Does OD practice within the HR profession in the UK reflect the academic rhetoric?

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Clare Gillon
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Development ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Apparent Lack ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Investigation ◽  
Job Advertisements ◽  
Preliminary Research ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically examine whether organizational development (OD), as described in academic writing on the topic, is reflected in practice in the Human Resources (HR) profession in the UK. This research aims to compare the results of an exploratory investigation to establish the main elements of OD practice in this professional group with academic definitions.Design/methodology/approachThe approach applied in this paper comprises a review of the academic literature on OD combined with an exploratory study by way of content analysis of job advertisements for OD professionals within the UK HR profession. Comparison between what the literature suggests companies should seek in the way of OD practice within the HR profession and the operationalisation of what they are actually requiring (deduced through the content of job advertisements) forms the basis of the methodology.FindingsWhile there are features of the academic definitions which do appear prominently in practice (in particular “change management”), there are also significant differences. In particular OD roles in practice in the HR profession appear to be much less likely to be of a consultancy orientation. Also striking is the apparent lack of emphasis on culture and behavioural issues. Within the UK HR profession, the lack of clarity in contemporary definition of OD may underpin the disparate use of terminology.Research limitations/implicationsThe data collected in the preliminary research are from a small‐scale investigatory study; therefore this limits the opportunity to draw robust generalised conclusions.Originality/valueDespite the increasing use of “OD” in the UK HR profession, there is no widely recognised description of what it encompasses within that community, while much of the “theorising” on OD to date has been descriptive/prescriptive. In this paper, a contrast between the academic rhetoric on OD and the reality of the practice within the HR profession has been presented, through comparing the literature with the findings from the preliminary research.

scholarly journals Gendering expert work and ideal candidacy in Finnish and Estonian job advertisements

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 544-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jatta Jännäri ◽  
Seppo Poutanen ◽  
Anne Kovalainen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Doing Gender ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Structures ◽  
Job Advertisements ◽  
Management Literature ◽  
Global Construction ◽  
Managerial Positions ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Ideal

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the ways the textual materials of job advertisements do the gendering for prospective expert positions and create a space for ambiquity/non-ambiquity in the gender labelling of this expertise. Expert positions are almost always openly announced and are important to organizations because they often lead to higher managerial positions. By gendering the prospective positions, the job advertisements bring forth repertoires strengthening the gendering of work and gendered expert employee positions. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on qualitative textual and visual data of open job advertisements for expert positions. The materials of the study are gathered from open job advertisements in two countries, i.e. Finland and Estonia with rather similar labour market structures in relation to gender positions but differing as regards their gender equality. Findings The analyses show that the gendering of expert work takes place in the job advertisements by rendering subtly gendered articulations, yet allowing for interpretative repertoires appear. The analysis reveals some differences in the formulations of the advertisements for expert jobs in the two countries. It also shows that in general the requirements for an ideal expert candidate are coated with superlatives that are gendered in rather stereotypical ways, and that the ideal candidates for highly expert jobs are extremely flexible and follows the ideal of an adaptable and plastic employee, willing to work their utmost. This paper contributes to the “doing gender” literature by adding an analysis of the textual gendering of ideal candidates for positions of expertise. Research limitations/implications The research materials do not expose all the issues pertinent to questions of the ideal gendered candidate. For instance, questions of ethnicity in relation to the definition of the ideal candidate cannot be studied with the data used for this study. Being an exploratory study, the results do not aim for generalizable results concerning job advertisements for expert positions. Originality/value This paper contributes to the “doing gender” and “gendering” literature by addressing the question of how and in what ways gender is defined and done for an expert positions prior the candidates are chosen to those jobs. It also offers new insights into the global construction of gendered expert jobs advertisements by addressing the topic with data from two countries. It further contributes to understanding the gendered shaping of expertise in the management literature.

scholarly journals Unpacking the foundational dimensions of work integration social enterprise

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Lysaght ◽  
Michael J. Roy ◽  
Jack S. Rendall ◽  
Terry Krupa ◽  
Liam Ball ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Development ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Response Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Integration ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The aim of this exploratory, mixed methods study was to develop and test a tool that identifies foundational dimensions of work integration social enterprises (WISEs) for use in empirical studies and enterprise self-assessment. Construction of the initial prototype was based upon a review of the literature and prior qualitative research by the authors. Design/methodology/approach A 20-item question pool with a four-point response scale was constructed to explore WISE business and employment practices and strategies for worker growth and development. Three sequential field tests were conducted with the prototype – the first with 5 Canadian WISEs, the second with 14 WISEs in the UK and the third with 6 Canadian WISEs involved in an outcome study in the mental health sector. Each field test included completion of the questionnaire by persons with managerial responsibility within the WISE and evaluative feedback captured through questions on the applicability and interpretability of the items. Findings Testing of the prototype instrument revealed the inherent diversity in the field and the difficulty in creating questions that both embrace that diversity and produce unidimensional variables definable along a spectrum. A number of challenges with question structure were identified and have been modified throughout the iterative testing process. Research limitations/implications This study identified central domains for inclusion in a multi-dimensional WISE assessment tool. Further testing will help further refine scaling and establish psychometric properties. Originality/value This measure will provide a descriptive profile of WISEs across sectors and identify WISE core dimensions for research and organizational development.

The experiences of mothers caring for a child with developmental disabilities: a cross cultural perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuljit Heer ◽  
John Rose ◽  
Michael Larkin ◽  
Nidhi Singhal
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – India has one of the more progressive disability frameworks in the developing world which tends to adopt western philosophies and principles (e.g. parent participation and advocacy) which to some degree mirrors the type of service delivery in the UK. The purpose of this paper is to adopt a cross-cultural perspective to explore caregiving amongst parents caring for a child with intellectual/developmental disabilities in India. Design/methodology/approach – Three focus groups were used to interview parents at Action for Autism (AFA) located in Delhi, India. The focus groups explored how disability is encountered within an Indian context. Findings – Two main themes were identified in the parents narratives which were “making the decision to get help” and “seeing disabilities in from a new perspective”. Family members played an important role in the decision to get help and acted as a platform for mothers to explore their own concerns. Seeing disability from a new perspective was a four stage process which included initially accepting the diagnosis and their child; regaining control through parenting skills training; witnessing positive changes in their children and themselves and reaping personal benefits as a result of their involvement with AFA. Research limitations/implications – The research is very small scale and focused on parents in a specific organisation, as a consequence the results cannot be generalised. Originality/value – The discourses of these individuals do provide a useful insight into the provision of services to children in India and provide a starting point for cross-cultural understanding of parenting children with disabilities.

Festival connections

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niki Black
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Social Sustainability ◽  
Rural Landscape ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Grounded Theory Method ◽  
The Social ◽  
Culture Heritage ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution of small-scale, rural festivals to the social sustainability of their host communities. Small-scale, community originated festivals proliferate the rural landscape throughout the UK and yet despite this, festival research has focussed predominantly on large, urban events and on their economic impact (Wood, 2009; Gibson and Connell, 2011). This paper seeks to address the perceived research gap by examining these events through a lens of social sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a case study approach focussed on four festivals in Northumberland, UK. Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with festival organisers, key figures and visitors. Following a constructivist grounded theory method four principle indicators were identified to determine festival contribution to community social sustainability. These indicators are: contribution to community pride and localness, enhancement of knowledge and understanding, contribution to the continuity of local culture and enablement of networks of connectivity. Findings The findings demonstrate the networks of connections which festivals enable between the culture, heritage and people (individuals and groups) of a place. By focussing on four indicators the paper shows the social impact of connections through the festival processes and content. The paper argues that small-scale festivals in rural locations can contribute to social sustainability if they demonstrate a balance of both consistency and innovation and accessibility and openness within the locale. Originality/value This paper addresses the gap in social impact research into rural festivals and presents an original approach to identify festival impact on community social sustainability.

Supporting delivery of diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed additional needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 623-641
Author(s):  
Alistair Catterall
Keyword(s):  
Funding Agency ◽  
Minimal Amount ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Apprenticeship Training ◽  
Additional Funding ◽  
The Government ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Learner Needs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the fact that under current Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding guidelines, diagnostic assessments for apprentices with additional learner needs are deemed an ineligible cost, which has the potential to reduce access to additional funding and support. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this paper is to critically evaluate the surrounding literature, government reports and Mencap review produced since the apprenticeship levy and present the implications of these funding guidelines relating to access to apprenticeships and the practical effects of apprentice’s experience and development. Findings The finding presented by this paper is that the definition of diagnostic assessments as an ineligible cost reduces the quality of training delivered by providers and assurances to apprentices that they will be fully supported from the start of their training. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this research was the minimal amount of government/ESFA documentation addressing this subject within apprenticeships. Practical implications The practical implications of this paper relate to the on-going delivery of apprenticeship training in the UK, and the detrimental effect of reducing access to diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed additional learner needs under the current wording of the Education Skills Agency guidance. Social implications The government policy is currently under review to address this area which is considered an ineligible cost for supporting apprentices with recognised additional learner needs. Originality/value The value of this paper is to align with recent Mencap review and collaboratively readdress the ESFA’s current positioning of diagnostic assessments for apprentices with undiagnosed learning difficulties and disabilities as an ineligible cost and non-standardised requirement.

scholarly journals “Saying yes to everything”: Slung Low’s mission in a time of rapid change

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-218
Author(s):  
Rachel Perry
Keyword(s):  
Local Community ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Interpretive Study ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This study explores what it means to be a mission-driven arts organisation (MDAO) in the UK. Drawing on literature relating to artistic risk and rupture, mission and vision, and arts participation, the purpose of this paper is to shed light on how Slung Low, a theatre organisation with a core staff of five, creates large and complex initiatives and seeks to make a difference to its local community. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, this interpretive study makes use of qualitative data to offer context-specific knowledge about how MDAOs create new initiatives including: interviews with members of the Slung Low team; attendance at company meetings; analysis of internal organisational documents, company website and artistic director’s blog; and articles about Slung Low from the local, national and theatre industry press. Data was gathered through a research collaboration with Slung Low which is supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Findings The results offer fresh insight into how MDAOs take a positive approach to rupture and rapid change. The study finds that by embracing risk and committing to an ambitious and provocative mission, small-scale arts organisations can achieve artistic, cultural and social objectives which far exceed their size. Research limitations/implications This paper offers an organisational perspective on the research questions and so participants were not interviewed on this occasion. However, the participant view will be the subject of further research with Slung Low. Originality/value This research paper provides insight into one of the UK’s most innovative theatre companies during a period of monumental change, and advances knowledge on mission-driven organisations by offering reflections on what it means to be an arts organisation which places rupture, risk and usefulness at the heart of its mission.

scholarly journals Accommodating nomadism and mobility

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 324-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë James ◽  
Rebekah Southern
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
South West ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Socially Excluded ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how and why Gypsies and Travellers are socially excluded in England and how their experience may be reflected in other European contexts. Specifically, the paper explores the impact of planning policies on accommodation provision for Gypsies and Travellers in England and subsequently how their exclusion manifests due to the sedentarist binary definition of nomadism embedded within that policy. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on evidence from empirical research carried out by the authors in the South West of England in 2015 as part of an accommodation needs assessment of Gypsies and Travellers. The research was commissioned by a local authority but the analysis presented here was carried out in addition to the core report. The decision to comment further on the research findings in relation to policy and theory was agreed with the project funders. Findings The research findings show that there continues to be a lack of accommodation provided to Gypsies and Travellers in England, despite policy and legislative initiatives to the contrary. The paper identifies that current government policy in England is likely to diminish access to appropriate accommodation in the future for Gypsies and Travellers, particularly for the most vulnerable. Finally, the paper concludes that a sedentarist binary definition of nomadism has failed to recognise Gypsy and Traveller communities’ culture or mobility. Originality/value This paper sets out how an underpinning “sedentarist binary” definition of nomadism is used in England to determine policies of provision for Gypsies and Travellers. That definition is based on the sedentary notions of nomadism that are binary, distinguishing only between people who are mobile and people who are not, rather than acknowledging the cultural nomadism of Gypsies and Travellers. The findings are useful beyond the UK context as they help to explain why Gypsies, Travellers and Roma in wider Europe remain excluded within states despite extensive European initiatives for inclusion.

scholarly journals Who gets all the PIE? Regulation of the statutory audit for private UK companies

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 1297-1324
Author(s):  
Iain Clacher ◽  
Alan Duboisée de Ricquebourg ◽  
Amy May
Keyword(s):  
Accounting Profession ◽  
Private Company ◽  
Private Companies ◽  
Member States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Audit Market ◽  
Audit Firms ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk

Purpose While recently introduced EU regulation on the statutory audit of public interest entities (PIEs) aims to improve audit competition and quality, its success and impact depends on the definition of a PIE applied across the various EU Member States. In the UK, even though little is known about their auditing choices, these changes will not apply to most private companies despite their importance to the wider economy. The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth analysis of the private company audit market and examine the lobbying behaviour of the accounting profession around the definition of a PIE in the UK. Design/methodology/approach Using a large panel of independent private company audits in the UK and a textual analysis of submitted comment letters to a government consultation on the new regulation, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the audit market for private companies by measuring supplier concentration using four different measures of market share, and of the lobbying behaviour of the accounting profession. Findings There are two main findings. First, the private company audit market is characterised by low auditor switching rates along with a tight oligopoly of the largest independent private company audits maintained by the Big Four audit firms. Second, the lobbying behaviour of accounting and audit firms sought, and succeeded, to limit the scope of the definition of a PIE in the UK, consistent with the theoretical predictions of monopoly capitalism and the theory of professions. Originality/value The paper shows that the definition and scope of a PIE needs revisiting both within the UK and across all EU Member States, with a view to including more of these economically important private companies and highlights the policy challenge of increasing competition and choice in a concentrated audit market.

Vulnerability as a driver of the police response to fraud

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-64
Author(s):  
Michael Skidmore ◽  
Janice Goldstraw-White ◽  
Martin Gill
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Police Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Frameworks for understanding victim harm and vulnerability have become central to priority-setting and resource allocation for decision-makers in the police and government in the UK. This paper aims to look at the meaning of vulnerability in the context of fraud. Design/methodology/approach The research took a mixed methods approach, including analysis of national crime data (n = 61,902), qualitative data collected from interviews with practitioners (n = 107) and a survey of strategic lead officers in the police (n = 32). Findings There was a lack of clarity across practitioners and organisations in their understanding of vulnerability and the way it informed the police response to fraud, and a lack of resources and capability for identifying it. Research limitations/implications The authors invite reconsideration of the approach to fraud victims which have for too long been forgotten by response and support agencies. Practical implications We need to standardise and agree the definition of “vulnerability”; rethink eligibility levels; and refocus police on fraud victims taking vulnerability as a meaningful criterion in deciding who to support. Originality/value There is very little research on vulnerability and fraud victims; this paper, based on original research, fills this gap.

scholarly journals The potential of community entrepreneurship for neighbourhood revitalization in the United Kingdom and the United States

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Varady ◽  
Reinout Kleinhans ◽  
Maarten van Ham
Keyword(s):  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
The United States ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Seminal Article ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Private Actors ◽  
Community Enterprises

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to assess the current potential of community entrepreneurship in neighbourhood revitalisation in the US and the UK. The global economic crisis has had a major impact on government spending for urban regeneration. In the context of these austerity regimes, in many European countries, community entrepreneurship and active citizenship are increasingly considered as a means to continue small-scale urban revitalisation. This paper investigates recent literature on both British community enterprises (CEs) and American community development corporations (CDCs). Design/methodology/approach – Starting from a seminal article, this paper reviews literature focusing on the role of CEs and CDCs in neighbourhood revitalisation. Differences and similarities are analysed, taking into account national context differences. Findings – While CDCs have a relatively successful record in affordable housing production in distressed areas, CDCs are fundamentally limited in terms of reversing processes of community decline. CEs in the UK have focused on non-housing issues. Research limitations/implications – This paper asks the question what CEs can learn from CDCs in terms of scope, aims, strategies, accountability, assets and partnerships with public and private actors. However, a systematic literature review has not been conducted. Originality/value – This comparison reveals not only similarities but also differences with regard to aims, organisational characteristics, cooperation on multiple scales and community participation. Apart from lessons that can be learned, this paper provides recommendations for further research that should cover the lack of empirical evidence in this field.

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