This case study explored the nature of professionalism in UK Government public relations. In addition to using established functional models of professionalism, the study tested a…
Abstract
This case study explored the nature of professionalism in UK Government public relations. In addition to using established functional models of professionalism, the study tested a market‐based model of professional value, first conceived by sociologist Thomas Brante, and sought to examine the concept of professionalism as one negotiated between the buyer and provider of a service. This is the first time that Brante’s relational model has been applied to a public relations context. The subject population was buyers and providers of public relations services within the UK Ministry of Defence. The study exposed imbalances of both power and knowledge. Public relations practitioners were found not to have a consistent level of functional professionalism, while their more powerful clients neither expected nor valued functional, strategic or ethical performance from their public relations practitioners.
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Despite continuing interest in assessing the effectiveness of public relations activities the resulting asset, termed goodwill, continues to be regarded as intangible. As a result…
Abstract
Despite continuing interest in assessing the effectiveness of public relations activities the resulting asset, termed goodwill, continues to be regarded as intangible. As a result its financial value is framed within formally‐constituted functional definitions and a conceptual environment that is managed and controlled by accountants. The article explores current thinking in the way that financial value is ascribed to public relations activity and identifies key problems with the current limitations inherent in the current standard accounting practice. It goes on to examine the possibility of radical alternatives. The article concludes with suggestions for further areas for research and collaborative work, calls for a new framework within which corporate values are created, but maintains that a developmental link to the existing dominant framework of understanding is important. It is suggested that accountants and public relations practitioners would need to work at a theoretical and practical level to develop such a framework.
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The innovation process is not homogeneous, but highly variable according to industrial sector and the level of abstraction of the innovation itself. This level of abstraction from…
Abstract
The innovation process is not homogeneous, but highly variable according to industrial sector and the level of abstraction of the innovation itself. This level of abstraction from existing products while not precisely measurable, can be graded, thus giving some guidance as to the probability of success according to the size of investment and the risk involved. The complexity of the new product and its technological level (the monograph confines the argument to product innovation) will also determine how the innovating organisation handles the innovation. Much research has now been done into the innovation process, and some of the leading projects and their findings are analysed. Supporting the basic argument there are two case histories, one of a successful scientific instrument, together with reference to an unsuccessful attempt to launch it, and one of a failure with a new material, in spite of highly successful technology.
Environmental uncertainty threatens many companies. This paper seeks to offer a strategic model to help imperiled firms overcome employee inertia, counter competitive forces, and…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental uncertainty threatens many companies. This paper seeks to offer a strategic model to help imperiled firms overcome employee inertia, counter competitive forces, and speed organizational renewal.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents a change model which outlines five major steps, each comprised of three elements. Examples from the field illustrate sequential stages of the cycle.
Findings
This framework aligns human resources and organizational processes. By adhering to this approach, leaders can become transformational change agents.
Practical implications
The proposed strategic format evolved from face‐to‐face discussions with exemplary turnaround leaders. In their visits to the author's classroom over the last six years, they offered insights that should prove beneficial to other leaders in turnaround situations.
Originality/value
The paper extends existing business models by providing a comprehensive set of action steps to engage all organizational members.
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Do you use Electronic mail (E‐mail)? Do you know if anyone other than the intended recipient is reading the mail you send? And, what would you do if it fell into the wrong hands…
Abstract
Do you use Electronic mail (E‐mail)? Do you know if anyone other than the intended recipient is reading the mail you send? And, what would you do if it fell into the wrong hands? Employees around the world use E‐mail more than a million times a day (Elmer‐Dewitt, 1993). E‐mail is used for a multitude of purposes including telling jokes, discussing confidential matters, or even spreading gossip that could be potentially offensive if overheard by the wrong person. E‐mail is more convenient for most to use rather than having to pick up the phone or wander down a hall to tell someone something. A common misconception many have concerning the use of E‐mail is that it is as private as mail or a phone call (Elmer‐Dewitt, 1993).
Nina Geuens, Erik Franck, Peter Vlerick and Peter Van Bogaert
Preventing burnout and promoting psychological well-being in nurses are of great importance. In this study the effect of an online, stand-alone individualized preventive program…
Abstract
Purpose
Preventing burnout and promoting psychological well-being in nurses are of great importance. In this study the effect of an online, stand-alone individualized preventive program for nurse burnout based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is described and explained.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method study with an explanatory sequential design was applied. Quantitative data were collected from September 2015 to March 2016 during an intervention study with a pretest-posttest wait-list control group design within a population of hospital nurses in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium. Consecutively, 13 nurses from the intervention group who fully completed the program were interviewed.
Findings
All interviewed participants experienced some sort of effect due to working with the program. Emotional exhaustion remained stable in the intervention group and increased in the control group. However, this difference was not significant. Personal accomplishment decreased significantly within the intervention group when compared to the control group. This might be explained by the self-awareness that was created through the program, which confronted participants with their weaknesses and problems.
Originality/value
This study adds to the understanding of online individual burnout prevention. The results suggest the feasibility of an online program to prevent nurse burnout. This could be optimized by complementing it with organizational interventions, introducing refresher courses, reminders and follow-up. Furthermore, additional attention should be devoted to preparing the implementation in order to minimize attrition rates.
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Mark C. Goniwiecha and David A. Hales
Americans have become increasingly interested in their ethnic heritage in recent years. Assimilated Euro‐Americans, whose ancestors arrived in the New World generations ago, are…
Abstract
Americans have become increasingly interested in their ethnic heritage in recent years. Assimilated Euro‐Americans, whose ancestors arrived in the New World generations ago, are rediscovering their roots and are enrolling in foreign language classes, taking up folk dancing, learning ethnic cuisine, tracing their genealogical pedigrees, and returning to the religious traditions their parents may or may not have passed on to them. Now it's “in” to be ethnic.