Ivana Vasilevska Petrovska, Anastasia C. Giannakopoulou, Vassiliki Tsecoura, Angela Winstanley, Roberto Miletto, Georgeta Constanţa Roşca, Biserka Ivanova, Vasiliki Kaisa and Vladimir Trajkovski
Amid the expanding demand on the autism service delivery system, little knowledge is accumulated regarding access and availability of support and services in the region of…
Abstract
Purpose
Amid the expanding demand on the autism service delivery system, little knowledge is accumulated regarding access and availability of support and services in the region of Southern and South-Eastern Europe – critical for improvement of individual outcomes, as well as family quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to explore how service delivery systems are responding to the specific needs of autistic individuals with autism, as perceived by parents.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative exploratory descriptive method was used. Thematic analysis was used as a pragmatic method to report on the experiences of parents (92% mothers, n = 55) of children, youth and young autistic adults (76% male) across six South and South-Eastern European counties that participated in a survey involving a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection.
Findings
Thematic analysis revealed three broad themes: challenging pathways to service utilization, insufficient service options and providers’ competences and lack of continuous and meaningful support across life span.
Originality/value
The findings from this study add to the small body of literature specific to South and South-Eastern Europe, by exposing problems related to meeting the needs of autistic children and youth and potential ways to strengthen services, as perceived by parents. The findings have potential policy ramifications for the region in which the research was conducted.
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Max Weber called the maxim “Time is Money” the surest, simplest expression of the spirit of capitalism. Coined in 1748 by Benjamin Franklin, this modern proverb now has a life of…
Abstract
Purpose
Max Weber called the maxim “Time is Money” the surest, simplest expression of the spirit of capitalism. Coined in 1748 by Benjamin Franklin, this modern proverb now has a life of its own. In this paper, I examine the worldwide diffusion and sociocultural history of this paradigmatic expression. The intent is to explore the ways in which ideas of time and money appear in sedimented form in popular sayings.
Methodology/approach
My approach is sociological in orientation and multidisciplinary in method. Drawing upon the works of Max Weber, Antonio Gramsci, Wolfgang Mieder, and Dean Wolfe Manders, I explore the global spread of Ben Franklin’s famed adage in three ways: (1) via evidence from the field of “paremiology” – that is, the study of proverbs; (2) via online searches for the phrase “Time is Money” in 30-plus languages; and (3) via evidence from sociological and historical research.
Findings
The conviction that “Time is Money” has won global assent on an ever-expanding basis for more than 250 years now. In recent years, this phrase has reverberated to the far corners of the world in literally dozens of languages – above all, in the languages of Eastern Europe and East Asia.
Originality/value
Methodologically, this study unites several different ways of exploring the globalization of the capitalist spirit. The main substantive implication is that, as capitalism goes global, so too does the capitalist spirit. Evidence from popular sayings gives us a new foothold for insight into questions of this kind.
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Enakshi Sengupta and Patrick Blessinger
Research conducted on refugees and their learning abilities has generally been myopic in nature, highlighting only the challenges and barriers faced, and less focus has been given…
Abstract
Research conducted on refugees and their learning abilities has generally been myopic in nature, highlighting only the challenges and barriers faced, and less focus has been given to the enormous work and achievements accomplished both by non-profit bodies, educational institutions, and refugees themselves. Research has been conducted in the past where learning has been studied from a psychological perspective, as opposed to drawing on the learner theory. Refugees and asylum seekers have been lumped together as a homogenous group, and studies of single language groups have made conclusions that may not apply to others. This chapter, which serves as the introductory chapter to the book, speaks about the inflow of refugees and the growing need of education for an entire generation displaced from their home countries. The chapter highlights educational access, policies, and the importance of language learning. The last section of this chapter is dedicated to present an overview of the chapters in this book which speaks about some exemplary work done by individuals and institutions from Africa to Germany.
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Satu Lähteenmäki and Maarit Laiho
The purpose of this paper is to study the meaning of socially responsible human resource management (HRM) in the global business context.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the meaning of socially responsible human resource management (HRM) in the global business context.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a multiple case study and is descriptive. The study focuses on four case studies of two Finnish multinational companies. The data sources are company documents and web sites, newspapers, financial periodicals and web‐based open communication channels.
Findings
The study shows the contextual nature of socially responsible HRM and highlights the need to recognise the magnitude of the issues and viewpoints that affect the evaluation of social responsibility from the HRM point of view. The study also reveals the gap between the rhetoric used by top management and the messages given out by the HR function.
Research limitations/implications
The four cases examined in this study do not allow for empirical generalisations.
Practical implications
The study stresses that the costs and consequences of unethical behaviour cannot be overlooked when aiming to maintain the image of a socially responsible company.
Originality/value
This study addresses a research gap in HRM studies by adopting an ethical perspective and suggesting that instead of balancing global integration with responsiveness to local customs companies should find a balance between profitability and responsibility. The study provides rich material for discussion and illustration.
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OCCASIONALLY some writer is inspired to make the declaration that reference work as understood in America does not exist in Great Britain, or, even more definitely, is not known…
Abstract
OCCASIONALLY some writer is inspired to make the declaration that reference work as understood in America does not exist in Great Britain, or, even more definitely, is not known there. We rejoice at any advance our American friends make, but our enthusiasts for American methods must not undervalue the homeland. In the pages that follow some aspects of reference work receive attention, and the inference to be drawn may be that, if we have not specialized this department of work to the extent that transatlantic libraries have done, if in some smaller places it hardly exists “as the community's study, archive department and bureau of information,” yet in our larger cities and in many lesser places much work is done.
This study aims to deepen the understanding of consumer engagement and satisfaction within the health and wellness tourism sector, a rapidly growing niche in the global tourism…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to deepen the understanding of consumer engagement and satisfaction within the health and wellness tourism sector, a rapidly growing niche in the global tourism industry. It focuses on identifying key elements that influence consumer perceptions and experiences in this domain.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing a quantitative approach, this research utilizes Dynamic Correlated Topic Models (DCTM) and sentiment analysis techniques to analyze user-generated content from TripAdvisor. The methodology involves parsing through extensive online reviews to extract thematic patterns and emotional sentiments related to various wellness tourism experiences.
Findings
The findings reveal that wellness and relaxation, spa and therapy services, and cultural immersion are significant factors influencing consumer satisfaction in health and wellness tourism. These elements contribute to a more profound and emotionally satisfying tourist experience, highlighting the shift from traditional tourism to more holistic, wellness-focused travel.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited by its focus on user-generated content from a single platform, which may not fully represent the diverse range of consumer experiences in health and wellness tourism. Future research could expand to include other platforms and cross-reference with qualitative data.
Practical implications
The study offers valuable implications for destination managers and marketers in the health and wellness tourism industry, suggesting that enhancing and promoting wellness-centric experiences can significantly improve consumer satisfaction and engagement.
Social implications
The research underscores the growing importance of health and wellness in societal values, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards travel experiences that offer mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. This has broader implications for how destinations can cater to the evolving demands of socially conscious travelers.
Originality/value
This research contributes original insights into the evolving field of health and wellness tourism by integrating advanced text mining techniques to analyze consumer feedback, offering a novel perspective on what drives engagement and satisfaction in this sector.