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1 – 10 of 11Megha Gupta, Sunaina Kuknor and Kusum Sharma
This paper aims to explore the factors that contribute to inclusive leadership (IL) through the lens of leaders and further segregate these factors into four levels to highlight…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the factors that contribute to inclusive leadership (IL) through the lens of leaders and further segregate these factors into four levels to highlight the attributes required at each level in an inclusive leader’s growth journey.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a qualitative research method comprising 31 in-depth interviews with managers across various domains to comprehend their views on traits of an inclusive leader.
Findings
This paper provides valuable insights into the vital characteristics of an inclusive leader. The study demonstrates that an inclusive leader’s journey moves from tolerance to acceptance, value, and finally celebration. Leaders need to continuously work on their awareness, efforts, accommodation, openness and cultural intelligence to become truly inclusive. Leaders who appreciate diversity and embrace inclusion create a workplace that impacts employees positively and subsequently influences engagement, performance and productivity of the workforce.
Practical implications
This study will promote awareness and understanding amongst practitioners about critical attributes of inclusive leaders and how organizations can facilitate leaders’ journey in becoming truly inclusive leaders.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to explore the conceptualization of IL through various levels of inclusion (tolerance, acceptance, value and celebration) leading to maturity and growth as an inclusive leader.
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Shrikant Prabhakar Wavre and Sunaina Kuknor
This study focuses on the identification of key attributes to measure participant engagement in an online training program (OTP) to improve training effectiveness through active…
Abstract
Purpose
This study focuses on the identification of key attributes to measure participant engagement in an online training program (OTP) to improve training effectiveness through active and positive learning engagement with learners learning ownership.
Design/methodology/approach
As a qualitative study, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with corporate and L&D (learning and development) experts from multinational companies operating in India. The interviews were transcribed, and the data was analyzed using content analysis. One focused group discussion was conducted for validity.
Findings
The study found six factors for developing the participant engagement index (EI) namely, 1. Quality of questions, 2. Attention to details, 3. Quality of output during training activities, 4. Connecting to practical examples, 5. Professional approach (adhering to guidelines), 6. Team dynamics. Each identified attribute pertaining to these factors was further validated into cognitive, behavioral, and emotional engagement components forming a part of the EI.
Practical implications
This study provides insights for HRD managers, functional managers, L&D experts, and participants to leverage engagement measurement attributes for collaborative learning in OTP for effective learner ownership and learning outcomes. Further, this study will assist trainers to focus and prioritize their efforts to increase participant involvement and engagement in OTP.
Originality/value
It contributes to the growing field of virtual training for enhancing learning engagement, learning enhancement, and learner accountability. The author's contribution to this study is to evaluate the key attributes of the participant’s EI for meeting training goals, which is unique to the study
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Sunaina Kuknor and V.V. Ravi Kumar
Transformation and involvement from every organizational function are essential in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The paper explores the role of training and…
Abstract
Purpose
Transformation and involvement from every organizational function are essential in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The paper explores the role of training and development (T&D) interventions in building a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the review of existing research studies, the authors report and discuss how T&D function supports fostering a diversity and inclusion (D&I) mindset in the workplace and propose an organizational schema that facilitates the systematic design and implementation of T&D interventions for D&I.
Findings
Based on the literature an organizational schema was developed which indicated that to foster a D&I mindset in the workplace, it is important that diversity training is designed after considering established diversity theories. Further diversity training can be conducted in two phases, where phase 1 would focus on awareness training and phase 2 on skill training. This would lead to an increase in employee competency development including knowledge, skills, behavior, and a positive attitude toward a D&I mindset.
Practical implications
HR and training managers can benefit from the paper indicating that for achieving effective results from diversity training, it must draw insights from established diversity theories. Through the organizational schema discussed in the paper, organizations can minimize the negative attitude and behavior that emerge from social categorization with the help of systematic T&D where employees are made self-aware of their prejudice and discrimination and further equipped with relevant skills to manage diversity.
Social implications
A positive mindset incorporated by employees at a workplace with reference to Diversity & Inclusion through structured D& I training can percolate beneficially to the society as a whole.
Originality/value
The study is a rare one that explores the impact of T&D on D&I. The novelty of the research lies in the organizational schema presented in the study exploring how HR practitioners must systematically design T&D for D&I combining both theory and practice to achieve long-term organizational diversity management objectives.
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Akriti Chaubey and Sunaina Kuknor
This paper aims to examine the barriers that act as a hindrance and are the reason behind the struggles for the successful practice of diversity and inclusion. It also provides…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the barriers that act as a hindrance and are the reason behind the struggles for the successful practice of diversity and inclusion. It also provides suggestions that organisations across the Asian region can adopt to have a conducive work environment to flourish diversity and inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data were collected from 21 in-depth semi-structured interviews, where the male and female interviewee ratio was 6:4. The interviewees were diversity and inclusion leaders, diversity and inclusion consultants and human resources (HR) experts from Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, UAE, Singapore, Bangladesh and Nepal. The interviewees belonged to varied industries, including information technology, automobile, manufacturing, engineering, logistics and independent consultants. Every interview recorded was transcribed, and an inductive content analysis technique was used using NVivo. Broad themes and several antecedents were identified which hinder the successful practice of diversity and inclusion.
Findings
There exists a patriarchal mindset in society as the main reason; that is why Asian countries are finding it difficult and are struggling to embrace diversity and inclusion successfully. There is a lack of awareness amongst managers about how inclusive gender diversity impacts the company’s financial status. Reports show that companies that have female board members have better profit margins in comparison to those that do not.
Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted within one industry setting, the service sector; therefore, the findings may not apply to other industries because of the different organisational cultures and HR policies.
Practical implications
This study offers managerial implications that can help the organisation foster and embrace diversity and inclusion by overcoming the barriers.
Social implications
There should be fair and equitable inclusivity of females in the workplace. Female employees should be heard without biases and discrimination and allowed to speak up with equity. Females should not be seen differently during organisational decision-making, participation and empowerment.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few to explore the challenges faced by Asian region organisations to embrace diversity and inclusion by empirical evidence. The study shows how the Asian region struggles to go beyond gender diversity and move away from patriarchal hegemony, which is the study’s unique contribution.
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Sunaina Kuknor and Shubhasheesh Bhattacharya
This paper aims to explore how practitioners and policymakers of inclusion perceive inclusion at workplace and define the role and behavior of leaders in fostering inclusion and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how practitioners and policymakers of inclusion perceive inclusion at workplace and define the role and behavior of leaders in fostering inclusion and struggles associated with acceptance and implementation of inclusion initiatives at the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews were taken from diversity and inclusion leads, inclusion consultants and human resources experts. Each interview was transcribed and a technique of inductive content analysis was used. Broad themes and several new items emerged that define organizational inclusion and inclusive leadership.
Findings
The paper provides insights on how inclusion is perceived differently by each individual and even though organizations have policies in place, getting them into practice is yet to be accomplished. The paper finds key leadership behaviors to be practiced to foster and sustain inclusion in the workplace. Struggles and outcomes of inclusion are also discussed in the paper.
Practical implications
The study will facilitate creating awareness in practitioners and academicians who think inclusion is mostly concerned with disabled learners, which is misleading. The paper will help the concerned stakeholders to formulate inclusion policies to encourage healthy employee relations and better the organizational outcomes.
Originality/value
India is known to have a rich diverse culture. The paper explores with empirical evidence how this diversity can be leveraged through inclusion to benefit the organization. It adds to the existing body of knowledge on how inclusion and role of a leader are experienced by the employer and employee in Indian companies which is a niche area of research.
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Shrikant Prabhakar Wavre, Sunaina Chetan Kuknor, Pooja Dhaktod and Sasmit Khokale
The aim of this study is to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DEI) culture by using individuals’ learning engagement (ILE) as a catalyst with formal and informal…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DEI) culture by using individuals’ learning engagement (ILE) as a catalyst with formal and informal learning engagement interventions for sustainable learning and performance.
Design/methodology/approach
As part of a transdisciplinary study (DEI and learning), a mixed method was used. The data from 16 semi-structured interviews (SSI) with corporate professionals was analysed to create the ILE framework for enhancing DEI culture. A focus group discussion and experimentation were used for validation as triangulation.
Findings
The suggested ILE framework had a considerable impact on DEI. Findings revealed a positive, statistically significant association between ILE and DEI cultural enhancement describing how participants' ILE experiences impacted their DEI perspectives, demonstrating compelling evidence of DEI culture enhancement.
Practical implications
This study proposes a sustainable learning approach for a multi-cultural workforce by using the ILE framework for business, HR, DEI and L&D experts to enhance DEI culture.
Originality/value
The study contributes to DEI and learning engagement domains with a framework for integrating all three elements of DEI by using impactful ILE interventions.
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Sunaina Chetan Kuknor and Shubhasheesh Bhattacharya
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between inclusive leadership (IL) and organizational inclusion (OI) in literature and explores the contribution of IL and OI in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the relationship between inclusive leadership (IL) and organizational inclusion (OI) in literature and explores the contribution of IL and OI in human resources development (HRD).
Design/methodology/approach
The systematic literature review was undertaken from peer-reviewed journals. In total, 68 articles were critically analyzed to be included in the review highlighting the relationship between IL and OI.
Findings
The paper provides insights into leader behaviors that foster IL and how it differs from other styles of leadership. The paper also proposes a theoretical model to show the relationship between IL and OI.
Practical implications
The study will facilitate creating awareness in practitioners and academicians who think inclusion is mostly concerned with disabled learners, which is misleading. The paper will help the concerned stakeholders to formulate HRD practices to foster an inclusive culture at work.
Originality/value
The paper explores an area less researched and is among the few review papers investigating through the relationship between IL and OI and how they impact HRD practices in an organizational set-up.
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Aradhana Gandhi and Sunaina Kuknor
The study aimed to capture student experience during virtual internships by identifying the facilitators and barriers during their experiential learning journey. The students were…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to capture student experience during virtual internships by identifying the facilitators and barriers during their experiential learning journey. The students were pursuing their Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program at a business school in India. The authors shed light on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the current education system, specifically experiential learning through virtual internships.
Design/methodology/approach
About 38 Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from July to September 2022 with the students of a business school located in Pune, India. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to generate new themes for ascertaining the facilitators and barriers to virtual internships. Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis was undertaken to analyze the lived experiences of the respondents.
Findings
Students viewed virtual internships positively in terms of mentor support, active learning, flexibility, and an easy onboarding process. Poor work-life balance, lack of peer learning and infrastructure issues were some of the barriers/challenges faced by the students.
Practical implications
The study discusses various managerial and administrative implications. The findings help educationists design effective pedagogy by drawing insights from constructivist learning theory, where students' active role during virtual internships must be given primary attention. Corrective measures in the pedagogy can be taken while designing a virtual internship, considering the barriers found in this study.
Originality/value
The themes identified in the study are a novel contribution to the growing body of knowledge on virtual experiential learning. The study empirically captures student experience regarding a relatively new phenomenon of virtual internships, which is the uniqueness of this paper.
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Arpan Upadhyaya and Sunaina Kuknor
The paper examines the succession management strategies and the preparation level of heirs in the context of family-owned educational institutions in Nepal.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper examines the succession management strategies and the preparation level of heirs in the context of family-owned educational institutions in Nepal.
Design/methodology/approach
Sixteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the institution's leader were conducted. Each interview was transcribed using content analysis. Several themes and new items emerged that define the institutional strategies in succession management.
Findings
The paper provides insight into the challenges of implementing effective succession management strategies. The identified themes are traits, processes, challenging aspects and effective plans. The study's findings show the lack of awareness about the importance of succession planning among the institution owners due to the availability of limited resources. The paper also provides some insights into how family ownership and management are done and the lack of formal processes in succession management strategies.
Practical implications
This paper offers readers the chance to think about succession planning strategies. Also, it adds value in their critical analysis of the succession plan. The study advised the learners to consider additional elements that can impact succession planning, such as experience, educational requirements and their desire to work. It will aid researchers in considering the societal perspective of the successor, which is also a significant worry.
Originality/value
It focuses on a specific context, private schools in Nepal, and examines the challenges they face in implementing succession management strategies. The paper tries to identify the approach that may reveal potential solutions that have not been considered. The paper aims to clearly articulate the unique contributions of the study and explain how it advances the existing literature on succession management.
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Shailesh Rastogi, Vikas Tripathi and Sunaina Kuknor
The paper aims to explore the informational role of futures volume in the simultaneous relationship between option volume and spot volatility to forecast the volatility of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore the informational role of futures volume in the simultaneous relationship between option volume and spot volatility to forecast the volatility of the underlying asset.
Design/methodology/approach
The generalized method of moments is used to estimate the simultaneous equations of endogeneity between spot volatility and option volume. Futures volume is specified as an exogenous variable in both legs of the estimation of simultaneous equations. However, the future volume is also tested as a dependent variable to prove preference for investment by informed investors in futures along with options.
Findings
The result indicates that futures volume has a significant association with the bi-directional simultaneous equation estimation between spot volatility and option volume. Moreover, the result of this paper proves that informed investors also prefer futures markets over the spot market. However, there is no change observed in the relationship between option volume and spot volatility due to either call or put options or moneyness.
Originality/value
The possible role of futures volume in the simultaneous equations between spot volatility and option volume has not yet been researched. This paper pioneers in demonstrating that futures volume is an exogenous variable in the simultaneous equation modeling between spot volatility and option volume. Moreover, in the contemporaneous as well as predictive relationships between spot volatility and option volume, futures volume as an exogenous variable is significant in forecasting spot volatility. In addition to this, the current paper uniquely provides evidence of investment in futures also over the spot market by informed investors.
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