Workplace Activities Research Articles

Participative leadership and job satisfaction

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the relationships between participative leadership and employees’ work engagement and job satisfaction; and second, to determine whether the level of fun experienced at work moderates the effect of participative leadership on job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe participants were 177 employees in a retailing store in Hong Kong. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted with the control variables to ascertain the relationships among participative leadership, level of fun experienced at work, work engagement and job satisfaction.FindingsThe results indicated that participative leadership was positively related to employees’ work engagement and job satisfaction. Employees’ work engagement mediated the relationship between participative leadership and job satisfaction. This positive relationship between participative leadership and job satisfaction was stronger when employees had more fun at work.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the data was limited, as the characteristics of participants in a retail store are distinct from others in the service industry.Practical implicationsThis paper’s findings imply that participative leaders can engage in role modeling by providing more fun workplace activities to employees, which will increase their work engagement and job satisfaction.Originality/valueThe findings help to explain the relationship between participative leadership and job satisfaction, provide a better understanding of leadership management styles and show that participative leaders who engage employees in fun activities in the workplace can increase employees’ job satisfaction.

Dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART)-Development of a Dermal Exposure Model for Low-Volatile Liquids.

This article describes the development of a mechanistic model for underpinning the dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART), an extension of the existing ART model and its software platform. It was developed for hand exposure to low volatile liquids (vapour pressure ≤ 10 Pa at 20°C) including solids-in-liquid products. The model is based on an existing conceptual dermal source-receptor model that has been integrated into the ART framework. A structured taxonomy of workplace activities referred to as activity classes are adopted from ART. Three key processes involved in mass transport associated with dermal exposure are applied, i.e. deposition, direct emission and contact, and transfer. For deposition, the model adopts all the relevant modifying factors (MFs) applied in ART. In terms of direct emission and contact (e.g. splashes) and transfer (e.g. hand-surface contacts), the model defines independent principal MFs, i.e. substance-related factors, activity-related factors, localized- and dispersion control and exposed surface area of the hands. To address event-based exposures as much as possible, the model includes crucial events during an activity (e.g. hand immersions) and translates objective information on tools and equipment (manual or automated) to probable events (e.g. splashes) and worker behaviours (e.g. surface contacts). Based on an extensive review of peer-reviewed literature and unpublished field studies, multipliers were assigned to each determinant and provide an approximated (dimensionless) numerical value. In the absence of (sufficient) evidence, multipliers were assigned to determinants based on assumptions made during discussions by experts in the consortium. A worked example is presented to illustrate the calculation of hand exposure for a specific scenario. The dART model is not yet implemented in the ART software platform, and a robust validation of the model is necessary to determine its predictive ability. With advancing knowledge on dermal exposure and its determinants, this model will require periodic updates and refinements, in addition to further expansion of the applicability domain of the model.

Management of patients with chronic nonspecific lumbar pain

Chronic lumbar pain (CLP) is one of the most common causes of temporary disability. Both the elimination of specific causes of pain and the assessment of social and psychological factors of pain management are of great importance in the examination of patients. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach is effective in managing patients with chronic nonspecific LP, which includes rationalization of drug therapy, therapeutic gymnastics, correction (if necessary) of the workplace and motor activity, psychological methods and educational program. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the drugs most commonly used during the integrated treatment period. The use of slow release ibuprofen as a NSAID in chronic non-specific LP is discussed.

Role of Optimism Bias and Risk Attitude on Investment Behaviour

Purpose: The study undertakes to identify individual characteristics and their investment pattern. The individual characteristics include MBTI personality scores, risk taking behaviour, biases and investor demographics. Data and Methodology: A structured questionnaire was administered on 117 respondents in India. The questions were related to demographic variables, optimism bias, investment pattern and MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®) personality assessment. The results were analysed using chi-square and ANOVA. Findings: The results show that presence of optimism bias in investors is influenced by marital status, nature of employment and work experience of investors. The Indian investors are majorly balanced or conservative out of the total sample in terms of risk taking behaviour. Risk taking attitude is affected by personality of individuals. Investment in high risk instruments is different among males and females, various age groups, marital status, and work place activity. Investment in medium risk instruments significantly differ for work experience on gender basis. Investment in low risk instruments does not differ for demographic variables of investors as all investors invest equally in safe investment mode. MBTI personality type is a less significant variable which directly affects investment patterns of Indian investors. The study can be useful for portfolio managers, investment advisors who can use it for designing investment portfolios and products for their clients based on their demographic, and behavioural profiling. Originality: This study identifies relationship between investment pattern, behavioural biases and demographic characteristics of Indian investors. MBTI personality assessment is one new dimension which is less researched in studying investment behaviour in Indian context.

Enhancing Indigenous partnerships in an increasingly digitised oil and gas industry

As oil and gas operators and service providers look to embrace automation and analytics, many of the traditional partnerships with Aboriginal communities relating to employment and career pathways are likely to be challenged. The paper explores how digital trends are affecting, and are likely to affect, Indigenous communities in their partnerships with oil and gas organisations. Workplace roles and activities are evolving in our increasingly digitised world, causing a perceived threat to employment for minority groups such as Indigenous communities. In order to ensure the ongoing presence of opportunities for Indigenous workers in the ‘future of work’, oil and gas organisations will need to augment digital technologies to cater for and enhance existing and future roles. This paper presents a framework for Indigenous communities, governments, oil and gas operators and service providers to embrace digitisation and create sustainable relationships. An approach is considered to engage with Indigenous communities with objectives of executing on their Reconciliation Action Plans and addressing culture and employment challenges that arise through digitisation. The framework positions oil and gas operators and service providers to pivot themselves not only to sustain, but also to enhance Indigenous employment opportunities in a digital workplace. Digitisation is here, but with the right approach it can positively affect and shape partnerships between oil and gas organisations and Indigenous communities.

DIVERSITY IN A SINO-FRENCH COMPANY IN BEIJING: HOW DO EMPLOYEES MANAGE THEIR MULTILINGUAL PRACTICES?

Sometimes the idea of multilingualism is connected to understanding problems that can potentially slow down the progress of professional activity in international workplaces. However, social actors often find solutions locally to cope with issues associated with multicultural contexts. Keeping in mind the management of cultural and linguistic diversity, I set out to study how social actors organize talk-in-interaction and coordinate participation in multilingual work meetings. To allow mutual understanding and carry out their work, social actors use various resources such as ad hoc interpreting practices during professional interactions. Drawing on my conversational analysis (CA) background, I will examine how members of a Sino-French company in Beijing use ad hoc interpreting practices and English as a lingua franca (ELF) as methods to resolve the linguistic asymmetries present in a multicultural context where ELF is not always taken for granted. Through analysis of several naturally occurring conversations, I will examine the methods, and verbal and multimodal resources used by ad hoc translators to keep work going and manage each member’s participation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/sm-2018-0014

Diversity in a Sino-French Company in Beijing: How Do Employees Manage Their Multilingual Practices?

Summary Sometimes the idea of multilingualism is connected to understanding problems that can potentially slow down the progress of professional activity in international workplaces. However, social actors often find solutions locally to cope with issues associated with multicultural contexts. Keeping in mind the management of cultural and linguistic diversity, I set out to study how social actors organize talk-in-interaction and coordinate participation in multilingual work meetings. To allow mutual understanding and carry out their work, social actors use various resources such as ad hoc interpreting practices during professional interactions. Drawing on my conversational analysis (CA) background, I will examine how members of a Sino-French company in Beijing use ad hoc interpreting practices and English as a lingua franca (ELF) as methods to resolve the linguistic asymmetries present in a multicultural context where ELF is not always taken for granted. Through analysis of several naturally occurring conversations, I will examine the methods, and verbal and multimodal resources used by ad hoc translators to keep work going and manage each member’s participation.

What strategies do desk-based workers choose to reduce sitting time and how well do they work? Findings from a cluster randomised controlled trial

BackgroundLarge amounts of sitting at work have been identified as an emerging occupational health risk, and findings from intervention trials have been reported. However, few such reports have examined participant-selected strategies and their relationships with behaviour change.MethodsThe Stand Up Victoria cluster-randomised controlled trial was a workplace-delivered intervention comprising organisational, environmental and individual level behaviour change strategies aimed at reducing sitting time in desk-based workers. Sit-stand workstations were provided, and participants (n = 134; intervention group only) were guided by health coaches to identify strategies for the ‘Stand Up’, ‘Sit Less’, and ‘Move More’ intervention targets, including how long they would stand using the workstation. Three-month workplace sitting and activity changes (activPAL3-assessed total sitting, prolonged sitting (i.e., sitting ≥30 min continuously) and purposeful walking) were evaluated in relation to the number (regression analysis) and types of strategies (decision-tree analysis).ResultsOver 80 different strategies were nominated by participants. Each additional strategy nominated for the ‘Stand Up’ intervention target (i.e. number of strategies) was associated with a reduction in prolonged sitting of 27.6 min/8-h workday (95% CI: -53.1, − 2.1, p = 0.034). Types of strategies were categorised into 13 distinct categories. Strategies that were task-based and phone-based were common across all three targets. The decision tree models did not select any specific strategy category as predicting changes in prolonged sitting (‘Stand Up’), however four strategy categories were identified as important for total sitting time (‘Sit Less’) and three strategy categories for purposeful walking (‘Moving More’). The uppermost nodes (foremost predictors) were nominating > 3 h/day of workstation standing (reducing total workplace sitting) and choosing a ‘Move More’ task-based strategy (purposeful walking).ConclusionsWorkers chose a wide range of strategies, with both strategy choice and strategy quantity appearing relevant to behavioural improvement. Findings support a tailored and pragmatic approach to encourage a change in sitting and activity in the workplace. Evaluating participant-selected strategies in the context of a successful intervention serves to highlight options that may prove feasible and effective in other desk-based workplace environments.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials register (ACTRN12611000742976) on 15 July 2011,

An outbreak of Q fever associated with parturient cat exposure at an animal refuge and veterinary clinic in southeast Queensland

Objective:To determine the source of a Q fever outbreak in humans at an animal refuge and veterinary clinic in southeast Queensland from October to December 2016. Methods:Case interviews and a retrospective cohort study of animal refuge and veterinary clinic staff using a self‐administered questionnaire related to clinical history of Q fever, Q fever vaccination status and workplace activities during the exposure period. Results:Seven cases (six confirmed, one probable) were identified. Forty‐three questionnaires were completed (92% response rate). Workplace activities associated with the greatest risk of illness were the disposal of deceased cats or dogs (RR, 14.0; 95%CI, 1.9–104.1) and participating in euthanasia of cats or dogs (RR, 4.6; 95%CI, 1.3–16.9). Five feline birthing events occurred at the animal refuge from 25 September to 19 October 2016, each with subsequent euthanasia of the queen cat and litter. All cases had likely exposure to a specific queen cat and her litter that were euthanised the same day as the birthing event. Conclusions:A parturient cat was the most likely source of the outbreak. Implications for public health:Occupational groups and others with regular exposure to feline or canine parturient products should receive Q fever vaccine.

Worker Use Description and Exposure Assessment

An important component in chemical risk evaluation is to have a common understanding of how substances are used in occupational settings, including work conditions and exposure controls. Identifying every workplace activity and associated condition would result in a large set of highly specific scenarios, each of limited application. An alternative approach is to more generically group tasks when high throughput exposure estimates are desired and conservative models applied. Exposure potential for workers in these respective activities or process types can be linked to emission profiles based on substance physical chemical properties. For example, products containing a moderate volatility solvent applied by hand brush can be expected to result in like inhalation risk under like use conditions, regardless if the product is a paint, adhesive, or cleaning agent. Amended TSCA defines conditions of use as “the circumstances, as determined by the Administrator, under which a chemical substance is intended, known, or reasonably foreseen to be manufactured, processed, distributed in commerce, used, or disposed of.’’ Similarly under REACH use and conditions of use “means any processing, formulation, consumption, storage, keeping, treatment, filling into containers, transfer from one container to another, mixing, production of an article or any other utilization”. In modernized countries industrial work environments are likely to have similar operations and worker regulatory protections to prevent exposure. Therefore, exposure evaluation approaches and tools applied to assess substance uses for EU REACH may also be helpful to inform risk evaluations under amended TSCA.This presentation overviews REACH use description for worker exposure assessment and fundamental input parameters used to screen occupational exposure risks. Concepts and approach will be highlighted with an example using the ECETOC targeted risk assessment tool.

Detection of Occupational Physical Activities using a Smart Textile System

Detection of Occupational Physical Activities using a Smart Textile System

A Systematic Review of Full-Shift, Noise Exposure Levels Among Construction Workers: Are We Improving?

Construction industry workers are at high risk of occupational noise exposure. Although regulations and guidelines for this industry specify the use of noise controls, workers continue to be exposed to hazardous noise levels. The objectives of this study were (i) to collate and describe full-shift noise exposure experienced by construction workers; (ii) to review trends in full-shift exposure over time and between countries; and (iii) to identify any occupational categories within the construction industries that have higher levels of exposure. Of the 1171 studies found using key terms, 25 contained noise exposure measurements that met our inclusion criteria. Sample populations were predominantly from large construction sites and primarily comprised occupations known to engage in noisy workplace activities. Studies spanned over 36 years with all having average full-shift noise exposure over 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA). No time trend in full-shift noise exposure levels for construction workers was observed. Construction workers in the subgroup occupations of mason, sheet metal workers, carpenters, concrete workers, and operating engineers consistently had mean LAeq,8h over the 85 dBA limit. Studies spanning 36 years in 10 countries consistently show construction workers have been exposed to hazardous noise levels. There has been no significant change over time of the average full-shift exposure levels of construction workers, including in all occupational subgroups except iron-workers. Some variability in full-shift measures is due to sampling methods and population characteristics and to a lesser extent, methods used to derive exposure levels.

How the Private Sector Can Improve Public Transportation Infrastructure

Transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airports, and the like, significantly contributes to America's prosperity by facilitating access to the workplace, shopping, and leisure activities, as well as giving employers easy access to labor, capital, and potential consumers. However, current capacity for transport has become increasingly strained, and travelers and shippers have experienced more congestion and delays. The public sector's strategy to increase infrastructure spending fails to generate the large promised benefits because its pricing and investment and operating policies are so inefficient. Accordingly, this paper explores how the private sector could improve infrastructure performance. I conclude that the most promising approach consists of technological advances in the transportation modes, namely, the driverless car and aircraft that rely on satellite-based navigation, both of which are being developed by the private sector. Those advances will create a new era of highway and air transportation, provided their implementation is not impeded by the government.

Occupational Physical Activity Habits of UK Office Workers: Cross-Sectional Data from the Active Buildings Study.

Habitual behaviours are learned responses that are triggered automatically by associated environmental cues. The unvarying nature of most workplace settings makes workplace physical activity a prime candidate for a habitual behaviour, yet the role of habit strength in occupational physical activity has not been investigated. Aims of the present study were to: (i) document occupational physical activity habit strength; and (ii) investigate associations between occupational activity habit strength and occupational physical activity levels. A sample of UK office-based workers (n = 116; 53% female, median age 40 years, SD 10.52) was fitted with activPAL accelerometers worn for 24 h on five consecutive days, providing an objective measure of occupational step counts, stepping time, sitting time, standing time and sit-to-stand transitions. A self-report index measured the automaticity of two occupational physical activities (“being active” (e.g., walking to printers and coffee machines) and “stair climbing”). Adjusted linear regression models investigated the association between occupational activity habit strength and objectively-measured occupational step counts, stepping time, sitting time, standing time and sit-to-stand transitions. Eighty-one per cent of the sample reported habits for “being active”, and 62% reported habits for “stair climbing”. In adjusted models, reported habit strength for “being active” were positively associated with average occupational sit-to-stand transitions per hour (B = 0.340, 95% CI: 0.053 to 0.627, p = 0.021). “Stair climbing” habit strength was unexpectedly negatively associated with average hourly stepping time (B = −0.01, 95% CI: −0.01 to −0.00, p = 0.006) and average hourly occupational step count (B = −38.34, 95% CI: −72.81 to −3.88, p = 0.030), which may reflect that people with stronger stair-climbing habits compensate by walking fewer steps overall. Results suggest that stair-climbing and office-based occupational activity can be habitual. Interventions might fruitfully promote habitual workplace activity, although, in light of potential compensation effects, such interventions should perhaps focus on promoting moderate-intensity activity.

Learning how to learn using simulation: Unpacking disguised feedback using a qualitative analysis of doctors’ telephone talk

Introduction: Telephone talk between clinicians represents a substantial workplace activity in postgraduate clinical education, yet junior doctors receive little training in goal-directed, professional telephone communication.Aim: To assess educational needs for telephone talk and develop a simulation-based educational intervention.Methods: Thematic analysis of 17 semi-structured interviews with doctors-in-training from various training levels and specialties.Results: We identified essential elements to incorporate into simulation-based telephone talk, including common challenging situations for junior doctors as well as explicit and informal aspects that promote learning. These elements have implications for both junior doctors and clinical supervisors, including: (a) explicit teaching and feedback practices and (b) informal conversational interruptions and questions. The latter serve as “disguised” feedback, which aligns with recent conceptualizations of feedback as “performance relevant information”.Conclusions: In addition to preparing clinical supervisors to support learning through telephone talk, we propose several potential educational strategies: (a) embedding telephone communication skills throughout simulation activities and (b) developing stand-alone curricular elements to sensitize junior doctors to “disguised” feedback during telephone talk as a mechanism to augment future workplace learning, i.e. 'learning how to learn' through simulation.

The Impact of Activity Based Working (ABW) on Workplace Activity, Eating Behaviours, Productivity, and Satisfaction

The redesign of the physical workplace according to activity-based working (ABW) principles has potential to influence employee health and workplace outcomes. This natural experiment examined changes in accelerometer-derived workplace activity, self-reported eating behaviours, productivity, workplace satisfaction before (March to November 2014) and six to nine months after moving to an ABW workplace compared to a comparison workplace (n = 146 at baseline (56% ABW, aged 40.1 ± 8.5 years, 72% female). Interviews were also conducted with 21 ABW participants. Between- and within-group differences were examined and mixed model analysis examined intervention effects over time. Effect sizes were calculated on change scores (Cohen’s d). Although not statistically significant, ABW participants had meaningful improvements in workday sedentary time, light-, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity, job satisfaction and relationship with co-workers (d = 0.379–0.577), and small declines in productivity (d = 0.278). There were significant, meaningful, and beneficial intervention effects on perceived organisational support for being active in the workplace, frequency of eating lunch with colleagues, and satisfaction with the physical environment in ABW compared to comparison participants (d = 0.501–0.839). Qualitative data suggested that ABW employees associated ABW with greater opportunities for movement and collaboration, but had mixed views on the impact on productivity. Future research with larger samples and over longer follow-up periods is warranted.

An Analysis of School and Work Activity Systems Affecting the Learning and Transfer of Graduate School Student-Workers

최근 계속교육을 통한 직업능력을 개발하기 위해 일과 학습을 병행하는 직장인들이 증가하고 있다. 본 연구는 대학원에 재학하는 직장인을 대상으로 일과 학습을 병행하며 나타나는 학습과 전이에 영향을 미치는 학교와 일터활동 요소들을 살펴봄으로써 이들의 학습과 전이를 촉진하기 위한 시사점을 제시하고자 하였다. 구체적으로 문화역사적 활동이론을 토대로 학교와 일터에서의 활동체계를 분석하고, 이러한 요소들이 대학원에 재학하며 일과 학습을 병행하는 직장인의 학습과 발달적 전이에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지를 검증하였다. 이를 위해 대학원에 재학하는 직장인 13명의 심층면담을 통해 얻은 연구결과를 바탕으로 설문조사를 위한 연구모형을 설정하고, 설문문항을 구성하여 조사연구를 실시했다. 대학원에 재학하면서 일과 학습을 병행하는 직장인 총 288명이 응답한 설문자료를 바탕으로 기술통계분석 및 상관관계분석, 중다회귀분석방법을 사용하여 자료를 분석하였다. 연구결과, 학교활동요소에서 경쟁력 강화, 전공에서의 역할, 교수와의 상호작용 변수와 일터활동요소에서 객체인 관계향상, 자아실현 변수는 학습에 유의미한 영향을 미쳤다. 학교활동요소에서 수업참여의 적극성, 전공에서의 역할, 교수와의 상호작용 변수와 일터활동요소에서 자아실현, 직장에서의 역할, 상사와의 상호작용, 업무시스템의 체계화는 발달적 전이에 유의미한 영향을 미쳤다. 이와 같은 결과들을 바탕으로 일과 학습을 병행하는 직장인의 학습과 전이를 촉진시키기 위한 학교와 일터에서의 노력에 대해 논의하였으며, 후속연구를 위해 제언하였다.This study examines based on Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, graduate school student-workers’ learning and developmental transfer in school and work. For this purpose, a question is raised. how do components of activities in school and workplace impact on learning and developmental transfer? For this study, based on the results of In-depth interview, questionnaire was designed and quantitative research has been conducted. This study analyzed 288 graduate school student-workers. As a results, First, the components which have an effect on learning were analyzed and the results show that among the components of the school activity system, the competitiveness reinforcement from object, the role of academic major from division of labor, and the interaction with professors from community are significant variables. Second, in case of developmental transfer, the activeness of class participation from tool, the role of academic major from division of labor, and the interaction with professors from community are significant variables of the school activity system and the self realization from object, the role in the workplace from division of labor, the interaction with supervisors from community, and the systemization of work from rule are significant variables of workplace activity system. On the basis of the findings, implications of the study and suggestions for further research are discussed.

Multilingual and multimodal practices at a global startup: Toward a spatial approach to language and literacy in professional contexts

In the area of literacy studies and ESP scholarship, there has been a shift towards a more holistic approach that situates writing as one resource within a semiotic repertoire. Extending this focus, this case study of an Israeli high-tech startup company uncovers the ways multilingual and multimodal workplace activities are mediated by a complex and dynamic array of text, tools, actors and objects distributed across social and geographic spaces. Central to the analysis is an argument for a more spatialized and material framework for the study and teaching of language and literacy practices.

The Effort of Health Management for Workers in Y Combined Cycle Power Plant in Korea

This study promotes health management activities in Y combined cycle power plants in Korea, focusing on occupational health activities, such as preventing cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders and managing work environment measurements. The results of the present study were collected from the company’s internal documents and reports in Y combined cycle power plant. Diverse results for workplace activities are summarized. Furthermore, this study discusses attempts to reduce potential safety risks and to improve workers’ health conditions at the Y combined cycle power plants in Korea. The Y combined cycle plant discussed seeks to prevent accidents to improve workers’ health; thus, specific efforts related to onsite health and expected results for workers are evaluated.

Understanding the Influence of CEO Tenure and CEO Reputation on Corporate Reputation: An Exploratory Study in Italy

The study aims at investigating the main activities of corporate reputation in which CEOs are actively engaged, focusing also on the influence of CEOs tenure on their commitment in reputation management. Moreover, the paper analyzes the CEO’s view on the relation between CEO reputation and company’s reputation. Through a structured questionnaire, a web survey has been carried out addressing CEOs of large companies located in Italy and included in the report of Mediobanca. Findings highlight a relevant CEO commitment in corporate reputation management, above all in leadership, performance and workplace activities. Long-tenured CEOs tend to be more involved in managing firm’s reputation, than short-tenured CEOs. The study also shows CEOs are aware that their reputation are increasingly intertwined with the corporate reputation. The paper supports the strategic leadership perspective, contributing to the ongoing debate on CEO reputation. The influence of CEOs’ good name on company’s reputation stimulates them, and communication managers, to create an effective CEOs’ brand. The paper is the first study that provides empirical evidence on the increasing importance of CEO’s role in Italian large companies, and it can be viewed as a starting point for future cross-country comparison.