The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the benefits of cooking one-to-one, alongside commensality (eating together) for improving offenders’/ex-offenders’ health and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the benefits of cooking one-to-one, alongside commensality (eating together) for improving offenders’/ex-offenders’ health and well-being, measured in terms of improved social skills, cultural competencies and successful resettlement.
Design/methodology/approach
Fieldwork conducted over nine months included; participant observation of lunch times (n=56) and cooking one-to-one with trainees (n=27), semi-structured interviews (n=23) and a “photo-dialogue” focus group with trainees (n=5) and staff (n=2).
Findings
Commensality is beneficial for offenders’ health and well-being. Further, preparing, cooking, serving and sharing food is a powerful means of improving self-esteem and developing a pro-social identity.
Research limitations/implications
The original focus of the research was commensality; it was during the study that the potential for cooking as an additional tool for health and well-being emerged. A future longitudinal intervention would be beneficial to examine whether the men continued to cook for others once released from prison and/or finished at the resettlement scheme.
Practical implications
Everyday cooking to share with others is an invaluable tool for improving self-worth. It has the potential to build pro-social self-concepts and improve human, social and cultural capital.
Social implications
Cooking lunch for others is a part of strengths-based approach to resettlement that values community involvement.
Originality/value
Cooking and eating with offenders/ex-offenders is highly unusual. Further hands-on cooking/eating activities are beneficial in terms of aiding self-confidence and self-respect, which are vital for improving offenders’/ex-offenders’ health and well-being.
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Sarah Parsons, Nicola Yuill, Mark Brosnan and Judith Good
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the main messages and key questions for further research arising from the seven-seminar series entitled, “Innovative…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the main messages and key questions for further research arising from the seven-seminar series entitled, “Innovative technologies for autism: critical reflections on digital bubbles”, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
A synthesis of the main ideas is presented, drawing on the presentations, discussions, participant feedback, and short papers from across the seminar series, which took place between November 2014-2016.
Findings
There were many positive examples where technologies were positioned and used as facilitative “bridges” between ideas, communities, understanding, and experiences. Researchers and community stakeholders also emphasised the importance of taking different perspectives and working in stronger partnerships with each other. Four overarching research questions were developed from these themes to provide a roadmap for future research, relating to: responsible innovation, technology-enabled social interaction, learning and pedagogy, and engagement.
Originality/value
The findings and methodologies produced by the Digital Bubbles seminar series, available on the project website (http://digitalbubbles.org.uk/) and in a series of short papers, provide a rich repository of state-of-the-art thinking in the field of autism and technology that is being utilised nationally and internationally in teaching and learning. This paper suggests some valuable future research directions and highlights the importance of establishing and maintaining multi-disciplinary research teams, with autistic people and their families at their core.
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Agata McCormac, Dragana Calic, Kathryn Parsons, Marcus Butavicius, Malcolm Pattinson and Meredith Lillie
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between resilience, job stress and information security awareness (ISA). The study examined the effect of resilience…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between resilience, job stress and information security awareness (ISA). The study examined the effect of resilience and job stress on the three components that comprise ISA, namely, knowledge, attitude and behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 1,048 working Australians completed an online questionnaire. ISA was measured with the Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire. Participants also completed the Brief Resilience Scale and the Job Stress Scale.
Findings
It was found that participants with greater resilience also had higher ISA and experienced lower levels of job stress. More specifically, individuals who reported higher levels of resilience had significantly better knowledge, attitude and behaviour. Similarly, participants who reported lower levels of job stress also reported significantly better knowledge, attitude and behaviour. Resilience plays an important mediating role in the relationship between job stress and ISA. This means that even if people have high levels of job stress, if they are better able to cope with or adapt to stress (i.e. have higher resilience), they are less likely to have lower ISA. Results of this study add to the body of literature emphasising the positive effects of resilience and suggest that resilience is associated with improved ISA and therefore more secure behaviour.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should focus on assessing the influence of resilience training in the workplace.
Originality/value
Given the constructive findings, it may be valuable to focus on the effect of organisational culture, and organisational security culture, on resilience, job stress and ISA.
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Malcolm Pattinson, Marcus Butavicius, Meredith Lillie, Beau Ciccarello, Kathryn Parsons, Dragana Calic and Agata McCormac
This paper aims to introduce the concept of a framework of cyber-security controls that are adaptable to different types of organisations and different types of employees. One of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the concept of a framework of cyber-security controls that are adaptable to different types of organisations and different types of employees. One of these adaptive controls, namely, the mode of training provided, is then empirically tested for its effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 1,048 working Australian adults completed the human aspects of the information security questionnaire (HAIS-Q) to determine their individual information security awareness (ISA). This included questions relating to the various modes of cyber-security training they had received and how often it was provided. Also, a set of questions called the cyber-security learning-styles inventory was used to identify their preferred learning styles for training.
Findings
The extent to which the training that an individual received matched their learning preferences was positively associated with their information security awareness (ISA) level. However, the frequency of such training did not directly predict ISA levels.
Research limitations/implications
Further research should examine the influence of matching cyber-security learning styles to training packages more directly by conducting a controlled trial where the training packages provided differ only in the mode of learning. Further research should also investigate how individual tailoring of aspects of an adaptive control framework (ACF), other than training, may improve ISA.
Practical implications
If cyber-security training is adapted to the preferred learning styles of individuals, their level of ISA will improve, and therefore, their non-malicious behaviour, whilst using a digital device to do their work, will be safer.
Originality/value
A review of the literature confirmed that ACFs for cyber-security does exist, but only in terms of hardware and software controls. There is no evidence of any literature on frameworks that include controls that are adaptable to human factors within the context of information security. In addition, this is the first study to show that ISA is improved when cyber-security training is provided in line with an individual’s preferred learning style. Similar improvement was not evident when the training frequency was increased suggesting real-world improvements in ISA may be possible without increasing training budgets but by simply matching individuals to their desired mode of training.
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Yotamu Gangire, Adéle Da Veiga and Marlien Herselman
This paper outlines the development of a validated questionnaire for assessing information security behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to present data from the questionnaire…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper outlines the development of a validated questionnaire for assessing information security behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to present data from the questionnaire validation process and the quantitative study results.
Design/methodology/approach
Data obtained through a quantitative survey (N = 263) at a South African university were used to validate the questionnaire.
Findings
Exploratory factor analysis produced 11 factors. Cronbach’s alpha for the 11 factors were all above 0.7, suggesting that the questionnaire is valid and reliable. The responses show that autonomy questions received positive perception, followed by competence questions and lastly relatedness questions. The correlation analysis results show that there was a statistically significant relationship between competence factors and autonomy factors. There was a partial significant relationship between autonomy and relatedness factors, and between competence and relatedness factors. The study results suggest that competence and autonomy could be more important than relatedness in fostering information security behaviour among employees.
Research limitations/implications
This study used a convenience sampling, a cross-sectional design, and was carried out in a single organisation. This could pose limitations when generalising the study results. Future studies could use random sampling and consider other universities for further validation.
Practical implications
Universities can use the questionnaire to identify developmental areas to improve information security from a behaviour perspective.
Originality/value
This paper provides a research instrument for assessing information security behaviour from the perspective of the self-determination theory.
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Anthony Schmelzer, Frances A. Stott, Aaron Wilson and David M. Stott
This study examines the effect that aggregated versus disaggregated financial statements has on a potential donor’s decision to donate to both large and small nonprofit…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the effect that aggregated versus disaggregated financial statements has on a potential donor’s decision to donate to both large and small nonprofit organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes 147 participants in a 2 × 2 design in which participants are placed in the role of potential donors.
Findings
Results indicate that disaggregated financial statements increase the likelihood of donors donating. Findings suggest that trust serves as a mediating effect, as disaggregated information leads to increased organizational trust, which subsequently leads to an increased likelihood of donating.
Research limitations/implications
Providing participants with a fictitious scenario may not reflect true donor behavior. Participants also have no personal risk in deciding to donate because they are not actually making a financial donation.
Practical implications
Our results provide insight into the decision process of donors as this study suggests that disaggregated information leads to higher donations. As disaggregated information leads to higher trust, organizations are incentivized to provide disaggregated information because it increases the appearance of trustworthiness.
Social implications
Fundraising campaigns can benefit from our findings. Nonprofit organizations should evaluate the impact on trust when considering best practices related to disaggregated information.
Originality/value
There is currently a trust crisis in America’s nonprofits, and this study aims to understand how the level of aggregation of financial statement information can increase trust and subsequent donor giving.
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S. Zainon, R. Atan and Y. Bee Wah
The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of the extent of disclosure by non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Malaysia due to the growing interest in the disclosure…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of the extent of disclosure by non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Malaysia due to the growing interest in the disclosure practice studies of NPOs and given the importance of disclosure to ensure accountability and transparency.
Design/methodology/approach
This study involves three phases. First, the paper identifies information items NPOs need to disclose. Second, the paper conducts an online survey to determine the ratings of importance for the disclosure items. Third, the paper measures the extent of disclosure from the annual returns of 101 Malaysian NPOs for the year 2009. The paper uses hierarchical regression analysis to determine the significant determinants of information disclosure.
Findings
The key determinants are establishment of an external audit, financial performance and government support in terms of grants. The results show that the presence of external auditors promotes better reporting practice. Malaysian NPOs that receive funding and those with better financial standing disclose more information.
Research limitations/implications
The sample only covers NPOs with tax-exempt status in the state of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan in Malaysia. The sample size of 101 registered NPOs limits the generalization of the results. Inclusion and analyses of additional NPOs may offer generalizable results.
Practical implications
This study provides empirical evidence concerning the establishment of external audit for better information disclosure. It also provides 88 items that are important and required by stakeholders.
Originality/value
The study is based on 88 items of information according to the needs of stakeholders for information. The NPOs reporting index can assist the preparers of charity reporting in fulfilling the stakeholders’ requirements. The reporting index can also be used to assess the information disclosure of NPOs in Malaysia.
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The purpose of this paper is to cover the literature on the role migrants networks in explaining aggregate migration flows between countries. The author emphasizes the specific…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to cover the literature on the role migrants networks in explaining aggregate migration flows between countries. The author emphasizes the specific role of family immigration policies. To that purpose, the author covers briefly the recent experience of seven receiving countries to highlight the importance of these policies in explaining part of the observed network elasticities.
Design/methodology/approach
The author first provides a small review of the literature and the issues at stake. The author then provides an update of the estimates of the network elasticities using the data set on migration stocks and flows from Ozden et al. (2011). Using micro-founded gravity models, the author estimates the network elasticities and discusses the key driving mechanisms explaining their size as well the variation in the amplitude across categories of destination and over time. The author accounts for the issue of multilateral resistance to migration.
Findings
The author obtains estimates that are in line with the ones documented previously in the literature. The author finds that the role of networks in attracting migrants has increased after the 1970s. The author emphasizes the specific role of family immigration policies. To that purpose, the author covers briefly the recent experience of a set of receiving countries to highlight the importance of these policies in explaining part of the observed network elasticities.
Originality/value
This paper covers the literature on the role migrants networks in explaining aggregate migration flows between countries and obtain new estimates of network elasticities that vary over time and across types of destination countries.
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The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature of competition for private donations that occurs between not-for-profit organisations (NPOs). This competition occurs because…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature of competition for private donations that occurs between not-for-profit organisations (NPOs). This competition occurs because NPOs do not produce commercially viable outputs and therefore rely on donations. The financial sustainability of NPOs is problematic, both individually and in economy-wide terms, as they do not produce commercial saleable outputs. Instead they raise funds by either relying on government grants or competing for private donations. Sustainability of NPOs becomes an even greater issue when governments reduce their grant-giving in times of stress – precisely the time when calls on NPOs’ resources increase.
Design/methodology/approach
The research asks the question, do donation-raising expenditures by NPOs increase donations or do they damagingly divert donations from other NPOs? Using Australian data, competition between NPOs for donations is analysed using a modified oligopoly market model. NPO fundraising expenditures are central to this model, but other factors, including unpaid-volunteers, organisational size and age, are also explanatory variables in determining success in fundraising. NPOs concerned with human welfare, other than specialised aged care, are the primary focus of this paper, although other NPOs such as those concerned with animal welfare, science and the arts are also modelled.
Findings
Crucially an NPO’s fundraising expenditure has a direct and positive impact on its level of donations. A major influence on level of donations is the presence of volunteers within an NPO. There seems to be an interesting reciprocal relationship between the effect of size and age of organisations on their donations and the effect on fundraising. Critically for sustainability, NPOs competing for funds are established as having a negative effect on the level of donations to other NPOs with similar functions.
Originality/value
It is believed that the material used here represents one of the first studies of financial sustainability of NPOs and highlights the value of both accounting and economic analysis of organisations’ operations. Financial sustainability issues are compounded by the existence of competition for funds among charities operating in the same areas (Parsons, 2003; Trussel and Greenlee, 2004; Trussel and Parsons, 2008); it has been argued that competition for funds diminishes sustainability (Lyons, 2001; Weerawandena et al., 2010).
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Erica E. Harris, Ryan D. Leece and Daniel G. Neely
We investigate the determinants and consequences of nonprofit lobbying activity by analyzing 501(c)(3) nonprofit lobbying choices as reported on the primary tax form, Form 990…
Abstract
We investigate the determinants and consequences of nonprofit lobbying activity by analyzing 501(c)(3) nonprofit lobbying choices as reported on the primary tax form, Form 990. Under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), nonprofits may lose their tax exempt status if they engage in a substantial amount of lobbying. We examine lobbying choices across three dimensions: (1) the test used to determine whether lobbying activities are substantial (i.e., making an H-election) (2) whether lobbying activities are directly related to the mission of the nonprofit (i.e., program related) (3) whether an affiliate nonprofit lobbies on behalf of a nonprofit. Results indicate lobbying choices are associated with the amount of lobbying reported and the amount of contributions received. Additionally, our results provide some evidence that nonprofit lobbying choices allowed under the IRC are underutilized.