Organizational Context Research Articles

Court Navigators and Opportunities for Disseminating Overdose Prevention Strategies.

Objective. Describe how navigator programs from three New England states (Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts) function to connect individuals using court services to community-based treatment and services. Hypothesis. Implementation science frameworks can be used to analyze how multiple court programs function to inform replication and address gaps in the use of overdose prevention strategies. Method. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) Implementation informed semi-structured interviews as part of an exploratory mixed-methods analysis of court navigator programs. Analysis of interviews based on the TIDieR and administrative data on client contacts (n = 436) were analyzed. A subsample of clients with additional background information (n = 249) was used to examine court navigator recommendations. Results. The TIDieR revealed court navigator programs shared basic intervention characteristics but varied dramatically by resources and organization contexts. Nearly half (46.5%) of clients were self-referred and more than two-thirds (69.1%) approved follow-up but varied by program. Of those allowing follow-up, more than one-third (35.7%) had previously experienced an overdose. Court navigators were significantly more likely to refer clients with a history of overdose to locations where they can receive naloxone (the opioid overdose antidote) though only one program had naloxone on hand. Conclusion. Navigators are employed by community organizations with access to courthouses to provide resources to those passing through. These efforts can be implemented to support linkages to treatment and services but there is a significant gap in the allocation of overdose prevention strategies in court settings and court navigator programs have the potential to address this unmet need.

Investigating the influencing factors of evidence-based healthcare practice adoption.

In healthcare facilities, evidence-based healthcare practice (EBHP) is becoming more widely acknowledged as a critical element of patient care delivery. An increasingly important component of EBHP is the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs). This study aims to investigate factors that influence EBHP adoption in public healthcare institutions in South Africa. Four hundred and fifty patients were self-administered to healthcare professionals at an academic public hospital in Gauteng and used in this study. A total of 300 responses were available for use in the final analysis following the data cleaning procedure. Utilising structural equation modelling (SEM), the collected data were analysed. Perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) were found to be major variables in the adoption of EBHP along with technological, organisational and environmental factors. The technology context relative advantage (RELA) was shown to have a positive significant influence on the adoption of evidence-based healthcare practice by the PEOU and PU, with the environmental context government laws and regulations (GLRS) and organisational context organisational readiness (ORGR) coming in second and third, respectively. Perceived ease of use, PU, ORGR, and GLRS are regarded as a vital variables in the implementation of EBHP in South African public hospitals.Contribution:The study's conclusions would be helpful to policymakers as they redefine nursing practice. Furthermore, the findings heighten the consciousness of healthcare practitioners regarding the significance of employing evidence-based practice while making decisions.

Plotting the Blank Space Among Leadership, Job Crafting, and Career Development: An Integrative Review and Future Agendas for HRD

While leadership undeniably holds a substantial influence on subordinates’ work behaviors and career trajectories, the comprehensive exploration of these dynamics has remained limited. This integrative review aims to fill this gap by collectively examining the interplay among organizational leadership, employee job crafting, and career development. Our study analyzes and synthesizes findings from 47 selected empirical studies and presents an integrated model that suggests for the expansion of the current research landscape. This review further serves as a valuable guide for human resource development (HRD) professionals and practitioners. It also provides insights for designing effective approaches that enable leaders to fulfill crucial roles in facilitating employee job crafting and career development within organizational contexts.

Optimizing Employee Performance: Analysis of Determinants of Employee Performance

In organizational contexts, human resources (HR) play a vital role in achieving synergy and organizational goals. Competent and dependable employees are essential for an organization’s success. Effective HR management ensures that employees are not only skilled but also aligned with the organization’s objectives. This study investigates the impact of personal character, HR competency, compensation, and work culture on employee performance. Using a quantitative approach, the research involved 80 employee prosecutors in East Java, selected through total sampling. Data collection relied on the Likert scale, and multiple linear regression was employed for analysis. Notably, compensation emerged as the dominant factor influencing employee performance, with positive and significant effects. Improving compensation practices can lead to enhanced employee performance.

Social skills predict the development of creative strategies in college teachers during the COVID‐19 pandemic

AbstractThe development of social skills (SS) and creative potential is of great interest to researchers in educational and organizational contexts. The present study aimed to understand the relationship between SS and the use of creative strategies to solve problems in the work environment of college teachers. The study included 386 faculty members of Brazilian colleges who were teaching during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants answered an online survey including the Social Skills Questionnaire and the Strategies to Create at Work Scale. The results showed that the SS were predictors of the development of creative strategies in college teachers, with greater emphasis on the ability to maintain calm in the face of criticism, which significantly predicted all strategies to create at work. The development and search for solutions to problems in a creative way in the work environment can be a result of frequent interactions with students, teachers, managers, other employees of the institution. Such interactions can also help improve repertoire of SS.

Unlocking Workplace Dynamo: The Impact of Internal Trust and Communication on Igniting Work Engagement

Research Question: This study delves into the intricate relationships among internal communication, internal trust, and work engagement within the context of a developing business environment undergoing cultural and economic transition. Motivation: The fundamental research inquiries seek to ascertain the interconnections between the studied phenomena and elucidate the nature of these relationships. Work engagement, identified through previous research and contemporary business practices, emerges as a pivotal force with profound implications for motivation, management, and personal development within organizations. Idea: The introduction sets the stage by emphasizing the study's focus on relationships in a transitioning business environment. Subsequent sections meticulously articulate research objectives, explore the existing literature, pose research questions, and delineate the chosen methodology, elucidating the importance of standardized instruments and the rationale behind the selection of the Serbian organizational context. Results are presented with a focus on the identified correlations, leading to the formulation of two models. The subsequent discussion critically compares these models, offering insights into the implications of trust-determined communication on work engagement. Limitations are candidly acknowledged, underscoring the need for interpretative caution. Data: The research methodology predominantly employs a quantitative approach to unravel the complexities inherent in internal communication, internal trust, and work engagement. The study encompasses a substantial sample size, consisting of 708 respondents representing 16 working organizations in Serbia. Tools: To gauge these phenomena, standardized instruments such as Internal Trust, a shortened version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and the Internal Communication Scale were employed. The anticipated results unveil robust correlations among the elements under scrutiny. Findings: The findings culminate in the proposition of two models, with structural equation modelling revealing a model where trust determines communication, subsequently influencing work engagement as the more fitting representation. This model presents a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics within organizational frameworks. Contribution: Despite acknowledging certain limitations in the study, the research underscores its importance in the quest for the most influential factors contributing to work engagement in organizations. The research serves as a valuable contribution to the broader discourse on organizational behaviuor, shedding light on crucial factors that influence employee engagement in evolving business landscapes.

Researcher-Practitioner Collaboration in Action Design Research

Action Design Research (ADR) is a well-known research method within Design Science Research (DSR). An essential characteristic of the ADR method is the need for researcher-practitioner collaboration (RPC). While there is abundant research on RPC regarding information systems projects in general concerning explanatory and normative knowledge, there is very limited prescriptive knowledge on how to execute RPC in ADR projects. Successful collaboration in ADR projects is imperative since the development of socio-technical IT artefacts requires frequent interaction in organisational contexts. However, RPC can be hard to manage due to competing interests. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present prescriptive knowledge for how to manage RPC. We have analysed a collaborative ADR project consisting of several researchers and practitioners. Based on a grounded theory approach, we have developed theoretical models based on challenges identified in an ADR project. The models provide prescriptive knowledge regarding: shape the IT artefact based on organisational intervention, exploit the mutual dependency between developing design principles and IT artefacts, and contextualise and generalise learning. Each model involves logical relationships between: conditions for the challenges, actions taken to address the challenges and consequences of the actions taken. The guidelines were deducted from the models and consist of recommendations that could be considered in future ADR projects.

Artificial Intelligence Empowerment in Leadership: A Systematic Review of Positive Impacts and Applications

The growth of Artificial Intelligence and the potential to empower leadership within various organizational contexts represent an emergent area of inquiry in this systematic review, with the lens focusing on the positive impacts and potentials of AI applications in augmenting and enhancing leadership practices. Based on PRISMA guidelines, the aim of the review is to identify most of the literature are journal articles, research studies, and any other relevant publications within the last 10 years that were published in English, with high importance attached to empirical studies and documented cases of AI implementation in leadership roles. Key themes will be how AI can help drive decision-making and how AI tools analyze organizational data and market trends to inform strategic choice. The paper covered the AI's applicability for personalized leadership development; in particular, how AI can be adopted to tailor learning experiences to individual leader requirements in the context of lifelong growth. Next, it suggested that an AI-enhanced tools may boost team performance through communication, workflow efficiency, and team collaboration. And the paper determined and analyzed the changing role of a leader in an AI-intense environment that still requires the very traits of human-centered leadership to ensure ethical handling and human oversight of the technological potential. From ongoing initiatives, the paper attempts to derive guidance and best practices applicable to school’s organizational leadership, policy makers, and AI developers alike with the intention of contributing to better understanding AI's potential in support of leadership leading to more effective, ethical, and human-centered organizations.

A Systematic Review of Transformational Leadership's Influence on Employee Readiness for Change in Chinese Organizations

This paper explores the impact of transformational leadership on employees' readiness for change in Chinese organisations through a systematic literature review. The findings suggest that transformational leaders significantly increase employees' acceptance of organisational change through visionary motivation, intellectual inspiration, personalised care and morale boosting behaviours. The internal mechanisms of such influence include fostering a climate of trust, empowerment, and role modelling. However, China-specific cultural factors such as collectivism, respect for authority, and pursuit of harmony play an important role in moderating the relationship between transformational leadership and employees' readiness for change. At the same time, the study identifies challenges to the implementation of transformational leadership in Chinese organisations, such as traditional hierarchies and patriarchal leadership concepts. A series of strategies, including leadership development programmes, building a participatory organisational culture, and using digital platforms, are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of transformational leadership and increase employees' readiness for change. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of transformational leadership in Chinese organisational contexts and has important theoretical and practical implications for enhancing organisational change capability.

The 6 Whats Coaching Model: A Practical Guide to Structuring Professional Coaching Conversations

Coaching practice, which occurs largely in organizational contexts, has traditionally been seen as forward-looking dialogue that moves clients from intentions to goal attainment. Extensive research can be found attesting to the value of coaching experiences for personal and professional development. Yet, with exponential growth in this field, what is represented as coaching may take a wide variety of forms,  thereby obscuring and problematizing what the nature of professional coaching is, especially as articulated by professional coaching organizations. As well, with such diversity in coaching approaches, how can organizations fully appreciate what they are inviting into their environment when they choose to employ coaching as an HRD strategy? The 6 whats model aims to recenter awareness on the essential elements of a coaching conversation in order that the coherence of coaching practice is more consistent and that practice boundaries for this relatively new profession can be reaffirmed. It builds upon historical traditions within the coaching field and articulates the core elements of coaching conversations that are required so that coaching relationships remain within their legitimate domain of professional endeavor.

Active deprescribing attitudes and practices in a large regional tertiary health service: a mixed methods study.

In this pilot study, we explored current attitudes and deprescribing practices of clinicians in a large regional health service through a mixed methods approach. Respondents included doctors, pharmacists and nurse practitioners, who outlined three themes including professional and organisational contexts, disconnect between goals and practices and factors influencing deprescribing.

Methodology for material flow analysis at the organizational scale

Organizations play a crucial role in facilitating the transition to a circular economy. Implementing circular practices often begins with a material flow analysis (MFA) to identify issues and opportunities. However, existing MFA methodologies focus mainly on territorial applications and lack effectiveness at the organizational level. Conducting MFA at this level presents distinct challenges, requiring insights into dynamic material circulation and effective handling of heterogeneous data. Addressing this gap, this study introduces an innovative methodology tailored to organizational contexts. The developed methodology consists of six steps for conducting MFA while proposing an archetype-based approach capable of analyzing extensive and disparate datasets, coupled with bootstrapping and Monte Carlo simulation techniques, that considerably reduces the complexity of MFA execution. Furthermore, this methodology enables a comprehensive understanding of material flows within the system and provides a straightforward method for estimating uncertainty in mass estimations by incorporating confidence level calculations. A case study from a governmental organization is used to illustrate the proposed methodology.

Theory-Practice Integration In Health Education: Analysis Of Thiollent's Action Research Methodology

Action research was initially developed by Kurt Lewin during World War II and was consolidated in the Social Sciences as a methodology aimed at promoting changes in the contexts studied. Its participatory character allows the integration between theory and practice, valuing the collaboration between researchers and participants to solve problems and generate new knowledge. In Brazil, it was popularized by Michel Thiollent, standing out for uniting social transformation with critical reflection. Currently, action research is applied in several areas, especially in education and organizational contexts. In this context, the main objective of the present study is to analyze, according to the scientific production, how Thiollent's Action Research methodology promotes the integration between theory and practice in the process of training and professional education in health, aiming at improvements in care and educational practices. The present research sought to answer the following question: How can the application of Action Research, according to Thiollent's model, contribute to the formation and development of collaborative and reflective practices in professional health education? To investigate this issue, we analyzed articles indexed in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) and Nursing Database (BDENF) databases, focusing on publications from the last 10 years that were available in full and free of charge. The search was carried out using the following keywords: "Professional education" OR "Continuing Education" OR "Health Professional" OR "Nursing" OR "Primary health care" AND "action research" and their equivalents in Portuguese. The selection of studies followed inclusion criteria that favored relevance and alignment with the theme of action research in the context of professional health education. Thiollent's Action Research, applied to professional training in health, promotes the integration between theory and practice, developing critical and reflective skills through collaborative solutions and valuing the role of professionals and users in the continuous improvement of educational and care practices

”Just Because I’m Not Super Masculine Doesn’t Mean I’m Not Bisexual”: Stories of Bisexual/Pansexual Fraternity Members’ Performances of Gender and Sexuality

Abstract: Fraternal organizations have often received criticism from individuals who argue that these groups perpetuate harmful gendered norms and oppress members who identify with queer communities. However, scholars and practitioners alike have paid little attention to members who identify as bisexual/pansexual (bi/pan) within these organizations. This narrative inquiry study examined the stories of eight pan/bi fraternity members, exploring how they described their performance of gender and sexual identities within these organizational contexts. Findings brought to light the following: how the heterosexist, monosexist settings influenced their varied performances; how members described the impact of their performances on experiences and relationships; and how participants viewed the complexities of performances and queered discourses of authenticity. Implications for research and practice are offered.

Subordinate-to-supervisor relational identification: A meta-analytic review.

Although subordinate-to-supervisor relational identification (RI) has gained significant scholarly attention in organizational research, an understanding of its nomological network is incomplete. There have also been recurring discussions about its distinctions with another more extensively researched relational construct-leader-member exchange (LMX). In this meta-analysis, we expand Sluss and Ashforth's (2007) typology, going beyond the influence of the supervisor, to systematically study the antecedents and consequences of RI and its comparison with LMX. Meta-analytic results based on 157 independent samples demonstrate that positive leader behaviors that span role-based and person-based identities (e.g., transformational leadership, supervisor humility) are important antecedents of subordinate-to-supervisor RI, with effects contingent on subordinates' national culture (i.e., collectivism and power distance). Although less hypothesized, relational and organizational contexts as well as subordinate characteristics are also important antecedents of subordinate-to-supervisor RI. The results further show that RI relates to important subordinate behaviors and attitudes. Finally, we test how RI and LMX have differing effects across these important subordinate attitudes and behaviors. We conclude with suggestions to enhance our understanding of RI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Empowering pharmacy technicians as vaccine champions: A pilot study in independent community pharmacies

BackgroundIncreasing vaccine uptake in communities has been essential, even before coronavirus disease 2019. The use of "vaccine champions" or "VaxChamps" has shown promise. VaxChamps, who are often community members with specialized training but no special credentials, advocate for vaccination by sharing their experiences and knowledge. Pharmacy technicians’ scope of practice, coupled with their frequent interactions with pharmacy patients, make them ideal vaccine champions and a natural fit for the VaxChamp program. This study assessed the implementation and impact of the VaxChamp program in North Dakota community pharmacies. ObjectivesTo describe the development and implementation of the VaxChamp program in community pharmacies and evaluate its effect on vaccination rates and vaccine-related tasks within each pharmacy’s organizational context. MethodsThe VaxChamp program involved training one technician per participating pharmacy to spend 5 hours per week on vaccine-related tasks. Data collection included pre-post surveys, monthly reports, and semi-structured interviews with VaxChamps and pharmacists-in-charge from 6 pharmacies. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using inductive methods to identify key themes. ResultsThe 6 participating pharmacies varied in location and staffing. Most had prior vaccine administration experience. VaxChamps’ roles ranged from administrative tasks to direct vaccine administration, depending on the pharmacy’s staffing and workflow. Vaccination rates for pneumococcal and hepatitis B vaccines increased in several pharmacies, while shingles vaccination rates declined. The presence of advanced pharmacy practice experience students often influenced VaxChamps’ responsibilities, underscoring the need for clear role delineation. ConclusionIntegrating pharmacy technicians as VaxChamps in community pharmacies is a promising strategy to increase vaccination rates and enhance public health. Future research should explore ways to better integrate technicians into comprehensive immunization strategies and address the contextual factors that influence program implementation.

Evaluating the barriers of blockchain adoption in the Australian logistics industry

ABSTRACT Blockchain technology holds the potential to revolutionise the logistics industry by sharing tamper-proof information in a decentralised manner, building trust among parties. However, adoption in the Australian logistics industry lags behind other sectors. This study uses fuzzy DEMATEL to investigate barriers to blockchain adoption, identifying thirteen key barriers within the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework. Cost of investment and integration difficulties among partners are the most prominent barriers, particularly within organisational contexts. The findings offer a theoretical foundation and practical insights for overcoming barriers and successfully implementing blockchain in logistics.

A Model for Enhancing Leadership Competencies for Students in Communication Engineering Majors at Universities in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China

Background and Aims: The subject of leadership competencies is well-documented in the broader educational literature. Numerous studies underscore the importance of leadership competencies for university graduates, elucidating the significant impact these competencies have on career progression, personal growth, and the ability to contribute effectively to the organizational and societal context. This research aims to explore this underrepresented territory. This research endeavors to develop a comprehensive and robust model designed explicitly for building student leadership competencies in communication engineering. Methodology: In the evolving landscape of higher education, leadership competencies are increasingly recognized as vital for the professional success of graduates. This study sought to develop and validate a model specifically designed to enhance the leadership competencies of communication engineering students in universities located in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China. Methodology: Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study encompassed a survey of 2003 students across five universities, with a substantial response rate yielding 831 questionnaires. The instruments used for data collection were a structured questionnaire and a Model Validation form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, such as mean, frequency, percentage, and the PNIModified analytical tool. Results: Results indicated a moderate Mean PNIModified value of 0.363 across the leadership competencies evaluated. Competencies requiring immediate attention due to their higher-than-average PNIModified values included adaptability (0.541), conflict resolution (0.478), self-awareness and emotional intelligence (0.442), and communication (0.367). These areas were identified as the primary weaknesses in the student body’s leadership profiles. In contrast, competencies such as teamwork and collaboration (0.116), social responsibility (0.293), and commitment (0.307) were recognized as strengths, with PNIModified values below the mean. The study considered many factors impacting leadership development, including the learning environment, experiential and practical opportunities, self-reflective practices, educational support, and the cultivation of teamwork and interpersonal skills. The research also considered elements influencing leadership competencies, such as engagement in activities, pedagogical methods, learning settings, critical thinking exercises, professional mentorship, and assessment strategies. Following expert consultation and iterative refinement, the study proposes a model comprising four extracurricular initiatives to bolster the underdeveloped leadership competencies. This model aspires to serve as a strategic blueprint for nurturing leadership capacities within the communication engineering student demographic in Xiamen City, thereby equipping them with the skills essential for their future roles in the workforce. Conclusion: The study reveals a varied profile of leadership skills among Xiamen City communication engineering students, emphasizing the need to address immediate deficiencies in communication, self-awareness, conflict resolution, and adaptability. It seeks to improve these competencies by putting forth a customized model, guaranteeing that students are prepared for jobs in the workforce in the future.

Exploring the experience of working relationships for support workers of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Research suggests that a better awareness of how staff who directly support people with intellectual disabilities experience their working relationships, will contribute to understanding staff wellbeing and the quality of care they offer. This study aimed to gain insights into the lived experiences of support workers in supported living services in England. Six support workers participated in semi-structured interviews, about their working relationships with service-users and colleagues. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Six interconnected themes emerged: The essence of good relationships; a trusting relationship as the vehicle for meeting service-users' needs; belonging to the support team; the organisational context of relationships; the social context of relationships; 'a fine balancing act'. The findings provide insights into staff wellbeing, indicating that developing supportive, trusting relationships with both service-users and colleagues, plays an important role in delivering effective care. Potential implications for service providers are discussed.

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) in Enhancing Clinical Competencies of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education: A Scoping Review

Background: As postgraduate medical or dental education students, most of us will have come across Direct Observation of Procedural Skills or DOPS. DOPS promoted clinical effectiveness by evaluating practice-based skills in the authentic organizational context, and subsequently proactively feeding back the learning to learners. This scoping review sought to synthesize the work done in determining DOPS's effectiveness in enhancing clinical competencies in some fields of medicine and dentistry. Methods: The study was carried out by using the following search engines: PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SID, Medlib and Google searched unpublished sources (Gray literature) and selected references (reference of reference) by typing the following keywords: (DOPS), clinical competencies, postgraduate medical and dental education. Results: From 215 papers 40 were analyzed and together demonstrated the efficiency of the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) as an assessment tool for numerous medical and dental profiles. It was revealed that DOPS improved procedural confidence, procedural performance competence and general clinical skills, all over the world. In their views, learners and educators overestimated the usefulness of DOPS and acknowledged its function of enhancing clinical competencies and offering feedback. The participants encountered some difficulties such as time limitations, coordination problems, and curriculum mismatch Nevertheless, DOPS was much more effective than traditional approaches in increasing satisfaction and reliability of the assessments in various medical training settings. Conclusion: In the context of postgraduate medical and dental education and training, the DOPS assessment tool was found to be very effective in enhancing clinical competencies and procedural skills. However, the successful implementation has the points that need to be attended like the training of the assessors and standardization although there are benefits of the same. Further studies were encouraged to investigate ways of enhancing the use of DOPS and how best it could be incorporated into post-graduate training