The over-arching purpose of this paper is to provide a reflexive personal narrative of the inequalities experienced as the author grew up with a desire to dance; personal…
Abstract
Purpose
The over-arching purpose of this paper is to provide a reflexive personal narrative of the inequalities experienced as the author grew up with a desire to dance; personal experiences which influenced the author to become an educator and eventually led the author to engage in some active research on the issue of boys and dance in secondary schools in the north of England.
Design/methodology/approach
This project is based on narrative interviews with young males, as the researchers seek to assess the current landscape of dance education within the UK. Interviews were conducted within two high school settings. Yet, this paper does not focus on the data produced in such interviews. Instead, it adopts a reflective methodology in terms of auto-critiquing the inquiry, exploring themes such as dancing negativity, homophobia and homonormativity.
Findings
The paper offers a brief critique of the literature around long-standing cultural ingrained discrimination experienced by boys who dance. Finally, and importantly, the paper offers a personal and intimate account reflecting on the author's experiences of engaging in research on male dancers in secondary schools.
Originality/value
This paper is a semi-autobiographical reflective inquiry which assesses the current issue of masculinities and dance, within adolescent educational settings. It is important in generating an awareness of the importance of individual and subjective reflective starting points for conducting research and the paper concludes how ethnographic research is never really neutral.
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Maria Krambia-Kapardis and Anastasios Zopiatis
Purpose – Although the proportion of women accountants is rising steadily, their number in partnership position remains constant. This article explores this phenomenon in an…
Abstract
Purpose – Although the proportion of women accountants is rising steadily, their number in partnership position remains constant. This article explores this phenomenon in an attempt (a) to identify the reasons behind it and (b) clarify which are the barriers that hinder female accountants from being in the top echelon of the accounting practice in an emerging economy like Cyprus.
Methodology/approach – The study reported in this article builds on two previous studies, quantitative in nature, carried out by one of the present authors. Utilising the findings of the two earlier studies, the authors use a qualitative approach to further explore the reasons as to why there is a ‘concrete wall’ for women in accounting practices at partnership level.
Findings – In contrast to other studies, the present study found that the prohibiting factor creating the barrier is not motherhood but the cultural attitudes and expectations of men imposed on mothers. Another finding is that despite the fact that there is a bigger pool of women today in senior manager positions, it is uncertain if the proportion of female partners will rise in a decade.
Research limitations – Although the qualitative study utilising interviews of both genders identified interesting concerns for the local accounting profession, these findings cannot be representative of all emerging economies.
Practical implications – The article adds to existing knowledge by clarifying the reasons discouraging women accountants from reaching partnership positions. Findings are of interest to industry stakeholders who wish (a) to attract more women accountants to partnership positions and (b) to develop an environment that addresses women's concerns and enhances their career aspirations towards reaching the top echelon of their profession.
Originality/value of article – Most research in this field utilises quantitative or qualitative research independently. In this research we utilise the results of the quantitative studies to indentify in depth the ‘real’ rather than the ‘imaginary’ barrier facing women accountants from entering partnership. Furthermore, this is the first time this is studied in an emerging economy, whereas all other studies are in developed economies.
Rodney McAdam and Neil Jackson
This paper examines the key dynamics of an organisational transition from ISO 9000 to TQM with specific reference to the UK and Irish brewing sector. A number of quality related…
Abstract
This paper examines the key dynamics of an organisational transition from ISO 9000 to TQM with specific reference to the UK and Irish brewing sector. A number of quality related research studies have reported on the potential of ISO 9000 as a foundation for TQM, and the possibility of the existence of a quality continuum, commencing with ISO 9000 and progressing to TQM. However, there is a paucity of sector specific research in this area. Following a critique of the literature, a UK and Irish research survey involving the 90 leading brewing organisations is analysed and discussed. The paper concludes that considerable complementarity exists between ISO 9000 and TQM. Furthermore, TQM is considered to be best implemented within the controlled environment/quality assurance environment of ISO 9000. Progression to TQM will only occur if a non‐bureaucratic inclusive approach to ISO 9000 implementation is adopted.
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Charis A. Marentakis, Panagiotis Panagos and Afroditi Riga
The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic methodology (NaviGaTor) combining a structured method for the evolutionary design of training programs with Nominal Group…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic methodology (NaviGaTor) combining a structured method for the evolutionary design of training programs with Nominal Group Technique (NGT) setting supporting the involvement of a diverse set of participants and experts.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes the necessity and efficiency of group decision making in the design of training programs, focussing on how participants can convey experience and knowledge and how NGT can enhance idea generation and support convergence of opinions. The methodology evolved from a paper-based format to a web-based format, thus supporting remote participation.
Findings
The application of the methodology in a large-scale multi-national training design program confirms practical implications on the usability, efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed structured group decision-making methodology.
Research limitations/implications
The systematic training design methodology presented herein not only enhances previous findings from the literature but also sets the foundations for future research on the importance of diversity of ideas and experiences from many experts in the design of training programs.
Practical implications
After a series of successful applications for the design of training programs in several mid-scale intra-company projects, the methodology was applied successfully in a multi-national large-scale project focussing on the design of corporate training programs on stress management with very promising results.
Originality/value
The proposed methodology was the first one to be applied through a systematic and structured process and constitutes a practical tool for the efficient design of training programs through an evolutionary and structured process based on idea generation from experts.
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Shannon L. Rawski, Emilija Djurdjevic and Leah D. Sheppard
Findings regarding the relationship between biological sex and job stress remain inconsistent. In the present chapter, we suggest that this is due to the overly simplistic and…
Abstract
Findings regarding the relationship between biological sex and job stress remain inconsistent. In the present chapter, we suggest that this is due to the overly simplistic and synonymous treatment of biological sex and gender. Specifically, researchers have operationalized gender as sex, neglecting the inherent complexity of the gender construct. To address this, we take a more nuanced approach and develop a theory around the effects of biological sex and gender on job stress, considering how sex, gender, sex-based prescribed gender roles and work roles interact to create role conflict. We predict that a lack of congruence between any of the aforementioned variables results in various types of role conflict, leading to stress, and requiring coping. Drawing on the literature on role conflict, emotional labor, and facades of conformity, we introduce the concept of gender façades as a coping mechanism. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Deborah A. O’Neil, Margaret E. Brooks and Margaret M. Hopkins
The purpose of this paper is to better understand women’s working relationships and career support behaviors, by investigating expectations women have of other women regarding…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to better understand women’s working relationships and career support behaviors, by investigating expectations women have of other women regarding senior women’s roles in (and motivations for) helping junior women succeed, and junior women’s engagement in their own career advancement behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors surveyed self- and other-reports of senior women’s engagement in career assistance behaviors on behalf of junior women colleagues, and junior women’s engagement in their own career advancement behaviors. One sample of respondents indicated to what extent they believed senior women did engage in career assistance toward junior women, and to what extent they believed junior women did engage in career advancement. Another sample indicated to what extent they believed senior women should engage in career assistance, and to what extent they believed junior women should engage in their own career advancement.
Findings
Results suggest a disconnect between the expectations and perceptions junior and senior women have of each other. Junior women expect senior women to engage in career assistance behaviors to a greater degree than they believe senior women are engaging in such behaviors, and junior women think they are doing more to advance their careers than senior women are expecting them to do. The authors examine individual and organizational implications of these unmet expectations and perception mismatches.
Originality/value
Women-to-women working relationships are under-studied, and typically viewed in either/or terms – good or bad. The findings provide a more nuanced understanding of women’s perceptions and expectations and offer suggestions for how women can influence female career advancement.
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Winnifred R. Louis, Donald M. Taylor and Tyson Neil
Two studies in the context of English‐French relations in Québec suggest that individuals who strongly identify with a group derive the individual‐level costs and benefits that…
Abstract
Two studies in the context of English‐French relations in Québec suggest that individuals who strongly identify with a group derive the individual‐level costs and benefits that drive expectancy‐value processes (rational decision‐making) from group‐level costs and benefits. In Study 1, high identifiers linked group‐ and individual‐level outcomes of conflict choices whereas low identifiers did not. Group‐level expectancy‐value processes, in Study 2, mediated the relationship between social identity and perceptions that collective action benefits the individual actor and between social identity and intentions to act. These findings suggest the rational underpinnings of identity‐driven political behavior, a relationship sometimes obscured in intergroup theory that focuses on cognitive processes of self‐stereotyping. But the results also challenge the view that individuals' cost‐benefit analyses are independent of identity processes. The findings suggest the importance of modeling the relationship of group and individual levels of expectancy‐value processes as both hierarchical and contingent on social identity processes.