Search results

An off‐line optimization method is described which allows the determination of “optimal” control strategies in a behavioural systems analysis. The method is based on the theory of learning systems, using a phenomenalistic model of the behavioural process for control experiments. There are no restrictions concerning the degree or order of this model. An outline of an investigation in social psychology demonstrates an application of the proposed method. The analysed data are the same as those used in a report on “System identification in behavioural science” previously published in this journal. This allows comparison of two different approaches to behavioural systems analysis by means of a phenomenalistic model.

An identification method is described which allows the approximation of experimental observations by means of a phenomenalistic model. The method is theoretically based on system theory and is adapted to the needs of behavioural science. Special emphasis will be laid on a system representation, which is transferable to a large group of dynamic systems as well as on an exact formulation of the assumptions connected with the proposed method. A short summary of results determined by a behaviour analysis in the field of social psychology will give a practical view of the possibilities and limits of the described identification method.

Takes a general systems approach to reconceptualize and interconnect existing theories of alienation in community and in society. Alienation is viewed as a generic term for different types of information processing disturbances of human individuals, conceived as autoietic, self‐steering and self‐referential systems. In considering the possible relationships between alienation and the community‐society continuum, regarded as a controversial and complex one, a third element, complexity itself, which exerts its influence, is introduced. The main focus is on the different kinds of alienated response that may be evoked by relatively simple versus relatively complex environments. Discusses the idealized concept of the community and describes the negative effects of idealization. Finally, addresses the question of what type of community is still feasible in the highly complex society.

Provides definitions of the three concepts in the title and explores their interrelationships. Distinguishes six alienation dimensions – powerlessness; meaninglessness; normlessness; social isolation; cultural estrangement; self‐estrangement – and combines them with three kinds of participation: spontaneous, negative, and compensatory. Describes increasing societal complexity from a general systems perspective. Explores the psycho‐ and sociogenesis of unalienated as well as alienated participation. Increasing societal complexity creates new forms of alienation and participation, but also resistances of groups that feel threatened or left out by an excessively fast rate of change, which in turn threatens macro‐societal stability. Those left without the means to participate in the economic or political process tend to be the alienated “negative participants”; they are generally destructive and anti‐outgroup as a result of personal experiences or economic deprivation.

A systems theoretical reconceptualisation of certain parts of alienation theory is considered. Two opposed forms of alienation are distinguished, interpersonal alienation and societal alienation. Political alienation is described as a subform of societal alienation which does not necessarily correlate with the different forms of interpersonal alienation, as is often assumed. Alienation is viewed as a generic term for information processing problems of individuals.

Reintroduces alienation theory and research. Considers alienation in a cybernetic sense as a generic term for different types of information processing problems in individuals. Considers these, more often than not, to be ultimately caused by developments in their social environment and reflecting back on that environment. Discusses the emergence of virtual communities, giving as an example the Thematic Group on Sociocybernetics and Social Systems. Describes its function and composition in a virtual community context. Considers whether Norbert Wiener foresaw the emergence of virtual communities and examines the link with the society envisaged by Niklas Luhmann.

This research aims to explore people management (PM) dimensions in Nepalese recycling startups (R-startups).

It follows a case study and qualitative research approach. Information is collected from Internet searches and R-startups’ blogs. For research purposes, 12 cases out of 30 R-startups are selected using convenient and purposeful non-probability sampling methods.

Three major findings are as follows: (1) the founders of R-startups have become more environmentally aware and motivated to source materials, manufacture products and deliver them without harming the environment; (2) the founders are establishing work-flow to create future employment opportunities and (3) the PM dimensions in R-startups appear to be sustainable and apparently linked with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.5, which aims to reduce waste generation substantially through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

Since researchers use widely accessible internet information, there is no possibility of interfering with the website's text and data. The analysis is solely based on the opinions of founders/co-founders of R-startups.

This research presents PM dimensions in R-startups and contributes to the literature in this new field of study. Although on a small scale, this research can provide a basis for minimizing circulatory gaps and closing the loop through circular business (CB). It also provides insights into managing waste in order to create opportunities and wealth.

This is one of the few unexplored areas of academic research. The critical PM dimensions investigated in this study can serve as a baseline for future theoretical development in the context of a specific country.

Purpose: The research explores the awareness of career changes based on the current career perception, value-based impression, and expectations for the candidates’ careers in the selection process.

Methodology: These opinions are supposed to provide an overview of the content definition of the sustainable career notion and the readiness to see a career as a sustainable paradigm among 159 Romanian (53.46%) and Serbian (46.54%) HR managers. The survey is based on three subscale instruments assessing the respondents agreement with the statements implying sustainability in defining a career.

Findings: Results show that not all aspects of a sustainable career are emphasised, with the issues of environmental protection being slightly neglected, especially in the Serbian subsample. The environmental aspect of the sustainable career is based on the hybrid perception of the career that values restoration of the natural environment while preserving health through social justice and can be recognised among candidates’ consciousness.

Implications: The sociological domain implies career complexity, expecting continuous learning and valuing adaptability, which is visible in the candidate’s responsiveness in the selection process. Governance is covered by disruptiveness that requires new, more individually focused legislative approaches, along with valuing personal accountability and expectations of candidates to be ethically conducting trustworthy partners.

Limitations: The sample consists of not ‘naïve’ subjects but rather affected by current sustainable career discourse.

Future Research: Incorporate various occupational profiles to understand these differences and insight into their circumstances and the spread of research among other economies to understand their big picture and particularities better.

The present study connects the literature on sustainable HRM with that on employability to investigate the relationship between sustainability-oriented human resource actions and organizational outcomes. More specifically, this study explores how training for employability affects the employer–employee relationship and employee retention. Furthermore, this study considers competitive intensity as a potential moderator in these relationships.

The analyses draw on the fourth European Company Survey (ECS 2019) with a sample of 21?869 firms with more than ten employees. Two separate logistic regression models were used to test the hypothesis.

The results show that training for employability contributes to improving the employer–employee relationship and that competitive intensity positively shapes this relationship. Contextually, training for employability reduces the overall employee retention of the firm.

Although this study supports the potential win–win nature of employability support, especially for companies that operate in competitive markets and an uncertain environment, it also highlights the existence of paradoxical sustainability tensions that should be managed by employers.

There is much scientific interest in the connection between the emergence of gender-based inequalities and key biographical transition points of couples in long-term relationships. Little empirical research is available comparing the evolution of a couple’s respective professional careers over space and time. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to filling this gap by addressing the following questions: what are the critical biographical moments when gender (in)equalities within a relationship begin to arise and consolidate? Which biographical decisions precede and follow such critical moments? How does decision making at critical moments impact the opportunities of both relationship partners in gaining equal access to paid employment?

These questions are addressed from the perspectives of intersectionality and economic citizenship. Biographical interviewing is used to collect the personal and professional narratives of Swiss-, bi-national and migrant couples. The case study of a Swiss-Norwegian couple illustrates typical processes by which many skilled migrant women end up absently or precariously employed.

Analysis reveals that the Scandinavian woman’s migration to Switzerland is a primary and critical moment for emerging inequality, which is then reinforced by relocation (to a small town characterized by conservative gender values) and the subsequent births of their children. It is concluded that factors of traditional gender roles, ethnicity and age intersect to create a hierarchical situation which affords the male Swiss partner more weight in terms of decision making and career advancement.

The paper’s findings are highly relevant to the formulation of policies regarding gender inequalities and the implementation of preventive programmes within this context.

Little empirical research is available comparing the evolution of a couple’s respective professional careers over space and time. The originality of this paper is to fill this research gap; to include migration as a critical moment for gender inequalities; to use an intersectional and geographical perspective that have been given scant attention in the literature; to use the original concept of economic citizenship; and to examine the case of a bi-national couple, which has so far not been examined by the literature on couple relationships.