The purpose of this case study is to report on the activities and outcomes of a facilitated group of new librarians in one Australian university. The aims of the librarians are to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this case study is to report on the activities and outcomes of a facilitated group of new librarians in one Australian university. The aims of the librarians are to increase professional networking, to promote career development, to enhance job satisfaction and retention of motivated staff, to grow participants' sense of responsibility for organisational progress, and to develop willingness to take initiative in presenting good ideas for service improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary author was the initiator of, and facilitator for, the New Professionals' Group and was able to influence approaches taken. A variety of learning experiences were utilised including an action learning project. Monthly meetings were held face‐to‐face and an online group was used as an additional communication avenue. The progress of the group was monitored by facilitator observation, by a participant survey after several months of operation, and by feedback and analysis after one year.
Findings
Participation in the New Professionals' Group had positive impact on networking activity, career advancement, contribution to the organisation and job satisfaction. No significant impact on staff retention was established.
Research limitations/implications
Self‐report was the only means of identifying the level of influence coming from participation in the group as compared with the impact of prior capabilities and attitudes.
Originality/value
Induction and socialisation of new employees commonly covers organisational structure, policies and procedures as well as job‐specific training. An emphasis on career advancement strategies and being a positive and effective voice for organisational improvement are distinctive in the reported work.
Details
Keywords
Elena Anastasiadou, Jimmie Röndell, Magnus Berglind and Peter Ekman
This study aims to offer a mid-range theory conceptualization of factors central to understanding and facilitating business actor engagement (BAE). Reports on a study of real…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to offer a mid-range theory conceptualization of factors central to understanding and facilitating business actor engagement (BAE). Reports on a study of real estate companies and their sustainable development goal (SDG) driven business initiatives. The aim is to identify the factors that need to be in place to facilitate positive engagement amongst actors in business-to-business (B2B) settings.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study of real estate companies (landlords of business premises) and their business customers (tenants of offices and warehouses) – comprising interviews and workshops – offer insights related to the factors that need to be in place to facilitate BAE types and outcomes.
Findings
The identified central factors of BAE – needed to understand and facilitate positive engagement to unfold – are the actors’ perception of: willingness (to act), resourcefulness (to contribute and solve issues) and influence (to affect decisions) regarding solutions related to the business initiative at hand. Failing to facilitate these factors may result in negative outcomes of BAE where “engagement” merely constitutes perceived obligations and responsibilities.
Research limitations/implications
The study offers theoretical and managerial insights on how to manage the factors needed for BAE. It also sheds light on how actors can use SDG-driven business initiatives to achieve sustainability goals.
Originality/value
It contributes to the concept of BAE, by emphasizing the dynamics of engagement, from the motivational and behavioral dimensions specific to B2B settings. It offers insights how to managerially cogovern rather than control BAE. It presents central factors needed to include and capacitate customers, facilitating successful implementations of SDG-driven business initiatives to reduce absent or negative outcomes.