Organization Of Research Projects Research Articles

The relationship between human capital, value creation and employee reward

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between human capital (HC) and value creation and employee reward. HC is an important component of intellectual capital (IC). There is growing interest in how IC can be used to create organizational value. This paper addresses the need for critical analysis of IC practices in action. Based on data gathered from three annual surveys at Australia’s second largest public sector organization, the paper introduces psychological contract (PC) as new HC factors, and develops a method to measure HC in terms of value creation (work activity) and employee reward (pay). The findings have practical implications for managers in using the paper’s HC measurement to achieve strategic alignment (SA) of the workforce. Design/methodology/approach – The research was based on data gathered from three annual surveys (2009-2011) of staff at Australia’s second largest public sector organization. A total of 248 questionnaires were completed. Three independent variables conceptualized HC: first, employee capability (HC1); second, employee satisfaction (HC2); and third, employee commitment (HC3). Two dependent variables were tested: work activity and pay. The data collected in this study was analyzed through the use of bivariate correlation and linear regression using SPSS software. Findings – The paper’s major finding is that HC1 (employee capability) and HC2 (employee satisfaction), had a direct positive relationship with the importance of work activity. The paper’s second finding was that only HC1 has a direct positive relationship with the pay. However, HC3 (employee commitment) had a direct negative relationship with the importance of work activity. Further, HC2 and HC3 had no relationship with pay. The research project organization (RPO) achieved SA with employees’ capability and motivation; as well as employee capability and pay. However, inequities emerge in terms of employee commitment and value creation (work activity) and in the PC factors and pay. Research limitations/implications – While the research findings are limited by them being based on a single RPO, this is offset to some degree by the longitudinal nature of the study and the size of the RPO. It also presents opportunities for further research, particularly in terms of further testing of the new conceptualization of HC in other organizations and industry settings, and investigation of the failed hypotheses: PC and pay; and employee commitment and work activity. Practical implications – While strong PC employees are being asked to do important work, they are not always being paid at the rate of colleagues doing similar work. This will create perceptions of distributive justice, which will make those with strong PC unhappy, thereby decreasing their PC, disrupting the SA of the value creation, and lead to employee turnover. Managers can address this problem by using the HC method outlined in this paper to introduce methods such as merit increases and variable pay. While this is problematic for public sector organizations often constrained by having to fit salary awards, innovative organizations are increasingly considering more flexible pay systems. Originality/value – The paper introduces a new conceptualization of HC, and two proxies for organizational performance: pay and work activity. The paper addresses calls for IC in practice research to make the field more relevant for practitioners. The HC model introduced will allow managers to act on IC measurement by linking HC value with adequate pay, increasing motivation, commitment, and productivity, leading to increased innovation and reduced employee turnover.

Bangkok International Conference on Avian Influenza 2008

The Bangkok International Conference on Avian Influenza 2008 was organized by the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Thailand. The Center has been playing an active role in the organization of research projects and knowledge management in preparation for an influenza pandemic since the beginning of the H5N1 avian influenza (AI) outbreak in the region in 2004. The timing of the conference, January 23rd, coincided with the 2004 announcement of the first outbreak in the country, marking the fourth year of widespread AI outbreaks in this region. In this 4-year period, progresses have been made scientifically and politically. Nevertheless, AI is still a major threat to us all. At the opening ceremony of the conference, Yongyuth Yuthavong, the Minister of Science and Technology of Thailand, emphasized that we are all together in the global village in this AI crisis and that we have to share information and materials and work together in the fight against this enemy of mankind.

Collaborative Relationships in Dental Materials Research

Data from a survey of dental materials researchers were used to assess collaborative relation ships involving researchers and resources from government, industry, and academia. The examination of research project organization yielded a higher estimate of collaboration (and industry collaboration in particular) than data on the most common research outcome, publi cations. The vast majority of the research outcomes reported by the survey respondents were publications. Only a small number of patents, products or processes were noted; however, these commercially oriented outcomes were far more likely than the publications to have involved collaborative research relationships with industry.