This study investigates the significance of developing career goals and adopting appropriate career strategies during the first two years of employment after graduation. Data were…
Abstract
This study investigates the significance of developing career goals and adopting appropriate career strategies during the first two years of employment after graduation. Data were collected from a sample of 300 graduate employees in Hong Kong during a time when job competition has been increasingly tough. Results indicate that respondents tend to use strategies such as “enhancing promotability” (performing effectively, acquiring skills, building networks) and “improving image with superiors” (conforming to expectations, highlighting accomplishments) more frequently than “establishing external contacts” (joining professional bodies and trade associations) during early career. The relationships of career goals and strategies to satisfaction with salary and hierarchical progression are also examined. Factors such as “developing career goals and plans” and “improving image with superiors” are positively and significantly related to satisfaction with progression. Practical implications of the study findings on individuals and organizations are discussed.
Details
Keywords
Agnes Lau and Robin Snell
A study of 21 small‐to‐medium sized Hong Kong Chinese business organizations analysed the relationship between structural characteristics and growth patterns. Qualitative data…
Abstract
A study of 21 small‐to‐medium sized Hong Kong Chinese business organizations analysed the relationship between structural characteristics and growth patterns. Qualitative data were collected through intensive, one‐to‐one interviews conducted in Cantonese. Three propositions concerning growth and development were developed. The first proposition is that for sustained growth towards a size of 100 employees the structure may remain predominantly simple, but there must also be some elements of adhocracy or professional bureaucracy, and the strategic apex must want the company to grow. Second, for a manufacturing company to grow to a point beyond 100 employees, its predominant form must change from simple structure to machine bureaucracy. Third, for sustained, robust growth once a manufacturing company has reached well over 100 employees in size, it either requires elements of divisional form structure, or special human resourcefulness manifested as exceptionally good staff relationships and business contacts.
Details
Keywords
Robin Snell and Agnes Lau
Management competences significant for large and medium‐size companiesin the West may not be universally applicable. Describes whichqualitative, inductive approaches were used to…
Abstract
Management competences significant for large and medium‐size companies in the West may not be universally applicable. Describes which qualitative, inductive approaches were used to identify competences important in expanding smaller businesses in a particular locality (Hong Kong). Identifies competences generally salient for growth as: global‐oriented outlook for the business; analytical market approach; readiness to seize relevant opportunities; and systematic financial management. Considers an additional set of competences salient for growing companies with less than 50 employees, namely: vivid vision/purpose/ mission; ability to conceptualize or formulate company strategy; strategic approach to human resource development; and promoting a learning culture. Also identifies several competences relevant to all small businesses in Hong Kong, whether growing or non‐growing.
Details
Keywords
Examines the perceptions and expectations of Chinese graduates inHong Kong towards their careers and initial job needs immediately priorto their graduation. The findings, which…
Abstract
Examines the perceptions and expectations of Chinese graduates in Hong Kong towards their careers and initial job needs immediately prior to their graduation. The findings, which comprised quantitative data from 492 responses and qualitative data from seven interviews and two focus group meetings, show that both extrinsic and intrinsic rewards are important in career and job aspects. Discusses various issues in light of the results, such as the relationship between jobs and career, organizational commitment, occupational choice of allocations, work attitudes and environment. The analysis has implications for undergraduates, employers and career advisers.
Details
Keywords
Suzanne Miller Hosley, Agnes T.W. Lau, Ferdinand K. Levy and Doreen S.K. Tan
In a rapidly changing and unpredictable business environment, a majorsource of sustainable competitive advantage is likely to be the abilityto learn faster than competitors…
Abstract
In a rapidly changing and unpredictable business environment, a major source of sustainable competitive advantage is likely to be the ability to learn faster than competitors. Reviews the literature on strategic change and competition and explores their relationship to organizational learning. Develops a conceptual framework for a competitive learning organization. The proposed model promotes learning at different organizational levels and a learning focus which encompasses the need to understand the dynamics of competitive forces, the satisfaction of changing customer needs and the importance of systems thinking. In their quest to achieve competitive learning, organizations are likely to go through static and teaching phases.
Details
Keywords
Nan Hua, Stephen Hight, Wei Wei, Ahmet Bulent Ozturk, Xinyuan (Roy) Zhao, Khaldoon Nusair and Agnes DeFranco
This paper aims to offer empirical insights on how investing in e-commerce capabilities affects the relationship between loyalty programs and hotel operating performance so as to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to offer empirical insights on how investing in e-commerce capabilities affects the relationship between loyalty programs and hotel operating performance so as to aid in identifying proper resource allocation strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study extended the model in Hua et al. (2015) by testing the interaction of e-commerce and loyalty programs.
Findings
The findings illustrate that proper allocation of company financial resources to e-commerce initiatives can help improve the impact of loyalty programs on hotel operating performance.
Practical implications
The results of this study illustrate that hotel performance can be improved by the synergy between loyalty program and e-commerce initiatives. Thus, hotel managers and owners can use results from this study to improve the efficiency of their asset allocation strategies, with five practical implications offered.
Originality/value
Theoretically, this study adapted and extended an integrative model of hotel operating performance (Hua et al., 2015) by identifying critical factors that elucidate the variance in firm performance. In addition, the moderating role of e-commerce provides a new conceptualization of information technology. Practically, this study makes several important contributions as well.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the previous paper in this issue “Changes in the provision of residential care for adults with an intellectual disability…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the previous paper in this issue “Changes in the provision of residential care for adults with an intellectual disability: a national longitudinal study”.
Design/methodology/approach
The commentary outlines some of the challenges and potential drivers of deinstitutionalisation and community living including the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Findings
The paper finds that the UN Convention and the practice of international organisations that fund investments in social care can potentially drive the replacement of institutions with community‐based services for people with intellectual disabilities.
Originality/value
The argument for deinstitutionalisation and community living needs to be maintained more broadly rather than being focused on certain countries or regions. Community living for people with intellectual disabilities should be a global agenda with an emphasis on the human rights of people.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to assess the intra-party conflicts in Hong Kong’s Democratic Party (DP) and their implications for broader democratic processes in the territory. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the intra-party conflicts in Hong Kong’s Democratic Party (DP) and their implications for broader democratic processes in the territory. It also examines some other thematic issues including: the party’s policy decision-making process, candidate selection, party membership and mergers, and their overall relevance for democratisation in Hong Kong.
Design/methodology/approach
The study gives a historical review of intra-party conflicts. The concept of factionalism is applied to better understand the DP in Hong Kong’s political space.
Findings
Hong Kong is unique and popular models of party conflicts are hardly applicable to the country. Intra-party conflict is an obvious, expected conflict because of differences in formation, leadership, manifestoes and ideologies. The present author tries to examine the case with a view to making a novel contribution.
Originality/value
The study of political factionalism is not uncommon in Hong Kong but this paper intends to study intra-party elite conflicts and self-democratisation of the Hong Kong DP as a case study which is seldom addressed. Consolidation is a possible scenario and its presence is evident when political elites increasingly demonstrate commitment towards creating a democratic regime and when they hold strong beliefs in democratic procedures and institutions as crucial to governing public life.
Details
Keywords
Judicial independence in Hong Kong.
Details
DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB229905
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
The purpose of this paper is to explore the following questions. First, what are the experiences of family caregivers in caring for community-dwelling stroke survivors? Second…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the following questions. First, what are the experiences of family caregivers in caring for community-dwelling stroke survivors? Second, what services help or do not help the caregivers in managing their caregiving role?
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study was conducted with a total of six focus group interviews with 29 stroke caregivers selected using convenience sampling in a local community centre. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis.
Findings
The results pointed to three main themes working together to facilitate desirable outcomes in caregiving and prevent elder abuse: factors contributing to caregiver stress and factors that have a buffering effect on caregiver stress and unmet needs identified from caregivers’ experiences.
Research limitations/implications
The authors found that there were a number of factors contributing to caregiver stress. The findings matched with the concept that caregiver stress should not be considered as the primary cause of elder abuse. Findings provided information for further research to investigate positive coping and adjustment for stroke survivors, caregivers and their families.
Practical implications
Policy makers and service providers may consider specific policies and tailor-made services to enhance the effectiveness of current practice. The themes emerging from the study could be further reviewed in a longitudinal way to explore the cost-effectiveness, the outcomes and trajectory of interventional programmes.
Social implications
Education would be essential to let the public understand caregivers’ difficulties and needs. Prevention of elder abuse may be approached with a range of risk factors for both perpetrating and being elder abuse victim.
Originality/value
From the findings of the study, the authors found that there were service gaps within policy and interventions. Concrete suggestions for improving the public's attitude and public facilities/transport for the disabled were captured in the study. In addition to personal resilience, caregivers had a strong wish for a supportive environment and services that would facilitate a better caregiving outcome.