Organizational Structures Research Articles

A methodology to map chains of general practices in the Netherlands

Abstract Background Commercial entities are increasingly interested in acquiring Dutch general practices (GPs). They see profitable opportunities in upscaling by forming chains. Chain organizations integrate business processes of GPs within one organizational unit. The governance structure of these chains can be complex, leading to opacity and difficulties to see conflicts of interest and market power. To investigate how this development may have an impact on quality and accessibility of care, it is first needed to establish the ways in which these chains are formed. By mapping the chain structure in a data-driven way, impact monitoring becomes possible. For the Netherlands we investigated how chain structures of GPs can be empirically identified. Methods Background data of approximately 4,800 Dutch GPs from the Nivel Healthcare Professional Registries was linked with data from the Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Register. This enabled the determination of the legal form, business location, ownership, and director identification for all GPs. By this data-driven manner, the variation in organizational structures of all Dutch GPs was mapped and analyzed. Results Four different chain variants of Dutch GP chains were identified based on three types of relations between the chain organization and their GPs: ownership, location and the composition of the board of directors. Based on ownership, two ‘top-down’ chain variants were identified. Two ‘bottom-up’ chain variants were found based on location and board composition: (1) a chain organization acquires a seat on the board of the GP, and (2) the GP and the chain organization share the same business address. Combining these variants provides a new typology of GP chains in the Netherlands. Conclusions Our methodology enables to empirically map chain formation in primary care. By developing a new typology in a systematic way, a foundation is created to monitor organizational developments and their impact on quality and accessibility of care. Key messages • A typology of Dutch GP chains was developed based on three relations: the ownership, composition of the board and the establishment location of the chain organization and its practices. • Our methodology was put into practice to map different chain structures of GPs in the Netherlands, but it is not limited to primary care and can also be applied in other sectors and countries.

Tackling health inequalities by creating new practices of integrated health access

Abstract Background Health inequalities often emerge in-between health and social care sectors, as part of transitions between providers across the two sectors. Integrated health access is important for addressing these inequalities. Therefore, we need to understand processes of organising integrated health access and how these shape pathways of accessing care. We draw on sociological understandings of organising as practice that emerges as part of interactions between professionals and users. Methods We did observations of interactions between professionals and users (n = 18 days) and semi-structured interviews with users, professionals, and managers (n = 33) in the specialised mental health services in Central Denmark Region and FACT-inspired teams in 3 municipalities. We also conducted 3 focus groups with regional and municipal professionals from these teams. Data was analysed through a qualitative thematic analysis. Results Each team had distinct cultures of collaboration and different levels of cross-sectoral collaboration. Creating new, more integrated practices seemed to rely on both, supportive organisational structures and committed engagement in inter-sectoral spaces to change professional meaning systems. When teams were able to collaborate closely, it was easier to retain hard-to-reach users in treatment. However, professional differences could easily create division and therefore maintaining and building relationships were highly important. These mechanisms illustrate the importance of ensuring meaningful spaces for cross-sectoral work, where professionals can interact and create the needed changes. Conclusions Organising integrated health access is not merely about providing structures but is also highly dependent on interactions between professionals and users. Analysing interactions between professionals from across sectors, is important to understand the sustainability of integrated health access. In turn, this could help to tackle social inequalities in health. Key messages • Introducing integrated health access is highly dependent on interactions among professionals. • Integration of professional practices across sectors helps retain hard-to-reach users in treatment.

More 911 calls may get a mental health co‐responder in Denver

Since it launched in 2020, Denver's Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) mental distress response unit has expanded exponentially. After starting with a skeleton crew and just one van, it now has a fleet of eight vans and responds to nonviolent crises citywide, Denverite reported Oct. 22. The police alternative is set to expand again in 2025, thanks to a grant from an external group and a bump in city funding, although Mayor Mike Johnston has denied a request for additional money beyond that. STAR started four years ago as advocates across the city called for police reform. Through STAR, paramedics and mental health professionals are sent to respond to nonviolent crises, especially people who are in distress or experiencing a mental health issue. Staff are trained in medical assessment, crisis intervention and de‐escalation. The new $1.5 million grant will help STAR continue its partnerships for one year with the nonprofits Servicios de la Raza and WellPower, which help to operate the program. The one‐year grant will allow WellPower to hire a behavioral health clinical supervisor and “create a more organized, responsive and effective operational structure for STAR,” among other things. The grants have averaged roughly $650,000 a year, so this year's grant represents a significant expansion. The Denver City Council approved the grant last week. STAR officials said they could increase their response rates through more funding, which would allow the service to hire more staff, purchase more vehicles for its fleet and become a 24/7 service.

Psychosocial Workloads and Resilience of Heads of Municipal Public Health Authorities in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perceptions of Operational Organization, Communication, and Measures

Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues during epidemics, as evidenced by the COVID-19 crisis. German public health authorities, crucial for disease prevention, faced significant strain from chronic understaffing and resource limitations exacerbated by the pandemic. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational online survey. This study conducted an online needs assessment survey among heads of municipal public health authorities in Thuringia, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Berlin between June and November 2023. Of the 191 contacted authorities, 74 responses (38.7%) were analyzed, focusing on professional demands, recognition, stress resilience, general life satisfaction, operational organization, and communication during the pandemic. Validated scales such as ERI, RS-13, L-1, and the COVID-19 add-on module of the COPSOQ were utilized. Statistical tests included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, Chi-Square tests, linear regression, T-tests, and ANOVA with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Respondents were mainly from North Rhine-Westphalia (43.3%) and Bavaria (24.3%), predominantly female (54.1%), and had a mean age of 52.7 years. The majority were medical specialists (71.9%). The RS-13 mean score was 72.66 (SD = 12.42), with 58.9% demonstrating high stress resilience. Public health degree holders showed the highest resilience. The ER-ratio indicated high effort versus reward for 96.7% of heads. Larger districts showed lower ER-ratios, suggesting resilient organizational structures. The study highlights high psychosocial workload and resilience among German public health authority heads during COVID-19, suggesting the need for optimized crisis management and scalable staffing for future pandemics and crises.

Self-Assembly at Curved Biointerfaces.

Most of the biological interfaces are curved. Understanding the organizational structures and interaction patterns at such curved biointerfaces is therefore crucial not only for deepening our comprehension of the principles that govern life processes but also for designing and developing targeted drugs aimed at diseased cells and tissues. Despite the considerable efforts dedicated to this area of research, our understanding of curved biological interfaces is still limited. Many aspects of these interfaces remain elusive, presenting both challenges and opportunities for further exploration. In this review, we summarize the structural characteristics of biological interfaces found in nature, the current research status of materials associated with curved biointerfaces, and the theoretical advancements achieved to date. Finally, we outline future trends and challenges in the theoretical and technological development of curved biointerfaces. By addressing these challenges, people could bridge the knowledge gap and unlock the full potential of curved biointerfaces for scientific and technological advancements, ultimately benefiting various fields and improving human health and well-being.

Swinging Pendulum: The Social Adaptation of Returnees from Universities

College teachers now have more opportunities to engage in transnational education as people enter a new era of globalization and the shift toward a knowledge-based society. However, they also face various challenges in social adaptation. It has become a critical issue to enhance the sense of belonging and career resilience of the returnees from universities. By using a qualitative research method with the data from a respective provincial university in China, this study aims to explore the process and influencing factors of the social adaptation of returnees and finds that the social adaptation of returnees has gone through the process of longing, division, adjustment, and integration, which varies with individual and cultural differences. Social adaptation is similar to the swing and vibration of a clock. The working environment is the primary source of adverse cultural impact and ones social network support is negatively associated with social adaptation. Also, self-efficacy and informal social support networks play key roles in the adaptation process. To mitigate the re-entry shock, recommendations include optimizing work environments, providing emotional counseling, and enhancing organizational structures.

Theoretical Approaches to the Regulation of Bioeconomy

The development of science and technology, as well as the introduction of innovations into the production sphere, have led to the emergence of such a phenomenon as the bioeconomy. At the present time, there is no versatile definition of the concept of bioeconomy either at the national level or at the level of interstate integration associations and international organizations. To analyze the key features of the concept of bioeconomy and to identify the main approaches to the essence of this phenomenon. This is important for the understanding of directions of development of the regulatory environment in relation to bioeconomy in the Russian Federation. The article analyzes the definitions of the concept of bioeconomy at the level of the International Advisory Council on Bioeconomy (IACB), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Union (EU), and individual states. The author examines a range of approaches to regulating bioeconomy. The research is based on formal-logical, dogmatic methods, the comparison method and the axiological approach. The paper presents approaches to the concept of bioeconomy as a phenomenon. The author analyzes how bioeconomy relates to the circular economy (closed-loop economy) and the linear (traditional) economy. The article presents a range of approaches to the regulation of bioeconomy through the lens of proactive law and proposes a mechanism for its regulation with the help of a symbiotic regulator. The main elements of such a reg ulator are referred to in the article. They include normative regulation, the presence of ef fectively functioning organizational structures, and properly functioning processes of interaction between organizational structures and entities. The author examines a regulation method entitled ‘ethical licensing’, highlights its advantages and disadvantages, and gives recommendation on the subsequent use of this method. Due to its complex nature, bioeconomy as a phenomenon requires specific approaches to its regulation.

IDENTIFIKASI FAKTOR DAN TANTANGAN DI SEKTOR PERUNGGASAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KELINCAHAN BISNIS DI AGROINDUSTRI INDONESIA: TINJAUAN LITERATUR

The poultry industry in Indonesia, especially the poultry sector, plays a crucial role in ensuring national food security by providing essential animal protein sources. Therefore, business agility is highly necessary to address fluctuating demand issues that can change unpredictably. Many industries in this sector have faced setbacks due to unforeseen shifts in demand. However, in implementing business agility, numerous factors need consideration, such as traditional organizational structures, bureaucratic processes that impede change, and a corporate culture resistant to transformation. This research aims to identify various challenges faced by companies in achieving business agility through a literature review using Publish or Perish software and manual searches on Google Scholar, resulting in the selection and analysis of 23 relevant journals. The findings from the literature review indicate that effective supply chain management, innovative management leadership, technological automation, adaptability to unforeseen events, investment in employee development, and a deep understanding of customer needs are key factors influencing business agility in the poultry industry in Indonesia.

Dampak Transformasi Era Digital Terhadap Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia Dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Personel TNI-AD di Lingkungan Koramil Rungkut Surabaya

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of digital transformation on human resource management in improving the performance of TNI-AD personnel in the Koramil Rungkut Surabaya environment. A qualitative phenomenological approach to understand the impact of digital transformation on human resource management (HR) and the performance of TNI-AD personnel at Koramil Rungkut Surabaya. The research subjects were selected through purposive sampling, involving 10 to 15 personnel with different experiences in implementing digital technology. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, followed by an analysis process that included data reduction, theme grouping, and interpreting experiences. To ensure the validity of the data, the researcher applied triangulation of sources and methods and member checking with key informants. Digital transformation at Koramil Rungkut Surabaya has significantly influenced human resource management (HR) through increased operational efficiency and development of personnel capabilities. Digitalization in reporting and task management accelerates administrative processes, while technology-based training provides flexibility in competency development. In addition, digital technology encourages decentralization of organizational structures, accelerates communication, and increases individual autonomy in decision making. In the future, the role of digital technology will be increasingly important in helping the Indonesian Army face dynamic and complex modern challenges.

STASCAN deciphers fine-resolution cell distribution maps in spatial transcriptomics by deep learning

Spatial transcriptomics technologies have been widely applied to decode cellular distribution by resolving gene expression profiles in tissue. However, sequencing techniques still limit the ability to create a fine-resolved spatial cell-type map. To this end, we develop a novel deep-learning-based approach, STASCAN, to predict the spatial cellular distribution of captured or uncharted areas where only histology images are available by cell feature learning integrating gene expression profiles and histology images. STASCAN is successfully applied across diverse datasets from different spatial transcriptomics technologies and displays significant advantages in deciphering higher-resolution cellular distribution and resolving enhanced organizational structures.

Digital Intermediation in Paid Domestic Work in Argentina: An Analysis of Ambivalent Effects on Working Conditions

Recent studies offer ambivalent conclusions on the effect of digital intermediaries in domestic and care work; while some suggest that the digital platforms exacerbate and perpetuate the precariousness of the sector as well as its underlying social inequalities, others contend that the effects of these technologies are not yet clear. Drawing on these perspectives but focusing specifically on the platforms’ organizational structures, this article contributes to a growing body of scholarship on the differential impact of digital intermediaries in this occupation. Based on a study of the digital platform Zolvers in Argentina, the article analyzes the effects on working conditions of three types of working arrangements: regular work managed by the digital intermediary, regular work managed by the employer household, and casual ‘one-time-only’ jobs. This research uses a mixed methods approach, including a survey of 300 domestic workers, 20 semi-directed interviews, and two focus groups with workers using Zolvers.

Promoting the Higgs boson as `discovery science' news: exploring the boundary spanner functions of CERN communication professionals'

The announcement of the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN marked a groundbreaking achievement in Mode 1 'discovery science'. We combined analyses of CERN strategic documents and organisational structures with ethnographic observations of, and interviews with, communication professionals. Our findings show that promotion of this 'Mode 1' discovery, in combination with the potential for longer-term 'Mode 2' innovation, was a strategic priority for CERN, but highlighted operational challenges for coordination between scientists and journalists. We conclude that CERN communication professionals played an essential boundary spanning role, brokering solutions and maintaining relations across borders and between relevant constituencies.

Enhancing spatial domain detection in spatial transcriptomics with EnSDD

Advancements in spatial transcriptomics have transformed our understanding of organ function and tissue microenvironment. However, accurately identifying spatial domains to depict genome heterogeneity and cellular interactions remains a challenge. In this study, we propose EnSDD (Ensemble-learning for Spatial Domain Detection), a method that ingeniously integrates eight state-of-the-art spatial domain detection methods to automatically identify spatial domains. A key innovation of EnSDD is its dynamic weighting mechanism within the ensemble learning process, which optimizes the contribution of each base model and provides a performance evaluation metric without the need for ground truth data. By leveraging the spatial domains identified through EnSDD, we incorporate the detection of domain-specific spatially variable genes and the spatial distribution of cell types, thereby providing deeper insights into tissue heterogeneity. We validate EnSDD across diverse spatial transcriptomics datasets from various tissue organizational structures. Our results demonstrate that EnSDD significantly enhances spatial domain identification accuracy, identifies genes with spatial expression patterns, and reveals domain-specific cell type enrichment patterns, offering invaluable insights into tissue spatial heterogeneity and regionalization.

Study on Quality and Starch Characteristics of Powdery and Crispy Lotus Roots.

Nine varieties of lotus root (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011, and Zhenzhu) were selected as the research materials to compare their differences in physical, chemical, and starch characteristics before and after boiling, frying, and microwaving. The results showed that Zhenzhu, Xinhe, L0013, Cuiyu, and Zhonghua belong to the crispy lotus root type, while L0011, L0014, Zaohua, and Suining belong to the powdery lotus root type. Furthermore, the nine varieties were characterized for their starch by optical micrograph (OM), polarized micrograph (PM), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), carbon-13 cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The starch granule of powdery lotus root appeared to be larger than that of crispy lotus, and ATR-FTIR studies revealed that the outer layer of starch granules from nine different varieties of lotus root had a highly organized structure. Moreover, XRD and 13C CP/MAS NMR analyses revealed that starch from eight lotus varieties (Suining, Xinhe, Zaohua, Zhonghua, L0014, L0013, Cuiyu, L0011) belong to the A-crystal type, while starch from Zhenzhu belongs to the CA-crystal type. The starch from powdery lotus root exhibited higher crystallinity, as well as increased gelatinization temperature and enthalpy, indicating that its crystal structure was relatively superior compared to that of crispy lotus starch. The short-range order degree, crystallinity, gelatinization temperature, and heat enthalpy of lotus starch decreased after boiling and frying but increased to varying extents after microwaving. Additionally, the heat resistance and stability of starch particles from crispy lotus root were improved after microwave treatment.

Organizational Communication Patterns in The Management of Mental Development of Kodam II Sriwijaya in The Digital Era

Mental coaching is one of the methods to shape the mentality of Army soldiers to always act based on high morals, enthusiasm, and awareness, with the aim of forming commendable and responsible morals in living life. This research aims to analyze the pattern of organizational communication in the management of mental development of soldiers through planning, organization, implementation, and supervision, as well as what media are used in each process in Kodam II Sriwijaya. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Data collection techniques were conducted through interviews and documentation, while data analysis techniques include data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing or verification. This research also uses source triangulation to validate the data. The results showed that in the Planning and Organizing stages, the Wheel Pattern and Chain Pattern communication patterns were used, where the leader was central in determining work plans, instructions, reports, and organizational structures. At the Implementation stage, the patterns used are Wheel Pattern and All Channel Pattern, with new communication media such as WhatsApp as the main tool. At the Monitoring stage, the Wheel Pattern remains dominant, where the leader acts as the center of evaluation in receiving and sending messages. The implication of this research is the important role of structured communication and the use of new media in the management of soldiers' mental development, which can improve the effectiveness of organizational communication and soldiers' performance.

“Do I feel safe here?” Organisational climate and mental health peer worker experience

BackgroundIn Australia, lived experience peer support workforces are expanding making it one of the fastest growing emerging disciplines in transdisciplinary mental health settings. This article provides insight for organisations on the contextual realities peer workers face, increases understanding of peer support services to improve service delivery environments and contributes to mental health systems reform. This study aimed to qualitatively explore peer support workers experience integrating into and working within transdisciplinary mental health service teams.MethodSemi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 peer support workers currently working in mental health services in Australia. The research was a qualitative descriptive study design. All data collected were analysed utilising thematic analysis.ResultsPeer workers found their experience in the workplace was influenced by their colleagues and the organisation’s understanding of the peer role. Factors relating to organisational culture and climate were a central theme throughout discussions noting that a negative climate was perceived as harmful to peer workers. Themes established through results include (1) the role of leadership, (2) attitudes and behaviours of colleagues, (3) provision of psychologically safe environments, (4) the organisations messaging and use of language and (5) organisational structures and policy.ConclusionThis study contributes to evidence for the impact of organisational culture on integrating and supporting peer support workers in mental health service delivery. This study provides insights into peer worker experiences integrating into transdisciplinary teams, confirming findings established in previous studies, highlighting a lack of movement or change in workplace culture to support peer worker integration into mental healthcare settings.

Shared value in female entrepreneurship. A publicness frame in the field of knowledge sharing

PurposeWhile most research on female entrepreneurship has been conducted using the traditional private-for-profit logic, with the growing rise of hybrid and public organizational forms, the value of female entrepreneurial initiatives tends to be shared with society at large. Overcoming the traditional distinction between private vs public sectors, this paper relies on the publicness theory and aims to appreciate the shared value of female entrepreneurship by reviewing evidence from the field of knowledge sharing.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conduct a three-phase systematic literature review on female entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing based on a sample of 188 articles for the period 2010–2022 retrieved from the three most extensive databases for evaluating scientific research (i.e. WoS, Scopus and Google Scholar) using a combination of relevant keywords within business and management domain. After the performance analysis of selected publications, the authors conduct a content analysis aimed at identifying the most recurrent theoretical framing, the impact of female entrepreneurship on value creation and the use of knowledge sharing. Finally, the authors conduct a thematic analysis using the theoretical perspective of the publicness to frame how different knowledge-sharing practices have been used in female entrepreneurship to create and spread public value.FindingsThe findings reveal that female entrepreneurship research has generally adopted managerial organizational and sociological theoretical frameworks, reported positive implications on value creation and has seldom exploited knowledge-sharing practices, with particular reference to the settings of low level of publicness. In addition, based on the development of the conceptual model, the authors suggest that the practice of networking in organizational structures characterized by a high level of political and/or economic authority makes the pattern of public value-sharing with the entire ecosystem easier.Originality/valueThe authors adopt an original approach that frames female entrepreneurship research within the lens of publicness theory to highlight the knowledge-sharing practices that allow the value created by female entrepreneurial initiatives to become a shared value in organizations characterized by high levels of political and/or economic authority. The proposed framework contributes to the research on entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing by providing a structured reference point to carry forward research on gender entrepreneurship and knowledge-sharing practices through the theoretical lens of the publicness.

Peer Support Workers in Mental Health Services: A Qualitative Exploration of Emotional Burden, Moral Distress and Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Mental Health Crisis.

This research aimed to explore the experience of emotional burden among peer support workers (PSWs) in mental health care in Poland. It also examined the issue of moral distress in relation to this professional group and identified institutional sources of support for the well-being of PSWs in the workplace. The data presented in the article are derived from fourteen qualitative in-depth individual interviews with PSWs employed in four mental health centres with different organisational structures. The narratives of PSWs revealed several experiences that could be considered to be moral distress. The inability to assist patients was found to be associated with both individual and institutional barriers. Furthermore, our findings suggest that organisations can implement a number of specific practices to ensure the wellbeing of PSWs, which dissemination would be beneficial to teams employing PSWs.

“ESG score” vs. “ESG rating”: a conceptual model for the sustainability assessment and self-assessment of European SMEs

This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse regarding the distinctions and application of scoring and rating systems by presenting a conceptual model designed to assess and self-assess small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter also “SMEs”) on their sustainability transition. Indeed, SMEs operate in very different economic contexts and have simplified organizational and governance structures. These characteristics can be effectively captured through this conceptual model based on a customized questionnaire tailored to the specificities of SMEs. Following an analysis of existing literature and regulatory frameworks, a conceptual model is proposed that includes a questionnaire that, unlike commonly proposed industry questionnaires, is designed to generate an Environmental, Social and Governance (hereinafter also “ESG”) Score complemented by a forward-looking perspective. This model can be useful for SMEs, as it allows them to self-assess their strengths and weaknesses in the sustainability transition process, highlighting specific needs and suggesting actions to improve their sustainability transition. It also allows banks to make a more accurate assessment of the sustainability of their customers, facilitating the redefinition of green and social credit products according to the needs of SMEs. Additionally, it also supports supply chain leaders in ensuring a sustainable supply chain by facilitating the sustainability assessment of SMEs. This is so that everything complies with the new European Union (hereinafter also “EU”) regulations. Finally, the questionnaire is currently being tested at a local bank and has been proposed to SME suppliers in a specific supply chain. It will be possible to make changes to the questionnaire based on the feedback received during the administration phase.

Human agility management in Thai SMEs: A catalyst for enhancing employee value proposition

This study investigates the application of Operational Agility Management in Thai SMEs, examining its impact on Employee Dynamic Capability and the resulting Employee Value Proposition. Using a quantitative approach with a questionnaire survey targeted at Thai SME executives, the research analyzes the relationships between “Value of Work”, “Goal Orientation”, and “Network Communication” as independent variables, “Employee Dynamic Capability” as a mediating variable, and “Employee Value Proposition” as the dependent variable. The findings reveal that Thai Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) struggle particularly with “Network Communication” in enhancing their “Employee Value Proposition”, primarily due to their predominant hierarchical command structure. This challenge highlights the need for Thai SMEs to reassess their organizational structures and communication practices to improve employee dynamic capabilities and overall employee value proposition. The study provides novel insights into the application of Operational Agility Management in Thai SMEs, bridging the gap between high-performance management theories and the practical realities faced by SMEs in unpredictable business environments, thus offering a unique perspective on cultivating employee dynamic capabilities in this setting.