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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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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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.