Eamonn McQuade, Ellen Sjoer, Peter Fabian, José Carlos Nascimento and Sanaz Schroeder
The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project, the aim of which was to identify the potential loss of company knowledge and expertise as experienced and expert…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project, the aim of which was to identify the potential loss of company knowledge and expertise as experienced and expert employees retire.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used in this research was based on interviewing experienced and expert people who had retired or were approaching retirement: An application of expert interviewing. The interviews were conducted in five countries, across a number of sectors and involving a range of company sizes. The work of the research team was guided by an advisory panel of people with significant, senior level industrial experience.
Findings
In addition to the potential loss of technical product and process knowledge and expertise, there is a loss of expertise in interpersonal communication skill both in the company and in communication with companies and people who are suppliers and customers, in knowing the company culture and the way things are done and in the loss of maturity and stabilising influence.
Research limitations/implications
The number of people interviewed was relatively small. However, the research pointed out the need for companies, both large and small, to put in place succession planning, talent management and knowledge management processes as well as training in transferable skills or soft skills.
Practical implications
Management training programmes and courses need to include aspects of succession planning, talent management and knowledge management processes as well as training in transferable skills or soft skills.
Originality/value
The research team and the advisory panel involved participants from five EU countries large and small, east and west, north and south, developed and developing, EU founder members and newer accession states. It involved working in five languages and cultures. Despite this diversity there was great agreement on the findings and implications.
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Jacob Reilley and Tobias Scheytt
This study sets out to shed light on those infrastructures underlying the ubiquitous, yet contested nature of governing by numbers. Investigating the 30-year long emergence of…
Abstract
This study sets out to shed light on those infrastructures underlying the ubiquitous, yet contested nature of governing by numbers. Investigating the 30-year long emergence of Germany’s “external quality assurance system” for hospitals, the authors show how methods for quantifying quality align with broader institutional and ideational shifts to form a calculative infrastructure for governance. Our study focuses on three phases of infrastructural development wherein methods for calculating quality, institutions for coordinating data and reform ideals converge with one another. The authors argue that the succession of these phases represents a gradual layering process, whereby old ways of enacting quality governance are not replaced, but augmented by new sets of calculative practices, institutions and ideas. Thinking about infrastructures as multi-layered complexes allows us to explore how they construct possibilities for control, remain stable over time and transform the fields in which they are embedded. Rather than governance being enacted according to a singular goal or value, we see an infrastructure that is flexible enough to support multiple modalities of control, including selective intervention, quality-based competition and automatized budgeting. Infrastructural change, instead of revolving around crises in measurement, is shaped by incubation periods – times of relative calm when political actors, medical practitioners, mathematicians, and many others explore and reflect past experiences, rather than follow erratic reforms fads. Finally, analysing infrastructures as multi-layered constructs underlines how they produce multiple images of care quality, which not only shift existing power relations, but also change the ways we understand and make sense of public services.
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Global investors demand, regulators require, and companies disclose their sustainability performance information, and scholars have started to conduct research on sustainability…
Abstract
Global investors demand, regulators require, and companies disclose their sustainability performance information, and scholars have started to conduct research on sustainability performance, reporting and assurance. The goal of firm value creation can be achieved when management considers the interests of all stakeholders and integrates all five economic, governance, social, ethical, and environmental (EGSEE) dimensions of sustainability performance into managerial strategies, actions and reporting. This paper provides a synthesis of research on sustainability and presents a theoretical framework consisting of theories and standards relevant to all five EGSEE dimensions of sustainability performance and risks and their integration into corporate culture, business models and reporting in creating stakeholder value.
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Bernhard Fabian Bichler and Mike Peters
Adventure activities have become the core products of many tourism destinations. Hiking, which is known to be a soft adventure activity, represents an especially important product…
Abstract
Purpose
Adventure activities have become the core products of many tourism destinations. Hiking, which is known to be a soft adventure activity, represents an especially important product for many tourism destinations around the globe and in the European Alps. However, little research has explored hikers’ underlying motivation and experiences, which are expected to differ from the hard adventure context, as mountain hiking provides a low risk, but high immersion. This paper aims to determine and explore the underlying dimensions and dynamics of mountain hikers’ soft adventure motivation (SAM).
Design/methodology/approach
A concurrent mixed-method design that builds on a quantitative survey (N = 379) and qualitative interviews (N = 14) was used to explore SAM factors. This study combined exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis with semi-structured interviews and template analysis.
Findings
The quantitative results provide six SAM factors and emphasize that “relaxation,” “socializing” and “discovery” contribute to hiking satisfaction, while “recognition” has adverse effects. By triangulating these findings with hikers’ experiences, this study underlines the associated recreational meaning of hiking and provides an in-depth qualitative discussion of SAM factors and the subordinate role of “recognition.”
Originality/value
The contribution of this paper is a refined understanding of SAM in the hiking context by emphasizing the recreational meaning of mountain hiking. As a result, this study adds an important missing link to previous outdoor tourism and leisure studies by showing the special composition and dynamics of SAM. The findings also support the creation of tailor-made touristic products.
研究目的
探险活动已经成为许多旅游目的地的核心产品。其中徒步旅行被认作为一种“轻松”探险活动并且代表着全球众多旅游目的地及欧洲阿尔卑斯山的重要产品。然而, 很少有研究探索远足者的潜在动机和经验, 由于徒步远足的风险较低, 但参与感高, 因此预计于艰苦的冒险环境有所不同。因此, 本文确定并探索了山地徒步者“轻松”冒险动机的潜在维度和动力。
设计/方法/方法
采用基于定量调查(N = 379)和定性访谈(N = 14)的并行混合方法设计来探索SAM因素。因此, 我们将探索性因子分析和回归分析与半结构化访谈和模板分析相结合。
结果
定量结果提供了6个SAM因素, 并强调“放松”、“社交”和“发现”有助于提升满意度, 而“认知”则有负面影响。通过将这些发现与徒步旅行者的经历进行三角分析, 我们强调了徒步旅行的相关娱乐意义, 并对SAM因素和“识别”的从属作用进行了深入的定性讨论。
原创性/价值
本文的贡献在于通过强调登山的休闲意义, 对徒步情景下的SAM进行了精细化的理解。因此, 我们通过展示SAM的特殊组成和动态, 为之前的户外旅游和休闲研究添加了一个重要的缺失环节。最后, 研究结果支持了定制旅游产品的创造。
关键字
探险旅游, 动机, 软探险, 徒步
文章类型
研究论文
Propósito
Las actividades de aventura se han convertido en uno de los productos principales de muchos destinos turísticos, especialmente el senderismo, una actividad de aventura de baja dificultad que representa un producto importante para muchos destinos turísticos alrededor del mundo y en los Alpes europeos. Sin embargo, pocas investigaciones han estudiado la motivación y las experiencias subyacentes de los excursionistas, las cuales se espera que difieran del contexto de aventura de alta dificultad, ya que el senderismo de montaña proporciona un bajo riesgo pero una alta inmersión. Por lo tanto, este documento determina y examina las dimensiones y dinámicas subyacentes de la motivación de aventura de baja dificultad (SAM, por sus siglas en inglés) de los excursionistas de montaña.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Se utilizó un diseño de método mixto concurrente que se basa en una encuesta cuantitativa (N = 379) y entrevistas cualitativas (N = 14) para explorar los factores de SAM. De este modo, se combinó análisis factorial exploratorio y análisis de regresión con entrevistas semiestructuradas y análisis de plantillas.
Resultados
Los resultados cuantitativos aportan seis factores de SAM y enfatizan que la “relajación”, la “socialización” y el “descubrimiento” contribuyen a la satisfacción del senderismo, mientras que el “reconocimiento” tiene efectos adversos. Al relacionar estos hallazgos con las experiencias de los excursionistas se destaca el significado recreativo asociado al senderismo y se brinda una discusión cualitativa profunda de los factores de SAM y el papel subordinado del “reconocimiento”.
Originalidad/valor
La contribución de este artículo es una comprensión refinada de la SAM en el contexto de senderismo al enfatizar el significado recreativo del senderismo de montaña. De este modo, se suma un importante eslabón perdido a los estudios anteriores de turismo al aire libre y de ocio al mostrar la composición y dinámica especial de la SAM. Por último, los resultados respaldan la creación de productos turísticos hechos a la medida de las preferencias de los turistas.
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The cardinal point to note here is that the development (and unfortunately the likely potential) of area policy is intimately related to the actual character of British social…
Abstract
The cardinal point to note here is that the development (and unfortunately the likely potential) of area policy is intimately related to the actual character of British social policy. Whilst area policy has been strongly influenced by Pigou's welfare economics, by the rise of scientific management in the delivery of social services (cf Jaques 1976; Whittington and Bellamy 1979), by the accompanying development of operational analyses and by the creation of social economics (see Pigou 1938; Sandford 1977), social policy continues to be enmeshed with the flavours of Benthamite utilitatianism and Social Darwinism (see, above all, the Beveridge Report 1942; Booth 1889; Rowntree 1922, 1946; Webb 1926). Consequently, for their entire history area policies have been coloured by the principles of a national minimum for the many and giving poorer areas a hand up, rather than a hand out. The preceived need to save money (C.S.E. State Apparatus and Expenditure Group 1979; Klein 1974) and the (supposed) ennobling effects of self help have been the twin marching orders for area policy for decades. Private industry is inadvertently called upon to plug the resulting gaps in public provision. The conjunction of a reluctant state and a meandering private sector has fashioned the decaying urban areas of today. Whilst a large degree of party politics and commitment has characterised the general debate over the removal of poverty (Holman 1973; MacGregor 1981), this has for the most part bypassed the ‘marginal’ poorer areas (cf Green forthcoming). Their inhabitants are not usually numerically significant enough to sway general, party policies (cf Boulding 1967) and the problems of most notably the inner cities has been underplayed.
Ursula Scholl-Grissemann, Mike Peters, Bernhard Fabian Bichler and Elisabeth Happ
Hiking is a popular tourism activity across the globe. Although hiking is considered a “soft” adventure activity with little risk and challenge, hikers are also confronted with…
Abstract
Purpose
Hiking is a popular tourism activity across the globe. Although hiking is considered a “soft” adventure activity with little risk and challenge, hikers are also confronted with dangerous situations where risky behavior can lead to fatalities. This study aims to understand the moderating role of hiking motives on hikers’ precautionary behavior, while providing implications for destination management organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study conducted a 3×2 between-subjects online experiment (N = 181), manipulating the on-site information and visibility of potential hazards. Moderation analyses (SPSS PROCESS) were applied to derive the differences between the hiking motives of competitiveness/exhibitionism, playing to the limit and sociability on precautionary behavior.
Findings
The findings can inform effective hiking trail signage efforts, helping identify potential indications of risky behavior. The findings also importantly underline the moderating role of playing to the limit and competitiveness as they regard the risk perception–precautionary behavior relationship.
Originality/value
The implications of this study are directed toward destination management organizations, and how to promote precautionary hiking behavior based on hikers’ motivations.
设计/方法/途径
我们进行了一个3x2的主体间在线实验(N = 181), 操纵了现场信息和潜在危险的可见性。应用调节分析(SPSS PROCESS)得出远足动机 “竞争/展示主义"、"娱乐无极限 “和 “社交能力 “在防范行为上的差异。
目的
徒步旅行是世界各地流行的旅游活动。尽管徒步旅行被认为是一种基于户外的软性探险活动, 没有什么风险和挑战, 但徒步旅行者也面临着危险的情况, 危险的行为可能导致死亡。本研究旨在了解徒步动机对徒步者防范行为的调节作用, 并为目的地管理组织提供启示。
研究结果
研究结果可以为有效的徒步旅行的标识工作提供参考, 帮助识别潜在的危险行为迹象。重要的是, 研究结果还强调了 “发挥极限 “和 “竞争 “的调节作用, 因为它们关系到风险认知和预防行为。
原创性
本研究的意义是针对目的地管理组织的, 即如何根据徒步者的动机来促进防范性的徒步行为。
Propósito
El senderismo es una actividad turística popular en todo el mundo. Aunque el senderismo se considera una actividad “poco exigente”, que implica poco riesgo y retos, los senderistas también se enfrentan a situaciones peligrosas donde las conductas de riesgo pueden conducir a accidentes fatales. Este estudio tiene como objetivo comprender los roles moderadores de las motivaciones del senderismo en el comportamiento precautorio de los senderistas y proporcionar implicaciones para las organizaciones de gestión de destinos.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Se realizó un experimento en línea 3x2 entre sujetos (N = 181) tratando la información in situ y la visibilidad de los peligros potenciales. Se aplicaron análisis de moderación (PROCESO SPSS) para derivar diferencias entre las motivaciones del senderismo “competitividad/exhibicionismo”, “jugar hasta el límite” y “sociabilidad” en el comportamiento precautorio.
Hallazgos
Los resultados reportan sobre la necesidad de realizar esfuerzos en la señalética de las rutas de senderismo que ayuden a identificar posibles indicaciones de comportamiento de riesgo. Es importante destacar que los hallazgos también subrayan el papel moderador de “jugar hasta el límite” y “competitividad”, ya que sugieren una relación entre la percepción de riesgo y el comportamiento precautorio.
Originalidad
Las implicaciones de este estudio se dirigen hacia las organizaciones de gestión de destinos sobre la manera de promover el comportamiento precautorio de senderismo basado en motivaciones de senderistas.
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Bernhard Fabian Bichler, Birgit Pikkemaat and Mike Peters
Quality in foodservices has become essential, and new methodological ways of determining service quality enable a better representation of service processes and help to increase…
Abstract
Purpose
Quality in foodservices has become essential, and new methodological ways of determining service quality enable a better representation of service processes and help to increase revisits. This paper focuses on the foodservice context and explores the relationship between staff-related service dimensions, atmosphere, food quality and revisit in a full-service setting.
Design/methodology/approach
This study combines an often neglected mystery guest approach with partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to shed more light on customers' service perceptions. The mystery guest approach has been updated with a digitally supported smartphone questionnaire (e-mystery) that provides more reliable results since previous measurements experienced difficulties of feasibility in time-limited settings (N = 247).
Findings
The findings of this study confirm the direct effects of the service quality dimensions reliability, attentiveness and atmosphere on revisit intention and highlight the mediating role of food quality. In detail, the findings showed significant results for service employees' reliability and attentiveness and underlined the role of atmosphere for revisit intention.
Originality/value
The contribution of this paper supplements that mystery guest approaches represent a reliable alternative to convenience sampling, especially in combination with a digitally supported questionnaire (e-mystery). Thereby, this paper suggests the further application of e-mystery for the hospitality and tourism industry. In terms of implications, this study highlights the importance of securing food quality by fostering specialized schools and training programs for career starters. Since the findings stress the importance of service quality and atmosphere, managers need to ensure that employees are trained in culturally sensitive communication and services to excel in service-related dimensions.