Internal Flexibility Research Articles

“We are like a family!”: Flexibility and Intention to Stay in Boutique Hotels in Turkey

This study focuses on a unique type of small business—boutiquehotels in Istanbul, Turkey—, and aims to understand whetheremployers’ use of internal flexibility strategies is associatedwith boutique hotel employees’ intention to stay in theirorganization. Internal flexibility strategies refer to shiftwork, longworkweeks, unpaid overtime, and working preferred hours. Our study focuses on the experience of employees in boutique hotels in Turkey, which is one of the largest economies globally with its hospitality sector being the eighth largest in the world (Zeytinoglu et al., 2012a and 2012b). We test the conceptual model of internal flexibility strategies and intention to stay using data from 20 interviews and 122 surveys with employees in 32 boutique hotels. As our qualitative and quantitative study shows, shiftwork decreasesboutique hotel employees’ intention to stay, but long workweeksand working unpaid overtime do not affect the intention to stay.Furthermore, as our qualitative study shows, the close family-like workenvironments that exist in boutique hotels contribute to theemployees’ intention to stay. As our respondents said in thequalitative part of the study: “‘We’re like afamily!’ and cannot leave our ‘home’!”, despitenot liking the shiftwork. By examining the relationships between flexibility and intention tostay in small workplaces such as boutique hotels, our study contributesto both the academic literature on internal labour flexibility and tothe model of intention to stay. For practitioners, this study providesevidence on the use of the type of internal labour flexibilitystrategies used in boutique hotels, contributing to the understandingof how boutique hotels can be successful in retaining valuable staff.

A summary of reporting guidelines and evaluation domains for using single-case experimental designs and recommendations for the study of eating disorders.

The insights and activities that regularly occur in clinical settings are an underutilized wellspring of potential scientific advances. Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) include a collection of methods for testing hypotheses in one individual (or a small number of individuals) at a time that are particularly well suited to clinical settings. Their strengths include their potential for maximizing both internal and external validity by way of tight experimental control over threats to internal validity and flexibility in application and inclusion criteria. Despite these advantages, the eating disorder field has not made use of SCEDs to a similar extent as other research areas, providing an opportunity for expansion. Recent advances in organizing SCED standards have resulted in the publication of two sets of reporting guidelines relevant to eating disorders research. These guidelines are integrated and summarized alongside descriptions of domains for evaluating their methodological rigor. Example research questions of potential interest to the eating disorder field are illustrated with SCEDs, and several issues to consider when using SCEDs in eating disorders research are described. It is recommended that researchers aiming to use SCEDs refer to this paper and the resources cited herein when designing and reporting their work. Finally, it is hoped that individuals with access to clinical samples use this paper as a source of inspiration for testing their unique clinical insights.

Role of asymmetry in the physiochemical and electrochemical behaviors of perfluorinated sulfonimide anions for lithium batteries: A DFT study

Role of asymmetry in the physiochemical and electrochemical behaviors of perfluorinated sulfonimide anions for lithium batteries: A DFT study

Relevance of Internal Friction and Structural Constraints for the Dynamics of Denatured Bovine Serum Albumin.

A general property of disordered proteins is their structural expansion that results in a high molecular flexibility. The structure and dynamics of bovine serum albumin (BSA) denatured by guanidinium hydrochloride (GndCl) were investigated using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron spin-echo spectroscopy (NSE). SANS experiments demonstrated the relevance of intrachain interactions for structural expansion. Using NSE experiments, we observed a high internal flexibility of denatured BSA in addition to center-of-mass diffusion detected by dynamic light scattering. Internal motions measured by NSE were described using concepts based on polymer theory. The contribution of residue-solvent friction was accounted for using the Zimm model including internal friction (ZIF). Disulfide bonds forming loops of amino acids of the peptide backbone have a major impact on internal dynamics that can be interpreted with a reduced set of Zimm modes.

Supply chain flexibility concepts, dimensions and outcomes: an organisational capability perspective

Due to the increasing uncertainty and diversity in supply chains (SCs), companies are aiming to develop their SC flexibility, which we define as the capability of a company, both internally and externally in conjunction with its key suppliers and customers, to respond to uncertainties and customer expectations without excessive costs, time and performance losses. SC flexibility has three dimensions – internal, supplier and customer flexibility. This study investigates how SC flexibility improves operational and financial performance from the organisational capability perspective. The conceptual model is empirically tested using data collected from 216 companies in China. Our findings suggest that only customer and internal flexibility contribute to operational performance directly, while supplier flexibility contributes to operational performance only indirectly through internal flexibility. The three dimensions of SC flexibility have no direct impacts on financial performance. We further identify complementarities between supplier and customer flexibility and tradeoffs between supplier and internal flexibility. However, no synergy effect is found for internal and customer flexibility on operational performance. This study provides a framework to understand SC flexibility from the organisational capability perspective and identifies the inter-relationships among the three dimensions of SC flexibility and operational and financial performance.

Solution Structures of Engineered Vault Particles

Solution Structures of Engineered Vault Particles

Influence of Technological Assets on Organizational Performance through Absorptive Capacity, Organizational Innovation and Internal Labour Flexibility

Organizational innovation is increasingly mandatory for firms to overcome their competitors. Organizational innovation is especially relevant in today’s dynamic and turbulent environments, where other internal variables—such as technological assets, employee training, coordination of new management capabilities, and new flexible human resources and more adaptable organizational designs—must be encouraged to create value and competitive advantage. The purpose of our research is to analyse whether technological assets influence absorptive capacity (potential and realized absorptive capacity) and how absorptive capacity influences internal labour flexibility, organizational innovation and performance. We achieve these goals by analysing the interrelations among internal labour flexibility, organizational innovation and performance, using the theory of resources and capabilities. A quantitative study was carried out with data gathered by personal interview using a structured questionnaire. Relationships proposed in the theoretical model were estimated through a structural equation model, using a sample of 160 European technology companies. The results show that support for technology and improvement of technological skills and technological distinctive competencies promote improvement in organizational performance through their positive influence on the processes of potential and realized absorption capacity. Potential absorptive capacity influences realized absorptive capacity, which impacts not only internal labour flexibility but also organizational innovation and organizational performance. Further, internal labour flexibility influences organizational performance through organizational innovation. This issue is of particular interest when considering the dynamic nature of turbulent technological environments in which the organization operates. Technological assets thus identify new sources of flexibility and organizational innovation based on deeper contextual knowledge and tools that aid knowledge capacity in the company.

Dynamic behaviour of a high-speed train hydraulic yaw damper

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses on revealing the dynamic behaviour of a hydraulic yaw damper under very small excitation conditions. First, the measured yaw damper movement is presented when a train experiences unstable motions. It shows that the yaw damper is characterized by very small harmonic movement between 0.5 and 2 mm. Following this, a simplified physical model of the yaw damper is developed which has the ability to reproduce its dynamic performance in the range of operating conditions, and then suitably validated with experimental results. At last, the dynamic behaviour of the yaw damper under very small amplitudes is investigated by comparing with its static behaviour, and the dynamic stiffness and damping in terms of key parameters are studied. It is concluded that there is a great difference in the damper performance between dynamic and static conditions which is caused by the internal damper flexibility under small amplitudes. The percentage of entrapped air in oil, rubber attachment stiffness, and leakage flow have a great effect on the dynamic behaviour of the yaw damper related to the dynamic stiffness and damping. The effect is even more remarkable for smaller amplitudes regarding the dissolved air in oil. Oil leakage has a greater impact on dynamic damping than dynamic stiffness. The series stiffness of the yaw damper is mainly provided by the spring effect of the oil when the rubber attachment stiffness reached a certain limit, and an additional increase in rubber attachment stiffness becomes useless to further enhance the overall stiffness of the damper.

Structure of the 30 kDa HIV-1 RNA Dimerization Signal by a Hybrid Cryo-EM, NMR, and Molecular Dynamics Approach

Structure of the 30 kDa HIV-1 RNA Dimerization Signal by a Hybrid Cryo-EM, NMR, and Molecular Dynamics Approach

Solution Structures of Engineered Vault Particles

Solution Structures of Engineered Vault Particles

The Use of 13C Direct-Detect NMR to Characterize Flexible and Disordered Proteins.

The Use of 13C Direct-Detect NMR to Characterize Flexible and Disordered Proteins.

Why Did the Labour Market in Germany Perform So Well during the Great Recession?

Why Did the Labour Market in Germany Perform So Well during the Great Recession?

Structure of Human M-type Phospholipase A2 Receptor Revealed by Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Structure of Human M-type Phospholipase A2 Receptor Revealed by Cryo-Electron Microscopy

무형식 학습이 조직구성원들의 고용가능성에 미치는 영향 : 개인-직무, 개인-조직 적합성의 조절효과

The trend toward employees` assuming a more significant role in their own learning process, the importance being placed on learning as a core competency and lifelong process, and the recognition of learning as a source of sustainable competitive advantage for individuals and organizations alike have also stimulated tremendous interest in informal learning. Informal learning can best be described as learning that is predominantly unstructured, experiential, and noninstitutionalized. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of informal learning in the workplace on the employees` employability and the moderating effects of person-job, person-organization fit those of relationships. Based on literatures, Informal learning captured a category that, may occur in institutions, but it is not typically classroom based or highly structured, and control of learning rests primarily in the hands of the learner. Also employability is conceptualized as a form of work specific active adaptability that enables workers to identify and realize career opportunities. As such, employability facilitates the movement between jobs, both within and between organizations. Employability are divided into internal flexibility and external mobility, considering the application in internal labor market and external labor market. Because of employability has been broadly defined as the ability to gain and maintain employment, both within and across organizations(Finn, 2000). We proposed direct effects hypothesis and moderating effect hypothesis. To test hypothesis, total of 156 questionnaires were used for analysis. The results are as follows. First, informal learning was positive related to internal flexibility and external mobility. This result shows that informal learning is critical determinant of employability. Second, person-job fit moderate relationship between informal learning and internal flexibility, also informal learning and external mobility. Third, personal-organization fit moderate relationship between informal learning and internal flexibility. Base on the results, this study demonstrates the significant role plays informal learning in relation to employability. The findings of this study provide both theoretical and practical tools to help understanding of informal learning, employability and person-job, person-organization fit.

Structural analysis of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ (PI4KB) - 14-3-3 protein complex reveals internal flexibility and explains 14-3-3 mediated protection from degradation in vitro.

Structural analysis of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIβ (PI4KB) - 14-3-3 protein complex reveals internal flexibility and explains 14-3-3 mediated protection from degradation in vitro.

Manufacturing flexibility, business model design, and firm performance

Manufacturing flexibility, business model design, and firm performance

Influence of internal flexibility on the double glass transition in a series of odd non-symmetric liquid crystal dimers characterised by dielectric measurements

ABSTRACTDielectric measurements (thermally stimulated depolarisation currents and broadband dielectric spectroscopy) have been performed near the glass transition to study the glass transition on the odd non-symmetric liquid crystal (LC) dimers of the series α-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-oxy)-ω-(1-pyreniminebenzylidene-4'-oxy) alkanes (CBOnO.Py) with n ranging from 3 to 9. A previous study [S. Diez-Berart et al., Materials 8 (2015) 3334] carried out in CBO11O.Py showed the presence of two glass transition temperatures, attributed to different molecular motions of the terminal groups. The study performed allows us to analyse the molecular dynamics in the rest of the series and determine the role played by the flexible spacer. Parallel and perpendicular orientations of the molecular director with regards to the probe electric field have been investigated. The low and intermediate observed relaxations are explained in the framework of Stocchero’s theoretical model [M. Stocchero, J. Chem. Phys. 121 (2004) 8079] for the dielectric behaviour of non-symmetric LCs dimers, as independent end-over-end rotations of each terminal semi-rigid unit. As the length of the spacer chain in the series of compounds decreases, the different relaxations become progressively more coupled at the glass transition. Numerical simulations of the calorimetric response from the obtained kinetic parameters show good agreement with experimental behaviour.

FLEXIBILITY AS A RESULT OF THE GLOBALIZATION PROCESS: ITS KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE ACTORS OF THE LABOR ENVIRONMENT

INTRODUCTION:In the past 16 years, Mexico has been involved in a globalization process, which it has not been ready for. Mexico's trade opening resulted in a 180-degree turn from a closed economy to a fully open one, to which not only the productive structure has had to adapt, but society as a whole. An example of this has been the reforms of 2015 to the federal labor law (Ley Federal del Trabajo, 2015).These new conditions such as the emergence of outsourcing and it's rising, is an unmistakable sample of changes that have forced employers to devise a new vision for their business. (SECRETARIA DE ECONOMIA, 2014). But as well to design better strategies to cope up with global competition, produce high quality products, efficient distribution, competitive pricing and appropriate negotiations to meet the demands of the international markets.From the late twentieth century to the present, Mexico has made an effort for a profound transformation in economic policy and international links. For companies , for its part to face the competition, have refined their processes and their results. One of the most notorious is the emergence of white unions, those that emerge as a business strategy to deal with legal provisions and create in workers the idea of being represented (Castillo, 2004). Globalization, as a result of its economic integration policies, technological transformations, adjustments to processes and organizational restructuring are implemented at a speed such that the learning has become a permanent necessity, requiring it to be both continuous and flexible (Silla, 2007).Employers, employees and the population, in general, have been immersed in this maelstrom of transformations, which from their particular point of view, must be known to them, in order to be prepared to deal with them since success depends on their understanding and preparation to face it.Labor flexibility, is just one part of the wide range of these transformations that affects all social sectors. In Mexico thousands of people work flexibly without knowing that this is their condition, much less, knowing ways to cope with the demands of it (Fressman, 2005). The objective of this research aims to determine the degree of understanding of the participants with regard to the concept of labor flexibility and how to deal with it.LITERATURE REVIEW:GLOBALIZATION:Being part of this new conception of 'how to do things', how to achieve permanence in a job, how to adapt to the new challenges that the labor market imposes, there are certain implications that deeply modify the behaviour and way of thinking among today's workers.It is a fact that employment 'for life' is a mark of the past. The contract between the employer and the employee is undergoing a profound revolution. Also known as internal flexibility, which refers to changes in national regulations, allowing employers to enter into individual contracts, where different wages are handled, diversity of functions, ad-hoc schedules to the company, etc. (Perello, 2006); (Echeverria & Lopez, 2004).The race for promotion to higher ranks in a company is being replaced by the design and execution of the individual's career. The commitment is no longer with the company, but with society. Also known as internal flexibility, which refers to changes in national regulations, which allow employers to enter into individual contracts, where different wages are handled, diversity of functions, ad hoc schedules to the company, etc.Currently, to determine the remuneration as payment for the services received, it is fundamental for the computerization of the companies, which also allows the individualized evaluation of the provider of labor services, such as the level of preparation, experience, and performance. The wage as a 'market price' unifying the workers who perform the same task, will lose its validity especially in the areas of services and administrative functions (Lorenzo, 2007)The Japanese understand that innovation will boost the economy of the future. …

Flexibility, labour retention and productivity in the EU

This paper examines the relationship between internal flexibility, the employment of fixed-term contract workers and productivity in 27 European Union countries. Drawing on European Company Survey data, the paper assesses whether establishments that employ on a fixed-term basis experience higher productivity than their competitors and stronger labour productivity improvements over time. These issues are of importance, given the recent weakness of productivity growth in many EU member countries, the steps that governments have taken to relax rules relating to the employment of fixed-term workers and the emphasis placed on contractual flexibility within the European Commission’s flexicurity agenda. The paper finds that establishments that do not use fixed-term contracts enjoy productivity advantages over those that do. Establishments that employ on a fixed-term basis but retain workers once their fixed-term contract has expired perform better than those that do not retain workers. The findings also show that establishments that pursue internal flexibility report both higher productivity than competitors and productivity increases over time. In addition, they are more likely to retain workers who have reached the end of a fixed-term contract.

Effects of Employment and Social Protection Reformsin Spain: a jurisprudential perspective

Abstract: This paper analyzes the consequences of the process of labor reforms on the Spanish labor market. Specifically, it is deepened in the interpretation of the social courts of the reforms related to employment and social protection. Therefore, the main legal measures during times of crisis are studied, which have introduced an important space to labour flexicurity. Highlighting the changes related to internal flexibility and external that have been interpreted and sometimes corrected by social jurisprudence. Keywords: labour reforms, Spanish labor market, social jurisprudence, labour flexicurity, internal flexibility, external flexibility. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.20318/sllerj.2016.3309