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Organizational Factors (organizational + factor)
Selected AbstractsThe Determinants of Organizational Change and Structural Inertia: Technological and Organizational FactorsJOURNAL OF ECONOMICS & MANAGEMENT STRATEGY, Issue 4 2002Massimo G. Colombo There are a growing body of theoretical work, wide anecdotal evidence, and a few large-scale empirical studies supporting the view that business firms quite rarely change their organizational structure, a phenomenon usually referred to in the literature as structural inertia. The present paper aims to analyze empirically the determinants of structural inertia and organizational change. As far as we know, this work constitutes the first attempt to directly address such issues through econometric estimates based on a large, longitudinal dataset at plant level. For this purpose, we consider changes of the organizational structure within a sample composed of 438 Italian manufacturing plants observed from 1975 to 1996. More precisely, we specify and test a duration model of the likelihood of an individual plant changing the number of hierarchical tiers after a spell r, provided that no change has occurred up to T. We also analyze the direction of change, distinguishing increases from decreases of the number of managerial layers. We consider a set of plant- and industry-specific explanatory variables that are expected to induce or oppose organizational change. The findings show that the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and new human-resources management practices favors organizational change. On the contrary, the presence of sunk costs and the extent of influence activities figure prominently in explaining structural inertia of business organizations. [source] Managerial Knowledge Sharing: The Role of Individual, Interpersonal, and Organizational FactorsMANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION REVIEW, Issue 1 2006Lin Lu abstract This paper describes two studies conducted in the People's Republic of China aimed at improving understanding of knowledge sharing among managers. Study 1 found evidence for the role of two individual factors: greed which reduced knowledge sharing, and self-efficacy which increased it. In addition, co-worker collegiality has an indirect influence on knowledge sharing by lowering greed and raising self-efficacy. Study 2 replicated the key findings of Study 1 and also identified the influence of organizational support on knowledge sharing. Organizational support led to higher utilization of information and communication technologies, resulting in more knowledge sharing, especially for explicit as opposed to implicit knowledge. [source] Success of activity management practices: the influence of organizational and cultural factorsACCOUNTING & FINANCE, Issue 1 2007Kevin Baird M40 Abstract This study examines the success of activity management practices and the organizational and cultural factors affecting success at each of Gosselin's (1997) three levels of activity analysis (AA), activity cost analysis (ACA) and activity-based costing (ABC). Data were collected by survey questionnaire from a random sample of managers of Australian business units. The results indicate that activity management is moderately successful in Australian organizations, with greater use associated with higher levels of success. Two organizational factors (top management support and link to quality) were associated with success at each of Gosselin's three levels, whereas training was associated at the AA and ACA levels. The cultural factor of outcome orientation was associated with success at each level, with attention to detail important at the ABC level. Organizational factors were more strongly associated with activity management success than cultural factors. [source] Prescription practices of diagnostic imaging in dementia: a survey of 47 Alzheimer's Centres in Northern ItalyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 7 2003R. Riello Abstract Background To date, there are no data at the national or European level on the prescription practices of imaging (CT, MR, and SPET) in the diagnosis of cognitively impaired elderly patients. Methods We addressed prescription practices of diagnostic imaging in 47 Alzheimer's Centres in Northern Italy, with an ad-hoc questionnaire. Results The use of imaging in new cases was relatively intensive: 62% of the Alzheimer's Centres prescribed CT to more than 95% of cases, 24% prescribed MR to more than 33% of cases, and 33% prescribed SPET to more than 5% of cases. A minority of Alzheimer's Centres (n,=,3, 6%) prescribed imaging to less than 100% of new cases. The association between onsite scanner availability and frequency of prescription increased from CT (Odds ratio (OR),=,1.8) through MR (OR,=,2.4) to SPET (OR,=,4.6), although only the latter was significant (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2,17.7, p,=,0.003). Patient-related factors (age, severity of cognitive impairment, and clinical suspicion of cerebrovascular disease) influenced prescription of structural imaging in 30,53% of Alzheimer's Centres and organizational factors (onsite scanner availability, and waiting list) in a similar proportion (32 and 43% respectively). Conclusions Organizational factors play a relevant role in the prescription of imaging exams in patients with cognitive impairment and, at least for CT, the perceived diagnostic added value is rather low, suggesting a high degree of uncertainty in the clinical use of imaging techniques. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Improving the implementation of evidence-based practice: a knowledge management perspectiveJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 3 2006John Sandars MSc FRCGP MRCP CertEd Abstract Experience of knowledge management initiatives in non-health care organizations can offer useful insights, and strategies, to implement evidence-based practice in health care. Knowledge management offers a structured process for the generation, storage, distribution and application of knowledge in organizations. This includes both tacit knowledge (personal experience) and explicit knowledge (evidence). Communities of practice are a key component of knowledge management and have been recognized to be essential for the implementation of change in organizations. It is within communities of practice that tacit knowledge is actively integrated with explicit knowledge. Organizational factors that limit the development of knowledge management, including communities of practice, in non-health care organizations need to be overcome if the potential is to be achieved within health care. [source] Shifting Models of Welfare: Issues in Relocation from an Institution and the Organization of Community LivingJOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2006Christine Bigby Abstract, The closure of institutions and relocation of people with intellectual disabilities to community living has been the focus of many nations' intellectual disability policies in the past three decades. The author studied the relocation of 58 people from a large institution to 11 small group homes in several Australian communities. Organizational factors that contributed to a mismatch of expectations on such dimensions as individualized support and inclusion were examined. The author discusses these in a broader context of social policy developments, including the privatization and contracting-out of service provision that shifted the government's role to one of purchaser rather than provider of services; regulatory concerns in employment practices that impacted the flow of information about residents; and contract specifications that focused on individuals, leaving responsibility for tackling systemic issues uncertain. Recommendations that draw attention to the renewed emphasis on partnerships rather than business relationships and attend to broader community development strategies that have concurrently occurred in Australia are provided. [source] The Incidence and Structure of Conflict on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal CircuitLAW & POLICY, Issue 1 2001Isaac Unah In 1982, Congress established the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, a specialized court, with the objective of reducing judicial conflict and harmonizing circuit law in specific policy areas of special complexity. This article examines the incidence and determinants of judicial conflict on the U.S. courts of appeals, focusing specifically on the Federal Circuit. Using international trade and customs regulation cases decided during the 1982 to 1995 terms, the analysis reviews three possible explanations of judicial conflict: policy-oriented, sociolegal, and organizational. The analysis shows that conflict appears in 8.4 percent of the trade and customs regulation decisions rendered by the Federal Circuit during the period of study. The policy direction of Federal Circuit decisions and the court's hierarchical relationship with lower specialized courts provide the strongest explanation for the emergence of conflict on the court. Organizational factors such as panel composition evinced rather anemic explanatory capacity. The results raise an important functional similarity between the Federal Circuit and the generalist courts of appeals. Contrary to the laments of legal practitioners that conflict on the Federal Circuit is excessive relative to conflict on the generalist circuit courts, this analysis finds little support for that claim. Rather, the level of overt conflict on the court is actually low and corroborates conflict levels that have been reported for other U.S. courts of appeals. [source] How Macromedia used blogs to build its developers' communities: A case studyPERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2008Jingli Cheng Business organizations are using blogs as a conversational technology to help build a community of practice where knowledge exchange and sharing actively take place. This case study examines how Macromedia used blogs to build its developers' communities and become more organizationally effective. Four major types of interactions between the company employees and customers through the blogs are analyzed: socialization, information sharing, help seeking, and teaching and learning. Organizational factors that contributed to the success of such a strategy are also revealed in the study. A model is thus drawn to explain how blogs contributed to the organization's effectiveness by strengthening customer relations, product development, and innovation. Finally, practical suggestions are provided for companies that are considering adopting a blogging strategy for customer relations, product development, and community-driven innovation. [source] Organizational factors that influence safety,PROCESS SAFETY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2006Patrick Killimett For the past 20 years the author and his associates have worked with over 1600 organizations to improve safety performance. In the course of this work, we have discovered that organizations optimize their efforts when they provide and support strong roles at each of three levels: the front-line employee, supervisory, and senior manager levels. These three roles, when appropriately engaged, make up a cord of three strands that is not easily broken. Of these three areas, the leadership role has proved not only to have the greatest impact on safety improvement but also the most complex to understand and influence. One striking example of this is seen in the study of sites using the same improvement methodology. Even when compared by industry, site size, and systems, some organizations achieve steady improvement whereas others consistently struggle. More than any other factor, the quality of the organization's leadership,in particular its influence on the organizational culture,determined the level of success achieved. By organizational culture we mean the shared common values that drive organizational performance, more commonly defined as "the way we do things here." Culture applies to many areas of functioning, is generally unstated, in the background, and slow to change. Even though it is generally recognized that leadership is important to performance, the "how" of that leadership is often debated. What makes a leader effective at influencing and improving safety? What are the qualities of such a leader? What are the key tasks that a leader must perform to generate desired results? Although this paper focuses on these questions with respect to senior leaders, the principles discussed are applicable to all levels in the organization. © 2006 Behavior Science Technology, Inc. (BST), 2006 [source] THE RELATION OF INSTRUMENTAL and SYMBOLIC ATTRIBUTES TO A COMPANY'S ATTRACTIVENESS AS AN EMPLOYERPERSONNEL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 1 2003FILIP LIEVENS This study adds a new marketing-based angle to the study of the attractiveness of organizations in the early stages of the recruitment process. Drawing on the instrumental-symbolic framework from the marketing literature, we expected that the meanings (in terms of inferred traits) that prospective applicants associate with employing organizations would play an important role in applicants' attractiveness to these organizations. Two groups of prospective applicants (275 final-year students and 124 bank employees) were drawn from the applicant population targeted by the bank industry. These applicants were asked to rate a randomly assigned bank in terms of job/organizational factors and to ascribe traits to this bank. In both samples, trait inferences about organizations accounted for incremental variance over job and organizational attributes in predicting an organization's perceived attractiveness as an employer. Moreover, it was easier to differentiate among organizations on the basis of trait inferences versus traditional job and organizational attributes. Practical implications for image audit and image management are discussed. [source] Technological and organizational influences on the adoption of activity-based costing in AustraliaACCOUNTING & FINANCE, Issue 3 2004David A. Brown The present paper examines one set of potential reasons for the paradox as to why so few firms have adopted activity-based costing (ABC) despite the demonstrated benefits of this costing system. A cross-sectional survey of Australian firms is used to examine the influence of seven technological and organizational factors on firms' initial interest in ABC and their decision to adopt it or not. The organizational factors of top management support, the support of an internal champion, and organizational size were shown to be associated with initial interest in ABC. The decision to adopt or reject ABC had one organizational factor associated with it, the support of an internal champion. [source] Care provision for patients with eating disorders in Europe: what patients get what treatment where?EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 3 2005Matthias Richard Abstract In this paper, we report on the similarities and differences between patients with eating disorders and the services provided to them across 80 centres participating in a European collaboration (COST Action B6). Differences in patient characteristics as well as differences in treatment regimen, especially length of treatment, are described. The relationship between patient characteristics, treatment setting and length of treatment is investigated by multilevel analysis. The findings show a rich diversity in service conditions and traditions across European countries. Patients with anorexia nervosa are mostly treated in inpatient settings, patients with bulimia nervosa are treated mostly as outpatients,with the exception of German-speaking countries. Day-patient settings were generally rare. Clinical characteristics of the patients,e.g. severity of symptoms or illness duration,contributed only little to the differences in treatment length (within as well as between centres), whereas organizational factors explained the largest proportion of between centre variability. The findings are discussed from a service research perspective. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Success of activity management practices: the influence of organizational and cultural factorsACCOUNTING & FINANCE, Issue 1 2007Kevin Baird M40 Abstract This study examines the success of activity management practices and the organizational and cultural factors affecting success at each of Gosselin's (1997) three levels of activity analysis (AA), activity cost analysis (ACA) and activity-based costing (ABC). Data were collected by survey questionnaire from a random sample of managers of Australian business units. The results indicate that activity management is moderately successful in Australian organizations, with greater use associated with higher levels of success. Two organizational factors (top management support and link to quality) were associated with success at each of Gosselin's three levels, whereas training was associated at the AA and ACA levels. The cultural factor of outcome orientation was associated with success at each level, with attention to detail important at the ABC level. Organizational factors were more strongly associated with activity management success than cultural factors. [source] Determinants of HMO Formulary Adoption DecisionsHEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 1p1 2003David Dranove Objective. To identify economic and organizational characteristics that affect the likelihood that health maintenance organizations (HMOs) include new drugs on their formularies. Data Sources. We administered an original survey to directors of pharmacy at 75 HMOs, of which 41 returned usable responses. We obtained drug-specific data from an industry trade journal. Study Design. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for fixed-drug effects and random-HMO effects. We used factor analysis to limit the number of predictors. Data Collection Methods. We held initial focus groups to help with survey design. We administered the survey in two waves. We asked respondents to report on seven popular new drugs, and to describe a variety of HMO organizational characteristics. Principal Findings. Several HMO organizational characteristics, including nonprofit status, the incentives facing the director of the pharmacy, size and make-up of the pharmacy and therapeutics committee, and relationships with drugs makers, all affect formulary adoption. Conclusions. There are many organizational factors that may cause HMOs to make different formulary adoption decisions for certain prescription drugs. [source] Technological and organizational influences on the adoption of activity-based costing in AustraliaACCOUNTING & FINANCE, Issue 3 2004David A. Brown The present paper examines one set of potential reasons for the paradox as to why so few firms have adopted activity-based costing (ABC) despite the demonstrated benefits of this costing system. A cross-sectional survey of Australian firms is used to examine the influence of seven technological and organizational factors on firms' initial interest in ABC and their decision to adopt it or not. The organizational factors of top management support, the support of an internal champion, and organizational size were shown to be associated with initial interest in ABC. The decision to adopt or reject ABC had one organizational factor associated with it, the support of an internal champion. [source] Workplace and organizational accident causation factors in the manufacturing industryHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 1 2010Panagiota Katsakiori Abstract Labor inspectors investigate accidents to identify possible accident causes, initiate prosecution, and plan future accident prevention. The Method of Investigation for Labor Inspectors (MILI) was designed to help them to identify workplace and organizational factors in addition to immediate factors and legal breaches. The present study analyzes the impact of workplace (work design and provision of unsafe equipment) and organizational factors (training and employee involvement) on accident causation and validates MILI on real accident cases. Accident data from the manufacturing sector are analyzed with LISREL structural equation modeling. Results confirm the relationship between work design and training as well as between provision of unsafe equipment and employee involvement. The present study provides evidence that MILI is a structured accident investigation method allowing multiple accident causation factors to be revealed and that it could help all interested parts (not only labor inspectors, but companies as well) to thoroughly investigate occupational accidents. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Integrating ergonomics into engineering: Empirical evidence and implications for the ergonomistsHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 4 2007Ole Broberg Engineering design is a strong determinant of workplace ergonomics. A survey among 680 engineers in 20 Danish enterprises indicated that engineers are not aware that they influence the work environment of other people. Ergonomics had a low rating among engineers, perhaps because neither management nor safety organizations expressed any expectations in this area. The study further indicated that effects of ergonomics training in engineering schools were very limited. The engineering cultures in enterprises, together with other organizational factors, are suggested to be of greater importance than the professional training. The implications for industrial ergonomists might be an acknowledgement of the role as change agent when trying to integrate ergonomics into engineering. In doing so, they need also to acknowledge that engineers are widely different. They have different backgrounds and a "sensitivity" to ergonomics depending on their current engineering domain, tasks, organizational position, and the industrial branch of their organization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 353,366, 2007. [source] Towards a model for assessing workers' risks resulting from the implementation of information and communication systems and technologiesHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 1 2006Ricardo Vyhmeister The authors investigate the effects of information and communication systems and technologies (ICST) on workers' health and safety. A multidisciplinary and convergent perspective is used to define a model that evaluates the risks associated with the implementation of any information system. The model incorporates the organizational, individual, and social elements that affect workers' risks. Special attention has been paid to the incorporation of ergonomic and organizational factors including culture, technological change, and informatics ethics. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 39,59, 2006. [source] Perceived job stress of women workers in diverse manufacturing industriesHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 3 2005Jinky Leilanie Lu An investigation of the impact of organizational factors on perceived job stress among women workers in the IT-dominated garment and electronics industries in the Philippines was undertaken. The sample included 23 establishments with 630 women respondents. Questionnaires, walk-through surveys of the industries, and interviews were done. The workplace factors included the content of the job, the nature of tasks, job autonomy, hazard exposure, and management and supervisory styles. Chi-square analysis showed that there were interactions among the organizational factors (P = 0.05 and 0.10). These factors included the need for better quality and new products; tasks requiring intense concentration; exposure to radiation, chemical, noise, and vapor hazards; standing for prolonged periods of time; and highly monitored, repetitious work. Workers experienced job stress (P = .05) when they were subjected to low job autonomy, poor work quality, close monitoring, and hazardous work pressure. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 275,291, 2005. [source] Trust, power and interorganizational information systems: the case of the electronic trading community TransLeaseINFORMATION SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Issue 1 2000David K. Allen Abstract. This paper focuses on Cap Gemini's electronic commerce system, TransLease. TransLease is an interorganizational information system (IOS), which facilitates electronic commerce between motor vehicle leasing and repair companies. During our investigation, the system was used by approximately 1000 repair agents working for seven of the UK's leading vehicle leasing and contract hire companies. This system was originally developed by AT&T and acquired by Cap Gemini in July 1998. At the time of acquisition, the system was seen as being of high strategic value, although it was also seen as underperforming. This paper reports the results of an action research project, which formed one element of the process by which Cap Gemini investigated the former problem. In the paper, TransLease is described as a complex electronic community, dependent upon the existence of symbiotic relationships. As such, the problems that the system users and developers experienced can be attributed to factors that impeded the mutual benefit accruing from participation in the system. The efficacy of the terms of exchange and the degree to which participants mutually benefit through electronic interaction is determined by the complex interplay of a number of relational and organizational factors. The research therefore illustrates the importance of the ,soft' organizational issues in IOS management and development, and suggests a conceptual model of the factors relevant in this case. At the time of this study, TransLease was still in the early stages of its life cycle, having only been available in the marketplace for approximately 18 months. During this time, through recognizing the complex problems and issues detailed in this paper, Cap Gemini accordingly redressed the way in which the system was managed and maintained. TransLease is now seen as having matured into a highly successful example of an IOS , a view reflected by its position as market leader in the industry. As this paper will show, the key to improving the existing service has been the emphasis Cap Gemini now places on managing the ,soft' aspects of the electronic community. [source] Prescription practices of diagnostic imaging in dementia: a survey of 47 Alzheimer's Centres in Northern ItalyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 7 2003R. Riello Abstract Background To date, there are no data at the national or European level on the prescription practices of imaging (CT, MR, and SPET) in the diagnosis of cognitively impaired elderly patients. Methods We addressed prescription practices of diagnostic imaging in 47 Alzheimer's Centres in Northern Italy, with an ad-hoc questionnaire. Results The use of imaging in new cases was relatively intensive: 62% of the Alzheimer's Centres prescribed CT to more than 95% of cases, 24% prescribed MR to more than 33% of cases, and 33% prescribed SPET to more than 5% of cases. A minority of Alzheimer's Centres (n,=,3, 6%) prescribed imaging to less than 100% of new cases. The association between onsite scanner availability and frequency of prescription increased from CT (Odds ratio (OR),=,1.8) through MR (OR,=,2.4) to SPET (OR,=,4.6), although only the latter was significant (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2,17.7, p,=,0.003). Patient-related factors (age, severity of cognitive impairment, and clinical suspicion of cerebrovascular disease) influenced prescription of structural imaging in 30,53% of Alzheimer's Centres and organizational factors (onsite scanner availability, and waiting list) in a similar proportion (32 and 43% respectively). Conclusions Organizational factors play a relevant role in the prescription of imaging exams in patients with cognitive impairment and, at least for CT, the perceived diagnostic added value is rather low, suggesting a high degree of uncertainty in the clinical use of imaging techniques. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Employability enhancement through formal and informal learning: an empirical study among Dutch non-academic university staff membersINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2009Beatrice Van Der Heijden Although learning is generally perceived as a way to improve employees' current job performance, so far, no research has been conducted to explore the possible relationships between formal and informal learning, on the one hand, and employability, on the other. Though contemporary views stress the importance of the job as a powerful learning site, considerable research evidence underpinning these views is lacking. This paper goes into the impact of formal and informal learning upon employability. The influence of employee characteristics and organizational factors is also taken into account. An e-questionnaire was used to collect data among 215 Dutch non-academic university staff members. Our findings emphasize the necessity of Human Resource Development strategies that encompass a mix of formal and informal learning opportunities. In particular, participation in networks appears to be an important predictor for employability. With the outcomes of this study, we aim to contribute to the further development of theoretical insights regarding employability enhancement through learning possibilities embedded in the workplace. It seems that strategies that focus exclusively on enhancing informal on-the-job learning should not be encouraged. Our study is limited to one context and further research is required to investigate the generalizability of the findings to other occupations and/or countries. [source] International perspectives on workplace bullying among nurses: a reviewINTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, Issue 1 2009S.L. Johnson rn Purpose:, This article examines the nursing literature on workplace bullying with the aim of reaching a better understanding of the phenomenon. Background:, Workplace bullying occurs in many occupations and workplaces, including nursing. Methods:, The following databases were used for the literature review: CINAHL, PubMed, Pro Quest and EBSCO host. Only articles in English were used. Articles from outside the nursing literature were also examined to gain a broader understanding of workplace bullying. Findings:, Workplace bullying is more than a simple conflict between two individuals. It is a complex phenomenon that can only be understood through an examination of social, individual and organizational factors. Workplace bullying has been shown to impact the physical and psychological health of victims, as well as their performance at work. Workplace bullying impacts the organization through decreased productivity, increased sick time and employee attrition. Conclusions:, More nurse-specific research is needed in this area. Research needs to be conducted in a systematic and uniform manner so that generalizations across studies can be made. The ultimate goal of this research should be to generate an understanding of this phenomenon so that solutions can be found. [source] The Commitment Process in a Religious Commune: The ShakersJOURNAL FOR THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF RELIGION, Issue 1 2001Metin M. Cosgel Focusing on the Shakers and using census data, this paper quantitatively examines influences on religious commitment and the way these influences differed between new and veteran members. Whereas personal characteristics (age, sex, nativity, and occupation) were the primary sources of influence on the commitment of veteran members, new recruits were also influenced by interpersonal and organizational factors (kinship ties, social bonds, and membership in leading groups). The differential effect of influences on commitment illustrates the nature of the commitment process in a religious commune. [source] Realistic Evaluation of Early Warning Systems and the Acute Life-threatening Events , Recognition and Treatment training course for early recognition and management of deteriorating ward-based patients: research protocolJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2010Jennifer McGaughey mcgaughey j., blackwood b., o'halloran p., trinder t.j. & porter s. (2010) Realistic Evaluation of Early Warning Systems and the Acute Life-threatening Events , Recognition and Treatment training course for early recognition and management of deteriorating ward-based patients: research protocol. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(4), 923,932. Abstract Title.,Realistic Evaluation of Early Warning Systems and the Acute Life-threatening Events , Recognition and Treatment training course for early recognition and management of deteriorating ward-based patients: research protocol. Aim., This paper is a description of a study protocol designed to evaluate the factors that enable or constrain the delivery and sustainability of Early Warning Systems and the Acute Life-threatening Events , Recognition and Treatment training course in practice. Background., Rapid response system initiatives have been introduced to try to improve early detection and treatment of patients who deteriorate on general hospital wards. However, recent systematic reviews of the effectiveness of these initiatives show no effect on patient outcomes. Systematic reviews and professional consensus recommend that future research should focus on a broader range of process and outcome measures which consider the social, behavioural and organizational factors that had an impact on the delivery of these initiatives. Design., The design is a multiple case study on four wards in two hospitals in Northern Ireland that have implemented Early Warning Systems and Acute Life-threatening Events , Recognition and Treatment training. Data will be collected from key stakeholders using individual and focus group interviews, non-participant observation, Acute Life-threatening Events , Recognition and Treatment training records and audit of patients' observation charts and medical notes. Realistic Evaluation of the data will enable the development and refinement of theories to explain which mechanisms work in a particular context to achieve desired outcomes. Discussion., This study will produce important information that will contribute to knowledge of the organizational processes that have an impact on the delivery of initiatives to identify, respond and manage acutely ill patients in hospital. [source] Determinants of early retirement intentions among Belgian nursesJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2008Nicolle P.G. Boumans Abstract Title.,Determinants of early retirement intentions among Belgian nurses Aim., This paper is a report of a study to gain insight into older nurses' retirement intentions and to establish factors determining early retirement intention in these individuals. Background., In many developed countries, the working population is ageing. This will lead to a structural labour shortage in the near future. In nursing, this is already taking place. To retain nurses in employment, information on the determinants of their early retirement intentions are imperative. Method., A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2005 in one Belgian hospital. Data were collected by questionnaire with 100 nurses aged 45 or older. The response rate was 69·9%. Findings., No fewer than 77% of the nurses wanted to stop working before the age of 65 years. The following individual, work-related, and organizational factors contributed to older nurses' intention to retire early: perceived health, marital status, gender, opportunities for change and development, workload, and negative stereotyping of older employees. Conclusion., Our findings offer insight regarding the influencing factors of early retirement intentions in nurses. This information may be useful to human resource managers and may enable them to successfully prevent early retirement in nurses. More research on this topic is needed as this will enable the development, implementation and evaluation of well-founded measures for retaining older nurses in the workplace. [source] Spanish Content on Hospital Websites: An Analysis of U.S. Hospitals' in Concentrated Latino CommunitiesJOURNAL OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION, Issue 4 2010Linda M. Gallant This study explores the nature and extent of Spanish language translation of hospital websites. A quantitative content analysis of 121 U.S. hospital websites located in Hispanic communities was conducted. Results indicate that a significant number of U.S. hospitals fail on their websites to offer equal content for Spanish language users. The study also examines several factors potentially associated with the incidence of website translation. First, organizational factors such as hospital size, ownership type and formal statements of diversity commitment are investigated. Second, demographic factors such as county population size and Hispanic population size are also considered. Hispanics' use of the Internet, the digital divide, culture's impact on Internet use, and eHealth provide a background for discussion of the findings. [source] The impact of a large-scale traumatic event on individual and organizational outcomes: exploring employee and company reactions to September 11, 2001JOURNAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR, Issue 8 2002Kristin Byron Much of the literature on stress and organizational outcomes has focused on organizational factors and has ignored extraorganizational stressors that lead to perceived stress. However, research in other fields and recent studies in management suggests that acute-extraorganizational stressors, such as traumatic events, may have potentially negative and costly implications for organizations. This study tests a theoretical model of traumatic stress and considers the relationship between strain from an acute-extraorganizational stressor, the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and absenteeism. Using a sample of 108 MBA and MPA students, this study suggests that strain caused by an acute-extraorganizational stressor can have important consequences for organizations. Namely, employees who report more strain from a traumatic life event are more likely to be absent from work in the weeks following the event. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] State digital library usability: Contributing organizational factorsJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 13 2002Hong (Iris) Xie Usage and user feedback about a state digital library, in which the developers/designers, content providers, different types of libraries and their staffs, and a variety of user groups represent a loose federation of separate organizations with diverse expectations and needs, are investigated. Through corroboratory evidence from usage statistics of Internet-based database services available through the digital library, responses to a statewide-administered library survey, and a Web-based survey of end users, the authors identify contributing factors for the organizational usability of state digital libraries. The authors refine and enhance an organizational usability model for the unique environment of state digital libraries and identify three modes of interaction (influence, communication, activity) and the challenges each interaction presents: in addressing diverse player needs and expectations; the unequal awareness and training in using state digital libraries; and the lack of sufficient communication channels among players. In addition, the findings highlight the double-edged impact of physical libraries on the state digital library. [source] Bequest motives and barriers to giving: The case of direct mail donorsNONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP, Issue 1 2006Adrian Sargeant Charitable bequests currently account for 9 percent of overall giving in the United States. In this study we examine the motives for this form of support and the potential barriers to giving perceived by members of bequest societies or legacy clubs solicited through direct mail. Through a series of eight focus groups we delineate the individual motives for offering a bequest, the organizational factors that drive gifts of this type, and the potential barriers that could prevent such a gift from being made. The implications for professional fundraising practice are explored. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||