Anthony Webster, John F. Wilson and Nicholas D. Wong
This paper is concerned with the historical record of one business in the UK, which has long laid claim to the moral high ground in the conduct of its affairs – the amalgam of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is concerned with the historical record of one business in the UK, which has long laid claim to the moral high ground in the conduct of its affairs – the amalgam of consumer co-operative business organisations, which eventually merged to become the Co-operative Group at the beginning of the 21st century. This paper aims to offer an assessment of the record of the British consumer co-operative movement’s efforts to abide by and promote its values and principles during the first 137 years of its existence (1863 to 1990).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is developed using largely qualitative research methods and a variety of sources. These include archival resources and business-historical materials such as committee minutes and correspondence. These materials have been complemented by several semi-structured recorded interviews with senior members of the Co-operative Group.
Findings
The authors develop several conclusions. First, where ethical choices were possible and no serious commercial interests were impaired, the co-operative movement could and usually did do its best to adhere to its principles. Second, in several instances, commercial interests did frequently trump ideals. Finally, the organisational structure of the movement made it very difficult to ensure that co-operative principles and values were adhered to.
Originality/value
This paper presents a unique case-study that examines the inherent tension between commerce and ethics in the co-operative movement.
Details
Keywords
Mervyn Wilson, Anna E. Murray, Margaret A. Black and David A. McDowell
The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 stipulate the need for the control of food hazards. One such measure which satisfies this requirement is the use of hazard…
Abstract
The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 stipulate the need for the control of food hazards. One such measure which satisfies this requirement is the use of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP). Considers some of the problems that occur when HACCP programmes are introduced to catering establishments. Documents risks, hazards and critical control points in the case of a medium‐sized hospital in Northern Ireland. Cites monitoring and control procedures for the control of HACCP and proposes specific recommendations for future education and training.
Details
Keywords
Mervyn D.J. Wilson, S. Roberta Smyth, Anna E. Murray and Margaret A. Black
The reawakening of the Northern Ireland tourism industry, in 1994, has developed a growing business confidence that international tourist levels will increase. Unfortunately…
Abstract
The reawakening of the Northern Ireland tourism industry, in 1994, has developed a growing business confidence that international tourist levels will increase. Unfortunately, there is not a range of suitable accommodation either in standards or in number to cater for an influx of visitors. Examines the development of the accommodation sector in relation to the tourism industry of Northern Ireland. Highlights problems of the Northern Ireland accommodation sector and documents recommendations for future developments.
Details
Keywords
Mervyn D.J. Wilson, Anna E. Murray, Margaret A. Black and David A. McDowell
In recent times the importance of training and education have been recognised as important tools to foster economic growth within companies and industries in the global…
Abstract
In recent times the importance of training and education have been recognised as important tools to foster economic growth within companies and industries in the global marketplace. Unfortunately the UK hospitality industry in general has been unwilling to train and develop its managers. This paper examines the contract catering sector of the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland. It commences by investigating the educational qualifications and training of managers within the contract catering sector and then proceeds to discuss the transference of hospitality skills and practices.
Details
Keywords
Mervyn D.J. Wilson, Anna E. Murray and Margaret A. Black
In recent times the contract catering sector of the hospitality industry has grown substantially in size and scope. However, there have been few management studies carried out…
Abstract
In recent times the contract catering sector of the hospitality industry has grown substantially in size and scope. However, there have been few management studies carried out within this market sector. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by determining the essential competencies required by contract catering managers. These results are then compared with how managers spend their time. The differences between contract catering sub‐sections are discussed, in addition to the differences between contract catering and other sectors of the hospitality industry. Concludes that there is a need to develop the knowledge and skills of contract catering managers to assist in bridging the current gap between industry and education.
Details
Keywords
Mervyn D.J. Wilson, Anna E. Murray, Margaret A. Black and David A. McDowell
The contract catering segment of the UK hospitality industry has expanded rapidly over the past decade, yet few contemporary hospitality researchers acknowledge the existence of…
Abstract
The contract catering segment of the UK hospitality industry has expanded rapidly over the past decade, yet few contemporary hospitality researchers acknowledge the existence of this significant market sector. Seeks to rectify this by examining the size, scope and market position of the UK contract catering sector. Documents past experiences of commercial and public sector catering units to illustrate the move of contract catering management towards facilities management. Discusses future trends in an attempt to determine the future role of contract catering management within facilities.
Details
Keywords
Rory James Ridley-Duff and Michael Frederick Bull
This paper aims to re-evaluate social enterprise (SE) history to pinpoint a pluralist turn in communitarian philosophy during the 1970s, which has the potential to transform…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to re-evaluate social enterprise (SE) history to pinpoint a pluralist turn in communitarian philosophy during the 1970s, which has the potential to transform labour and consumer rights in enterprise development.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a close examination of model rules created by founders of the FairShares Association (FSA), the authors find that the communitarian origins of SE are disturbingly obscured and hidden.
Findings
In studying FSA documents and building a timeline of the development of the FairShares Model (FSM), the authors found links between SE developments in the UK, continental Europe, Asia, North/South America and the development of solidarity cooperatives.
Research limitations/implications
The authors argue that the discovery of a communitarian pluralist turn advances “new cooperativism” by enfranchising both labour and users in industrial relations (IR). Using this insight, they challenge accounts of SE history and argue for more research on SE’s potential contribution to radical IR.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the potential of the FSM as a vehicle for catalysing new SE and IR practices that share wealth and power more equitably between social entrepreneurs, workforce members, service/product users and community/social investors.
Details
Keywords
Rebecca Malby, Kieran Mervyn and Terry J. Boyle
The purpose of this paper is to review the impact of the clinical leadership programme, in enabling the Darzi fellows to lead change projects in health and care services, and to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the impact of the clinical leadership programme, in enabling the Darzi fellows to lead change projects in health and care services, and to secure quality healthcare in the NHS beyond the lifetime of the programme.
Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal empirical investigation of clinical leaders (n=80) over an eight-year period was framed through an activity theory (AT)-driven research methodology using a mixed-methods approach.
Findings
AT illuminated how change was sustained in the NHS in London through the Darzi Clinical Leadership Fellowship. By any reasonable measurement, this programme excels, with learning and positive behavioural change sustained after the Fellowship across the NHS. Further recognition is needed of the continuing development needs of fellows as they take on more responsible leadership roles in their careers.
Research limitations/implications
Darzi fellows are a hard-to-reach group. The sample represents a response rate of 34 per cent. In total, 77 per cent of respondents emanated from cohorts 5 to 8 programmes.
Practical implications
The investment in a clinical leadership programme focused on systems leadership for quality generates value for the NHS.
Social implications
Countless interventions flowed through London’s healthcare community and beyond as a result of the Fellowship. This research exposed how Darzi fellows continue to lead innovation for alternative healthcare outcomes. Many proactive fellows employ a suite of learned skills and capabilities to lead systemic change.
Originality/value
This research is the first known longitudinal clinical leadership development study undertaken. The Darzi programme has created a unique clinical network of mutually supportive, team-centric systems thinkers and doers, with an evidence-based approach to systems change. Many fellows are catalysing sustainable change in the healthcare environment.
Details
Keywords
Lawrence Charles Bellamy, Nii Amoo, Kieran Mervyn and Jacqueline Hiddlestone-Mumford
The purpose of this study is to examine the use of tools and techniques of strategy and strategic analysis within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a part of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the use of tools and techniques of strategy and strategic analysis within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a part of the strategy formation process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative, multiple-case-based investigation with semi-structured interviews and secondary data sources to create a context-rich insight to the area examined.
Findings
The findings indicate a strong orientation towards operational tools deployment aligned with financial management and resources and process planning, monitoring and control. Strategic perspectives of the respondents indicate an implicit, rather than explicit deployment of strategy tools and unstructured deployment, but general awareness of the resulting component issues. Clearer strategic approaches and strong implementation appear to positively influence success, when measured by growth.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to nine organisations within a UK geographic region, and therefore, larger-scale investigation would be beneficial to extend and confirm the findings in differing contexts.
Practical implications
With resource scarcity potentially stymying the opportunity for owner-managers to develop more structured approaches to strategic analysis and development, consideration should be given to how owner-managers can further develop their strategic thinking to support enhanced strategic outcomes for their organisations. Furthermore, strategy educationalists may wish to reflect upon the manner in which they prepare delegates for strategic roles, where the SME context may differ radically from corporate experience.
Originality/value
The methodology for this study differs substantially from previous investigations within the field, which has had relatively few contributions, as it uses in-depth, context-rich qualitative techniques to investigate the micro-processes at play. The conclusions capture new insights and indications and identify areas for further investigation, hence adding to the understanding of a complex and heterogeneous field.