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1 – 10 of 25Emmanuel Osafo and Robert M. Yawson
This paper aims to identify ways by which the core functions of human resource development HRD can be used to enhance the university–community partnership (UCP) in lieu of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify ways by which the core functions of human resource development HRD can be used to enhance the university–community partnership (UCP) in lieu of the “town and gown” era. Furthermore, the paper addresses the need to extend HRD activities beyond the organization and leverage HRD to spearhead the community-development agenda through coalition building between organizations, local universities and the community.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature on UCP is reviewed and analyzed, and the need to extend HRD focus beyond the organization to include community development through coalition building is discussed. A single-case descriptive analysis to illustrate the critical role of human resource and leadership development in UCP is done.
Findings
HRD’s interest in the UCP drive is negligible. UCP presents a new frontier for HRD research and practice because there is both public and private funding that can be assessed through the right contacts and networks.
Originality/value
The need for UCP has been a subject of discussion among scholars for time immemorial. However, the collapse of the “town and gown” era has inspired greater interest in UCP. HRD scholars and practitioners can leverage the expertise in applying andragogy principles, the focus on the adult learner and community leadership development to play a crucial in the UCP drive.
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Hammadallah Al-Husban and Robert M. Yawson
This study investigates the impact of organizational ambidexterity on employee performance within Jordanian clearance companies, focusing on the mediating role of organizational…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the impact of organizational ambidexterity on employee performance within Jordanian clearance companies, focusing on the mediating role of organizational learning. This research aims to explore how the dimensions of exploration and exploitation influence performance outcomes, including effectiveness and growth.
Design/methodology/approach
Using analytical descriptive research, this study uses SMART-PLS 4 for hypothesis testing and mediation analysis. A meticulously developed questionnaire, grounded in scholarly literature and vetted by experts, was distributed to 230 employees across the Jordanian clearance industry, achieving a 91.3% response rate.
Findings
This study found that companies do better when they effectively explore and exploit, especially if they also focus on learning and adapting. This insight is particularly useful for those in the human resource development and management fields who aim to boost employee performance and, ultimately, the success of their organizations. The findings reveal a significant indirect effect of organizational ambidexterity on performance through organizational learning. Ambidexterity explained 55.6% of the variance in organizational learning, and subsequently, organizational learning accounted for 47.4% of performance variance. The total performance variance was 81.8%, indicating a strong relationship between the constructs.
Research limitations/implications
This study’s scope is limited to the Jordanian clearance industry, suggesting the need for further research across different contexts and industries. The reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias, warranting future use of mixed methods for a more comprehensive understanding.
Practical implications
The findings underscore the importance of fostering organizational learning as a mediator between ambidexterity and performance. Companies should invest in strategies that enhance both exploratory and exploitative activities, leveraging organizational learning to improve performance outcomes.
Social implications
By highlighting the role of organizational learning in mediating the relationship between ambidexterity and performance, this research suggests pathways for businesses to contribute to economic growth and employee development within the Jordanian context and potentially beyond.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the field by examining the underexplored context of the Jordanian customs clearance industry and using a robust methodological framework to assess the relationship between organizational ambidexterity, learning and performance. It provides empirical evidence supporting the significant impact of balanced competency configurations on performance outcomes.
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Amy Paros, Michael Taylor and Robert M. Yawson
The purpose of this paper is to provide an experiential learning exercise that develops student understanding of social networks within organizations. Understanding these networks…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an experiential learning exercise that develops student understanding of social networks within organizations. Understanding these networks can foster complete access to information and inclusive decision-making that translates into career success.
Design/methodology/approach
This experiential learning classroom exercise supports all student learning styles using a puzzle to teach students to apply social network theory toward real-world decision-making. This exercise is best used in small and medium-sized classrooms with ideally 15–40 students. This simulation could be used during 50 up through 120-min class sessions.
Findings
The game-like environment created by this exercise helps extend real-world understanding that may traditionally be lost with a lecture. Components within this simulation provide balanced consideration for many different learning styles. This exercise has been used successfully within a graduate-level leadership and decision-making course in at least ten sessions over 5 years.
Practical implications
This is a real-time theory to practice application exercise where an experiential activity is deployed for students to understand the practical implications and application of a theoretical concept.
Social implications
Organizations have internal social networks connecting employees. These connections are how information is dispersed and knowledge is shared. When these networks are understood and effectively used, it can result in more comprehensive problem-solving, valuable collaboration and the maximization of subject matter expertise within the organization.
Originality/value
This is a “how-to” teaching and pedagogical exercise. It is original with the benefit of its flexibility and adaptability in the classroom.
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Emmanuel Osafo and Robert Mayfield Yawson
The purpose of this study is to present a conceptual framework to guide the design, development, implementation and evaluation of education and human resource development (HRD…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to present a conceptual framework to guide the design, development, implementation and evaluation of education and human resource development (HRD) efforts in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on the concept of a tempered radical approach to provide a framework for a critical HRD (CHRD) and explore ways by which this view can contribute to developing HR who possess the requisite tools and character to function efficiently in the 21st century and beyond. This paper followed a multidisciplinary integrated literature review approach. This paper also reviewed relevant models and theories that align with the goals of this research to provide a broader view of the problems with HRD in Ghana and to help develop a framework that seeks to provide a sustainable guide for those involved in HRD activities in Ghana.
Findings
A positive outcome from the synergistic alignment between modern science and indigenous ecological knowledge moderated by the principles of CHRD will result in economic growth and development. HRD’s contribution to economic growth and development and its consequential benefit to the actors will depend on how best CHRD goals are accomplished.
Practical implications
The mediating role of the tempered radicalism will help modify the swiftness with which education and HRD programs are executed in Ghana.
Originality/value
This paper presented the tempered radicalism approach as the quintessential model for education and HRD initiatives in Ghana. The application of tempered radicalism in HRD literature is novel.
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Claretha Hughes, Lionel Robert, Kristin Frady and Adam Arroyos