an article by Ludo Cuyvers (University of Antwerp), Philippe De Lombaerde (United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), Bruges) and Glenn Rayp, (Ghent University) published in International Journal of Manpower Volume 32 Issue 3 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the subject of the impact of globalization and regionalization on the labour markets. The papers of the special issue are placed within this subject.
Design/methodology/approach
Although the subject is not treated exhaustively, the papers presented are new contributions dealing with labour market institutions, efficiency wages, employment effects of outward foreign direct investment, immigration patterns, and regional social and labour policies. These diverse issues are dealt with in their relation with increasing globalization in developed economies.
Findings
The major conclusions of the papers in the special issue are put into the perspective of the state of the art of the research on the social impact of globalization, particularly the labour market consequences.
Originality/value
A more comprehensive analysis of globalisation, which takes into account the complementarity of the different channels through which its effects on labour markets are transmitted, becomes more and more necessary. The papers of the special issue attempt to look into a number of these channels and to some extent into their complementarity.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Understanding the importance of work: the effects of work values and work-value congruence
an article by Başak Uçanok published in European Journal of Cross-Cultural Competence and Management Volume 2 Number 1 (2011)
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to understand the importance that is attached to work by analysing the link between work-related values and attitudes. In this respect, it is hypothesised that work values significantly predict work centrality and that this relationship is moderated by work-value congruence. Work-value congruence is conceptualised on the premise that different work values have varying degrees of influence on work centrality. It is proposed that as the distance between the act of working and the value it relates to (work-value congruence) differ, the relation between values and work centrality will change accordingly. In the study, work values have proved to act as an important predictor of work centrality. It is suggested that, work-value congruence be treated as an independent variable in future work-related research. The results are discussed along with gender differences for work values.
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to understand the importance that is attached to work by analysing the link between work-related values and attitudes. In this respect, it is hypothesised that work values significantly predict work centrality and that this relationship is moderated by work-value congruence. Work-value congruence is conceptualised on the premise that different work values have varying degrees of influence on work centrality. It is proposed that as the distance between the act of working and the value it relates to (work-value congruence) differ, the relation between values and work centrality will change accordingly. In the study, work values have proved to act as an important predictor of work centrality. It is suggested that, work-value congruence be treated as an independent variable in future work-related research. The results are discussed along with gender differences for work values.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Does the availability of vocational qualifications through work assist social inclusion?
an article by Erica Smith and Andy Smith (University of Ballarat, Australia) published in Education + Training Volume 53 Issue 7 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the availability of qualifications through work-based traineeships in Australia assists social inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
Industry case studies, of the finance and cleaning industries, were undertaken as part of a national research project on quality in traineeships. The two industry case studies were analysed to provide data on social inclusion aspects. A general discussion on the “pros” and “cons” of gaining qualifications through work, from a social inclusion point of view, is included.
Findings
The industry case studies show many advantages of work-based qualifications for people who have had disadvantaged economic and social backgrounds. The study presents a model showing how work-based qualifications help to meet the twin social inclusion goals of employment and education. However in economic hard times, the need to have a job may rule out some people. Also, some doubts about quality in work-based delivery may mean that qualifications gained through work may be of lower value than those gained at least partly through formal study.
Research limitations/implications
The models put forward are tentative, based on the findings in the research study that has been described and the authors’ earlier research. Further research is necessary to establish the social inclusion benefits of this means of gaining qualifications. In particular longitudinal research with disadvantaged people who have gained qualifications through this route is needed to evaluate whether their completion of qualifications through employment has assisted their broader economic and social engagement, and in what ways. In addition, research is needed to compare the quality and utility of qualifications gained through work and those through education providers as a poor-quality qualification may be of limited long-term use to an individual.
Practical implications
Work-based qualifications are shown to be a useful investment of public resources. The research also analyses some shortcomings of this method of gaining qualifications so that they can be addressed by employers and training providers.
Social implications
The research establishes the social inclusion utility of work-based qualifications, providing insights useful for education systems and social welfare organisations.
Originality/value
This is one of very few scholarly studies of the large-scale use of work-based qualifications.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the availability of qualifications through work-based traineeships in Australia assists social inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
Industry case studies, of the finance and cleaning industries, were undertaken as part of a national research project on quality in traineeships. The two industry case studies were analysed to provide data on social inclusion aspects. A general discussion on the “pros” and “cons” of gaining qualifications through work, from a social inclusion point of view, is included.
Findings
The industry case studies show many advantages of work-based qualifications for people who have had disadvantaged economic and social backgrounds. The study presents a model showing how work-based qualifications help to meet the twin social inclusion goals of employment and education. However in economic hard times, the need to have a job may rule out some people. Also, some doubts about quality in work-based delivery may mean that qualifications gained through work may be of lower value than those gained at least partly through formal study.
Research limitations/implications
The models put forward are tentative, based on the findings in the research study that has been described and the authors’ earlier research. Further research is necessary to establish the social inclusion benefits of this means of gaining qualifications. In particular longitudinal research with disadvantaged people who have gained qualifications through this route is needed to evaluate whether their completion of qualifications through employment has assisted their broader economic and social engagement, and in what ways. In addition, research is needed to compare the quality and utility of qualifications gained through work and those through education providers as a poor-quality qualification may be of limited long-term use to an individual.
Practical implications
Work-based qualifications are shown to be a useful investment of public resources. The research also analyses some shortcomings of this method of gaining qualifications so that they can be addressed by employers and training providers.
Social implications
The research establishes the social inclusion utility of work-based qualifications, providing insights useful for education systems and social welfare organisations.
Originality/value
This is one of very few scholarly studies of the large-scale use of work-based qualifications.
Employee engagement for control freaks
an article by Gareth Chick (Director, at Spring Partnerships, Banbury) published in Human Resource Management International Digest Volume 19 Issue 6 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to claim that most people are control freaks and explain how they can be encouraged to accept change.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper puts forward a five-step plan to help to create genuine change in an organization.
Findings
The paper describes the five stages as: uncertainty; denial; negotiation; reflection; and action.
Practical implications
The paper advances the view that the job of the leader is to move people through these five stages as fast as possible; arguably the definition of leadership is to get people through these stages quicker than on their own.
Social implications
This paper highlights, at a time when organizational change is the norm, a way in which managers can encourage their people to accept and embrace this change.
Originality/value
The paper reveals that authentic leadership means creating an emotional journey towards an inspirational vision of the future – creating a compelling mission or purpose – and then communicating this effectively.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to claim that most people are control freaks and explain how they can be encouraged to accept change.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper puts forward a five-step plan to help to create genuine change in an organization.
Findings
The paper describes the five stages as: uncertainty; denial; negotiation; reflection; and action.
Practical implications
The paper advances the view that the job of the leader is to move people through these five stages as fast as possible; arguably the definition of leadership is to get people through these stages quicker than on their own.
Social implications
This paper highlights, at a time when organizational change is the norm, a way in which managers can encourage their people to accept and embrace this change.
Originality/value
The paper reveals that authentic leadership means creating an emotional journey towards an inspirational vision of the future – creating a compelling mission or purpose – and then communicating this effectively.
A ‘lesbian advantage’? Analysing the intersections of gender, sexuality and class in male-dominated work
an article by Tessa Wright, (Queen Mary, University of London) published in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal Volume 30 Issue 8 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores the intersections of gender and sexuality in male-dominated work through the experiences of lesbians working in the transport and construction sectors in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses semi-structured interviews with women working transport and construction, focusing here on an analysis of eight interviews with lesbian workers, five working in transport and three in construction, representing both professional/managerial and skilled manual occupations.
Findings
The paper considers the question of whether lesbians may experience an ‘advantage’ in non-traditionally female work compared to heterosexual women, but finds that their experience is complicated by other factors such as ethnicity, class and organisational culture. Organisational response and practice in relation to sexual orientation is found to be the most significant factor in the reality of working life for lesbians in traditionally male work.
Research limitations/implications
The initial findings in this paper are based on an analysis of a selection of interviewees from a larger research project examining the experience of both heterosexual and lesbian women working in the transport and construction sectors.
Originality/value
The paper addresses a gap in the literature on lesbian experience in non-traditionally female work and aims to contribute to knowledge of the diversity of lesbian experience by through researching lesbian workers in both professional and skilled manual roles.
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores the intersections of gender and sexuality in male-dominated work through the experiences of lesbians working in the transport and construction sectors in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses semi-structured interviews with women working transport and construction, focusing here on an analysis of eight interviews with lesbian workers, five working in transport and three in construction, representing both professional/managerial and skilled manual occupations.
Findings
The paper considers the question of whether lesbians may experience an ‘advantage’ in non-traditionally female work compared to heterosexual women, but finds that their experience is complicated by other factors such as ethnicity, class and organisational culture. Organisational response and practice in relation to sexual orientation is found to be the most significant factor in the reality of working life for lesbians in traditionally male work.
Research limitations/implications
The initial findings in this paper are based on an analysis of a selection of interviewees from a larger research project examining the experience of both heterosexual and lesbian women working in the transport and construction sectors.
Originality/value
The paper addresses a gap in the literature on lesbian experience in non-traditionally female work and aims to contribute to knowledge of the diversity of lesbian experience by through researching lesbian workers in both professional and skilled manual roles.
The meaning of career success: Avoiding reification through a closer inspection of historical, cultural, and ideological contexts
an article by Nicky Dries (Research Centre for Organisation Studies, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) published in Career Development International Volume 16 Issue 4 (2011)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the concept of career success has been subject to reification, and identify potential implications for individuals, organizations, and societies.
Design/methodology/approach
The current paper offers an in-depth analysis of the different contextual forces contributing to the reification of careers (i.e. history, culture and ideology), and how these have impacted on the social reality of career and the definitions of career success held by different relevant actors.
Findings
In total, eight research propositions are identified that need to be addressed in future research in order to advance knowledge and understanding of career success in context.
Social implications
One manifest outcome of career reification is the establishment of collective norms prescribing what a “normal”, “successful” career is – and what is not. Consequently, all careers not conforming to these norms are devaluated, which is inappropriate given the present-day climate of workplace diversity.
Originality/value
Career theory, in general, has been criticized for overemphasising individual agency while neglecting contextual issues. Furthermore, more conceptual development is necessary in relation to the career success construct. The current paper aims to address both of these gaps by presenting in-depth analyses of the historical, cultural, and ideological contexts impacting on the meaning of career and career success.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the concept of career success has been subject to reification, and identify potential implications for individuals, organizations, and societies.
Design/methodology/approach
The current paper offers an in-depth analysis of the different contextual forces contributing to the reification of careers (i.e. history, culture and ideology), and how these have impacted on the social reality of career and the definitions of career success held by different relevant actors.
Findings
In total, eight research propositions are identified that need to be addressed in future research in order to advance knowledge and understanding of career success in context.
Social implications
One manifest outcome of career reification is the establishment of collective norms prescribing what a “normal”, “successful” career is – and what is not. Consequently, all careers not conforming to these norms are devaluated, which is inappropriate given the present-day climate of workplace diversity.
Originality/value
Career theory, in general, has been criticized for overemphasising individual agency while neglecting contextual issues. Furthermore, more conceptual development is necessary in relation to the career success construct. The current paper aims to address both of these gaps by presenting in-depth analyses of the historical, cultural, and ideological contexts impacting on the meaning of career and career success.
10 non-work-related items that I found fun or interesting
Smokes on the Water: The Geothermal Charms of Reykjavik via Britannica Blog by Britannica Editors
The atmospheric capital of Iceland, located in southeastern corner of Faxa Bay on the island's south-western coast, was designated the administrative center of the Danish-ruled island 125 years ago today. According to tradition, Reykjavík ("Bay of Smokes") was founded in 874 by the Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson, though until the 20th century it only a small fishing village and trading post.
I was very struck by the air quality which is apparent in all the photographs.
via Arts and Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
On the road. GPS means that you never have to find your own way in the world. What would Jack Kerouac think?... more
Memory Is a Thing of the Past. Is That Bad? via Big Think by Big Think Editors
Think of all the things you use to remember but no longer need to: telephone numbers, street and email addresses, driving directions, etc. In our society of ubiquitous computing devices, the formidable capabilities of the human memory are no longer obvious. Yet …
Read More
Is Islam Compatible with Capitalism? via 3quarksdaily by Azra Raza
From City Journal:
Muslim economies haven't always been low achievers. In his seminal work The World Economy, economist Angus Maddison showed that until the twelfth century, per-capita income was much higher in the Muslim Middle East than in Europe. Beginning in the twelfth century, though, what Duke University economist Timur Kuran calls the Long Divergence began, upending this economic hierarchy, so that by Rifaa's time, Europe had grown far more powerful and prosperous than the Arab Muslim world. A key factor in the divergence was Italian city-states’ invention of capitalism.
At just over 3,000 words I would describe Sorman's work as an essay. Please read it for yourself.
via Arts and Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
Ah, the Moulin Rouge: a paragon of decadent, belle epoque entertainment. Toulouse-Lautrec saw it as a scene of poignant melancholy…more
Steamship Routes of the World c.1900 and 1914 via HOW TO BE A RETRONAUT by Amanda
Thank you to Pantufla
View the images here
Whilst I have no particular interest in steamships per se, nor, indeed, the routes that these vessels took in the years mentioned, I did find it interesting to look at the names of the countries which include Sudetenland, Cape Colony and, of course, Finland is simply part of Russia.
Learn To Speak Esperanto With Lernu via MakeUseOf by Danny Stieben
At some point or another, you may have thought about or had to learn a language. Whether it was English, Spanish, Chinese, or even Swahili, finding tools to learn those languages is hard at best. Based on what I've heard, Rosetta Stone seems to be the best way, but such a solution is quite expensive. So what if I told you that if you've ever been interested in Esperanto, there's a website that can teach you for free?
Danny’s post covers:
via Arts and Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
“Our culture is afflicted with knowingness,” says Erik Davis. But what we know are other peoples’ opinions. Yelp, Digg, Twitter, Facebook...Make up your own damn mind!...more
Beware the retro monsters such as this one!Shock! Horror! Terror! Time to get under the bed and cower. No, we're not talking about the evening news, but THE MONSTERS OF YESTERYEAR! Make no mistake, these fearsome brutes will terrify and stupefy you. Stay out of the water unless you want to come face to fins with The Monster Fish, or grapple with The Monster of the Lagoon, or let the Killer Crabs get the pinch on you, or worst of all — fall prey to The Slime Beast!
Whether with tentacles or webbed feet, laser-vision or antennae, these monsters are here to conquer the Earth, and everyone on it. With fantastically illustrated covers festooned with dames in distress, killer robots, alien interlopers and much more, there's nowhere safe to hide from these vintage villainous volumes. Hearken back to the days of The Thing, The Blob, and other hilariously scary beasts bent on destruction. They’re campy! They’re kitschy! They’re collectible!
Read all about it at AbeBooks
Top 5 Historical Figures in Doctor Who (Ranked by Accuracy) via Credo Reference Blog by kathleen
 |
A geothermal power station in Iceland creates electricity from heat generated in Earth’s interior. Photo credit: © Barbara Whitney |
The atmospheric capital of Iceland, located in southeastern corner of Faxa Bay on the island's south-western coast, was designated the administrative center of the Danish-ruled island 125 years ago today. According to tradition, Reykjavík ("Bay of Smokes") was founded in 874 by the Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson, though until the 20th century it only a small fishing village and trading post.
I was very struck by the air quality which is apparent in all the photographs.
via Arts and Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
On the road. GPS means that you never have to find your own way in the world. What would Jack Kerouac think?... more
Memory Is a Thing of the Past. Is That Bad? via Big Think by Big Think Editors
Think of all the things you use to remember but no longer need to: telephone numbers, street and email addresses, driving directions, etc. In our society of ubiquitous computing devices, the formidable capabilities of the human memory are no longer obvious. Yet …
Read More
Is Islam Compatible with Capitalism? via 3quarksdaily by Azra Raza
From City Journal:
Muslim economies haven't always been low achievers. In his seminal work The World Economy, economist Angus Maddison showed that until the twelfth century, per-capita income was much higher in the Muslim Middle East than in Europe. Beginning in the twelfth century, though, what Duke University economist Timur Kuran calls the Long Divergence began, upending this economic hierarchy, so that by Rifaa's time, Europe had grown far more powerful and prosperous than the Arab Muslim world. A key factor in the divergence was Italian city-states’ invention of capitalism.At just over 3,000 words I would describe Sorman's work as an essay. Please read it for yourself.
via Arts and Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
Ah, the Moulin Rouge: a paragon of decadent, belle epoque entertainment. Toulouse-Lautrec saw it as a scene of poignant melancholy…more
Steamship Routes of the World c.1900 and 1914 via HOW TO BE A RETRONAUT by Amanda
Thank you to Pantufla
View the images here
Whilst I have no particular interest in steamships per se, nor, indeed, the routes that these vessels took in the years mentioned, I did find it interesting to look at the names of the countries which include Sudetenland, Cape Colony and, of course, Finland is simply part of Russia.
Learn To Speak Esperanto With Lernu via MakeUseOf by Danny Stieben
At some point or another, you may have thought about or had to learn a language. Whether it was English, Spanish, Chinese, or even Swahili, finding tools to learn those languages is hard at best. Based on what I've heard, Rosetta Stone seems to be the best way, but such a solution is quite expensive. So what if I told you that if you've ever been interested in Esperanto, there's a website that can teach you for free?
Danny’s post covers:
- What is Esperanto?
- About Lernu
- Start Learning!
- Multilingual Support
- Keep It Up!
- Conclusion
via Arts and Letters Daily – ideas, criticism, debate
“Our culture is afflicted with knowingness,” says Erik Davis. But what we know are other peoples’ opinions. Yelp, Digg, Twitter, Facebook...Make up your own damn mind!...more
Beware the retro monsters such as this one!Shock! Horror! Terror! Time to get under the bed and cower. No, we're not talking about the evening news, but THE MONSTERS OF YESTERYEAR! Make no mistake, these fearsome brutes will terrify and stupefy you. Stay out of the water unless you want to come face to fins with The Monster Fish, or grapple with The Monster of the Lagoon, or let the Killer Crabs get the pinch on you, or worst of all — fall prey to The Slime Beast!Whether with tentacles or webbed feet, laser-vision or antennae, these monsters are here to conquer the Earth, and everyone on it. With fantastically illustrated covers festooned with dames in distress, killer robots, alien interlopers and much more, there's nowhere safe to hide from these vintage villainous volumes. Hearken back to the days of The Thing, The Blob, and other hilariously scary beasts bent on destruction. They’re campy! They’re kitschy! They’re collectible!
Read all about it at AbeBooks
Top 5 Historical Figures in Doctor Who (Ranked by Accuracy) via Credo Reference Blog by kathleen
Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie and Vincent van Gogh are the choices and I found the blurb about each of them interesting even though I do not watch the Doctor!
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