Hadyn Ingram, Kathy Biermann, Jacqueline Cannon, Jane Neil and Catherine Waddle
Many companies and their employees accept that learning and management development can provide mutual benefits, but find it difficult to free up the time and money to make this…
Abstract
Many companies and their employees accept that learning and management development can provide mutual benefits, but find it difficult to free up the time and money to make this possible. Finding time and resources for training and development can be especially difficult in the hospitality industry, where operational imperatives often override longer‐term considerations. This paper reflects upon the critical success factors of a pilot management development programme in Marriott Hotels in the UK, so that it might be internalized and delivered in a range of Marriott properties world‐wide. The conclusion is that action learning is a challenging medium for learners and tutors alike, but that the process can be an enjoyable one for all concerned. It is possible to internalize such programmes if care is taken with both “hard” and “soft” critical success factors.
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Relates the state of organizational readiness to the type of infrastructure needed to support effective corporate learning. Considers next the vision for learning and the…
Abstract
Relates the state of organizational readiness to the type of infrastructure needed to support effective corporate learning. Considers next the vision for learning and the positioning needed to “sell” learning at work as an integrated activity. Here, it is argued, the key to alignment is customized learning that is seen by all stakeholders to be relevant, timely and meaningful. True customization requires a learner‐centred, questions‐driven approach that lends itself to finding and applying solutions. Concludes that the process of action learning is ideally suited to the principles of credit accumulation and that “credit” can be used to recognize the achievements of the individual learner and to track the return on organizational investment in learning.
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For those organizations aware of the importance of achieving demanding business goals through improved human performance, the last decade has brought with it a plethora of new…
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For those organizations aware of the importance of achieving demanding business goals through improved human performance, the last decade has brought with it a plethora of new technologies and approaches to employee training.
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Axel van den Berg and Emre Amasyalı
Since its introduction by Anthony Giddens in the early 1980s, the use of the concept of “agency” as a way to accommodate an irreducible element of voluntarism into sociological…
Abstract
Since its introduction by Anthony Giddens in the early 1980s, the use of the concept of “agency” as a way to accommodate an irreducible element of voluntarism into sociological explanations has grown exponentially in the literature. In this chapter, we examine the most prominent theoretical justifications for adopting the notion of “agency” as an integral part of such explanations. We distinguish three broad sets of justifications: the meaningfulness/intentionality of social action, the need for “agency” to explain change in social structures, and the link between agency, social accountability, and human dignity. We find that none of these provides a convincing rationale for the analytical utility of agency. This raises the question of what work it actually does perform in the sociological literature.
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The purpose of this paper is to present reflections on the contradictions between structure and agency in theories of the Bolivian Revolution, 2000-2005. Most studies into the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present reflections on the contradictions between structure and agency in theories of the Bolivian Revolution, 2000-2005. Most studies into the trajectory and outcomes of the revolutionary period in Bolivia between 2000 and 2005 tend to emphasise on the primary role of structural factors or social movements in shifting the terrain of political debate. This paper argues this represents a false dichotomy and discounts the value of this debate. In doing so, it seeks to highlight the need for research that focuses on the role of institutional variables that mediate between structure and agency.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses theories of the Bolivian Revolution, which occurred between 2000 and 2005, to highlight the way theory shapes – and is shaped by – the political organisations that espouse it. This constructivist thesis is applied to conceptions of neoliberalism and Katarismo, an ideology of indigenous liberation, based in Andean-Aymara history. The intellectual and political projects of each approach are demarcated. Theories that privilege either the intellectual project or political project in their narrative of the Bolivian Revolution are then queried.
Findings
As a consequence of this analysis, the paper concludes by emphasizing the need for political organisation and theory to be considered dialectically along the lines of Gogol (2012). It argues that further research into institutions is required to appreciate why some post-neoliberal projects flourish while others fragment.
Originality/value
The paper proposes a modified understanding of the interplay between structure and agency in conceptions of the Bolivian Revolution (2000-2005) and suggests an original approach to resolving the underlying questions that motivate these debates.
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Susan Parker, Gary F. Peters and Howard F. Turetsky
When making going concern assessments, Statement on Auditing Standards No. 59 (Auditing Standards Board 1988) directs auditors to consider the nature of management's plans and…
Abstract
When making going concern assessments, Statement on Auditing Standards No. 59 (Auditing Standards Board 1988) directs auditors to consider the nature of management's plans and ability to mitigate periods of financial distress successfully. Corporate governance factors reflect attributes of control, oversight, and/or support of management's plans and actions intended to overcome financial distress. Correspondingly, this study investigates the impact of certain corporate governance factors on the likelihood of a going concern modification. Using survival analysis techniques, we examine a sample of 161 financially distressed firms for the time period 1988–1996. We find that auditors are twice as likely to issue a going concern modification when the CEO is replaced. We also find that going concern modifications are inversely associated with blockholder ownership. We also confirm Carcello and Neal's (2000) findings with respect to the association between an independent audit committee and an increased likelihood of modification. In a repeated events setting, we find that insider ownership and board independence are inversely associated with repeated going concern modifications. Our study concludes by proposing implications for the current financial reporting environment (including the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002) and future research avenues.
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Suzanne Jane Smith, Jane E. Powell, Neil Summers and Susan Roulstone
The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions of quality of life (QoL) of people with a dual diagnosis of learning disability and autism to facilitate a better understanding…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore perceptions of quality of life (QoL) of people with a dual diagnosis of learning disability and autism to facilitate a better understanding for clinical practice and service provision.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed methods were used to gain perceptions of QoL from 20 individuals referred to their local diagnostic service. Individuals completed questionnaires and participated in in-depth interviews which were thematically analysed.
Findings
Subjective wellbeing scores were lower than those found in previous research. Social interaction was raised extensively with participants describing both positive and negative perceptions. The need for tailored social support and the value of individual control over environment were raised.
Research limitations/implications
The study was small in scale and limited to subjects who had been referred for a diagnostic service. The study identified the need for further investigation, particularly in relation to the social relationships domain of QoL, and the impact of stress and anxiety.
Originality/value
This study demonstrated that it is possible to access views from this group and that these views are nuanced. It suggests differences between reported QoL in people with learning disabilities who are and who are not autistic. Service design and individual approaches could be improved by a better understanding of these differences.
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Jane Robertson, Heidi Le Sueur and Nicky Terblanche
This study aims to investigate the aspects that influence reflective practice during an action learning approach to management development programmes (MDPs).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the aspects that influence reflective practice during an action learning approach to management development programmes (MDPs).
Design/methodology/approach
A narrative inquiry approach was used to gather interview and pictorial data from 16 participants who had attended an action learning oriented MDP. Data were translated into interpretive stories using McCormack’s lenses, which were further analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Two key themes emerged: dealing with emotions and practising reflection. Participants initially found reflecting uncomfortable, but showed courage by persevering. Participants had to learn how to reflect and set aside time for it, while valuing support and guidance from their action learning facilitator.
Research limitations/implications
The findings and recommendations may not be relevant to all types of action learning as action learning forms and contexts differ.
Practical implications
Reflective practice is the responsibility of both the participant and the action learning facilitator. Participants need to create the time and space to learn, be fully present during reflection, practice mindfulness and have the courage to be uncomfortable while reflecting. Action learning facilitators could encourage reflection by creating a safe learning environment, selecting a diverse action learning team, designing reflection time into the MDP and helping participants apply reflection tools.
Originality/value
Reflective practice enhances learning; yet there is a need to better understand reflective practice in an action learning context. This study provides empirical evidence of the aspects that influence the reflection process and outcomes as well as practical guidelines to participants and facilitators on how to promote reflection.
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Karen Kennedy, Jenny Pannell and Neil Summers
Nutrition and exercise matter for everyone, including people with learning disabilities. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise can have adverse effects on emotional and physical…
Abstract
Nutrition and exercise matter for everyone, including people with learning disabilities. Poor nutrition and lack of exercise can have adverse effects on emotional and physical health and well‐being, which then affect the ability to cope with the demands of everyday life, including independent living and enjoyment of voluntary or paid work, college and leisure activities. Support staff need training and advice to understand this if they are to facilitate optimal quality of life.