an article by Maryam Dilmaghani and Vurain Tabvuma (Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Canada) published in Gender in Management Volume 34 Issue 5 (2019)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare the gender gaps in work–life balance satisfaction across occupations. Due to data limitations, the studies of work–life balance satisfaction have generally relied on researcher collected data. As a result, large-scale studies encompassing all occupations in the same social and policy context are rare. In several cycles of the Canadian General Social Survey, the respondents are directly asked about their work–life balance (WLB) satisfaction. The present paper takes advantage of this unique opportunity to compare the gender gap in WLB satisfaction across occupations in Canada.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper pools four cross-sectional datasets (N = 37,335). Multivariate regression analysis is used.
Findings
Women in management and education are found to have a lower WLB satisfaction than their male counterparts. Conversely, and rather surprisingly, a WLB satisfaction advantage is found for women in transport over males in this occupation. Further investigation shows that the female WLB advantage in transport is driven by the relatively low WLB satisfaction of males in this occupation, while the opposite is true for education.
Social implications
The findings are discussed in light of the WLB policies and their increasing gender-blindness.
Originality/value
This paper is the first large-scale study which compares the gender gap in WLB satisfaction across occupations, in a given policy context.
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Monday, 12 August 2019
Friday, 18 January 2019
Shifting Societal Attitudes: Examining the Effects of Perspective Taking on Attitudes toward and Derogation of the Poor
an article by Jessica Louise Wiese (St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada) and Colleen Loomis and Terry Mitchell (Balsillie School of International Affairs, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) published in Journal of Poverty Volume 23 Issue 1 (2019)
Abstract
People tend to hold negative attitudes about and derogate those in poverty to varying degrees, often relying on individualistic explanations of poverty that largely ignore systemic sources.
This study (N = 208) examined a perspective-taking strategy that could be used to reduce distancing behaviors and negative attitudes toward the poor. Perspective takers distanced less and reported fewer negative attitudes than others.
An additional finding was that men (n = 57) were more likely to derogate/distance than women, showed greater agreement with personal deficiency explanations for poverty, and reported stronger stereotypic attitudes toward people who are impoverished.
Abstract
People tend to hold negative attitudes about and derogate those in poverty to varying degrees, often relying on individualistic explanations of poverty that largely ignore systemic sources.
This study (N = 208) examined a perspective-taking strategy that could be used to reduce distancing behaviors and negative attitudes toward the poor. Perspective takers distanced less and reported fewer negative attitudes than others.
An additional finding was that men (n = 57) were more likely to derogate/distance than women, showed greater agreement with personal deficiency explanations for poverty, and reported stronger stereotypic attitudes toward people who are impoverished.
Thursday, 12 July 2018
Exploring student satisfaction and future employment intentions: A case study examination: is there a link between satisfaction and getting a job?
an article by Melissa James and Dongkoo Yun (University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada) published in Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning Volume 8 Issue 2 (2018)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that affect higher education student satisfaction and to understand students’ perceptions of their academic success and future employment expectations at a particular institution.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes institutional performance related to students’ satisfaction and their preparedness for future employment endeavours. The questionnaire is designed specifically for students who are eligible to graduate, and the survey is implemented over the institutional website via the student portal and a total of 750°-seeking undergraduate students (target population) are invited to participate.
Findings
The descriptive results of this study suggest that while student satisfaction may be relatively similar for all academic programmes, there are differences in the perception of career expectations based on chosen academic programme. Most notably, the results also indicate students’ expectations for employment did not have a negative effect on their satisfaction with the higher education institution (HEI). In contrast, they were mostly satisfied with their academic and personal development. In essence, they felt prepared for the workplace and satisfied with the skills and knowledge developed at a university, regardless of job expectations. This paper suggests that institutions may wish to heighten their focus on academic factors in their efforts to retain students and improve their student academic experience.
Originality/value
This study is conducted at a small-sized (less than 5,000 students) higher institution in Canada that primarily provides undergraduate courses and focusses on students’ employment expectations and their rating of the academic experiences. This study can assist HEIs in developing policies related to student retention and success. HEIs may find this study useful in developing policies and programmes related to transitioning from undergraduate studies to the workplace.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that affect higher education student satisfaction and to understand students’ perceptions of their academic success and future employment expectations at a particular institution.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes institutional performance related to students’ satisfaction and their preparedness for future employment endeavours. The questionnaire is designed specifically for students who are eligible to graduate, and the survey is implemented over the institutional website via the student portal and a total of 750°-seeking undergraduate students (target population) are invited to participate.
Findings
The descriptive results of this study suggest that while student satisfaction may be relatively similar for all academic programmes, there are differences in the perception of career expectations based on chosen academic programme. Most notably, the results also indicate students’ expectations for employment did not have a negative effect on their satisfaction with the higher education institution (HEI). In contrast, they were mostly satisfied with their academic and personal development. In essence, they felt prepared for the workplace and satisfied with the skills and knowledge developed at a university, regardless of job expectations. This paper suggests that institutions may wish to heighten their focus on academic factors in their efforts to retain students and improve their student academic experience.
Originality/value
This study is conducted at a small-sized (less than 5,000 students) higher institution in Canada that primarily provides undergraduate courses and focusses on students’ employment expectations and their rating of the academic experiences. This study can assist HEIs in developing policies related to student retention and success. HEIs may find this study useful in developing policies and programmes related to transitioning from undergraduate studies to the workplace.
Friday, 7 June 2013
Disability Accommodation in Nonstandard and Precarious Employment Arrangements
an article Kim M. Shuey and Emily Jovic (University of Western Ontario, London, Canada) Work and Occupations Volume 40 Number 2 (May 2013)
Abstract
This study, based on data from a large nationally representative sample of Canadian workers with disabilities, examines the relationship between employment arrangements and the accommodation of disability in the workplace.
We address whether workers with disabilities in nonstandard arrangements are more likely to have unmet accommodation needs and if other key dimensions of precarious employment mediate the relationship between nonstandard work and accommodation.
Results from multivariate models suggest that despite disability legislation, practices of workplace disability accommodation parallel the unequal distribution of other labor market protections, with workers in more precarious arrangements (i.e. those in non-permanent, low-wage, and nonunion jobs) at greater risk of having unmet needs.
Abstract
This study, based on data from a large nationally representative sample of Canadian workers with disabilities, examines the relationship between employment arrangements and the accommodation of disability in the workplace.
We address whether workers with disabilities in nonstandard arrangements are more likely to have unmet accommodation needs and if other key dimensions of precarious employment mediate the relationship between nonstandard work and accommodation.
Results from multivariate models suggest that despite disability legislation, practices of workplace disability accommodation parallel the unequal distribution of other labor market protections, with workers in more precarious arrangements (i.e. those in non-permanent, low-wage, and nonunion jobs) at greater risk of having unmet needs.
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Design in a downturn? Creative work, labour market dynamics and institutions...
an article by Tara Vinodrai (University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada) published in Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society Volume 6 Number 1 (2013)
Abstract
This article examines how creative workers are adapting to the global economic downturn and how this process is unfolding in different national and regional institutional spaces.
The article draws upon a comparative study of design work in two urban settings in advanced capitalist economies (Toronto, Canada and Copenhagen, Denmark) to explore this question.
It demonstrates that the strategies taken by creative workers to respond to changing economic conditions are actively shaped and constrained by their geographic and institutional contexts.
The article underscores that the existing national and regional institutions provide the foundation for the future possibilities, welfare and prosperity of creative workers.
JEL classification: O18, P5, R23, Z10
Abstract
This article examines how creative workers are adapting to the global economic downturn and how this process is unfolding in different national and regional institutional spaces.
The article draws upon a comparative study of design work in two urban settings in advanced capitalist economies (Toronto, Canada and Copenhagen, Denmark) to explore this question.
It demonstrates that the strategies taken by creative workers to respond to changing economic conditions are actively shaped and constrained by their geographic and institutional contexts.
The article underscores that the existing national and regional institutions provide the foundation for the future possibilities, welfare and prosperity of creative workers.
JEL classification: O18, P5, R23, Z10
Friday, 28 December 2012
Work, narrative identity and social affiliation
an article by Karen Foster (Saint Mary’s University, Canada) published in Work Employment & Society Volume 26 Number 6 (December 2012)
Abstract
Sociologists of work have been drawn into a conversation over work’s significance as a source of identity and social affiliation – ‘needs’ which, according to late modern theorists, are increasingly fulfilled in multiple other realms.
This article enters this exchange by foregrounding the epistemological puzzle of how we can ‘know’ identity and social affiliation in narratives. As a provisional solution, Jenkins’s concepts of identification and categorisation are brought into contact with Marks and Thompson’s emphasis on interests and identities and operationalised through Somers’ concepts of narrative identity, employment and categorisation in an analysis of qualitative interviews with 52 working people and former workers in Canada.
Abstract
Sociologists of work have been drawn into a conversation over work’s significance as a source of identity and social affiliation – ‘needs’ which, according to late modern theorists, are increasingly fulfilled in multiple other realms.
This article enters this exchange by foregrounding the epistemological puzzle of how we can ‘know’ identity and social affiliation in narratives. As a provisional solution, Jenkins’s concepts of identification and categorisation are brought into contact with Marks and Thompson’s emphasis on interests and identities and operationalised through Somers’ concepts of narrative identity, employment and categorisation in an analysis of qualitative interviews with 52 working people and former workers in Canada.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
The Healthy Lifeworks Project: the role of organisational health in the personal health of employees
an article by Steven Smith and Francis Schryer Lebel (Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Canada), Lydia Makrides (Creative Wellness Solutions Inc, Tantallon, Canada), Jane Allt (Strategic Support Services, Nova Scotia Public Service Commission, Halifax), Duff Montgomerie, (Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection), Jane Farquharson, (The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, Halifax), M.J. MacDonald, (Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia) and Claudine Szpilfogel, (Research Power Inc, Dartmouth, Canada) published in International Journal of Workplace Health Management Volume 5 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of a three-year comprehensive workplace initiative which provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore the potential relationship between organisational health, stress, and health outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 325 employees participating in a comprehensive workplace wellness intervention taking place in a large governmental organisation. Organisational health was measured using a 16-item measure of organisational health indicators and a four-item measure of health culture. Personal health outcomes were assessed using 12 indicators: personal wellness profile, health age, blood pressure, nutrition, fat intake, fibre intake, alcohol use, fitness, smoking status, cancer risk, stress, and good health practices.
Findings
Analyses indicated that after controlling for gender and age, organisational health was associated with increased personal wellness, lower health age, better overall nutrition, reduced fat intake, increased fibre intake, reduced alcohol consumption, increased fitness, reduced cancer risk, lower stress, and more positive health practices. For several outcome measures, organisational health had a stronger impact on personal health for men. Personal health of correctional workers and youth workers was most influenced by organisational health. Finally, stress mediated the relationship between organisational health and health outcomes for all measures of wellness except for alcohol consumption.
Originality/value
Organisational health is often overlooked by employers when considering the personal health of employees. Interventions aimed at influencing organisational health (generally considered a low cost intervention) can have beneficial influences on personal health.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of a three-year comprehensive workplace initiative which provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore the potential relationship between organisational health, stress, and health outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 325 employees participating in a comprehensive workplace wellness intervention taking place in a large governmental organisation. Organisational health was measured using a 16-item measure of organisational health indicators and a four-item measure of health culture. Personal health outcomes were assessed using 12 indicators: personal wellness profile, health age, blood pressure, nutrition, fat intake, fibre intake, alcohol use, fitness, smoking status, cancer risk, stress, and good health practices.
Findings
Analyses indicated that after controlling for gender and age, organisational health was associated with increased personal wellness, lower health age, better overall nutrition, reduced fat intake, increased fibre intake, reduced alcohol consumption, increased fitness, reduced cancer risk, lower stress, and more positive health practices. For several outcome measures, organisational health had a stronger impact on personal health for men. Personal health of correctional workers and youth workers was most influenced by organisational health. Finally, stress mediated the relationship between organisational health and health outcomes for all measures of wellness except for alcohol consumption.
Originality/value
Organisational health is often overlooked by employers when considering the personal health of employees. Interventions aimed at influencing organisational health (generally considered a low cost intervention) can have beneficial influences on personal health.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Analyzing Public Library Service Interactions to Improve Public Library Customer Service and Technology Systems
an article by Holly Kristin Arnason and Louise Reimer (Edmonton Public Library, Alberta, Canada) published in Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Volume 7 Number 1 (2012)
Abstract
Objective
To explore the types and nature of assistance library customers are asking library staff for in a large Canadian urban public library system.
Methods
A qualitative study employing transaction logging combined with embedded observation occurred for three-day sample periods at a selection of nine branches over the course of eight months. Staff recorded questions and interactions at service desks (in person, by phone, and electronically), as well as questions received during scheduled and non-scheduled provision of mobile reference service. In addition to recording interaction details and interaction medium, staff members were also asked to indicate briefly the process or resources used to resolve the interaction. Survey data were entered and coded through thematic analysis.
Results
The survey collected 6,099 interactions between staff and library customers. Of those 6,099 interactions, 1,920 (31.48%) were coded as pertaining to technology help. Further analysis revealed significant library customer need for help with Internet workstations and printing.
Conclusions
Technology help is a core customer need for Edmonton Public Library, with requests varying in complexity and sometimes resolved with instruction. The library’s Internet workstations and printing system presented critical usability challenges that drove technology help requests.
Full text (PDF 19pp)
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Abstract
Objective
To explore the types and nature of assistance library customers are asking library staff for in a large Canadian urban public library system.
Methods
A qualitative study employing transaction logging combined with embedded observation occurred for three-day sample periods at a selection of nine branches over the course of eight months. Staff recorded questions and interactions at service desks (in person, by phone, and electronically), as well as questions received during scheduled and non-scheduled provision of mobile reference service. In addition to recording interaction details and interaction medium, staff members were also asked to indicate briefly the process or resources used to resolve the interaction. Survey data were entered and coded through thematic analysis.
Results
The survey collected 6,099 interactions between staff and library customers. Of those 6,099 interactions, 1,920 (31.48%) were coded as pertaining to technology help. Further analysis revealed significant library customer need for help with Internet workstations and printing.
Conclusions
Technology help is a core customer need for Edmonton Public Library, with requests varying in complexity and sometimes resolved with instruction. The library’s Internet workstations and printing system presented critical usability challenges that drove technology help requests.
Full text (PDF 19pp)
Full text (HTML)
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Why Have Poorer Neighbourhoods Stagnated Economically while the Richer Have Flourished? …
Neighbourhood Income Inequality in Canadian Cities
an article by Wen-Hao Chen and Garnett Picot (Research Branch, Statistics Canada, Ottawa) and John Myles (University of Toronto, Ontario) published in Urban Studies Volume 49 Number 4 (March 2012)
Abstract
Higher-income neighbourhoods in Canada’s eight largest cities flourished economically during the past quarter-century, while lower-income communities stagnated. This paper identifies some of the underlying processes that led to this outcome.
Increasing family income inequality drove much of the rise in neighbourhood inequality.
Increased spatial economic segregation, the increasing tendency of ‘like to live nearby like’, also played a role.
It is shown that these changes originated in the labour market. Changes in investment, pension income and government transfers played a very minor role. Yet it was not unemployment that differentiated the richer from poorer neighbourhoods. Rather, it was the type of job found, particularly the annual earnings generated.
The end result has been little improvement in economic resources in poor neighbourhoods during a period of substantial economic growth, and a rise in neighbourhood income inequality.
an article by Wen-Hao Chen and Garnett Picot (Research Branch, Statistics Canada, Ottawa) and John Myles (University of Toronto, Ontario) published in Urban Studies Volume 49 Number 4 (March 2012)
Abstract
Higher-income neighbourhoods in Canada’s eight largest cities flourished economically during the past quarter-century, while lower-income communities stagnated. This paper identifies some of the underlying processes that led to this outcome.
Increasing family income inequality drove much of the rise in neighbourhood inequality.
Increased spatial economic segregation, the increasing tendency of ‘like to live nearby like’, also played a role.
It is shown that these changes originated in the labour market. Changes in investment, pension income and government transfers played a very minor role. Yet it was not unemployment that differentiated the richer from poorer neighbourhoods. Rather, it was the type of job found, particularly the annual earnings generated.
The end result has been little improvement in economic resources in poor neighbourhoods during a period of substantial economic growth, and a rise in neighbourhood income inequality.
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