Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2009 Edition
Extending the 4I Organizational Learning Model: Information
Sources, Foraging Processes and Tools
Tracy A. Jenkin
Abstract
The continued importance of organizational learning has recently led to several calls for further developing the theory. This article addresses these calls by extending Crossan, Lane and White’s (1999) 4I model to include a fifth process, information foraging, and a fourth level, the tool. The resulting 5I organizational learning model can be generalized to a number of learning contexts, especially those that involve understanding and making sense of data and information. Given the need for organizations to both innovate and increase productivity, and the volumes of data and information that are available to support both, the 5I model addresses an important organizational issue.
Key words: organizational learning; knowledge management; information foraging; information sources; supporting tools
The Role of the Management Fashion Arena in the Cross-National Diffusion of Management Concepts: The Case of the Balanced Scorecard in the Scandinavian Countries
Dag Øivind Madsen and Kåre Slåtten
Abstract
The diffusion of fashionable management concepts is an important research topic in management and organization studies. Researchers have pointed out that various actors such as consultants, conference organizers and the business media comprise the so-called “management fashion arena” around a management concept. However, a weakness of extant conceptualizations of management fashion arenas is in the lack of an explicit consideration of the dynamics between local and international actors. Drawing on the notion of “institutional duality”, we argue that the concept’s trajectory at the national level is shaped by both country-specific actors and international actors. Furthermore, we recognize that the presence and involvement of different types of actors may vary across different countries. Empirically, we analyze the level of involvement of actors such as consultants, professional groups, software firms, and conference organizers in the cross-national diffusion of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in the three Scandinavian countries. The comparative analysis of the data shows both similarities and differences between the three countries in terms of which actors have been the most influential players. Despite certain similarities and overlaps, the three markets can be considered largely national with key local players. Furthermore, country-specific actors appear to have played a particularly important role in the early phase in terms of establishing the concept in the local markets. These findings are used to elaborate on present conceptualizations of the management fashion arena, and to discuss the role of local and international actors in the cross-national diffusion of management concepts.
Key words: management concepts; management fashions; management fashion arena; actors; diffusion; circulation; institutional duality; the Balanced Scorecard
Aversive Workplace Conditions and Absenteeism: Taking Referent Group Norms and Supervisor Support Into Account
Michal Biron and Peter Bamberger
Abstract
Past research reveals inconsistent findings regarding the association between aversive workplace conditions and absenteeism, suggesting that other, contextual factors may play a role in this association. Extending contemporary models of absence, we draw from the social identity theory of attitude– behavior relations to examine how peer absence-related norms and leader support combine to explain the effect of aversive workplace conditions on absenteeism. Using a prospective design and a random sample of transit workers, we obtained results indicating that perceived job hazards and exposure to critical incidents are positively related to subsequent absenteeism, but only under conditions of more permissive peer absence norms. Moreover, this positive impact of peer norms on absenteeism is amplified among employees perceiving their supervisor to be less supportive and is attenuated to the point of nonsignificance among those viewing their supervisor as more supportive.
Key words: absenteeism, critical incidents, job hazards, referent group norms, supervisor support
Investigating the potentials of entrepreneurship education
Laura Galloway, Wendy Brown, Maggie Anderson, Laura Wilson
Abstract
According to governments, the modern economy requires people with transferable enterprise skills, which can be applied either entrepreneurially or intrapreneurially. Within the context of a globally competitive knowledge economy, enterprise skills and the practice of entrepreneurship (in the form of business start-up) are particularly important amongst those with high skills. As a result, much has been done to increase the opportunities for entrepreneurship and enterprise to be studied within universities. The current paper draws on theories of planned behaviour which indicate that intent can be a robust predictor of outcome. As such, the study investigates the extent to which the inclusion of entrepreneurship education is likely to make a difference to the number and quality of future graduate businesses. Results reveal that while it is likely that entrepreneurship education will have an effect on the number of graduate businesses in the future, this is more likely to be a long-term outcome rather than a short-term one. There is also suggestion of there being differences in the number and timing of future graduate business based on the degree subject of student. Results based on investigation into the potential effect of entrepreneurship education on the quality of future ventures were disappointing, however, and implications for pedagogy include that focus on start-up is insufficient in terms of encouraging entrepreneurial development skills and intentions in future graduate firms.
Key words: Entrepreneurship education; knowledge economy; business start-up
Practical- Skill among Institutionalised Children
Rita Rani Talukdar, Hemasri K. Talukdar
Abstract
In the present study an attempt was made to study the practical skills among institutionalized children in greater Guwahati area. The sample consisted of 100 students (50 male and 50 female) taken from various institutions situated in Guwahati, the capital of Assam state. For this study Pass Along Test by Alexander was used. Their age ranges between the age group of 9 to 11 years. In this study the practical skill of the male students are found to be high than their female counterparts.
Key words: Guwahati, Institutionalised children, practical- skill
Longitudinal Influences of Neighbourhood Built and Social Environment on Children’s Weight Status
Maria Gose, Sandra Plachta-Danielzik, Bianca Willié, Maike Johannsen, Beate Landsberg and Manfred J. Müller
Abstract
The objective was to examine longitudinal 4-year-relationships between neighbourhood social environment and children’s body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) taking into account the built environment. Furthermore, we have analysed the influence of potential interactions between the social environment and family/social data on children’s BMI-SDS. Between 2006–2008 and 2010–2012, anthropometric measurements were conducted among 485 children (age at baseline: 6.1 (5.8–6.4)). Socio-demographic characteristics and perception of residential environment were reported by parents. Geographic Information Systems were used to examine street length, number of food outlets and distance to the nearest playground and park/green space within an 800 m Euclidian buffer of each participant address point. Additional data on neighbourhood characteristics (e.g., traffic density, walkability, crime rates) were obtained from the State Capital of Kiel, Germany. In a multivariate model, walkability, street type, socioeconomic status of the district and perceived frequency of passing trucks/busses were associated with BMI-SDS over 4 years, but only neighbourhood SES had an effect on change in BMI-SDS. However, familial/social factors rather than neighbourhood environment (especially social environment) had an impact on children’s BMI-SDS over 4 years. Thus, social inequalities in childhood overweight are only partially explained by social neighbourhood environment.
Key words: overweight; children; longitudinal study; neighbourhood environment
Multiculturalism, Minority Rights and Democracy in India
Md. Ayub Mallick
Abstract
The question of Indian unity has never been settled beyond all differences and disputations. We have no culturally homogeneous, dominant and majority ethnic and religious group that could both dominate as well as effectively claim to represent all Indians. Group rights act as the regulatory devices for the accommodation of differences. From egalitarian view of justice minority groups have a moral justification for demanding cultural rights, which is the structure for belongingness. Many liberals call for greater tolerance of minority groups. Indian democracy is not consociational, but has adopted consociational devices for dealing with diverse conflicts within society. It has sometimes proved possible for various political parties (multiethnic) to co-operate, form coalitions after elections and even before that and reach agreements on controversial matters affecting the cultural and group rights.
Key words: Consociationalism. Accommodation. Autonomy. Nation-building. Governmentality. Multiculturalism. Deliberative democracy
Attitude of Midlands State University Students towards Male Circumcision as A Way of Reducing Hiv Transmission
Mtemeri Jeofrey, Samson Zivanai & Shoniwa Gwendoline
Abstract
There is overwhelming evidence that male circumcision reduces the transmission of HIV in heterosexual males. This study assesses the attitude of university students towards male circumcision (MC). The study targeted both the male and female students at Midlands State University. A random sampling technique was used to select the participants. Six hundred and sixteen students (408 males and 208 females) from all the university faculties participated in the study. The study established that in principle the students have a generally more positive attitude towards MC as evidenced by 84% of the participants who were in favour of it. However of all the male participants who took part in the study only 20% were circumcised. Half of the remaining 80% were prepared to get circumcised. One quarter of the remainder needed time to think about it and the other quarter were against it. One hundred percent of the participants cited fear of pain as the most probable hindrance to MC. Eighty percent cited reduction in sexual pleasure as another problem to MC. The overall conclusion drawn from this study was that circumcision could be the way forward in the reduction of HIV transmission in heterosexual partners despite the negative issues that are associated with it. This study also established that as long as MC is correlated with HIV/AIDS it will take long to gain the ground since people still have the fear and stigma associated with HIV testing. However this study recommends that male circumcision be tackled as an independent entity without being associated with HIV/AIDS and that testing for HIV should not be a precondition for circumcision.
Key words: Male circumcision, HIV, university students, attitude, heterosexual
Tracy A. Jenkin
Abstract
The continued importance of organizational learning has recently led to several calls for further developing the theory. This article addresses these calls by extending Crossan, Lane and White’s (1999) 4I model to include a fifth process, information foraging, and a fourth level, the tool. The resulting 5I organizational learning model can be generalized to a number of learning contexts, especially those that involve understanding and making sense of data and information. Given the need for organizations to both innovate and increase productivity, and the volumes of data and information that are available to support both, the 5I model addresses an important organizational issue.
Key words: organizational learning; knowledge management; information foraging; information sources; supporting tools
 [Abstract-PDF]
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[References]
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2.2.4.2009.1
|
The Role of the Management Fashion Arena in the Cross-National Diffusion of Management Concepts: The Case of the Balanced Scorecard in the Scandinavian Countries
Dag Øivind Madsen and Kåre Slåtten
Abstract
The diffusion of fashionable management concepts is an important research topic in management and organization studies. Researchers have pointed out that various actors such as consultants, conference organizers and the business media comprise the so-called “management fashion arena” around a management concept. However, a weakness of extant conceptualizations of management fashion arenas is in the lack of an explicit consideration of the dynamics between local and international actors. Drawing on the notion of “institutional duality”, we argue that the concept’s trajectory at the national level is shaped by both country-specific actors and international actors. Furthermore, we recognize that the presence and involvement of different types of actors may vary across different countries. Empirically, we analyze the level of involvement of actors such as consultants, professional groups, software firms, and conference organizers in the cross-national diffusion of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in the three Scandinavian countries. The comparative analysis of the data shows both similarities and differences between the three countries in terms of which actors have been the most influential players. Despite certain similarities and overlaps, the three markets can be considered largely national with key local players. Furthermore, country-specific actors appear to have played a particularly important role in the early phase in terms of establishing the concept in the local markets. These findings are used to elaborate on present conceptualizations of the management fashion arena, and to discuss the role of local and international actors in the cross-national diffusion of management concepts.
Key words: management concepts; management fashions; management fashion arena; actors; diffusion; circulation; institutional duality; the Balanced Scorecard
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
2.2.4.2009.2
|
Aversive Workplace Conditions and Absenteeism: Taking Referent Group Norms and Supervisor Support Into Account
Michal Biron and Peter Bamberger
Abstract
Past research reveals inconsistent findings regarding the association between aversive workplace conditions and absenteeism, suggesting that other, contextual factors may play a role in this association. Extending contemporary models of absence, we draw from the social identity theory of attitude– behavior relations to examine how peer absence-related norms and leader support combine to explain the effect of aversive workplace conditions on absenteeism. Using a prospective design and a random sample of transit workers, we obtained results indicating that perceived job hazards and exposure to critical incidents are positively related to subsequent absenteeism, but only under conditions of more permissive peer absence norms. Moreover, this positive impact of peer norms on absenteeism is amplified among employees perceiving their supervisor to be less supportive and is attenuated to the point of nonsignificance among those viewing their supervisor as more supportive.
Key words: absenteeism, critical incidents, job hazards, referent group norms, supervisor support
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
2.2.4.2009.3
|
Investigating the potentials of entrepreneurship education
Laura Galloway, Wendy Brown, Maggie Anderson, Laura Wilson
Abstract
According to governments, the modern economy requires people with transferable enterprise skills, which can be applied either entrepreneurially or intrapreneurially. Within the context of a globally competitive knowledge economy, enterprise skills and the practice of entrepreneurship (in the form of business start-up) are particularly important amongst those with high skills. As a result, much has been done to increase the opportunities for entrepreneurship and enterprise to be studied within universities. The current paper draws on theories of planned behaviour which indicate that intent can be a robust predictor of outcome. As such, the study investigates the extent to which the inclusion of entrepreneurship education is likely to make a difference to the number and quality of future graduate businesses. Results reveal that while it is likely that entrepreneurship education will have an effect on the number of graduate businesses in the future, this is more likely to be a long-term outcome rather than a short-term one. There is also suggestion of there being differences in the number and timing of future graduate business based on the degree subject of student. Results based on investigation into the potential effect of entrepreneurship education on the quality of future ventures were disappointing, however, and implications for pedagogy include that focus on start-up is insufficient in terms of encouraging entrepreneurial development skills and intentions in future graduate firms.
Key words: Entrepreneurship education; knowledge economy; business start-up
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
2.2.4.2009.4
|
Practical- Skill among Institutionalised Children
Rita Rani Talukdar, Hemasri K. Talukdar
Abstract
In the present study an attempt was made to study the practical skills among institutionalized children in greater Guwahati area. The sample consisted of 100 students (50 male and 50 female) taken from various institutions situated in Guwahati, the capital of Assam state. For this study Pass Along Test by Alexander was used. Their age ranges between the age group of 9 to 11 years. In this study the practical skill of the male students are found to be high than their female counterparts.
Key words: Guwahati, Institutionalised children, practical- skill
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
2.2.4.2009.5
|
Longitudinal Influences of Neighbourhood Built and Social Environment on Children’s Weight Status
Maria Gose, Sandra Plachta-Danielzik, Bianca Willié, Maike Johannsen, Beate Landsberg and Manfred J. Müller
Abstract
The objective was to examine longitudinal 4-year-relationships between neighbourhood social environment and children’s body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) taking into account the built environment. Furthermore, we have analysed the influence of potential interactions between the social environment and family/social data on children’s BMI-SDS. Between 2006–2008 and 2010–2012, anthropometric measurements were conducted among 485 children (age at baseline: 6.1 (5.8–6.4)). Socio-demographic characteristics and perception of residential environment were reported by parents. Geographic Information Systems were used to examine street length, number of food outlets and distance to the nearest playground and park/green space within an 800 m Euclidian buffer of each participant address point. Additional data on neighbourhood characteristics (e.g., traffic density, walkability, crime rates) were obtained from the State Capital of Kiel, Germany. In a multivariate model, walkability, street type, socioeconomic status of the district and perceived frequency of passing trucks/busses were associated with BMI-SDS over 4 years, but only neighbourhood SES had an effect on change in BMI-SDS. However, familial/social factors rather than neighbourhood environment (especially social environment) had an impact on children’s BMI-SDS over 4 years. Thus, social inequalities in childhood overweight are only partially explained by social neighbourhood environment.
Key words: overweight; children; longitudinal study; neighbourhood environment
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
2.2.4.2009.6
|
Multiculturalism, Minority Rights and Democracy in India
Md. Ayub Mallick
Abstract
The question of Indian unity has never been settled beyond all differences and disputations. We have no culturally homogeneous, dominant and majority ethnic and religious group that could both dominate as well as effectively claim to represent all Indians. Group rights act as the regulatory devices for the accommodation of differences. From egalitarian view of justice minority groups have a moral justification for demanding cultural rights, which is the structure for belongingness. Many liberals call for greater tolerance of minority groups. Indian democracy is not consociational, but has adopted consociational devices for dealing with diverse conflicts within society. It has sometimes proved possible for various political parties (multiethnic) to co-operate, form coalitions after elections and even before that and reach agreements on controversial matters affecting the cultural and group rights.
Key words: Consociationalism. Accommodation. Autonomy. Nation-building. Governmentality. Multiculturalism. Deliberative democracy
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
2.2.4.2009.7
|
Attitude of Midlands State University Students towards Male Circumcision as A Way of Reducing Hiv Transmission
Mtemeri Jeofrey, Samson Zivanai & Shoniwa Gwendoline
Abstract
There is overwhelming evidence that male circumcision reduces the transmission of HIV in heterosexual males. This study assesses the attitude of university students towards male circumcision (MC). The study targeted both the male and female students at Midlands State University. A random sampling technique was used to select the participants. Six hundred and sixteen students (408 males and 208 females) from all the university faculties participated in the study. The study established that in principle the students have a generally more positive attitude towards MC as evidenced by 84% of the participants who were in favour of it. However of all the male participants who took part in the study only 20% were circumcised. Half of the remaining 80% were prepared to get circumcised. One quarter of the remainder needed time to think about it and the other quarter were against it. One hundred percent of the participants cited fear of pain as the most probable hindrance to MC. Eighty percent cited reduction in sexual pleasure as another problem to MC. The overall conclusion drawn from this study was that circumcision could be the way forward in the reduction of HIV transmission in heterosexual partners despite the negative issues that are associated with it. This study also established that as long as MC is correlated with HIV/AIDS it will take long to gain the ground since people still have the fear and stigma associated with HIV testing. However this study recommends that male circumcision be tackled as an independent entity without being associated with HIV/AIDS and that testing for HIV should not be a precondition for circumcision.
Key words: Male circumcision, HIV, university students, attitude, heterosexual
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
2.2.4.2009.8
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