Knowledge Workers Research Articles

Exploratory study of French healthcare workers' experiences of anosognosia in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

Anosognosia or lack of insight is a common feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and associated disorders. It is an impairment in the ability to recognize the disease and related symptoms. Anosognosia is associated among patients with poor compensatory strategies, behavioral disorders, apathy and caregiver burden. Therefore, its early identification by healthcare workers is a major challenge in order to provide support for both patients and caregivers. To explore the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of French healthcare workers relating to anosognosia in AD and related disorders. An online self-completed questionnaire was created for the study. It was anonymous and divided into three dimensions: general knowledge, confidence, and subjective experiences of anosognosia. One hundred and eleven healthcare workers completed the questionnaire. Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to determine the variables associated with the total knowledge and confidence scores. Ordinal logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between subjective experiences and demographics. The participants had moderate knowledge. Knowledge scores were influenced by their experience in the geriatric field, type of profession, workplaces and training. The areas where knowledge was poorest were anosognosia assessment and management. The participants with the lowest knowledge levels were those interacting the most with patients, especially at home. Overall, they identified difficulties related to anosognosia and did not seem confident about their ability to deal with this condition. This study determines specific areas for training on anosognosia, such as identification, assessment and management of this condition.

How practising social workers benefit from teaching social work students in university classrooms

ABSTRACT This paper explores the impact on practising social workers who engage in teaching social work students in a university classroom setting. Using a narrative inquiry approach, focus group interviews were conducted with social workers from three London local authorities to understand how teaching opportunities influence their professional development and practice. The findings reveal that classroom interactions, characterized by dialogical engagement and student curiosity, prompt social workers to reflect on and reconsider established social work knowledge and practices. Teaching in a university environment invites practitioners to develop a revised understanding of their professional identity by enhancing self-reflexive opportunities and by freeing up new ways to think about social work. These insights, often cultivated by students asking unanticipated questions, are taken back to the practitioners’ workplace, potentially leading to shifts in their practice with colleagues and service users. The paper concludes that teaching not only benefits students, but also offers practising social workers unique opportunities for continuous professional development, as university classrooms can foster a dynamic, social constructivist approach to learning.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers towards healthcare- associated infections in Jimma University Medical Center, southwestern Ethiopia: using structural equation model

BackgroundHealthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a common challenge faced in healthcare facilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Evaluating the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among healthcare personnel regarding HCAI prevention and identifying the relevant factors is important for handling and controlling these infections. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the direct and indirect effects of knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare workers (HCW) towards HCAIs prevention in Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC).MethodAn institutional cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2022. A total of 262 was sampled from 1354 health professionals working in JUMC using the population proportion stratified random sampling method. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify the direct and indirect effects of KAP of HCWs on HCAIs.ResultsOf the 262 participants, 55% (n = 144) were nurses and 52.7% were female. The study found that HCW occupational skills (os) had a direct effect on knowledge (k) and attitudes (a) in preventing HCAIs (βos→k = 1.43, Pos→k = 0.004, and βos→a = 0.65, Pos→a = 0.004). HCWs’ practice on HCAIs had an effect (βos→p = -0.79; Pos→p = 0.004). HCWs’ attitudes toward HCAI preventive practice (p) and knowledge had an effect, p-values Pa→p = .002 and Pa→k = .003, respectively. Indirect effects revealed that HCWs’ attitudes towards preventing HCAIs through practice had an impact (γa→k = .426, Pa→k = .003). HCWs’ occupational skills and attitudes towards preventing HCAIs had an effect (γos→p = .523, Pos→p = .002).ConclusionThe finding indicated that attitude and occupational skills can be improved through practice which finally brings a significant improvement in the knowledge of HCWs about HCAIs prevention. Besides, there were direct effects of occupational skills on the practices of HCAIs prevention. This highlights ongoing training and mentoring of HCWs during practice is essential to enhance HCAIs prevention.

Analysis Factors Associated with Work Accidents Among House Construction Workers in Karang Ayu

Globally, work-related injuries are a significant public health and economic issue, with approximately 5-7% of all deaths in industrialized countries caused by work-related injuries. Each year, work accidents cause 350,000 deaths and 270 million non-fatal serious injuries. Due to its high burden of occupational hazards, the construction industry is more at risk than other industries. Compared with workers in different occupations, building construction workers are three to four times more likely to die and twice as likely to be injured than workers in other occupations. This study aims to analyze the factors associated with the incidence of work accidents among house construction workers in Karangayu, Semarang Barat. This study used descriptive qualitative methods, including observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The result of this study is that factors can cause work accidents, such as age, unsafe actions such as not using PPE properly, and worker knowledge, which leads to unsafe actions. Still, in this observation, there are driving factors behind workers' unsafe actions, one of which is the non-compliance of house construction workers in Karangayu, Semarang.

Effectiveness of Modified Truth or Dare Game in Improving Toxicology Knowledge of Workers at Tofu Factory X

There are 84,000 tofu producers in Indonesia, ranging from household industries with 5-8 workers to medium-sized industries with 50-100 workers. In a single tofu production process, additional chemicals such as CH3COOH and MgSO4 are used. These conditions pose potential safety and health hazards for workers, requiring control measures. This study employs a quantitative approach, using an experimental model with treatment in the form of a card game. Data was collected using primary data methods, such as questionnaire instruments and direct field observation. The questionnaire was compiled based on priority hazard assessment using HIRADC calculations and then tested for validity and reliability. The questionnaire results were tested using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test because the data were not normally distributed. The study results for worker respondents (0.027) and the public (0.000), or P value < 0.05, indicate that H0 is rejected, and Ha is accepted. The modified truth-or-dare card game method was found to have a significant impact on toxicology knowledge among workers and the general public.

Waste management practices: evaluating the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers in a 120-bed hospital, Mecheria City, Southwestern Algeria

Waste management practices: evaluating the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers in a 120-bed hospital, Mecheria City, Southwestern Algeria

Unlocking sustainable competitive advantage: The catalytic role of digital talent and knowledge workers in digital leadership in tourism and hospitality industry

The study aims to investigate the impact of digital leadership on sustainable competitive advantage, digital talent, and knowledge workers. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of digital talent (DT) and knowledge workers (KW) in the relationship between digital leadership (DL) and sustainable competitive advantage (SC), using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its theoretical foundation. The researchers employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine survey data from 784 employees working in Egyptian travel agencies and tour operators. The results demonstrate that DL significantly enhances SC, DT, and KW. Moreover, DT and KW were shown to positively contribute to SC and serve as partial mediators in the relationship between DL and SC. The findings highlight the crucial role of developing DT and creating an environment that embraces technological acceptance and innovation. This approach amplifies the strategic effectiveness of DL, ultimately contributing to long-term organizational success.

Determination of health care workers’ knowledge of apitherapy and bee products, and food neophobia

Aim: To determine the knowledge of healthcare workers about apitherapy and bee products, and food neophobia. Method: This study is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. A total of 456 healthcare workers working in different professions participated in the study. The questionnaire contained questions about demographic features, knowledge and use of apitherapy and bee products, and a food neophobia scale. The data obtained were evaluated with the SPSS program. Findings: Of the healthcare workers, 66.4% were female, 45.6% were physicians and 34.0% were nurses. 54.0% of the healthcare workers were in the 20-29 age group and the difference between the age groups in consumption of bee products was statistically significant (p<0.05). 32.0% of healthcare workers stated that they had heard of apitherapy before, while 71.0% stated that they did not know apitherapy products. Those who have never heard of its effects on health care 59%, while those who think it has a curative effect on diseases are 36.3%. On the other hand, 65.6% of healthcare workers consumed any of the bee products. Honey is the bee product consumed every day (5.1%). When weekly consumption was questioned, the frequency of consumption of honey, propolis and bee pollen 1-2 days a week was 27.1%, 2.2%, and 1.0%, respectively; the frequency of consumption 2-3 days a week was 20.9% for honey and 5.6% for propolis. Apilarnil was consumed once every six months (0.5%), while bee bread was never consumed. Among healthcare workers, 18.6% were neophilic, 63.6% were neutral and 17.8% were neophobic. The difference between the groups according to age, occupation, and use of food supplements was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was found that most of the healthcare workers had no knowledge about apitherapy and bee products, and age, occupation and using dietary supplements affected the level of food neophobia.

The role of work ethic mediation on the impact between job motivation on performance and knowledge sharing of SMEs in East Java

This study examines the influence of SME performance, knowledge sharing, work motivation, and the work ethic of SME proprietors. This research was conducted on Small and Medium Enterprises in East Java. The study population comprised 293 proprietors of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) employing between 3 and 10 individuals. The participants in the study were owners of small and medium enterprises situated across East Java. Data collection for each variable was performed using questionnaires. Data analysis methodologies utilize descriptive analysis techniques and quantitative data analysis techniques, such as Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results demonstrated that the mediating effect of work ethics on the relationship between work motivation and company performance was insignificant. The mediating effect of work ethics on the relationship between work motivation and knowledge sharing was substantial. The correlation between work motivation, work ethics, and knowledge sharing was positive and significant; however, the influence of motivation on company performance was not significant. The motivation of employees negatively affects the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in East Java. This study offers guidance to managers of small and medium enterprises on implementing work ethics to enhance employee motivation, performance, and knowledge sharing.

Hybrid Shifts, Leadership Lifts: How Change Leadership Can Make a Difference in Employees’ Change-Supportive Behavior During the Transition to Hybrid Working Models Since COVID-19

The transition to hybrid working models since COVID-19 has posed significant challenges for organizations, particularly in securing employees’ support. This study investigates how change leadership shapes the latter, focusing on the interplay with leader-member exchange (LMX) and organizational identification. Using data from 282 knowledge workers across industries and ordinary least squares regression, we show a positive relationship between change leadership and change-supportive behavior mediated by LMX. Surprisingly, organizational identification negatively moderates this relationship, revealing a 'ceiling effect' where highly identified employees' intrinsic motivation diminishes the impact of change leadership. These findings provide valuable guidance for the navigation of effective change.

ANALISIS TINGKAT PEMAHAMAN PENGELOLAAN OBAT BAGI TENAGA KESEHATAN BERDASARKAN PERMENKES NO 26 TAHUN 2020

Drug management is an activity that plays an important role in health development. This activity starts from the process of planning, requesting, receiving, storing, distributing, sorting, controlling, administering and monitoring and evaluating. This study aims to analyze the knowledge of health workers from several health centers in the Central Lombok Regency area about the drug management system based on Permenkes Number 26 of 2020. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method which aims to analyze the level of knowledge of health workers at puskesmas in the Central Lombok Regency area. Qualitative data was obtained from direct interviews with health workers, especially pharmaceutical workers who work in Central Lombok health centers. The results showed that the level of knowledge of health workers in the drug management process was quite good. The results of knowledge on the drug management process show that most of the indicators covering the process of receiving and distributing have reached 83% - 87% in the “Very Good” category while in the process of planning, requesting, storing, destroying, controlling, administering and monitoring and evaluating are still in the “Good” category with a value of 61% - 74%. It can be concluded that the knowledge of health workers at health centers in the Central Lombok Regency area as a whole is in the “Good” category and has been carried out according to Permenkes No. 26 of 2020.

Healthcare waste management knowledge, attitudes and practices of laboratory workers at a regional hospital, Lesotho

Background: Safe management of healthcare waste (HW) safeguards laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. Knowledge and attitudes influence HW practices, presenting a need for evidence of the current status.Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practice of laboratory workers towards waste management at a regional hospital laboratory in Lesotho.Methods: The study was conducted from March 2023 to June 2023 using a mixed-methods descriptive case study design. The entire population (n = 30) of technical and non-technical laboratory workers and generated waste were sampled. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data. Waste generation was assessed by weighing and measuring waste volumes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: All respondents (26/26; 100%) can define HW and (3/3) laboratory assistants (100%) gave correct responses for three questions, namely: risk associated with HW, waste container colour-coding, and disposal requirements. Knowledge on waste management responsibilities ranged between 0% (0/4) for cleaners and 54.5% (6/11) among laboratory technicians. Attitudes were mainly positive, and practices conformed in part to standard operating procedures. Infectious solid waste comprised 77% of solid HW, while 63% of chemical liquid waste emanated from the full blood count area.Conclusion: Knowledge exists among workers and attitudes are predominantly positive; however, some unsafe practices continue, thus knowledge is not fully translated to safe practices. Regular training and measuring and recording of HW were recommended.What this study adds: The study contributes understanding of the status of HW knowledge, attitudes and management practices, highlighting the need for compliance monitoring.

Social and cultural geographies of economic innovation: Proliferation of meanings, articulation with user cultures, and dialectical power relations

Sociocultural mechanisms figure prominently in geographical accounts of economic innovation. At their heart lies a theoretical schema comprising relational assets and market rationality. This paper proposes an alternative epistemological framework for understanding social and cultural geographies of economic innovation by integrating the diverse actors, motives, power dynamics, and contexts that shape contemporary knowledge economies and technoscapes into a coherent theoretical unity. Specifically, three theoretical inquiries are proposed to explore the mutual constitution between socio-spatial dynamics of economic innovation and proliferating meaning systems adopted by knowledge workers, lived material cultures of users, and dialectical power relations inherent in knowledge economies.

AI in the Workplace: Driving Employee Performance Through Enhanced Knowledge Sharing and Work Engagement

In spite of the massive adoption of AI technologies in organizational settings, there is a mix of empirical evidence on how such technologies affect employee performance. Underpinned theoretically by social exchange theory, this study investigates how AI affects knowledge sharing and work engagement among employees. The present study also investigates the moderating role of perceived risk in the relationships between AI and knowledge sharing and work engagement. For analysis of the data collected from a sample of 447 Chinese workers, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used. The results found a positive link between AI and both knowledge sharing and work engagement. It was also found that knowledge sharing and work engagement significantly influence employee performance. Moreover, the results suggest a positive correlation between knowledge sharing and work engagement. Additionally, the research has drawn attention to a fact that perceived risk moderates negatively the relationship between AI and knowledge sharing and work engagement. From these findings emanate important management implications for both management and employees on the strategic use of AI technology to enhance employee performance.

Impact of Green Transformation Leadership on Environmental Knowledge Learning and Work Pro-environmental Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Green Self-efficacy and Green Creativity

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Impact of GTL (Green Transformation Leadership) on Environmental Knowledge Learning and WPB (Work pro-environmental Behaviors) through the mediating role of green self-efficacy and green creativity. The study has adopted a survey-based approach where data were collected from 279 employees working in hotel industry of Saudi Arabia using structured questionnaires and validated scales. Results show that GTL directly impacts EKL and WPB, suggesting it promotes the acquisition of environmental knowledge and skills, and GTL encourages employees to participate in friendly environmental behaviors in the workplace. This result also found, GSE and GC mediate the relationship between GTL and both EKL and WPB. This suggests that GTL not only directly influences EKL and WPB but also indirectly through its impact on GSE and GC. Future studies could discover the long-term effects of leadership on environmental sustainability, examine the role of leadership in fostering innovation and adaptation to environmental challenges, and examine the influence of different leadership styles on specific environmental behavior.

Data-driven Management and Taylorist Fantasies: A Case Study of Performance Quantification in the Indian IT Services Industry

Human capital management (HCM) software applications are being widely used to assess the performance of knowledge workers in various sectors of the Indian economy. The use of data-driven performance management systems is claimed to make the performance appraisals fairer and more transparent to the worker, and their supposed objectivity is used to justify their deployment in the workplace as instruments of remote surveillance. This paper presents insights from the case study of a performance management system that was installed at an Indian IT services organisation following the transition to remote work. Despite its mobilisation around greater accuracy and objectivity in performance appraisals, the paper demonstrates that techniques of quantification in the system generated information that was empty of any managerial value. The dichotomous understanding of productivity encoded in the system also entrenched the subjective interests of managers into performance appraisals, creating conflicts of interest in supervision that eroded the interests of the workers. As the system misread and distorted the everyday realities of work, the workers governed by it were compelled to engage in “meta work” (Maggiori 2023) that effectively undermined their productivity. By staging the empirical insights from this case study within the politically fraught character of digital Taylorism, the paper seeks to understand why the performance management system failed to meet the sanguine promises of the digital that are often marshalled around data-driven management. Based on evidence from the Indian IT sector, it argues that the translation of worker activities into egregiously oversimplified productivity data, and the eventual normalization of the data using statistical techniques, enabled the organisation to translate the worker population into a fleet of disposable human capital. This, it further argues, has been a strategy that has been in place not only to control alienated labour but also to protect the IT industry’s ability to arbitrage labour costs amidst the vagaries of informational capitalism.

How HRM practices influence the organizational commitment of knowledge workers: the role of job crafting

PurposeThe article aims to discuss relationships between human resource management (HRM) and organizational commitment (OC). Using the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study investigates the mediating role of job crafting in the relationship between HRM and organizational commitment.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on data from 450 knowledge workers representing companies of various sizes from the knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) sector in Poland. Respondents completed the questionnaires using the computer-assisted telephone interview. I conducted the statistical verification of the mediation analyses using SEM with Amos ver. 28.FindingsThe findings show that HRM practices are positively related to organizational commitment. Statistical analysis confirmed that job crafting mediates relationships between HRM practices and organizational commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has two limitations, i.e. its cross-sectional design and the use of self-reported questionnaire data.Originality/valueThe study is the first to explore the mediating mechanism (through job crafting) between HRM and organizational commitment in the context of KIBS companies in Poland. According to the results, HRM is an important antecedent of job crafting and organizational commitment.

Health Care Workers' Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of the Clinical Application of Classic Psychedelics for People with Serious Illness: A Systematic Review.

Background: Recent research indicates that psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) may be a safe and effective treatment for several psychiatric disorders, including those experienced by people with serious physical illness. Understanding health care workers' (HCWs') attitudes and knowledge about the clinical application of psychedelics for patients with serious illness is important in progressing research and identifying factors to consider in potential future implementation of PAT. Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies that explored HCWs' attitudes and knowledge about the role of psychedelics in treating psychological distress in patients with serious illness. Design: MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL were searched for quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods primary empirical studies, published in English from 2006 onward. Two reviewers independently screened articles for inclusion. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) convergent approach to mixed methods systematic reviews guided synthesis of the findings of included studies. One reviewer extracted data from included studies which was checked for accuracy by another reviewer. Two reviewers independently critically appraised included studies using JBI critical appraisal tools. Results: The review included nine studies (seven qualitative, two quantitative) conducted in four countries. Five themes were developed: Polarized views about PAT for patients with serious illness; attitudes often informed by PAT research knowledge and heuristic methods; stronger evidence base needed to increase HCWs' confidence and support implementation of PAT; barriers may hinder PAT's potential integration into existing care models; and team-based approach and clinical education are essential to facilitate PAT. Conclusion: Although support for PAT varied, most HCWs perceived potential benefits in treating refractory distress, desired education about PAT, and called for further research to develop a stronger evidence base. Limitations of the review and included studies are discussed, along with implications of the findings and recommendations for future research.

Sustainability Spectacle in the Gulf

The Gulf states have become home to many spectacular environmental sustainability projects, ranging from new infrastructure like solar parks and green cities to global events like the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. These projects are designed to be visually impressive and to illustrate the Gulf commitment to building a post-oil “green” future. Increasingly used to promote nationalist pride among Gulf citizens, symbols of green modernity are also used to recruit valuable knowledge workers to the region. Yet sustainability spectacle ultimately obscures Gulf state leaders’ refusal to shift their economies and political systems away from fossil fuels, while simultaneously justifying yet more unsustainable development—just with a new green label.

Health workers’ knowledge and practices toward vaccine cold chain management and its associated factors in a resource-limited setting of Sheger, Oromia, Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional study

BackgroundCold chain management is a continuous and cohesive process of preserving vaccines to ensure their availability and potency. However, the quality control of vaccines has been neglected in resource-limited areas such as Ethiopia. Adequate levels of health workers’ knowledge and practices in vaccine cold chain management are important to maintain the potency of vaccines and achieve the intended vaccine end goal.ObjectiveTo assess the level of knowledge and practices of health workers toward vaccine cold chain management and associated factors in resource-limited settings in Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to June 2023 in eight sub-cities of Sheger City, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. 255 health workers were selected via simple random sampling from 17 health centers and 17 health posts. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and entered in to EPI DATA version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26.0 software for analysis. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with the knowledge and practices of health workers toward vaccine cold chain management. A variable with a p value < 0.25 was considered a candidate for further regression analysis, whereas a variable with a 95% CI and a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultA total of 255 respondents participated, for a 100% response rate. The overall magnitude of good knowledge and practice of vaccine cold chain management was 58% (95% CI: 52.2%--64.3%) and 52.2% (95% CI: 46.3-58.4%), respectively. Receiving pre-service training (AOR = 8.2; 95% CI: (2.93–22.99), availability of SOP/guidelines (AOR = 6.55; 95% CI: (2.0–21.36) and receiving supportive supervision (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: (1.67–10.59)) were significantly associated with good knowledge of cold chain management. The availability of SOP/guidelines (AOR = 2.13; 95% CI: (1.22–3.7)) and the knowledge of health workers (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: (1.11–4.8) were significantly associated with good cold chain management practices.ConclusionThere are gaps in knowledge and practice concerning cold chain management. There is an urgent need to improve the knowledge and practice of health workers in cold chain management in the newly organized but resource-limited administrative structure (Sheger) in Ethiopia.