MY house isn't so unsafe that I can't sit and read in the evenings with at least a feeling—perhaps not quite rational—of security. Every time I go into a London tube at night I…
Abstract
MY house isn't so unsafe that I can't sit and read in the evenings with at least a feeling—perhaps not quite rational—of security. Every time I go into a London tube at night I realise how lucky I am in that. And there are libraries still where one can sit and read and almost forget that there's a war in progress.
Colleen Hayes and Kerry Jacobs
The purpose of this paper is to revisit the issue of the entry of women into the Anglo-Australian accounting profession in the Second World War and provide insights on the role…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to revisit the issue of the entry of women into the Anglo-Australian accounting profession in the Second World War and provide insights on the role that gender, class, and ethnicity played in mediating women’s relations with the accounting profession in that period.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on the narratives of three women from diverse social backgrounds who entered the Anglo-Australian profession during this period.
Findings
The analysis indicates that while participants had the mindset needed for accounting work, the more removed the individual’s perceived social identity was from her perception of the dominant British, white, middle-class ideology of the profession, the less likely she was to embrace the opportunity to join the accounting profession. The distance was anchored in social (ethnicity and class) and historical forces. The study also finds that the appropriation of education and credentials ameliorated disadvantages accruing from gender and working-class status.
Practical implications
This study has implications for our understanding of the accounting profession and what is required to reduce the risks of marginalization in a contemporary setting.
Originality/value
The study provides a richer understanding of how class and ethnicity shape the female experience differently. The results also demonstrate that in times of social change, the processes of inclusion and exclusion are not confined to the deliberations of the accounting profession but also the individual. Whether the women valued accounting as an occupation depended on whether or not if offered them the freedom to achieve what they valued most. At the same time, however, the freedom to realize what they valued most was a function of class and ethnicity. Finally, the results demonstrate the capacity of unique experience to shape the perceptions, aspirations and actions of women.
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This chapter examines the underpinnings of collective resistance in a nonunion factory. I begin by acknowledging the important contribution made by Randy Hodson and others who…
Abstract
This chapter examines the underpinnings of collective resistance in a nonunion factory. I begin by acknowledging the important contribution made by Randy Hodson and others who have uncovered key material structural underpinnings of collective resistance in workplaces. Such an approach, however, leaves large unanswered questions about collective agency. I argue that a focus upon the potential links between lived culture and collective resistance can bring us closer to an understanding of collective agency. To this end, I present key findings of an ethnographic study of culture and resistance at window-blinds factory. I outline the informal collective resistance enacted by the workers in the factory and offer an analysis of the structural factors underpinning the considerable resistance at this factory. The second half of the chapter is dedicated to outlining the everyday Stayin’ Alive culture on the shopfloor and to analyzing the dotted lines that led from this culture to the collective resistance.
Benjamin Tukamuhabwa, Henry Mutebi and Rhona Kyomuhendo
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between supply chain management practices, logistics capabilities, logistics integration and competitive advantage of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between supply chain management practices, logistics capabilities, logistics integration and competitive advantage of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in a developing country.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a structured questionnaire survey, cross-sectional data collected from 204 SMEs in Kampala – Uganda were analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS version 26 to validate the theorised relationships.
Findings
The study findings revealed that both supply chain management practices and logistics integration are positively and significantly associated with competitive advantage. Also, both supply chain management practices and logistics capabilities are positively and significantly associated with logistics integration. Additionally, the authors found that logistics integration partially mediates in the relationships between supply chain management practices and competitive advantage, and logistics capabilities and competitive advantage. Conclusively, the three independent variables collectively account for 11% variance in competitive advantage of SMEs.
Originality/value
Given the general observation that SMEs are fundamental to socio-economic development, yet resource constrained, this study uses Resource-based and dynamic capabilities theoretical perspectives to provide an empirical understanding of the supply chain and logistics resources and capabilities necessary for building competitive advantage of SMEs in the context of a developing economy.
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Rhona E. Johnsen and Thomas E. Johnsen
Within the Ayrshire knitwear industry in Scotland, a group of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) have formed a network with the purpose of developing group branded…
Abstract
Within the Ayrshire knitwear industry in Scotland, a group of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) have formed a network with the purpose of developing group branded products for export markets. The initiative was instigated by the Ayrshire Textile Group (ATG), which was created in 1991 as a partnership between Enterprise Ayrshire, a government funded body, and the local textile industry. This paper briefly reviews the existing literature describing the internationalisation process of firms and discusses why SMEs may consider networks as a means to developing international markets. The case study of the ATG empirically illustrates how network relationships may facilitate foreign market development by SMEs, the role of enterprise companies in this process, and the problems that SMEs are likely to face in the process. The paper concludes with a discussion of future directions of the research.
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Shopping is widely regarded as a major leisure‐time activity, but many people do not enjoy the shopping experience. Although these so‐called “apathetic shoppers” comprise a large…
Abstract
Shopping is widely regarded as a major leisure‐time activity, but many people do not enjoy the shopping experience. Although these so‐called “apathetic shoppers” comprise a large and growing segment of the population, they have attracted very little academic attention hitherto. Using an innovative research procedure ‐ personal introspection ‐ provides an in‐depth insight into the mentality and motivations of the apathetic shopper. Highlights the sheer depth of emotion engendered by the retailing encounter; notes the social, non‐shopping considerations that intrude into routine forms of consumer behaviour; and draws attention to the practical, managerial benefits that might flow from pandering to the apathetic shopper’s needs.
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Cristina Marín-Palacios, Oliver Carrero Márquez and Rhona Patricia Lohan
The social and work inclusion of people with disabilities is an important area of public action and research today. Future trends in the economy and lifestyle represent new…
Abstract
Purpose
The social and work inclusion of people with disabilities is an important area of public action and research today. Future trends in the economy and lifestyle represent new challenges for the inclusion of disabled people. This paper aims to provide a bibliometric analysis of the growing amount of research publications currently dealing with problems associated with people with disabilities in employment. The papers are analysed to gain a perspective on any changes in the field.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the analysis is conducted using a literature review and bibliometric analysis techniques in particular. The bibliographic source supporting this analysis resulted from a search of Scopus using Disability, Employment and Work as search terms, which yielded 750 publications spanning the previous nine years. VOSviewer was applied to facilitate the analysis.
Findings
The findings indicate that up until 2016, the conversation revolved around health and employment, and from 2017 onwards the research has become more focused on the employment of people with disabilities. Socioeconomic factors affecting people with disabilities appear as one of the causes impairing their inclusion, such as the different intellectual disabilities curtailing their employment and education for work.
Research limitations/implications
This analysis limited itself to only one database and open access articles. Therefore, further research is needed with a larger bibliographic base covering other aspects related to the future of disability employment.
Practical implications
This review may serve as a valuable source of information for researchers for further investigations in this area. And to aid in the development of effective policies to address existing social stereotypes.
Originality/value
This research illustrates, through the use of VOSviewer, the present studies in the area of disability and employment and sets the foundations for further research.
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Osama Meqdadi, Thomas E. Johnsen, Rhona E. Johnsen and Asta Salmi
This paper aims to investigate the impact of monitoring and mentoring strategies on sustainability diffusion within supply networks through focal companies and how suppliers…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of monitoring and mentoring strategies on sustainability diffusion within supply networks through focal companies and how suppliers engage in implementing these strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reports on three in-depth case studies conducted with focal companies and their suppliers. An interaction approach was adopted to guide the analysis of focal companies’ strategies for implementing and diffusing sustainability in supply networks.
Findings
The monitoring strategy impacts sustainability diffusion at the dyadic level, while the mentoring strategy is a prerequisite for the diffusion of sustainability at the supply network level. The findings suggest that coupling monitoring with mentoring can lead to diffusion beyond first-tier suppliers. Interaction intensity, supplier proactiveness and mindset change facilitate sustainability diffusion in supply networks.
Research limitations/implications
The authors suggest more research be conducted on specific practices within monitoring and mentoring, as some of these imply very different levels of commitment and interaction.
Practical implications
The paper suggests that in the future, companies will be increasingly called upon to adopt cooperative initiatives to enable the diffusion of sustainability in supply networks.
Originality/value
The contribution of the paper lies in its identification of the impacts of monitoring and mentoring strategies on the diffusion of sustainability in networks, revealing different supplier engagement in these strategies, which may foster or hinder sustainability diffusion.
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On 1st April, 1988, the National House‐building Council (NHBC) introduced its new improved ten‐year scheme, the ‘Build‐mark’, which gives ten years protection for new homes. The…
Abstract
On 1st April, 1988, the National House‐building Council (NHBC) introduced its new improved ten‐year scheme, the ‘Build‐mark’, which gives ten years protection for new homes. The scheme has been simplified in both language and presentation to make it more understandable for the home buyer and builder. A new procedure has been introduced to reduce the paper‐work for builders, purchasers and their respective solicitors or licensed conveyancers. Finally, the cover has been improved.
Nicky Phillips, Paul Leighton and Rhona Sargeant
This paper seeks to report upon psychiatric trainees' experience of providing psychodynamic therapy for the first time and their experience of group supervision.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to report upon psychiatric trainees' experience of providing psychodynamic therapy for the first time and their experience of group supervision.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of five trainees, undertaking training in psychodynamic therapies, were interviewed on multiple occasions over an 18‐month period – before, during, and after undertaking their first case of psychodynamic therapy. A semi‐structured, qualitative interview approach was used to explore providing psychodynamic psychotherapy and participating in psychodynamic supervision groups. Interviews were transcribed in full and data analysed following the conventions of thematic analysis.
Findings
Trainees' anxieties about working psychodynamically and their concerns for developing new competencies are recognised. Personal and professional challenges associated with this therapeutic approach are identified and the importance of ”looking after” trainees is stressed; the role of trainee supervision groups in this is advocated. The potential challenges of integrating psychodynamic thinking into general psychiatric practice are discussed and suggestions to address these difficulties are proposed.
Research limitations/implications
The small sample size reflects the total number of trainees participating in training at the time of the study; for future work, a larger sample drawn from multiple training centres would be recommended.
Originality/value
Training in psychotherapy is now mandatory for all trainee psychiatrists and this is something which many trainees find daunting; training in psychodynamic techniques is particularly challenging. A fuller awareness and understanding of trainees' experiences is important in nurturing clinicians who are competent in psychodynamic thinking, and who might consequently apply these skills clinically.