Theo van der Voordt, Iris Bakker and Jan de Boon
Studies on color preferences for different types of spaces are scarce and show ambiguous results. This paper aims to present data about preferred colors for two work environments…
Abstract
Purpose
Studies on color preferences for different types of spaces are scarce and show ambiguous results. This paper aims to present data about preferred colors for two work environments: the office and a meeting room, and two residential spaces: the living room and the bedroom. The authors also explore whether people with different personal characteristics of gender, age, education and type of person have different color preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected by means of a questionnaire that was distributed among 1,077 Dutch people.
Findings
The color white was most frequently mentioned as the preferred color, by 32-44 per cent of all male respondents and 28-38 per cent of all female respondents, dependent on type of space. The choice “no color preference” rated high as well: by 11-22 per cent of men and 7-22 per cent of women. Preferred colors showed to be significantly different for different types of spaces, males and females, different age groups, level of education and type of person.
Research limitations/implications
The research took place in the Netherlands, so only Dutch color preferences have been collected. Due to the many influencing factors, only a selection of the conceptual model could be empirically tested.
Practical implications
Information about color preferences for different types of spaces can support clients, end users and (interior) architects to create environments that people like, which may influence peoples’ well-being in a positive way. It is suggested to apply colors in the built environment more like nature shows.
Originality/value
Until now, no information was available about color preferences for different types of spaces in connection with different types of personalities.
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Iris Bakker and Theo van der Voordt
This paper aims to review available research into the impact of plants on people and labour productivity in order to test a number of hypotheses and the reliability and validity…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review available research into the impact of plants on people and labour productivity in order to test a number of hypotheses and the reliability and validity of “evidence based” statements.
Design/methodology/approach
An extended literature review was conducted of research concerning the potential impacts of plants on people and labour productivity. In order to be able to compare the findings of different researchers, an analysis was made of similarities and dissimilarities with regard to the research context, starting‐points and test methods.
Findings
The paper identifies a lack of precise descriptions of the research design and poor comparability between different research with regard to the characteristics of the plant, test persons, test procedures, surrounding conditions and contents of the reports. Although it can be concluded that plants can have a positive impact on the productivity of human beings, it is remarkable that in research reports and research papers the properties of the plant itself are only mentioned by exception. The condition of the plant – whether it is healthy or not – is not described at all.
Research limitations/implications
Only 17 studies and underlying papers were investigated and no new research was conducted with the proposed improvements.
Practical implications
The findings can be used by managers to legitimate investments in plants and by researchers to improve (the comparability of) research into plants.
Originality/value
In addition to the review of the impact of plants on different types of productivity a vision is presented about the impact of the vitality of plants. Furthermore recommendations are given on how to cope with the methodological problem of poor comparability of research.
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Iris Bakker, Theo J.M. van der Voordt, Jan de Boon and Peter Vink
The purpose of this paper is to establish the influences of the colours red and blue on perceived well being, social cohesion and productivity in complex real life work conditions…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish the influences of the colours red and blue on perceived well being, social cohesion and productivity in complex real life work conditions during regular meetings.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, seven regular government teams held seven regular meetings in red, blue and reference meeting rooms. In literature it is often mentioned that red is a warm and blue a cool colour. To be able to test the warmth and coldness effects the authors have amplified the warm and cold qualities with light colour and colour of the table top desk. The employees were asked to complete questionnaires concerning perceived well being, social cohesion and productivity. In total, 52 subjects completed three questionnaires, at the start, the end and two or three days after the meeting. Data were analysed with SPSS 16.
Findings
The findings did not show any effects of the red and blue environment on perceived well being, social cohesion and productivity. The authors assume the processes in real life work situations are too complex to measure influences.
Research limitations/implications
The research focuses on individual perceptions and did not measure actual well being, social cohesion and productivity.
Practical implications
Practical implications are that statements frequently mentioned in literature concerning influences of red and blue might be not valid in real life meeting settings. New ways of testing the impact of colours should be reconsidered. Because lab situations are too simplified and artificial, the authors suggest testing influences of colour in an isolated setting in relation to art.
Originality/value
The originality of this research concerns testing colour influences in complex real life work settings, such as meetings.
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Gunhild Bjaalid, Espen Olsen, Kjersti Melberg and Aslaug Mikkelsen
The purpose of this study was to investigate if institutional stress is related to job performance among hospital employees, and if institutional stress is fully or partly…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate if institutional stress is related to job performance among hospital employees, and if institutional stress is fully or partly mediated by motivational resources with regards to the relation with job performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A self-completion survey was distributed to four public hospitals in Norway, and had a response rate of 40% (N = 9,162). Structural equation modelling was conducted on two groups of hospital employees with (N = 795) and without (N = 8,367) managerial responsibilities.
Findings
Institutional stress was negatively related to job performance for hospital employees without managerial responsibilities. The motivational resources autonomy, competence development and social support partly mediated the relationship between institutional stress and job performance in the group of employees without managerial responsibilities. In the leader group, the motivational resources fully mediated the relationship between institutional stress and job performance. Social support from leaders had a non-significant influence on job performance in both groups.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation with this study is its cross-sectional design.
Originality/value
The study enables us to extend how work-related stress is related to job performance and the mediating role of the job resources autonomy, competence development and social support. The focus on productivity, and top management’s wish to improve hospital performance, may have unintended consequences, leading to a gap between managerial and clinical worldviews and understanding of goals, policies, values and prioritizing. This can lead to institutional stress. The findings of this study suggest that institutional stress has negative effects on hospital employees’ work motivation and job performance.
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Paulo C. Dias, Íris M. Oliveira, Anabela Rodrigues and Ricardo Peixoto
Firefighters are daily confronted with adverse, unpredictable and demanding situations. It is a dangerous profession that puts firefighters at risk of developing burnout. Although…
Abstract
Purpose
Firefighters are daily confronted with adverse, unpredictable and demanding situations. It is a dangerous profession that puts firefighters at risk of developing burnout. Although the literature has already identified personal and work-related factors of burnout, the examination of specific factors explaining burnout among volunteer and career firefighters is still needed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the explaining role of personal and work-related factors on volunteer and career firefighters’ burnout.
Design/methodology/approach
A nonrandom convenience sample of 250 firefighters (67% volunteer; Mage = 31.88) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, the Proactive Coping Scale and a standard of living subscale item. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were tested. Fisher’s criterion was considered, with p-values lower than 0.05 interpreted as statistically significant.
Findings
Personal and work-related factors accounted for 18% of volunteer and 31% of career firefighters’ variations in burnout. Personal factors offered a greater contribution explaining volunteer and career firefighters’ burnout. Still, variations in the role played by age, family responsibilities, proactive coping and satisfaction with standard of living on burnout were found among volunteer and career firefighters. Taking the work-related factors into account, working in rotative shifts constituted a risk factor for career firefighters’ burnout.
Research limitations/implications
This study advances the understanding about the role of personal and work-related factors in volunteer and career firefighters’ burnout.
Originality/value
This study adds information about specific factors explaining burnout among voluntary and career firefighters. It deepens existing knowledge on variations in the role played by age, family responsibilities, work conditions, proactive coping and satisfaction with standard of living on the burnout of volunteer and career firefighters.
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Iris Alves Negrão, Thiago Poleto, Marinalva Maciel, Daniela Ribeiro de Oliveira, Itamar Gaudêncio and Ligiane Cristina Braga de Oliveira Friaes
The article aims to explore how the military police in Brazil’s Northern Region incorporate “difference” and “diversity” into leadership, focusing on women in leadership roles. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The article aims to explore how the military police in Brazil’s Northern Region incorporate “difference” and “diversity” into leadership, focusing on women in leadership roles. It examines institutional changes in leadership styles and the development of inclusive practices. The goal is to understand the competencies women bring to police leadership and how these can transform organizational culture.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed in-depth interviews with 20 women’s police leaders in Pará, using MAXQDA for data analysis and criteria sampling for participant selection to achieve data saturation.
Findings
The study results indicate that women’s leadership in the Military Police of Pará fosters a new organizational culture, emphasizing shared and transformational leadership. Women’s leaders are seen as adaptable and resilient, capable of balancing professional performance with emotional management. Traits such as empathy and sensitivity are prominent, creating a more humanized work environment. Additionally, the creativity and charisma of women’s leaders facilitate the development of innovative solutions to complex problems, demonstrating the transformative impact of women’s leadership within the police.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s limitations include its focus on a specific region with a small sample size, reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias, and findings deeply embedded in the local cultural contexto in the police.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this study include encouraging the development of formal networks and mentorship opportunities, particularly those led by women. These initiatives aim to promote gender equity within the police force by preventing women from being disadvantaged in competitive processes such as exams and performance evaluations, thereby eliminating implicit biases. Implementing mentorship programs that connect experienced women officers with aspiring officers can facilitate the exchange of practical knowledge and experience while developing essential skills like empathy, compassion and emotional balance.
Originality/value
The originality and value of this study lie in its focus on the unique competencies and leadership styles of female leaders in the Military Police of Northern Brazil. It highlights how these leaders introduce empathy, creativity and resilience into the traditionally male-dominated police culture, fostering a more inclusive and effective organizational environment. This research fills a gap by providing insights into how female leadership can transform police practices, emphasizing the importance of diversity and gender-sensitive approaches in law enforcement.
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Sandra Brunia, Iris De Been and Theo J.M. van der Voordt
The purpose of this study is to explore which factors may explain the high or low percentages of satisfied employees in offices with shared activity-based workplaces.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore which factors may explain the high or low percentages of satisfied employees in offices with shared activity-based workplaces.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper compares data on employee satisfaction from two cases with remarkably high satisfaction scores and two cases with significantly lower satisfaction scores (total N = 930), all of the same organisation. These cases were selected from a database with employee responses to a standardised questionnaire in 52 flexible work environments. In the four case studies, also group interviews were conducted.
Findings
Overall, there are large differences in employee satisfaction between cases with, at first sight, a similar activity-based office concept. The main differences between the best and worst cases regard employee satisfaction with the interior design, level of openness, subdivision of space, number and diversity of work places and accessibility of the building. Employee satisfaction shows to be influenced by many physical characteristics of the work environment and by the implementation process. Satisfaction with the organisation may have an impact as well.
Research limitations/implications
Almost all cases regard Dutch organisations. Due to the lack of quantitative scales to define the physical characteristics of the work environment, the study is mainly descriptive and explorative and does not include advanced multivariate statistical analyses.
Practical implications
The data revealed clear critical success factors including a supportive spatial layout to facilitate communication and concentration, attractive architectural design, ergonomic furniture, appropriate storage facilities and coping with psychological and physical needs, such as privacy, thermal comfort, daylight and view. Critical process factors are the commitment of managers, a balance between a top-down and a bottom-up approach and clear instructions on how to use activity-based workplaces.
Originality/value
The study connects descriptive research with inductive reasoning to explore why employees may be satisfied or dissatisfied with flex offices. It is based on a combination of quantitative survey data from 52 cases and a closer look at two best cases and two worst cases based on qualitative data from interviews and personal observations. The study has high practical value due to the integral approach that incorporates many items of the physical environment and context factors like the implementation process.
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David B. Zoogah and Julaine S. Rigg
To expose strategic management scholars in Africa, particularly graduate students and new faculty members, to bibliometrics, a fast-growing approach for examining the impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
To expose strategic management scholars in Africa, particularly graduate students and new faculty members, to bibliometrics, a fast-growing approach for examining the impact of individual and collective scholarly.
Design/methodology/approach
We review the bibliographic analysis approach by discussing its origin, development, and process. We then advance to a dynamic multilevel model that can be used to examine strategic management contributions at the individual and collective levels. Bibliometric analysis is being used extensively in such fields as library science, agriculture, economics, medicine, psychology, and more recently in management areas such as entrepreneurship, strategy, and international business. In addition to its wide application, bibliometric analysis has relevance for strategic management research in Africa which is characterized by major research constrains.
Findings
Illustrations are provided with procedures for conducting bibliometric analysis. We conclude by making recommendations on what to consider in using the approach for the study of strategic management in Africa.
Research limitations/implications
We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the approach as well as suggestions on maximizing its potential.
Practical implications
The approach is an invaluable source particularly for graduate students of strategy. They can be used to supplement other approaches in the study of strategic management impact.
Originality/value
To our knowledge, this chapter seems to be the first to propose bibliometric analysis for the study of strategic management in the African context. In that regard, it fills a gap in the research methodology literature. It can therefore help graduate students and junior faculty improve their careers.
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Kestutis Lekeckas, Julija Stirbe, Kristina Ancutiene and Ruta Valusyte
To explore the influence of various factors on the adhesion strength of 3D printing materials and chiffon fabrics, and to develop an original design clothing prototype with an…
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the influence of various factors on the adhesion strength of 3D printing materials and chiffon fabrics, and to develop an original design clothing prototype with an extended functionality that would be compatible with the specifics of the circular design.
Design/methodology/approach
Four different chiffon fabrics and four 3D printed materials were chosen as the research subjects to determine the influence of various factors on the adhesion strength and ductility. The uniaxial tensile test was used to determine pull-out force and the pull-out elongation from the interlayer.
Findings
3D printed TPU elements can be used to join clothing parts made from low-elasticity chiffon fabrics to improve wearing comfort. In order to comply with the circular economy concept, it is important to select such adhesion parameters of the 3D printed elements and the material system that would ensure wear comfort and withstand wear-level loads; and at the end of the life cycle of a garment, the 3D printed elements could be separated from the product and recycled.
Originality/value
The systems developed can be used to renew and repair products, adding originality, individual touch or additional decorative features, while extending the functional possibilities of clothing items in accordance with circular design principles.