D.L. Roter, L.H. Erby, J.A. Hall, S. Larson, L. Ellington and W. Dudley
This study aims to explore the role of interactants' nonverbal sensitivity, anxiety and sociodemographic characteristics in learning and satisfaction within the genetic counseling…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the role of interactants' nonverbal sensitivity, anxiety and sociodemographic characteristics in learning and satisfaction within the genetic counseling context.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a combined simulation and analogue study. Simulations were videotaped with 152 prenatal and cancer genetic counselors and nine simulated clients. The videotapes were shown to 559 subjects recruited to act as analogue clients (ACs) with the instruction to imagine themselves as the client in the simulation. The profile of nonverbal sensitivity (PONS), a video and audio test of accuracy in the interpretation of nonverbal cues, was administered to both the genetic counselors and ACs. In addition, the ACs completed a literacy screen and post session measures of learning and session satisfaction.
Findings
The study finds that ACs' post‐session knowledge score was positively associated with both their own and the counselors' audio PONS scores. Also related to knowledge were clients' literacy, younger age and non‐minority ethnicity. Ratings of session satisfaction were inversely related to ACs' and counselors' video PONS scores and ACs' literacy and anxiety.
Research limitations/implications
While based on the performance of a large number of practicing genetic counselors, simulated and analogue clients are used to explore study questions.
Practical implications
The nonverbal sensitivity of both providers and ACs plays a role in medical communication and its cognitive and affective consequences. These findings warrant greater attention to nonverbal dynamics in future research and interventions.
Originality/value
No similar studies have investigated the role of nonverbal sensitivity in predicting learning and satisfaction for users of health care services.
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M. Monshipouri and R. Motameni
To investigate the dynamics of the Europe ‘92 project, we have applied Johan Arndt's Political Economy Paradigm, four dimension of which are: external, internal, polity, and…
Abstract
To investigate the dynamics of the Europe ‘92 project, we have applied Johan Arndt's Political Economy Paradigm, four dimension of which are: external, internal, polity, and economy. These will provide us with an extensive domain of interactive and interrelated components. Our analysis of the so‐called Internal Market supports the notion that Europe '92 will be a new actor, on the global scene. This will have far‐reaching and pronounced effects on the political dynamics of the new global security system characteristics of the post‐hegemonic multipolar structures. Our arguments suggest that the long term implications of Europe '92 may well indicate cross‐border interactions among states of the magnitude that can and should integrate the U.S. and Japanese economies. Furthermore, no hegemonic power is certain to emerge from such a complex international political economy, for in a not too distant future all nations will likely have developed interests in some type of cooperation. The logical progression of this trajectory points to further predictability in and global stability for the interstate relations.
Ironic, isn’t it? Ask the average pub‐goer what he or she thinks of the brewery and its beer, and the answer will probably last until closing time. But when Wolverhampton and…
Abstract
Ironic, isn’t it? Ask the average pub‐goer what he or she thinks of the brewery and its beer, and the answer will probably last until closing time. But when Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries (W&DB) consulted its employees about working conditions, and the brewery in general, fewer than 40 percent bothered to respond at all.
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The aim of the paper is to highlight the award‐winning turn‐around achieved by human resource (HR) managers at Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries following a spate of merger and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the paper is to highlight the award‐winning turn‐around achieved by human resource (HR) managers at Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries following a spate of merger and bid activity.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on the comments of the company's group HR director, who was himself a member of the senior steering group that was set up to plan and oversee the acquisition processes.
Findings
The paper describes how the company “turned around” the prevailing view among employees that it was traditional, hierarchical and remote, and ended the “winner/loser” mentality among workers, while still achieving reductions in employee numbers and evening out differences in terms and conditions of employment.
Practical implications
The paper shows that real change in organizational culture can be achieved over a fairly short period of time, if HR matters are handled sensitively and lessons are learned at the appropriate times. It highlights the successes that can result from real HR input into company strategy.
Originality/value
The paper reveals, through “before and after” employee attitude surveys, that real improvements in employee satisfaction, commitment and motivation were achieved.
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Geoff Pugh, David Tyrrall and John Wyld
Both the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) argue that barriers to market access in the UK brewing industry disadvantage small brewers…
Abstract
Both the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) argue that barriers to market access in the UK brewing industry disadvantage small brewers. They have been actively campaigning for a number of years for a tax concession (progressive beer duty or PBD) to alleviate the situation of small brewers. This paper argues that the disadvantages faced by small brewers are due to a complex monopsony in the beer industry, where the power of the distribution segment of the value chain is paramount. It outlines a model of the structure of the UK beer industry, and undertakes two types of empirical analysis to test the potential impact of PBD on the small brewery sector. The paper finds that control over distribution is the key to profitability and survival in the beer industry, and that small brewers with such control are most likely to benefit from PBD. The findings, however, also have relevance to the position of any small business facing a powerful distribution segment. Finally, for the issue of policy development, the paper indicates that the potential outcomes of a policy change may not be entirely those intended.
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This chapter focuses on examining how changes in the liquidity differential between nominal and TIPS yields influence optimal portfolio allocations in U.S. Treasury securities…
Abstract
This chapter focuses on examining how changes in the liquidity differential between nominal and TIPS yields influence optimal portfolio allocations in U.S. Treasury securities. Based on a nonparametric estimation technique and comparing the optimal allocation decisions of mean-variance and CRRA investor, when investment opportunities are time varying, I present evidence that liquidity risk premium is a significant risk-factor in a portfolio allocation context. In fact, I find that a conditional allocation strategy translates into improved in-sample and out-of-sample asset allocation and performance. The analysis of the portfolio allocation to U.S. government bonds is particularly important for central banks, specially in developing countries, given the fact that, collectively they have accumulate a large holdings of U.S. securities over the last 15 years.
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AS J. L. Hobbs shows so clearly in his recent book, the interest in local history is growing enormously at present. The universities, training colleges and schools, as well as the…
Abstract
AS J. L. Hobbs shows so clearly in his recent book, the interest in local history is growing enormously at present. The universities, training colleges and schools, as well as the institutions of further education, are all making more use of local studies—geographical, economic, social and historical—in their regular courses, in their advanced work, and in their publications.
Julita Haber, Jeffrey M. Pollack and Ronald H. Humphrey
This chapter introduces the concept of “competency labor” and illustrates its important role in organizational life for both researchers and practitioners. In the contemporary…
Abstract
This chapter introduces the concept of “competency labor” and illustrates its important role in organizational life for both researchers and practitioners. In the contemporary workplace environment individuals face increasing expectations of competence. However, demonstrating competence is no simple task – rather, to demonstrate competence requires a concerted effort in terms of individuals’ affect, cognition, and behavior. Accordingly, new models are needed that can explain these emergent processes. The present work integrates the literatures related to emotional labor and impression management, and builds a theory-based framework for investigating the processes (affective, cognitive, and behavioral) of making desired impressions of competency at work and how these processes impact critical individual and organizational outcomes. Our conceptual model proposes how growing demands in the workplace for individuals to display competence affect how they think, feel, as well as act. In sum, our work advocates that a new research stream is needed to better understand the “competency labor” phenomenon and its theoretical as well as practical implications.
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Vincent Onyemah, Jay P. Mulki and Martha Rivera-Pesquera
A significant amount of research has shown that drivers of employee attitudes, and behaviors leading to outcome variables such as turnover intentions, are strongly influenced by…
Abstract
Purpose
A significant amount of research has shown that drivers of employee attitudes, and behaviors leading to outcome variables such as turnover intentions, are strongly influenced by national culture. This study focuses on the difference in relationships among some critical variables between two emerging economies with similar cultural indices.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey questionnaire was used to collect responses from salespeople in two countries. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were used to provide support for the stated hypotheses.
Findings
Results indicate that Mexican and Indian salespeople differ in how their level of trust in supervisor, regulation of emotion, interpersonal conflict and felt stress related to drive turnover intention. Findings also confirm a strong positive relationship between felt stress and turnover intention.
Research limitations/implications
This study is based on survey responses and should be interpreted with the associated limitations of method bias. The hypothesized model of relationships among constructs was based on theory and prior research, but researchers understand that there could be other statistically equivalent models with equal fit. Moreover, stress can result from numerous other combinations of variables in addition to those used in this model. The relationships among constructs as presented could also be due to the absence of other key variables. This study looked at turnover intentions from an employee perspective using responses made when economic conditions worldwide were robust. This is not the case today because of the global pandemic. Economic conditions wield substantial influence on employee responses as well as on turnover intentions. In addition, economic downturn lowers turnover potential and heightens stress level.
Practical implications
Findings confirm a strong positive relationship between felt stress and turnover intention. Efforts to keep stress within a productive range should be encouraged, because while the direct costs of turnover can be substantial, indirect costs may be even greater. For example, when salespeople leave an organization, the customer relationships they formed and developed may be at risk, exposing their companies to potential reduction in revenue. Sales organizations that pay inadequate attention to high turnover rate among their salespeople become susceptible to a phenomenon Dudley and Goodson (1988) identified as “low sales recruiting ceiling syndrome.”
Social implications
Most of the current studies results from developing countries have been compared to those from developed countries where the theories and seminal research originated. The outcome of the authors' research lends yet another argument in favor of more comparative studies on East versus East or developing economies versus developing economies. Such effort could further delineate the applicability of “foreign” theories and inform the development of “local” theories for richer insight on local management practice. The current drive to inject diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace should be reflected in the development of theory and the conduct of research. No one country or individual or group of individuals can claim ownership of theory development and standards for assessing theories originating elsewhere. Diversity, equity and inclusion have a place in academic research and should be encouraged. Second, the results obtained in this paper offer a cautionary note against over-generalization. Just as small details matter in life, likewise, small differences in variables that explain a phenomenon can make a big difference. Third, the findings confirm a strong positive relationship between felt stress and turnover intention. This is true for the two countries examined in this research.
Originality/value
This study seeks to understand why potential drivers of turnover intention might manifest differently in countries that have a similar cultural outlook. The current research leverages the contingency theory and zeroed in on turnover intention. In addition, two additional cultural dimensions (long-term orientation and uncertainty avoidance) were incorporated, and the model was tested using salespeople (rather than plant workers).