan of galvanized steel.
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Syed Imran Zaman, Angappa Gunasekaran, Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan and Hamza Muhammad Dawood
This research examines the influence of the digital voice of consumers (DVoC) on the resilience of supply chains (SCR) within the renewable energy sector. The main goal is to…
Abstract
Purpose
This research examines the influence of the digital voice of consumers (DVoC) on the resilience of supply chains (SCR) within the renewable energy sector. The main goal is to identify and highlight the crucial aspects that enable the examination of this impact.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature analysis was performed utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach to ascertain pertinent factors. This research utilizes a comprehensive methodology that merges interpretive structural modeling (ISM) with Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis to assess the discovered variables.
Findings
The study identified 16 factors that contribute to both DVoC and SCR. Key influential factors include top management support, collaboration, feedback influence and flexibility. These factors play a significant role in enhancing SCR by facilitating better adaptation and response to disruptions.
Research limitations/implications
The study is confined to the renewable energy sector and may lack generalizability to other businesses without additional validation. Subsequent studies ought to investigate the implementation of these findings across various industrial contexts to enhance comprehension of DVoC’s influence on SCR.
Originality/value
This study presents a new integrated framework for comprehending the function of DVoC in improving SCR. It presents significant practical consequences for stakeholders in the renewable energy sector, such as researchers, regulators, manufacturers and consumers, highlighting the necessity for a resilient and flexible supply chain.
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René Proyer and Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky
The purpose of this paper is to invite Professor René Proyer, a leading positive psychologist and authority on play, to tell his story, share highlights from his research and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to invite Professor René Proyer, a leading positive psychologist and authority on play, to tell his story, share highlights from his research and insights into playfulness, mental health and positive psychology.
Design/methodology/approach
A positive autoethnographic case study approach is used to enable Professor Proyer to narrate his story while also addressing topics within a Q&A format.
Findings
Play is important for childhood, adolescent and adult mental health and well-being. Although distinct from one another, humor, laughter, creativity and playfulness exhibit overlap. Proyer’s research has even shown that just reflecting on playful moments can increase happiness and alleviate depression.
Research limitations/implications
The experiences, perspectives and insight of one person are narrated in this case study and these cannot be generalized.
Practical implications
Play can be widely defined, and there are many ways to enjoy it freely and at no cost, making it highly accessible and practical to support mental health and well-being. By seeking out and creating playful situations, we can embrace playfulness as adults.
Social implications
As Proyer relays by quoting Christopher Peterson, one definition of positive psychology is “Other people matter”. By finding ways to playfully interact with others, we can find immediate enjoyment but also build and strengthen relationships and support our health and well-being, and that of others too.
Originality/value
Professor Proyer is a positive psychologist and authority on playfulness. Here, he shares with us multiple insights in the areas of mental health and play.
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Hossein Motahari-Nezhad and Aslan Sadeghdaghighi
No comprehensive statistical assessment of publication bias has been conducted in remdesivir-based intervention research for COVID-19 patients. This study aims to examine all…
Abstract
Purpose
No comprehensive statistical assessment of publication bias has been conducted in remdesivir-based intervention research for COVID-19 patients. This study aims to examine all meta-analyses of the efficacy of remdesivir interventions in COVID-19 patients and perform a statistical assessment of publication bias.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an analytic study conducted to assess the impact of publication bias on the results of meta-analyses of remdesivir-based interventions in patients infected with COVID-19. All English full-text meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals in 2019–2021 were included. A computerized search of PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases was performed on December 24, 2021. The trim-and-fill method calculated the number of missing studies and the adjusted cumulative effect sizes.
Findings
The final analysis comprised 21 studies with 88 outcomes. The investigation revealed missing studies in 46 outcomes (52%). Seventy-six missing studies were replaced in the outcomes using the trim-and-fill procedure. The adjusted recalculated effect sizes of the 27 outcomes increased by an average of 0.04. In comparison, the adjusted effect size of 18 outcomes fell by an average of 0.036. Only 14 out of 46 outcomes with publication bias were subjected to a gray literature search (30%). To discover related research, no gray literature search was conducted in most outcomes with publication bias (n = 32; 70%). In conclusion, the reported effect estimates regarding the effect of remdesivir in COVID-19 patients are only slightly affected by publication bias and can be considered authentic. Health-care decision-makers in COVID-19 should consider current research results when making clinical decisions.
Research limitations/implications
Most health decisions are based on the effect sizes revealed in meta-analyses. When deciding on remdesivir-based treatment for COVID-19 patients, therefore, the outcomes of this investigation may be of paramount importance to health policymakers, leading to better treatment strategies.
Practical implications
According to the results, no major publication bias and missing studies were detected on average. Therefore, the calculated effect sizes of remdesivir-based interventions on meta-analyses can be used as authentic and unbiased benchmarks by health-care decision-makers in treating patients with COVID-19.
Originality/value
This is the first study to examine the effect of publication bias and gray literature searches on the results of meta-analyses of treatment with COVID-19 (remdesivir).
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Auxane Boch and Bethany Rhea Thomas
Social robotics is a rapidly growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) in society, encompassing an expanding range of applications. This paper aims to contribute to the…
Abstract
Purpose
Social robotics is a rapidly growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) in society, encompassing an expanding range of applications. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing integration of psychology into social robotics ethics by reviewing current theories and empirical findings related to human–robot interaction (HRI) and addressing critical points of contention within the ethics discourse.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors will explore the factors influencing the acceptance of social robots, explore the development of relationships between humans and robots and delve into three prominent controversies: deception, dehumanisation and violence.
Findings
The authors first propose design factors allowing for a positive interaction with the robot, and further discuss precise dimensions to evaluate when designing a social robot to ensure ethical design technology, building on the four ethical principles for trustworthy AI. The final section of this paper will outline and offer explicit recommendations for future research endeavours.
Originality/value
This paper provides originality and value to the field of social robotics ethics by integrating psychology into the ethical discourse and offering a comprehensive understanding of HRI. It introduces three ethical dimensions and provides recommendations for implementing them, contributing to the development of ethical design in social robots and trustworthy AI.
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David Cashman, Wesley O’Brien and Fiona Chambers
This study aims to capture children’s interpretation of holistic well-being within Irish primary schools and add to the development of a comprehensive systems-informed positive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to capture children’s interpretation of holistic well-being within Irish primary schools and add to the development of a comprehensive systems-informed positive education model.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized visual participatory research methods, including PhotoVoice and one-on-one interviews, to assess children’s (n = 16) well-being, guided by Von Unger’s comprehensive seven-step framework. Data analysis was anchored within grounded theory, beginning with data collection, initial coding, focused coding and culminating in identifying themes and subthemes. Data were interpreted using the mosaic approach by integrating visual and verbal data.
Findings
This analysis uncovered three primary themes that affect student well-being: relationships, space and physical environment and learning and curriculum, each with detailed subthemes. For instance, student–teacher relationships, peer relationships, safety, learning spaces, the creative curriculum including arts and music and the experiential richness of outdoor learning are crucial to students' educational growth and well-being. These aspects are seen as interconnected, shaping a holistic educational experience beyond academic learning to encompass students’ comprehensive well-being. The students' narratives demonstrated that learning is not merely an academic exercise but a vital component of their well-being.
Originality/value
This study significantly departs from traditional educational research by advocating for a dynamic, action-oriented understanding of “well-being.” It challenges the static, possessive interpretations of well-being and introduces the concept of well-being as a fluid and ever-evolving process. This reconceptualization positions well-being as a complex construct, influenced by an intricate web of relationships, spanning human and non-human interactions, organizational and environmental structures, personal desires, behavioral practices and broader societal and cultural frameworks.
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Syed Waleed Ul Hassan, Samra Kiran, Samina Gul, Ibrahim N. Khatatbeh and Bibi Zainab
This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of financial accountants and both internal and external auditors regarding the impact of corporate governance (CG) and information…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of financial accountants and both internal and external auditors regarding the impact of corporate governance (CG) and information technology (IT) on the detection and prevention of fraud within organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected from 250 financial accountants, internal auditors and external auditors through questionnaires. The non-probability snowball sampling technique was used for data collection, with the sample t-test, one-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test applied for analysis.
Findings
The results indicate that robust CG practices and IT techniques significantly aid in detecting and reducing fraudulent activities by minimizing opportunities, rationalizations, pressures and capabilities of potential employees to commit fraud. Internal controls also play a significant role in reducing instances of fraud. Notably, ethical officers and ethical training were not perceived as significantly effective in preventing and detecting fraud, leading to a perception that fraudulent practices are prevalent and increasing the risk of future fraudulent activities.
Research limitations/implications
This study recommends the adoption of strong CG practices to identify potential fraud within an organization. Moreover, IT techniques should be tailored to specific needs for effective utilization. Furthermore, the government should increase awareness regarding data provision by departments, organizations and other related personnel. Future research could use secondary data from various regions to expand the literature in this field.
Originality/value
This research uniquely combines three significant factors: CG, IT and forensic accounting in fraud detection and prevention. It contributes to the enhancement of literature about fraud and its preventive and detective measures. The results of this study set the seed for future research, government policymaking and enhanced organizational practices.