Outi Vanharanta, Matti Vartiainen and Kirsi Polvinen
The study aims to explore job demands experienced by employees and managers in micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on the job demands…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore job demands experienced by employees and managers in micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on the job demands framework, the study discusses the experienced demands from the perspective of challenges that create opportunities for learning and achievement and hindrances that create obstacles for work. The study builds on the idea that the same demand can be perceived both as a challenge and a hindrance. That approach opens a path to responding to challenges by reformulating working practices and removing hindrances by designing, developing and crafting jobs and tasks.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyzed open-ended survey responses (N = 306) to study experienced job demands in 50 micro-enterprises and SMEs, how the perceived demands differ between employees and managers and whether they represent challenge or hindrance demands.
Findings
The authors identified 17 job demand categories most including both challenge and hindrance demands. Time management and prioritization was the most central challenge and hindrance category for both employees and managers. For employees, sales and stakeholder relationships represented the second largest challenge category and communication and information flow was the second largest hindrance category. For managers, the second largest challenge and hindrance categories were organization and management of activities and the fragmentation of work, respectively.
Originality/value
By focusing on employee experience, the achieve a more nuanced understanding of the SME context, which has been dominated by managerial evaluations. The study also advances the discussion on job demands by extending our knowledge of demands that may be experienced both as a challenge and a hindrance.
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Inkeri Ruuska and IMatti Vartiainen
The purpose of this research was to find out critical project competences. Data were collected from two cases by means of interviews and questionnaires. The research approach was…
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to find out critical project competences. Data were collected from two cases by means of interviews and questionnaires. The research approach was exploratory and based on case research and analytical modelling. Competences are critical success factors for projects. This study argues that the traditional project management competences, even though they are perceived as being critical, are not in themselves sufficient. A shared understanding of the project as a whole and knowing and understanding the goals are critical. Communication between the members is also critical. Communication involves, besides the actual project team, the entire network the project is part of. The competences required are more or less combinations of various competences, i.e. collective competences.
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Petra M. Bosch‐Sijtsema, Virpi Ruohomäki and Matti Vartiainen
Knowledge work (KW) is a well‐researched topic. However, KW is difficult to measure and little consensus has been reached on elements that affect knowledge work productivity on a…
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge work (KW) is a well‐researched topic. However, KW is difficult to measure and little consensus has been reached on elements that affect knowledge work productivity on a team level. The current theories neglect teams working in distributed geographical areas. The purpose of the paper is to integrate recent literature on knowledge work productivity (KWP) in distributed teams and give an overview of the elements affecting it.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents an overview of research performed in the field of knowledge work productivity. The authors integrate theories of different fields of management theory (knowledge management, intellectual capital and learning), and work and organizational psychology. This paper answers three questions: What is knowledge work? What is knowledge work productivity? Which elements hinder or enable knowledge work productivity in distributed teams of global technology companies?
Findings
The authors define the crucial elements that either hinder or enable KWP: team tasks, team structure and processes, the physical, virtual and social workspaces as well as organizational context. The paper presents an integrative model of KWP in distributed teams of global technology companies.
Practical implications
Distributed teams are common in global companies. By understanding the elements that affect KWP, companies can stimulate or decrease specific elements in order to improve productivity of their distributed knowledge workers.
Originality/value
This paper integrates theories from different disciplines in order to create an understanding about knowledge work and its productivity for further research.
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The purpose of this paper is to serve as a reminder that all work arrangements, including the present case of distributed work, have their costs and benefits.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to serve as a reminder that all work arrangements, including the present case of distributed work, have their costs and benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to a literature review, the paper presents concrete recommendations and guidelines for practicing managers about how to avoid pitfalls in distributed work arrangements and how to manage teleworkers.
Findings
The diffusion of telework has been a slower process than anticipated, among other reasons because the most vital businesses are largely concentrated in the biggest growth centres. Growth centres can offer a diverse range of both jobs and amenities that outweigh the quiet and safety of rural areas. Apart from geographical realities and regional policy issues, another factor that has decisively contributed to the slow diffusion of telework is the absence of an established contractual framework and “culture” of teleworking.
Originality/value
Telework has the best prospects of success if from the outset all the people involved know what to expect and are prepared to deal with any problems and fears associated with the new work culture. It is also important that distributed work arrangements are designed in compliance with national labour legislation. To avoid potential risks, a part‐time telework arrangement is advisable for most organizations.
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Henriikka Vartiainen, Teemu Valtonen, Juho Kahila and Matti Tedre
In 2022 generative AI took the Internet world by storm. Free access to tools that can generate text and images that pass for human creations triggered fiery debates about the…
Abstract
Purpose
In 2022 generative AI took the Internet world by storm. Free access to tools that can generate text and images that pass for human creations triggered fiery debates about the potential uses and misuses of generative AI in education. There has risen a need to check the popular utopian and dystopian narratives about AI against the diversity of hopes, concerns and future imaginaries that educators themselves associate with generative AI. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perspectives of Finnish teacher educators on the use of AI in education.
Design/methodology/approach
This article reports findings from a hands-on workshop in teacher training, where participants learned about how generative AI works, collaboratively explored generative AI and then reflected on its potential and challenges.
Findings
The results reveal nuanced, calm and thoughtful imaginaries rooted in deep understanding of educational policy, evaluation and the sociocultural context of education. The results cover teachers’ views on the impact of AI on learners’ agency, metacognition, self-regulation and more.
Originality/value
This article offers a unique exploration into the perceptions and imaginaries of educators regarding generative AI in specific (instead of “monolithic AI”), moving beyond dystopian views and instead focusing on the potential of AI to align with existing pedagogical practices. The educators contrasted the common techno-deterministic narratives and perceived AI as an avenue to support formative assessment practices and development of metacognition, self-regulation, responsibility and well-being. The novel insights also include the need for AI education that critically incorporates social and ethical viewpoints and fosters visions for a future with culturally, socially and environmentally sustainable AI.
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Päivi Viitanen, Heikki Vartiainen, Jorma Aarnio, Virpi von Gruenewaldt, Tomi Lintonen, Aino K. Mattila, Terhi Wuolijoki and Matti Joukamaa
In a health survey of Finnish prisoners in 2006, the authors aimed to study frequency and gender differences in childhood physical and sexual abuse, and the connections of…
Abstract
Purpose
In a health survey of Finnish prisoners in 2006, the authors aimed to study frequency and gender differences in childhood physical and sexual abuse, and the connections of maltreatment in childhood to substance abuse and mental health among female and male prisoners.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample consisted of 101 female prisoners, with 309 male prisoners for comparison. The subjects participated in a comprehensive field study consisting of several questionnaires, interviews, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I and II Disorders (SCID I, II) and a clinical medical examination including ICD‐10 diagnoses.
Findings
Both forms of abuse were more common among females than males (childhood physical abuse 25 per cent versus 15 per cent and childhood sexual abuse 32 per cent versus 7 per cent). Associations of childhood abuse with substance abuse and mental health were different among males and females. Family integrity was important only for males and in connection with drug dependence and antisocial personality disorder. The gender differences did not concur with those reported in studies on general populations.
Originality/value
This is a part of the first comprehensive health survey of Finnish prisoners.
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Päivi Viitanen, Heikki Vartiainen, Jorma Aarnio, Virpi von Gruenewaldt, Sirpa Hakamäki, Tomi Lintonen, Aino K. Mattila, Terhi Wuolijoki and Matti Joukamaa
The purpose of this paper is to assess the work ability and employment history of Finnish female prisoners and their need for treatment.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the work ability and employment history of Finnish female prisoners and their need for treatment.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample consisted of 101 female prisoners, with 309 male prisoners for comparison. The methods included interviews, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis I, II Disorders and medical examination including ICD‐10 diagnoses.
Findings
Among women, 78 per cent were unemployed and only 6 percent were employed whereas among men, the proportion of those employed was four times greater than for women. Of women, 42 per cent were unable to work; of men 11 per cent. Substance abuse disorders were the most common reason for impaired work ability (over 70 per cent in both genders). Among women, other mental disorders were the second most common reason (39 per cent), somatic diseases caused impairment in 23 per cent. Basic socio‐demographic factors were not associated with impaired work ability among women. Violent crime as the present main offence was significantly more common among prisoners with limited working capacity. Need for treatment was found in 94 per cent of women and 90 per cent of men. In both genders, the majority of treatment needs were for mental disorders. Finnish female prisoners have serious problems with substance abuse, of both alcohol and drugs, which impairs their work ability, employability and is the cause of their need for treatment. In addition, female prisoners have other mental disorders commonly complicating their situation.
Originality/value
This paper is a part of the first comprehensive health study of Finnish female prisoners.