Trudy Bates, Cati S. Thomas and Andrew R. Timming
This paper explores employment discrimination against gender diverse job applicants and employees in Western Australia (WA).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores employment discrimination against gender diverse job applicants and employees in Western Australia (WA).
Design/methodology/approach
Using grounded theory, this study draws on semi-structured interviews with respondents (n = 20) who identified as trans women, trans men, nonbinary or agender. Thematic analysis focused on the multiple dimensions of disadvantage experienced by respondents, including subtle, not so subtle and overt types of employment discrimination.
Findings
The authors’ results point to several reasons why gender diverse individuals (GDIs) may fear the labor market, including difficulties in concealing their stigma and acquiescence to discrimination. On the other hand, our results also point to sources of organizational support, including encouragement from direct line managers and colleagues who are also Allies.
Practical implications
The results of the research have important implications for sociological frameworks surrounding dramaturgy, stigma, aesthetic labor, organizational silence and social identity. Practical implications for employers, employees, human resource (HR) professionals and trade unions are also articulated.
Originality/value
Whereas previous studies have prioritized the discriminatory experiences of GDIs in the US and European labor markets, this study reports on gender diverse voices in WA. Furthermore, recent work on this topic has been experimental and largely quantitative, whereas the present study offers a compelling set of profound narratives, thereby addressing calls for qualitative research that foregrounds the complexities and nuances of lived experience for GDIs and renders their voices heard.
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Eileen Willis, Meryl Pearce, Loreen Mamerow, Brad Jorgensen and John Martin
This paper examines citizen trust at both a rational and affect level in the water utility provider, SA Water.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines citizen trust at both a rational and affect level in the water utility provider, SA Water.
Design/methodology/approach
The study draws on data from a CATI of approximately 500 residents in two urban and rural locations.
Findings
Citizens have a healthy scepticism toward the utility provider suggesting they make a distinction between the capacity of SA Water to provide safe drinking water, and the political willingness of the government to plan for long‐term sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
The conduct of research on topics of a political nature may be viewed by respondents as a political act although it is possible to see the views expressed as representative. Research conducted during times of heightened awareness, such as during a drought when water restrictions are in place, may generate strong feelings of anger in government, but may not be a true measure of citizen trust in the provider.
Practical implications
The paper shows that trust in utility providers may vary according to social situations.
Social implications
Encouraging citizen trust in the water supply requires education in the science used to ensure safety, but also transparent regulation for ensuring risk management.
Originality/value
The study points to possible shifts in citizen trust in water providers depending on climatic conditions, the role of the utility provider, and the reputation of the government as a regulator and planner.
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A fairly consistent finding in research on trust in physicians is that racial and ethnic minorities cite lower levels than whites. This research typically samples only health care…
Abstract
Purpose
A fairly consistent finding in research on trust in physicians is that racial and ethnic minorities cite lower levels than whites. This research typically samples only health care users, which limits our understanding of what underlies distrust. It remains unclear whether the distrust is generalized, which is distrust that is unrelated to using health care regularly or recently.
Methodology/approach
Using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey, multivariable logistic regressions assessed whether racial and ethnic differences in distrust (1) are equivalent among health care users and non-users; (2) regardless of respondents’ health and socio-economic status; and (3) manifest in other health information sources.
Findings
Racial and ethnic minorities are less likely than whites to trust physicians as health information sources. These racial and ethnic differences are equivalent among health care users and non-users, regardless of respondents’ health and socio-economic status. The racial and ethnic patterns do not manifest when predicting trust in other health information sources (Internet, family or friends, government health agencies, charitable organizations).
Research limitations/implications
Data are derived from a cross-sectional survey, which makes it difficult to account comprehensively for self-selection into being a health care user. Despite the limitations, this research suggests that racial and ethnic minorities possess a generalized distrust in physicians, necessitating interventions that move beyond improving health care experiences.
Originality/value
Many researchers have surmised that a generalized distrust in physicians exists among racial and ethnic minorities. This chapter is the first to explicitly examine the existence of such distrust.
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Christopher G. Reddick and Yueping Zheng
This paper aims to explore the determinants of citizens’ future use of mobile applications provided by government. Research on citizen-initiated contacts with government has…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the determinants of citizens’ future use of mobile applications provided by government. Research on citizen-initiated contacts with government has focused on both non-technology and technology related contacts. Existing research, however, has not examined the impact of mobile applications or “apps” on citizen-initiated contacts with government. Furthermore, existing research has not examined satisfaction with mobile government and whether this impacts future use.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors examine future use of mobile apps through an empirical analysis of a public opinion survey of citizen users in four of the largest cities in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen).
Findings
Using ordered logistic regression analysis, this study found that the strongest predictors of future use were demand and satisfaction with mobile apps. However, there was no wide-scale evidence of socioeconomic status and age impacting mobile apps future use.
Practical implications
The findings in this study contribute to both theory and practice of the determinants of mobile government adoption.
Originality/value
The results challenge the citizen-initiated contact theory, as socioeconomic status was not a major predictor of mobile apps future use in China. The results further indicate that satisfaction was a good predictor of mobile apps future use.
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Grzegorz Grela and Mariusz Hofman
This study aims to examine whether insourcing of processes pays off and verifies key hypotheses regarding the financial ratios of organisations.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine whether insourcing of processes pays off and verifies key hypotheses regarding the financial ratios of organisations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper randomly selects and then surveys 1996 organisations, of which 9.5% (190) stated that they used insourcing, 1.9% (37) made a decision to implement insourcing in the near future and 88.6% did not use insourcing. Then, for available firm data (100 insourcing firms and 100 firms without it), the financial statements of the surveyed companies were obtained to compare the most important financial ratios. The financial situation was compared at four-time points. The mean and median values of individual indicators were compared with the significance of relevant statistical tests.
Findings
A U-shaped curve of financial results in the time of enterprises that implemented insourcing and reverse U-shaped curve for enterprises that did not have insourcing are seen. Thus, the insourcing of processes pays off in the long run.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations exist in the generalisation of the results obtained, due to the limited number of samples qualified for analyses (limited reliable financial data).
Practical implications
The research highlights the importance of effective insourcing projects in the long term.
Originality/value
This study is the first to quantify the financial performance of companies that have used insourcing in comparison with a reference group. This paper defines insourcing and contributes to the growing number of studies on insourcing by bringing attention to the financial outcomes in the long run.
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THE first library in connection with an English University was founded at Oxford by Richard d'Aungerville, better known as Richard de Bury, Bishop of Durham. At the time of its…
Abstract
THE first library in connection with an English University was founded at Oxford by Richard d'Aungerville, better known as Richard de Bury, Bishop of Durham. At the time of its foundation it was considered one of the best collections of books in England. It was housed in Durham College—now Trinity—and the donor drew up copious rules for its management and preservation. It appears that this library was destroyed in the days of Edward VI.