Christopher J. Cowton, Julie Drake and Paul Thompson
Whether from a desire to be seen to be socially responsible, in pursuit of perceived profit opportunities, or as a reaction to increased professionalism on the part of charities…
Abstract
Whether from a desire to be seen to be socially responsible, in pursuit of perceived profit opportunities, or as a reaction to increased professionalism on the part of charities, UK banks are paying increasing attention to the voluntary sector. Using secondary data, this paper investigates the market shares of banks amongst charities. It reveals that NatWest is the current market leader, but comparisons with a paper published a decade ago suggest that its market share and lead have diminished significantly. Further analysis reveals that one reason for that decline might be the recent growth in the share accounted for by the Co‐operative Bank, possibly as a consequence of the introduction of its ethical policy, some of the implications of which are discussed.
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Christopher J. Cowton and Julie E. Drake
The prevalence of rather negative, or at best mixed, attitudes of doctors towards participation in management has been reported in several previous research studies. This paper…
Abstract
The prevalence of rather negative, or at best mixed, attitudes of doctors towards participation in management has been reported in several previous research studies. This paper adds to that growing empirical literature, but complements most of the previous studies by focusing on general medical practitioners in primary care rather than on doctors in secondary care settings. The focus for the study were doctors who had agreed to undertake the lead partner role in the now‐defunct general practitioner fundholding initiative within the UK National Health Service. The findings indicate widespread reluctance but the presence of a minority of enthusiasts, which resonates with previous studies of secondary care settings. A finding of potential significance for future research and practice was that some doctors who were initially reluctant became more keen on undertaking a management role once they had experienced it.
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Julie Drake, Joanne Blake and Wayne Swallow
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a case study that identifies the practical issues and implications of employer engagement through course design, delivery and employee…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a case study that identifies the practical issues and implications of employer engagement through course design, delivery and employee commitment in a higher education course delivered in the financial services sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a case study the paper draws on the course team (employer and university) experience of a higher education course delivered at a financial services institution over a two cohort period. Student application data and student feedback are used to identify the practical issues arising from course.
Findings
The paper emphasises the importance of understanding the business of the employer, bespoke delivery models and employee commitment for increasing employer participation in higher skills in the work place, particularly for employers not traditionally engaging with universities for course delivery at undergraduate level.
Originality/value
The paper explores issues for employers and universities for design, delivery and sustainability of higher skills in the work place.
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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
When UK internet and phone bank First Direct announced the ground‐breaking and adventurous collaboration between business and academia, with the chance for its staff to study for a foundation degree in business studies, an important lesson was drawn from this Yorkshire‐based success story. After the hard work of engaging and sustaining the essential support of employers, then the really hard work starts – sustaining the interest of employees from enrolment, through delivery and to completion of an award.
Practical implications
Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.
Social implications
Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact.
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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Julie Dachez, Sylvie Seksek, Natacha Ete, Marc Bianciotto, Marie-Pierre Toubhans, Zineb Rachedi Nasri, Raven Bureau and Philippe Garnier
The employment rate of autistic people is low, and they are often employed in low-paying jobs or in jobs involving tasks that fall short of their skills and competence. To address…
Abstract
Purpose
The employment rate of autistic people is low, and they are often employed in low-paying jobs or in jobs involving tasks that fall short of their skills and competence. To address this situation, the individual placement and support method (IPS) offers promising perspectives for personalized and long-term support measures. This evidence-based method has produced positive results in several countries. IPS has been used in France only since 2016. This paper aims to examine the experience of autistic people in France who have benefitted from supported employment measures.
Design/methodology/approach
Nineteen autistic adults in France took part in semistructured interviews. Interview questions focused on work and measures to support employment. The authors analysed the interviews using reflexive thematic analysis, within the paradigm of critical realism. The authors adopted a participatory approach; the project was led by an autistic researcher and autistic individuals were included at all stages.
Findings
This study identified six primary themes and three subthemes across the data: (1) The uphill battle to obtain adjustments in the workplace; (2) insufficient knowledge of autism; (2.1) explaining again and again: the educative burden; (3) the challenge of making oneself heard; (3.1) when the entourage steps in; (4) support measures as material assistance and reassurance; (4.1) between benevolence and condescension; (5) organizational factors that affect the quality of support; and (6) personal and professional life are closely intertwined.
Originality/value
This research provides a better understanding of how autistic people experience supported employment in France and highlights ways to improve it. Job coaches play a crucial role in offering practical help and reassurance, and their efforts to nurture an active personal life are perceived positively. However, supported employment also carries the risk of limiting autistic individuals' capacity for action and causing several difficulties if job coaches are not well-informed about autism, do not reflect on their own attitudes, do not assist in obtaining necessary accommodations and if there are organizational problems leading to a lack of resources.
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Julie Vryhof and Fabricio E. Balcazar
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Service System was created in 1973 in the United States as a way to help people with disabilities access necessary supports and services to…
Abstract
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Service System was created in 1973 in the United States as a way to help people with disabilities access necessary supports and services to return to work and live independently. The program receives federal funds and operates in all 50 states and territories. The program is designed to allow consumers to develop a rehabilitation plan in collaboration with a VR counselor and receive necessary services and supports in order to meet their rehabilitation goals. Unfortunately, there are serious issues with access to services and rehabilitation success for minority individuals in the program, particularly African Americans. The chapter will first provide a brief overview of the Rehabilitation Act and its purpose, then we will introduce some of the research that has been conducted to evaluate the program over the years, with particular emphasis on the outcomes for African Americans, and then will focus on a series of studies that have been conducted by the authors in the state of Illinois. The chapter will conclude with some suggestions about ways in which the system could be improved and ways to empower African Americans in pursue of their rehabilitation and independent living goals, including peer-support and supported employment.
Jonathan Led Larsen, Katrine Schepelern Johansen, Julie Nordgaard and Mimi Yung Mehlsen
Cannabis use in the context of psychosis has been shown to have a negative impact on prognosis and yet it is difficult to treat. Recent randomized controlled trials all have…
Abstract
Purpose
Cannabis use in the context of psychosis has been shown to have a negative impact on prognosis and yet it is difficult to treat. Recent randomized controlled trials all have negative findings and novel approaches is sought after. This paper aims to use an embodied cognition framework to add to the understanding of cannabis use in psychosis.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents longitudinal, qualitative data on two individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and using cannabis at least twice weekly prior to inclusion in the study. Factors influencing cannabis use were mapped in dialogue with the participants. Each participant was interviewed six times over the course of a year. The analysis was informed theoretically to describe processes maintaining or ameliorating cannabis use over time.
Findings
This study shows that a systems approach for understanding changes in cannabis use is meaningful; the richness of observations add to the understanding of differences in outcomes. Findings suggest that reductions in cannabis use in psychosis could be dependent on synergistic effects between contextual conditions. Attending closer to the experience of patients may help inform future interventions. However, interventions focusing on single mechanisms may be futile, if an array of individual, formative experiences are a prerequisite for change. A systemic understanding of dual diagnosis calls for tailored, individualized interventions.
Originality/value
The research tests a novel systemic perspective on cannabis use in psychosis by applying it to qualitative longitudinal data. Adding a systemic perspective may help develop future interventions addressing cannabis use in psychosis, which has long been considered a “hard problem” in dual diagnosis treatment.