Joanna Crossman and Sarbari Bordia
This paper identifies and explores some of the emerging research topics that assist in conceptualising and mapping the field of international education in business. The identified…
Abstract
This paper identifies and explores some of the emerging research topics that assist in conceptualising and mapping the field of international education in business. The identified issues include the commercialisation of international education, the role of institutional promises in creating student expectations, student satisfaction, developing international and cultural leadership, cultural identity and adaptation in the new socio‐educational context as well as teaching with spirit and about spiritual issues. These diverse agendas illustrate the broad and inter‐disciplinary nature of the subject matter particularly where issues surrounding international education in business are approached holistically.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept and context of spiritual leadership in secular organizational contexts and to highlight some ways in which spiritual leadership…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept and context of spiritual leadership in secular organizational contexts and to highlight some ways in which spiritual leadership relates to other existing value‐based theories such as transformational, servant and the emerging environmental leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of scholarly works on spiritual leadership is presented.
Findings
The paper concludes that, while some synergies exist between spiritual leadership and other value‐based theories, a deepening of the theoretical understandings of spiritual leadership in relation to other leadership theories is necessary.
Practical implications
Having identified the qualitative and quantitative benefits of spiritual leadership as well as some possible dangers in implementation strategies, a clarification of its nature in relation to other leadership theories will assist organizations considering its role and how it might be developed among personnel.
Originality/value
The paper makes an unusual contribution in highlighting and clarifying the relationship of spiritual leadership to other value‐based leadership theories and contributes to critical and theoretical understandings, essential in developing spiritual leadership from its status as a concept to one as a potential workable paradigm within organizations.
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Joanna Crossman and Sarbari Bordia
The purpose of this paper is to present a framework based on lessons learnt from a recently completed project aimed at developing intercultural online communication competencies…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a framework based on lessons learnt from a recently completed project aimed at developing intercultural online communication competencies in business students.
Design/methodology/approach
The project entailed collaboration between students and staff in business communication courses from an Australian and European university. The project was designed as a response to calls within the literature to equip business graduates with intercultural expertise for global online collaboration.
Findings
Based on theoretical perspectives, staff experience and data based on student evaluations of the project, a framework has been constructed based on the issues that emerged. The issues include: institutional support, project and course goal alignment, interpersonal and intercultural relationship management and technological capabilities.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to the experiences and responses from the Australian university. Future research should aim to collect data from both organizations involved in the collaboration.
Practical implications
The framework has been constructed to assist business educators in creating collaborative international projects in the future.
Originality/value
Research in international education suggests the need to create collaborative projects that provide students with real life opportunities in intercultural collaboration. However, little guidance exists for academics in terms of creating and coordinating such activities. The current paper provides a framework towards the development of such pedagogic activities.
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Jane Burdett and Joanna Crossman
Growing numbers of international students on Australian university campuses in the last decade have generated interest, change and quality challenges. Research suggests that the…
Abstract
Purpose
Growing numbers of international students on Australian university campuses in the last decade have generated interest, change and quality challenges. Research suggests that the future success of Australian universities rests on their ability to meet the challenge of providing a stimulating and rewarding higher education experience for domestic and international students alike. The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) has sought, through its second round of quality reviews, to focus on the performance of Australian universities with regard to international activities. Specifically, this paper seeks to establish the “pulse” in relation to the issues and strategies aimed at the social engagement of international students as part of their wider experience on campus.
Design/methodology/approach
A thematic analysis approach was adopted to explore “internationalisation” in 14 AUQA audit reports published between 2006 and 2010.
Findings
The findings of the study have led to first, the development of a definition of social engagement as an aspect of the international student experience. Second, they identify the key contexts targeted by universities as being relevant to the social engagement of international students. Third, the findings focus on the strategies adopted by universities in enhancing social engagement.
Research limitations/implications
Observations of AUQA university reports point to the need for further research concerned with student engagement with communities beyond the campus and also to explore online software as a tool for social engagement. One limitation of the study lies in the fact that, whilst many university reports allude to student experience questionnaires, the voice of international students in describing their own social experiences is not emphasised.
Originality/value
Together with a focus on social engagement from the student's own point‐of‐view, the findings of this study are likely to be a useful resource for university staff considering the contexts in which the social engagement of international students is targeted and the strategies they adopt.
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Jane Burdett and Joanna Crossman
Australia has enjoyed two decades of growth in international student enrolments. This phenomenon, combined with the evolution of quality assurance policy frameworks, has…
Abstract
Purpose
Australia has enjoyed two decades of growth in international student enrolments. This phenomenon, combined with the evolution of quality assurance policy frameworks, has stimulated interest in the social and academic experiences of international students and their educational outcomes. The Australian Universities Quality Agency's (AUQA) second round of quality audits assessed and reported on the performance of Australian universities in the area of “internationalisation”. AUQA findings and recommendations for required action send powerful messages to guide university priorities, practices and strategies in pursuit of quality enhancement in relation to student engagement. This paper seeks to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a thematic analysis approach to explore “internationalisation” in 14 AUQA audit reports published between 2006 and 2010.
Findings
This paper identifies three key areas arising from AUQA audit reports that form a basis for discussion in this paper. These areas are: the social and academic engagement of both international and local students, and matters relating to English language standards and support. Observations arising from AUQA university reports direct attention to examples of initiatives that appear to be enriching the quality of the student engagement and indicate where further development may be required.
Practical implications
In seeking strategies for enhanced student experience, AUQA supports collaboration across universities in devising models for identifying student needs and creating mechanisms that bring about quality student experience, engagement and language outcomes. This analysis of the reports will likely assist those stakeholders working in universities who wish to identify successful approaches to promote the engagement of international students and refine existing useful and positive strategies in implementing and developing ideas in their own individual university contexts.
Originality/value
Analysis of the substantial text of AUQA reports have been underexploited by researchers to date. This paper is likely to be of interest to those stakeholders of international education in universities, not only in Australia but in other national contexts where international students are significantly represented.
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Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
There have been so many examples of companies whose leaders have succumbed to doing business in unethical, unacceptable, unscrupulous, and unbelievably unworthy ways that it's no wonder the word “ethical” has shot up the popularity stakes in everything from mission statements to advertisements. But what is ethical leadership?
Practical implications
Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.
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Yee Mun Jessica Leong and Joanna Crossman
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of new nurses in Singapore of their experiences of role transition and to examine the implications for managers in terms of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of new nurses in Singapore of their experiences of role transition and to examine the implications for managers in terms of employee training, development and retention.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study was conducted using a constructivist grounded theory approach. In total 26 novice nurses and five preceptors (n=31) from five different hospitals participated in the study. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and reflective journal entries and analysed using the constant comparative method.
Findings
The findings revealed that novice nurses remained emotionally and physically challenged when experiencing role transition. Two major constructs appear to play an important part in the transition process; learning how to Fit in and aligning personal with professional and organisational identities. The findings highlight factors that facilitate or impede Fitting in and aligning these identities.
Originality/value
Although the concept of Fitting in and its relation to the attrition of novice nurses has been explored in global studies, that relationship has not yet been theorised as the dynamic alignment of multiple identities. Also, whilst most research around Fitting in, identity and retention has been conducted in western countries, little is known about these issues and their interrelationship in the context of Singapore. The study should inform decision making by healthcare organisations, nurse managers and nursing training institutions with respect to improving the transition experience of novice nurses.