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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

Joanna Maria Szulc

Neurodivergent employees have atypical needs that require distinctive leadership approaches. In this study, the specific nature of a relationship between neurodivergent employees…

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Abstract

Purpose

Neurodivergent employees have atypical needs that require distinctive leadership approaches. In this study, the specific nature of a relationship between neurodivergent employees and their neurotypical leaders is explored through the lens of the leader–member exchange (LMX) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This two-phased qualitative study builds on 12 semi-structured interviews with neurodivergent employees and an unstructured focus group with 15 individuals with professional and/or personal interest in neurodiversity. The researcher spent almost 13 h listening to the lived experiences of research participants concerning neurodiversity and leadership.

Findings

Leaders who exhibit empathy and understanding were noted to provide greater support. The findings also highlight the complexity of neuro-inclusion in the workplace. Specifically, the delicate balance between accommodation and avoiding stigmatization is emphasized, addressing the concerns raised regarding the legal risks associated with neurodivergent inclusion. Additionally, the findings underscore the necessity for leaders to avoid patronizing behaviors while catering to the diverse needs of neurodivergent employees. This underscores the importance of supporting both neurodivergent employees and leaders navigating such challenges.

Practical implications

The findings help establish inclusive and accommodating employee relations practices that conscientiously address the requirements of neurodivergent employees while providing support for those in leadership roles.

Originality/value

This study constitutes a direct answer to recent calls to develop a more nuanced understanding of workplace neurodiversity, with a specific focus on neuro-inclusive leadership. Acknowledging that we still use inappropriate, old tools in new situations that require novel approaches to leadership helps set the agenda for future research in this area.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 46 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2024

Lydia Oko-Epelle and Felix Olajide Talabi

This study aims to examine the audience awareness of radio messages on malaria prevention and how these messages have influenced the adoption of malaria preventive measures among…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the audience awareness of radio messages on malaria prevention and how these messages have influenced the adoption of malaria preventive measures among rural dwellers in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining surveys and qualitative focus group discussions to gather data on respondents’ attitudes, knowledge and practices related to malaria prevention. The authors used Frequency distribution involving tables to present quantitative data, while we deployed thematic analysis to present qualitative data.

Findings

Results showed that most rural dwellers (86.5%) were exposed to malaria prevention radio messages. However, findings indicated that awareness alone did not influence the adoption of malaria preventive measures; instead, a positive attitude toward messages influenced the adoption of the malaria preventive measures.

Practical implications

Radio stations should tailor their messaging to address daily malaria difficulties while considering the target audience’s culture and belief systems. Also efforts should be directed at developing messages that promote awareness and build favorable attitudes toward preventative measures. Finally, radio stations, government agencies and health-care professionals must work together to guarantee that malaria prevention messages are effectively distributed.

Originality/value

The originality of this study comes from its unique ability to examine audience awareness of radio messages, mainly as it influences the adoption of malaria preventive measures.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2023

Kristy Lam, Elaine W.S. Kong, Dickson K.W. Chiu and Kevin K.W. Ho

To a large extent, knowledge in government workplaces resides within the hierarchy as it provides unique services to the public. Governments should preserve and pass on valuable…

Abstract

Purpose

To a large extent, knowledge in government workplaces resides within the hierarchy as it provides unique services to the public. Governments should preserve and pass on valuable and irreplaceable knowledge in providing their services through learning by sharing. Yet, sharing requires time and effort. This study examines the motivations of civil servants to share knowledge and their knowledge-sharing behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey to collect quantitative data from civil servants in the Hong Kong Government and obtained 104 useable responses to test the eight hypotheses comprising six constructs by structural equation modeling to explore the participants' knowledge-sharing behaviors.

Findings

Results indicated that (1) expected contribution was the primary source of motivation behind knowledge sharing; (2) participants engaged more frequently in informal than formal knowledge-sharing activities; and (3) there was a dire need for knowledge sharing focusing on explicit knowledge of work procedures.

Originality/value

The research focuses on motivational factors for knowledge sharing. Despite abundant literature about knowledge sharing in public or governmental organizations, scant studies focus on the motivations behind why expected rewards and expected associations have less significant impacts on the attitude toward knowledge sharing than expected contribution.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 76 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 September 2024

Lindsey Bezek and Kwan-Soo Lee

Although ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) could be used to fabricate complex, high-resolution parts for diverse, functional applications, one ongoing challenge is optimizing…

Abstract

Purpose

Although ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) could be used to fabricate complex, high-resolution parts for diverse, functional applications, one ongoing challenge is optimizing the post-process, particularly sintering, conditions to consistently produce geometrically accurate and mechanically robust parts. This study aims to investigate how sintering temperature affects feature resolution and flexural properties of silica-based parts formed by vat photopolymerization (VPP) AM.

Design/methodology/approach

Test artifacts were designed to evaluate features of different sizes, shapes and orientations, and three-point bend specimens printed in multiple orientations were used to evaluate mechanical properties. Sintering temperatures were varied between 1000°C and 1300°C.

Findings

Deviations from designed dimensions often increased with higher sintering temperatures and/or larger features. Higher sintering temperatures yielded parts with higher strength and lower strain at break. Many features exhibited defects, often dependent on geometry and sintering temperature, highlighting the need for further analysis of debinding and sintering parameters.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time test artifacts have been designed for ceramic VPP. This work also offers insights into the effect of sintering temperature and print orientation on flexural properties. These results provide design guidelines for a particular material, while the methodology outlined for assessing feature resolution and flexural strength is broadly applicable to other ceramics, enabling more predictable part performance when considering the future design and manufacture of complex ceramic parts.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

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