Ville Björck, Britt Hedman Ahlström and Nóra Kerekes
Work readiness and the ability to change how work is conducted are key dimensions of employability. This study focuses on alumni from the social psychiatric care (SPC) programme…
Abstract
Purpose
Work readiness and the ability to change how work is conducted are key dimensions of employability. This study focuses on alumni from the social psychiatric care (SPC) programme at University West in Trollhättan, Sweden. As their work readiness and work-changing abilities have not been studied to this point, the purpose was to explore the eventual main employability profiles in these alumni.
Design/methodology/approach
Between 8th November 2022 and 2nd January 2023, 94 SPC alumni responded to the Employee Agility and Resilience Short Swedish Version Measurement Scale, consisting of five subscales that represent different employability features. Cluster analysis was used to explore eventual employability profiles in these alumni.
Findings
Three clusters of SPC alumni with different employability profiles were identified. Cluster 1: Highly employable profile, which is represented by SPC alumni who scored high on each of the five employability features. Cluster 2: Employability with alliance-creating profile; this cluster comprise SPC alumni whose strengths lie in creating collegial relationships. Cluster 3: Employability with a strong social support profile, which comprise SPC alumni with a strong social backing at work. We discuss that SPC alumni of these employability profiles are variously equipped to (1) follow and develop how work is conducted in their fields and (2) adapt to changes at work.
Originality/value
The study presents employability profiles of SPC alumni and offers valuable insights that could enhance the prospects of these alumni becoming a recognised occupation within the realms of psychiatry, social services, institutional work and community work.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics in the relationship between tax practitioners and their tax clients, to understand how tax practitioners reconcile competing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics in the relationship between tax practitioners and their tax clients, to understand how tax practitioners reconcile competing logics in their tax work.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a qualitative approach in which semi-structured interviews are conducted with 68 tax practitioners across 11 countries, allowing for the examination of an in-depth personal perspective on tax practitioners’ relationships with their clients.
Findings
Using a Bourdieusian frame, I find that long-term client relationships built on trust and shared values, as moderated by risk appetite and cultural markers, can enable tax practitioners to reconcile competing logics in their advisory work.
Practical implications
The research findings presented reflect the way in which tax practitioners navigate, build up and maintain long-term relationships with their clients. The findings are highly relevant for regulators as my research shows that clients share a similar tax risk appetite with their tax advisor, thus this can assist regulators in curbing tax non-compliance and in identifying more tax-aggressive tax practitioners and taxpayers.
Originality/value
Previous studies (Carter and Spence, 2014; Harber and Willows, 2022) have examined the tension between commercial and other professional logics among senior accountants working in Big 4 firms. I extend and deepen this work to tax practitioners, drawing on a substantial corpus of interviews to examine the role of the client relationship in explaining the heterogeneity of the field. These findings add to the understanding of client agency and to the subtleties of professional relationships within the tax domain.
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Mazlum Celik, Mehmet Duzgun and Emre Demir
This paper aims to explore the mechanisms that explain the effects of physicians who feel supported by their co-workers on their professional outcome expectations and their…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the mechanisms that explain the effects of physicians who feel supported by their co-workers on their professional outcome expectations and their ability to be more successful in their chosen career, in the context of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT).
Design/methodology/approach
The population of the study is physicians working in hospitals in Ankara. There are 37 hospitals under the Ministry of Health in the province. A total of 5,092 physicians work in these hospitals. In this study in which questionnaire technique was used, data were collected from 400 physicians by convenience sampling method. The data obtained were analysed by means of AMOS 22.0 and SPSS 26.0 package programs.
Findings
As a result of the regression analyses, it was determined that physicians’ professional outcome expectancy had a positive and significant effect on career regret. In addition, it was determined that the perceived co-worker support variable did not have a moderating role effect in the relationship between physicians’ professional outcome expectancy and career regret.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, the moderating role of co-worker support in the effect of physicians’ professional outcome expectations on career regrets is examined. Therefore, the sampling frame is limited to physicians.
Practical implications
Based on the fact that professional outcome expectation and co-worker support are very important variables for individuals with career regret, it emphasises that management activities carried out in health institutions should be carried out in a way that supports the career development of employees.
Originality/value
The tasks that physicians perform include many challenging elements. Therefore, the support they receive from their co-workers is critically important.
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Feliza Marie Santos Mercado and Sungwon Shin
In response to challenges in traditional professional development, educators are increasingly utilizing social media platforms to customize their learning experiences and…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to challenges in traditional professional development, educators are increasingly utilizing social media platforms to customize their learning experiences and facilitate their professional growth. This systematic literature review seeks to examine articles published between January 2018 and July 2023 to synthesize evidence on the ways in which teachers are leveraging social media to improve their teaching practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to guide the literature review process. First, the authors established synthesis questions, set up eligibility criteria and determined search engines and search terms to identify the relevant literature. Second, the authors sorted and selected from the preliminary article search and screened based on the established criteria. Finally, the authors analyzed each selected article’s content, which included coding, interpreting the themes and organizing the findings.
Findings
Teachers are increasingly using social media for professional development, engaging in collaboration, empowering connection, and relationship-building through teacherpreneurship. They take on various roles, from info-consumers and info-networkers to self-seeking contributors, vocationalists and lurkers. Despite these benefits, challenges remain, such as potential for unexpected misunderstandings, social comparison that can lead to low self-esteem, which can hinder effective engagement in social media-based professional development. Additionally, this paper observed a growing trend in scholarly articles on this topic, particularly from 2020, 2021 and 2022, highlighting its increasing relevance and impact on the educational community.
Research limitations/implications
This systematic literature review focused exclusively on studies involving in-service K-12 teachers as participants, excluding perspectives from preservice teachers, higher education instructors, instructional coaches and school administrators. While these other educational professionals undoubtedly offer valuable insights into improving teaching practices and contribute significantly to social media-based professional development, this review aimed to center the experiences of K-12 in-service teachers to understand their unique professional development needs and practices. Consequently, it does not capture the potential synergies between K-12 teachers and other educator groups, such as the ways in which school administrators might support or enhance in-service teachers’ professional development through social media. Future studies could explore these interactions more deeply to provide a fuller picture of the collective expertise within these groups.
Practical implications
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the value of social media for informal professional development, as shown by the increased number of publications on this topic during that period. However, some social media platforms prioritize consumerism over educational resources, emphasizing the need for educators to critically evaluate their sources. Teachers should be discerning in their resource selection, ensuring that educational references are credible and free of hidden costs.
Social implications
This study uncovered several unique patterns in how teachers use social media, revealing both benefits and challenges. Notably, some teachers are leveraging social media not only to build professional connections but also to engage in commercial activities. While this practice can create a supportive network – where teachers promote one another’s visibility, share products and seek support – it can also detract from the intended purpose of professional learning. The focus on brand-building and profit-making may overshadow authentic community-building and collaborative growth. Additionally, the presence of paid content introduces financial barriers, as many teachers have limited resources for professional development.
Originality/value
This study provides a comprehensive review of recent literature (January 2018 to July 2023) on teachers' use of social media for professional development and learning, offering fresh insights into emerging trends. Notably, findings of this study highlight the role of teacherpreneurship in fostering beneficial social connections within digital spaces, a factor that has gained prominence as teachers seek collaborative and supportive networks. Additionally, this research sheds light on lurking as a common strategy among teachers to avoid conflict and misunderstandings when engaging in social media-based professional development. Furthermore, by addressing various challenges, this paper presents suggestions for thoughtfully integrating social media into school professional development programs, with the intention of supporting the diverse needs of teachers and fostering their professional growth.
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Nadia A. Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed, Mohammed A. Al Doghan, Ummi Naiemah Saraih and Bahadur Ali Soomro
In the present era, digital technology can be used responsibly to provide developed and developing countries with high-quality health-care services to nations. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
In the present era, digital technology can be used responsibly to provide developed and developing countries with high-quality health-care services to nations. This study aims to explore Saudi Arabia’s intentions to adopt digital health-care practices.
Design/methodology/approach
To be consistent with previous studies, this study used a quantitative methodology to collect the data from health-care professionals working in Saudi Arabia’s public and private health institutes. Consequently, this study’s findings are based on 306 valid samples.
Findings
On the one hand, the path analysis reveals that health-care professionals believe in perceptions relating to the use of e-health and technology (PEHT) and experiences regarding internet use (ERIU) and that these have positive and significant effects on attitudes toward the use of e-health and technology (ATEHT) and intentions to use e-health services (ITUES). On the other hand, barriers to using e-health (BUEH) negatively impact ATEHT and ITUES. Finally, ATEHT also has a positive and significant effect on ITUES.
Practical implications
This study’s findings will help Saudi Arabia’s policymakers and the country’s health ministry to develop policies to provide e-services that health-care professionals can use to improve the quality of the country’s health care, patients’ human rights and social care. Furthermore, this study’s findings are helpful in developing attitudes and intentions toward either e-health or digital health to provide better health facilities to serve Saudi Arabia’s citizens.
Originality/value
This study empirically confirms among Saudi Arabia’s health-care professionals the PEHT, ERIU and BUEH toward ATEHT and ITUES.
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Giovanni Cellini and Carlotta Mozzone
Social work developed using information and communication technologies (ICTs) within a techno-social sphere has been defined as ‘e-social work’. It is a social work field that…
Abstract
Social work developed using information and communication technologies (ICTs) within a techno-social sphere has been defined as ‘e-social work’. It is a social work field that includes, among others, the use of digital devices and digital platforms in the professional relationship (with individuals, groups and communities), social service programs' monitoring and social work education. Through a literature review, the chapter will explore some parts of the international debate on e-social work. It seems to especially emphasise the positive aspects of digitisation in social work; at the same time, questions and ethical issues are proposed, especially about the social work clients' digital gaps and the need to protect vulnerable people. Digitalisation influences clients' behaviour and affects processes of social exclusion and inclusion. With reference to the elders, for example, the impact of digital divides is very significant; hence, social workers need to promote every tool at their disposal to reduce it to the bare minimum. At the same time, social workers face some risks of using digital devices and digital platforms in the professional one-to-one relationship, which especially during the Covid-19 pandemic have been increased in the welfare system.
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Roberta Cuel, Aurelio Ravarini, Barbara Imperatori, Gilda Antonelli and Teresina Torre
This manuscript explores the evolving roles of HR professionals amidst global megatrends and organizational transitions, focusing on the Italian context, which has experienced…
Abstract
Purpose
This manuscript explores the evolving roles of HR professionals amidst global megatrends and organizational transitions, focusing on the Italian context, which has experienced disruptive adoption of new forms of work such as remote and hybrid work. In this challenging scenario, our research aims to uncover if and how HR professionals are transforming their roles or maintaining the status quo in navigating organizational changes, dealing with the upcoming working scenario, and challenging conventional perceptions of HR practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs the social-symbolic work lens, that contributes to a deeper understanding of how HR professionals work to construct organizational life, the identities of employees, and the societal norms and assumptions that provide the context for organizational action. This perspective highlights HR professionals’ personal efforts, consisting of the emotional labor entailed in steering organizational transformations and, eventually, maintenance in a context where remote work has become prevalent. Data was collected through 16 online focus groups involving 76 HR professionals from Italian organizations.
Findings
Our research offers two interrelated contributions to HR literature. First, we provide pieces of evidence on how HR practitioners act as agents of change in two emerging roles: the “Wannabe Hero” and the “Ordinary Hero”. This challenges the prevailing rhetorical discourse about the so-called HR business partner. Secondly, we delve into the persistent obstacles that hinder HR professionals from making a substantial impact in addressing radical changes. These findings will provide useful insights into effectively engaging HR practitioners as agents of change in organizational transformation, shedding light on praxis, structures, and their emotional work.
Originality/value
The paper analyzes HR professionals’ social-symbolic work, which offers an original contribution to the comprehension of the activities they carry on in practice and the emotions they have been experiencing. These influence both the way HR professionals play their role and the organizational and institutional environment.
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Grace Bamber, Lisa Caygill and Sarah Craven-Staines
Lived mental health experience (LMHE) is a term describing the direct impact of a mental health problem or being a mental health carer. This study aims to qualitatively explore…
Abstract
Purpose
Lived mental health experience (LMHE) is a term describing the direct impact of a mental health problem or being a mental health carer. This study aims to qualitatively explore how UK-based trainee clinical psychologists with LMHE navigate doctoral training.
Design/methodology/approach
Trainee clinical psychologists (TCPs; N = 12) who self-reported LMHE completed a semi-structured interview which was analysed using constructivist grounded theory (CGT).
Findings
The end model had six main categories: the pressured system; narratives about LMHE within the profession; developing trainee identity and sense of self; disclosing LMHE within the professional context; building safe, balanced and reciprocal relationships with other professionals; drawing upon LMHE within clinical practice. The end model is visually depicted as an hourglass to represent receiving and internalising external information which influences identity development and bidirectionally filters outwards to shape interactions and relationships.
Social implications
Findings have implications for TCPs, course centres and using trusts.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first CGT study to qualitatively explore how TCPs with LMHE navigate the holistic trajectory of doctoral clinical psychology training.
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Marco Marinucci, Iolanda Tortù, Teresa Traversa, Luca Pancani and Paolo Riva
Prison officers face severe work-related stressors stemming from their interactions with detained people and the professional attitudes they enact, both of which are shaped by the…
Abstract
Purpose
Prison officers face severe work-related stressors stemming from their interactions with detained people and the professional attitudes they enact, both of which are shaped by the prison culture’s social norms. However, research neglected to investigate the role of prison social norms on officers’ behaviors and well-being. This study aims to test whether promoting prisoner-supportive norms can improve officers’ relationships with and attitudes toward detained people, in turn promoting their professional and psychological well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted on 1,080 Italian prison officers and adopted a mixed correlational-experimental approach. The first correlational part of the study tested the hypothesized processes linking social norms to officers’ well-being. The second part of the study adopted a two-level between-subject experimental design to manipulate supportive vs. punitive norms toward detained people using a priming procedure.
Findings
The correlational results indicated that supportive norms were associated with higher supportive attitudes and emotional closeness with detained people, in turn sustaining officers’ well-being. However, emotional closeness with incarcerated people also contributed to higher burnout. The experimental results confirmed that priming prisoner-supportive norms increased officers’ supportive behavioral intentions toward detained people, in turn predicting greater anticipated psychological and professional well-being.
Originality/value
The research provides correlation and experimental evidence of how prosocial norms can influence officers’ well-being by shaping their attitudes and relationships with prisoners, offering practical implications for interventions in prisons and contributing to improving correctional environments and officers’ mental health.