As the traditional mainstays of American business have collapsed around them, companies have begun searching for ways to become more competitive—and to stay alive.
Dennell R. Lester and Brian H. Kleiner
In the past decade many events have affected the financial services industry, especially for the banking segment. “Events such as deregulation of deposit rates, the fall of…
Abstract
In the past decade many events have affected the financial services industry, especially for the banking segment. “Events such as deregulation of deposit rates, the fall of geographic barriers, an economic downturn, and increasing non‐bank competition, have all caused the banking industry's policies and leadership practices to be re‐evaluated by such authorities as shareholders, directors, regulators, and management itself” (Want, 1990). Also, due to industry pressures, many banks are having to stretch themselves into market sectors and services that would otherwise have been unheard of just a few years ago. Tough times have arrived, and throughout the industry banks are seeing slower growth in loans, deposits, and fee income. Overall, these changes have required some type of reaction from the banking industry in order to survive. “Conventional reactions to these types of industry changes could entail any of the following: cost cutting, revamping of the organisational structure, acquisitions of other financial institutions, sale of marginal businesses, elimination and reduction of support staff functions, new technologies and training efforts to improve operational efficiencies, and new marketing strategies” (Want, 1990). While any one of these strategies may be successful for some organisations, they can result in a detriment to others. “A key success factor in using these strategies is not to use any one of them in isolation. In fact it is suggested that a combination of strategies be used to incorporate one corporate strategic plan” (Want, 1990).
David Morrison and Jerome Carson
The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Dave Morrison.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Dave Morrison.
Design/methodology/approach
In this case study, Dave provides a short biography of his background and is then interviewed by Jerome.
Findings
Dave has had two careers. The first as a scaffolder. The second as a nursing assistant in mental health services. He has ended up bruised and battered in both.
Research limitations/implications
Every case study tells a different story. The effects of stress can be cumulative.
Practical implications
There are many accounts of how hospitalisation has traumatised service users. Yet, working in these services can also be traumatic for the care staff.
Social implications
Professor Tony Butterworth used to say “Happy nurse equals happy patient”. If you look after staff needs, they will provide better care. Have we ever really looked after the needs of mental health-care staff?
Originality/value
Dave’s story is unique. As Nicola Adams says, “Fall down eight times, get up nine”. Dave has fallen down many more times than this. Eventually, it gets harder to get back up.
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Chantelle Garth and Jerome Carson
The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chantelle Garth.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chantelle Garth.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a case study approach, Chantelle provides a short account of her background and is then interviewed by Jerome.
Findings
Chantelle gives an account of her very troubled childhood and adolescence. Her adult life has been no easier. Life is a continuous challenge.
Research limitations/implications
It is hard to imagine a tougher life than Chantelle’s, yet her ambition has carried her through. A single account, yet one of the most powerful accounts in this series.
Practical implications
There are few better accounts of resilience in the face of at times what seem like insurmountable obstacles.
Social implications
The belief that can be instilled by a single professional can have a profound effect in encouraging someone facing adversity.
Originality/value
There are numerous accounts of individuals facing difficulties in life, then there is Chantelle’s. This is in a category of its own.
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Peter Bullimore and Jerome Carson
This paper seeks to offer a profile of Peter Bullimore, one of the most dynamic lived experience speakers and trainers in the mental health world.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to offer a profile of Peter Bullimore, one of the most dynamic lived experience speakers and trainers in the mental health world.
Design/methodology/approach
A profile of Peter is built up through an in‐depth interview by psychologist Jerome Carson. Areas covered include: his experience of hearing voices; his work in Australia and New Zealand; stigma; recovery; inspiring individuals in mental health; his personal illness and medication; the media; and changes and challenges.
Findings
Peter tells us that hearing voices are signs of a problem not an illness, and are often linked to trauma. He feels British work on recovery is in advance of that in Australia and New Zealand. He sees a day when it will no longer be necessary to use the term schizophrenia. Instead of recovery people should be thinking of discovery.
Originality/value
For too long the only voices that have been heard in the mental health field have been the professional voices. Peter's is one of many new inspirational voices to have emerged from the developing service user movement.
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Bruce J. Malina and Thomas O. Nitsch
I. Introduction In their recent pastoral letter, the Catholic bishops of this country have reputedly taken a new approach in rooting their moral imperatives in the Bible. As…
Abstract
I. Introduction In their recent pastoral letter, the Catholic bishops of this country have reputedly taken a new approach in rooting their moral imperatives in the Bible. As opposed to the established, official convention of “proof‐texting”, the US bishops focus on certain biblical themes which presumably “speak to” contemporary issues and problems. Chief among these is the so‐called “preferential option for the poor”, which is attributed to both the Old and New Testaments and early Church (Christianity).
Julie Leibrich and Jerome Carson
This paper aims to offer a profile of Julie Leibrich.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to offer a profile of Julie Leibrich.
Design/methodology/approach
After a short introduction by Jerome, Julie provides a short biography and is then interviewed by Jerome. Areas covered in the interview include community care, discovery and sanctuary.
Findings
Julie is a psychologist, a poet and someone who has “lived experience” of mental health problems. Julie tells us about the historical problems of implementing community care, here and in New Zealand; she suggests that discrimination towards the mentally ill is more important than stigma; she talks about the importance of “A Gift of Stories” and why she has written her latest book on sanctuary.
Originality/value
The paper illustrates that Julie provides a unique perspective on recovery, though she prefers the term discovery. Her experiences as a research psychologist and as someone with lived experience have informed her writing.
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Addresses the standardization of the measurements and the labels for concepts commonly used in the study of work organizations. As a reference handbook and research tool, seeks to…
Abstract
Addresses the standardization of the measurements and the labels for concepts commonly used in the study of work organizations. As a reference handbook and research tool, seeks to improve measurement in the study of work organizations and to facilitate the teaching of introductory courses in this subject. Focuses solely on work organizations, that is, social systems in which members work for money. Defines measurement and distinguishes four levels: nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio. Selects specific measures on the basis of quality, diversity, simplicity and availability and evaluates each measure for its validity and reliability. Employs a set of 38 concepts ‐ ranging from “absenteeism” to “turnover” as the handbook’s frame of reference. Concludes by reviewing organizational measurement over the past 30 years and recommending future measurement reseach.
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Stuart Baker‐Brown and Jerome Carson
This paper aims to offer a profile of Stuart Baker‐Brown.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to offer a profile of Stuart Baker‐Brown.
Design/methodology/approach
Stuart provides a short biography and is then interviewed by Jerome. Areas covered in the interview include his trek to Everest Base Camp, involvement with the Time to Change anti‐stigma campaign and his work on the Recovery Archive.
Findings
Stuart stresses the importance of giving hope to people with mental health problems. Individuals also need to believe that they can recover. He feels that the new Recovery Archive will help provide a more encouraging alternative perspective on living a life beyond the effects of mental illness.
Originality/value
Stuart is one of comparatively few people trying to present psychosis in a more positive perspective. He has made a significant contribution to helping change public perceptions towards mental illness through his media work.
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Laura O'Brien and Jerome Carson
– The purpose of the paper is to provide a profile of Laura O’Brien.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to provide a profile of Laura O’Brien.
Design/methodology/approach
Laura provides a short biographical account of her life thus far. She is then interviewed by Jerome. She describes her abusive childhood and the effect this has had on her mental health.
Findings
Despite enduring significant adversity, Laura has completed a Psychology degree, is finishing off a PGCE and hopes to go on to complete a PhD.
Research limitations/implications
There has been increasing interest looking at the effects of childhood abuse on predisposing individuals to adult mental health problems. This case study provides evidence of this linkage.
Practical implications
Patricia Deegan talks about mental health staff having to “hold the care” while the individual struggles with their personal recovery. Laura’s story shows how despite numerous overdoses and admissions, she has been able to battle through. Mental health staff should never give up. There are thousands of “Lauras” out there.
Social implications
How much of Laura’s problems might have been avoided or minimised if there had been better interventions during her troubled childhood years?
Originality/value
Given what she has endured, Laura’s recent career successes have been staggering.