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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2016

Dennis de Kool and Victor Bekkers

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived value-relevance of open data published by the Dutch Inspectorate of Education in the parents’ choice of Dutch primary…

368

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived value-relevance of open data published by the Dutch Inspectorate of Education in the parents’ choice of Dutch primary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected through a mixed method strategy including quantitative and qualitative methods: quantitative surveys among parents of pupils in 25 primary schools; and semi-structured in-depth interviews using a topic list.

Findings

Parents make little use of the Inspectorate’s website compared to other information sources. The perceived usefulness of this website to parents choosing a primary school is also relatively low. Personal information gathered by school visits, written information from schools and information from other parents are more important sources.

Research limitations/implications

Subjective considerations, such as the atmosphere and ambience of a school, play an important role in parents’ choice behavior. Pragmatic considerations also play a role, such as a school’s nearness. This study shows that it is necessary to rethink the rational assumptions behind publishing performance data.

Practical implications

This study observed a mismatch between the demand and supply of open data about primary schools. The Inspectorate’s publication strategy is based on “hard” and “written” data presented on a website, but parents also appreciate “soft” and personal “oral” data. Parents state that the Inspectorate should not only focus on negative school results for censuring (“naming and shaming”), but also give attention to schools that perform well (“naming and faming”).

Originality/value

Research about parents’ and citizens’ use of quality information in general is scarce. These findings show that parents’ choice behavior is less rational than assumed. Relativistic notions about decision-making processes are recognized in other studies also, but they suggest that highly educated parents are over-represented in the group of parents who actively make school choices, whereas this study found no indications that parents’ educational level affects their choices.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

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Article
Publication date: 7 March 2024

Lluis Francesc Peris Cancio and Maria Alexandra Monteiro Mustafá

The purpose of this article’s research was threefold. Firstly, it aimed to investigate how social services professionals coped during the pandemic period by comparing their…

108

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article’s research was threefold. Firstly, it aimed to investigate how social services professionals coped during the pandemic period by comparing their involvement in five different national contexts. Secondly, it analysed how these professionals have performed their duties according to the street-level bureaucracy theory. Finally, the third question examines social workers' strategies to guide their professional role when they may have had more discretion in their actions. The research also examined whether discretion has increased during this phase and, if so, how it has been exercised.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on the findings of the project called “Theory and Practice of Social Work in the World in Times of Pandemic”, which was funded by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW). The project involved 11 universities across five countries in Europe and Latin America, including Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Spain and Sweden. The research was conducted over 24 months to analyse the practices and measures taken to protect vulnerable people by adapting social services during the extraordinary period of the pandemic. In addition, the research explored how the awareness of emergency arose among social workers and how it influenced the services delivered from the perspective of the street-level bureaucracy theory. In different countries, the level of resourcefulness of services has varied based on their recognition of the severity of the pandemic and the impact of the government’s narratives. In some cases, these narratives have been conspiratorial or even anti-scientific. Additionally, there has been a reduction in the distance between professionals and clients, increased inequalities in access to services and a positive reassessment of the potential of new professional tools, such as digital social work, in establishing a trusting relationship.

Findings

As revealed in the interviews, the elements shaping this high degree of discretion among social workers can be classified into three levels: macro- and micro- (Saruis, 2015) plus a meso-level. Each level has four significant aspects. At the macro-level, these are legislation, public information, large associationism and integration of the social services-health system. At the meso-level, these are interpretations of role performance by managers technical equipment, self-organization and community action. The micro-level pertains to personal and family situations, emotions, ethics and social workers' direct relationships with those in charge.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigated how social workers responded to the Covid-19 pandemic. The data gathered sheds light on their understanding of the situation, as well as the differences in experiences across the five countries studied. However, it is essential to note that the findings may not apply to all situations or countries. Nevertheless, this research serves as a stepping stone for future studies to delve deeper into the results and explore them in greater detail .

Practical implications

The study highlights the crucial role of social workers as street-level workers in managing, negotiating and creating meaning in the interaction between professionals and the people they serve. This is especially relevant in Latin America. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of social workers as policy actors and the political nature of social work practice. The findings also underscore the importance of effective communication and collaboration between social workers, their teams and the organizations they work for. The sources cited in the study are Barberis and Boccagni (2014) and Cuadra and Staaf (2014). The research has also underscored the potential of social service workers to build networks and cooperate. Such networking can play a vital role in implementing their acquired knowledge. The study has, therefore, emphasized the importance of social workers being an integral part of the societies they serve. They need to continuously enhance their communication skills, using all the necessary tools to gain a comprehensive and updated understanding of the evolving needs of their clients. Integrating digital social work as a mode of service provision has emerged as a crucial aspect, especially in the three European countries observed. This approach has demonstrated its potential and is expected to continue being a part of services to some extent, even after the return to normalcy. However, it is essential to ensure that the accessibility and proximity of services are not compromised in any way.

Social implications

An unexpected result was observed during the research: the pandemic circumstances have led to valuable reflections. These reflections can help in rethinking and recreating social services. Social workers have been given a unique opportunity to return to the essence of their profession and develop less bureaucratic and more humane ways of working. This experience has also enabled them to recover a closer relationship with the people they serve. To sum up, this study emphasizes that social workers, when given more leeway in their work, rely on cultivating and upholding relationships with other professionals, organizations and stakeholders to stay connected with the community they serve. This is crucial for ensuring the delivery of effective and sustainable social services.

Originality/value

The research employed a thematic analysis approach (Bazeley, 2007) to identify themes related to the concept of consciousness as derived from the field experiences of social workers. Additionally, an in-case and cross-case analysis method (Fereday and Muir-Cochrane, 2006) was used to connect themes related to individual experiences with those gathered from the overall experiences.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 44 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 9 October 2017

Wairimu Maina and Andre van Graan

This paper aims to illustrate relationships between stakeholders in the conceptualisation and implementation of water and sanitation services (WSS) projects in marginalised…

171

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate relationships between stakeholders in the conceptualisation and implementation of water and sanitation services (WSS) projects in marginalised settings of Nairobi and Kiambu Counties. It outlines these relationships in a flow diagram that shows a pathway analysis in which social innovation strategies are used as markers in the program of inclusive water provision. The study’s objective is to map the processes of social innovation in an effort to highlight the role of marginalised communities in their access to the right to water.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper approached the study using a case study design, and thereafter, constructivist grounded theory was used to further delve into the comparative cases. To map the processes of social innovation, the case study design was seen to be appropriate, as it sequenced activities in a time-series analysis. From these two case studies, four comparative cases were used to pinpoint path-breaking transition in the pathway analysis. The methods used in both phases were, namely, in-depth interviews, observations and document analysis, and these were complemented by field notes.

Findings

The paper indicates an opportunity to use emergent patterns for a more context-specific analysis of WSS projects in marginalised communities. It advances the role of marginalised communities as vital stakeholders in the approach described as “the right to the city”. The model of spatial appropriation brings to the fore the binary yet separate processes that stakeholders engage in.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the use of a grounded theory model, the results may not be transferable to other contexts. Therefore, further testing of the proposed pathway analysis and model is encouraged, as this model suggests ways of ensuring full community engagement which would result in greater success in projects involving marginalised communities.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for both the government and communities, in that more deliberate roles for the community-based organisation in the conceptualisation of WSS projects can lead to social learning opportunities for government institutions and greater success in implementation.

Originality/value

The paper justifies the need for government institutions to map and evaluate WSS projects using emergent patterns to highlight the role of marginalised communities as their right to the city.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

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Article
Publication date: 10 October 2016

Nele Cannaerts, Jesse Segers and Erik Henderickx

The purpose of this paper is to explore how public cultural organizations use ambidextrous design to balance exploitation and exploration given their organizational structure that…

1327

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how public cultural organizations use ambidextrous design to balance exploitation and exploration given their organizational structure that mainly stimulates exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an abductive methodology and, perform an in-depth comparative case study. The data sample consists of two Belgian public cultural centers located in the Flemish area. In all, 21 semi-structured interviews where analyzed using Nvivo.

Findings

Results show, first, that although both cases have the same formal organization chart, their informal structure differs. Second, both cases have a different point of view toward exploitation and exploration. Third, no “pure” ambidextrous designs were found. Finally, the paper formulates theoretical propositions for ambidexterity and public sector research.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this paper are threefold. First, the authors only compared two cases, so generalization of the findings is limited. Second, although the authors managed to make contributions to ambidexterity and public sector research, theory building is not finished. Finally, researchers have to improve empirical evidence focusing on which design elements lead toward ambidextrous public organizations.

Originality/value

This paper makes a threefold contribution to ambidexterity literature and public sector research. First, the focus on public sector organizations is a rarely taken approach in ambidexterity research. Second, the specific use of ambidextrous design attributes to the limited public sector research that has focused on ambidexterity. Third, the focus on small organizations with limited resources is a rarely taken focus in ambidexterity and public sector research.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 29 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

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Article
Publication date: 4 November 2014

Sri Rahayu Hijrah Hati and Aida Idris

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of extrinsic factors, namely, age, education, gender, marital status and income on customers’ intention to support Islamic…

2051

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of extrinsic factors, namely, age, education, gender, marital status and income on customers’ intention to support Islamic social enterprises via donation. The paper also assesses the influence of religiosity on support intention (SI). The impact of customers’ perceptual reaction to the credibility of social enterprises’ advertising is also measured to assess its influence on SI.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 214 completed questionnaires from online and offline surveys were analysed using several statistical analyses, including structural equation modelling, to assess the effects of the independent variables on SI.

Findings

The study found that customers’ socioeconomic status and religiosity have no significant influence on their intention to channel their donations via Islamic social enterprises. It is the social enterprises’ advertising which significantly influences their SI.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on an Islamic research context of social entrepreneurship. Thus, the results cannot be generalised directly to the non-Islamic social entrepreneurship context.

Practical implications

Findings of the study suggest that organisations should develop effective communication strategies through advertising to highlight organisational credibility as it plays an important role in shaping customers’ attitudes and intentions.

Originality/value

The study investigates the effects of marketing on customers’ SI. It also considers credibility, advertising, and the concept of branding in a context of social entrepreneurship, a concept that is still largely unexplored in the literature.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2008

Leif Hommen and Max Rolfstam

The role of public procurement as an instrument to stimulate innovation has been increasingly emphasized by European policymakers. This perspective raises demand for the…

531

Abstract

The role of public procurement as an instrument to stimulate innovation has been increasingly emphasized by European policymakers. This perspective raises demand for the understanding of public procurement as an activity taking place in a variety of different procurement contexts and as an act of innovation. Accordingly, this paper proposes a taxonomy of public procurement and innovation, combining interactive learning and evolutionary perspectives on innovation processes to account for the broad range of different ‘interaction environments’ or ‘resource interfaces’ in which government or public sector organizations may act as lead users of innovations. On this basis, the taxonomy draws practical policy implications for the design of programmes and initiatives for the public procurement of innovations.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Lylia Bahmed, Ali Boukhalfa and Mebarek Djebabra

The objective of this paper is to suggest a methodological approach of eco‐conception by presenting the eco‐conception stakes of a firm, its organisation modes with regard to this…

980

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to suggest a methodological approach of eco‐conception by presenting the eco‐conception stakes of a firm, its organisation modes with regard to this new approach and how one could insert the environmental data in the classical conception process.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an eco‐conception methodology is developed. It is about an approach integrating the concepts: quality, safety and environment (QSE). The taking into account simultaneously of these concepts, in the frame of our approach, allows us to conceive clean and durable products. The failure modes effects and criticality analysis (FMECA) was used in a case study to validate our approach.

Findings

This paper is a development of an approach with results obligation. Owing to our eco‐conception approach of products, the respect of environment is taken into consideration at the stage of product design. From regulation point of view, we put into reflection the approach with results obligation, i.e. approach by objectives of QSE.

Practical implications

A better definition of products implying functional specifications (products performance) strengthened by others of environmental type. As expected from this full definition of products, we cite the minimisation of products effects by unifying man at work (safety of person and goods), man as manager (quality, availability and reliability), as resident (safety in the vicinity of industrial sites) and as citizen (safeguarding environment).

Originality/value

Taking into account the triptych QSE at the product design stage. Our suggestion necessitates the implication of all the actors. Therefore, efforts must be concentrated on the dynamic and progressive integration of these actors. Our work is a source of information and knowledge. It is a source of information, as it allows to supply necessary data for better definition and conception of products. It is, in the same time, a source of knowledge in the sense where it presents specific methods (FMECA), that allow to put into existence the interest or rather the necessity of merger of the three concepts QSE.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

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Abstract

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 12 no. 4/5/6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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Article
Publication date: 24 May 2013

Qasim Al‐Mamari, Brian Corbitt and Victor Oyaro Gekara

Since little research has been done on e‐government initiatives in developing countries from a government perspective, this study aims to contribute towards filling this empirical…

1933

Abstract

Purpose

Since little research has been done on e‐government initiatives in developing countries from a government perspective, this study aims to contribute towards filling this empirical gap. It also comes at a time when Oman, like many other countries in the region are tackling issues related to transformation of public services and transparent government. E‐government is one of the tools in the process of transition.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretically derived and empirically confirmed framework of government motives for implementing e‐government is proposed. This study used a qualitative case study approach with semi‐structured interviews as the main tool of data collection and hermeneutics as the technique for data analysis. Empirical investigation was preceded by a content analysis of research and public official artefacts relating to motivation for engagement with e‐government in 70 developing countries. Identified motives were categorised through the lenses of institutional theory, information quality, and quality of service models and incorporated in a single framework to guide the empirical investigation while keeping it flexible to accommodate for country‐specific factors specific to Oman.

Findings

Findings suggest that Oman is motivated by driving forces similar to other developing countries. Specifically, the Government of Oman implemented e‐government projects due to international coercive, mimetic, and normative dynamics of conformance to international standards. Similarly, the government employed e‐government to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of government operations by improving public service quality and quality of information shared between different agencies. Motivating factors were, first, the compelling need to effectively respond to a specific economic crisis of anticipated depletion of oil reserves and, second, institutional dynamics inflicted by the global discourse on e‐government and knowledge‐based economy.

Practical implications

The framework proposed in this paper represents a view of e‐government objectives conceptualised in a theoretical context. It can be used to assist policy‐makers in formulating successful e‐government implementation strategies. In addition, dimensions of service quality and information quality could form a systematic basis for successful provision of electronic public services.

Originality/value

The research in e‐government lacks a clear definition and theoretical linkage of the different adoption motives from a government perspective especially during the pre‐implementation stage. The proposed framework strives to be both comprehensive and integrative, based on interrelated theoretical elements, as compared to existing frameworks which mostly focus on the end‐user adoption of e‐government services.

Details

Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6166

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 16 July 2019

Mathew Donald

Abstract

Details

Leading and Managing Change in the Age of Disruption and Artificial Intelligence
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-368-1

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