The relationship between organizational value sharing and influence over strategic decisions

This study examines the relationship between influence in the strategic decision-making process and the sharing of organizational values. Findings from a quick service restaurant chain indicate that perceptions of value sharing are associated with the ability to influence critical strategic issues. The assessed ability of various corporate departments to influence specific strategic decisions differs according to the type of value shared and the degree of value sharing. Few differences in results exist as a function of value sharing with the top management team (vice presidents) versus value sharing with the founder/CEO. Implications of the results and the need to continue empirical exploration of value-based explanations for strategic decision making are discussed.     

Bayesian analysis of bilinear time series models : a gibbs sampling approach

Nonlinear time series analysis plays an important role in recent econometric literature, especially the bilinear model. In this paper, we cast the bilinear time series model in a Bayesian framework and make inference by using the Gibbs sampler, a Monte Carlo method. The methodology proposed is illustrated by using generated examples, two real data sets, as well as a simulation study. The results show that the Gibbs sampler provides a very encouraging option in analyzing bilinear time series.     

‘That’s definite discrimination’: practice under the umbrella of inclusion

Inclusive practice is well embedded across society and has developed over time. However, although policy and public view have moved forward, the way organisations address the agenda for inclusion often represents a superficial interpretation of this concept. Qualitative data were gathered using new ethnography to explore the experiences of a library-based reading group for visually impaired readers. The voices of the individuals shed light on the individual and collective experience of reading. These insights challenge the traditional views of distinct provision that are designed to address targets for inclusion of individuals with disabilities. We argue for a clearer focus on the unintentional consequences of practice in the name of inclusion that leave individuals feeling marginalised. This paper suggests the alternative focus on social justice as offering a discourse that focuses on society and away from the individual.     

Taipei,Taiwan: A transformational learning event: Reflecting on the 4th Asian Conference of Academy of Human Resource Development

Abstract

The 4th Asian Conference of the Academy of Human Resource Development held in Taipei, Taiwan, nurtured new learning, networking and international integration. As we reflected upon the experience in Taiwan, the realization was evident that we now view the world from a global perspective. We no longer look at the world through our own country's lenses. Through participation in this transformational learning event, the way we see the world and ourselves has changed as well as enriched our HRD knowledge.     

Associations Between Sexual Abuse and Negative Health Consequences Among High-Risk Men Who Have Sex with Men

This study evaluated whether a history of sexual abuse could differentiate negative health consequences among men who have sex with men (MSM; N = 148) enrolled in a risk counseling program. More than half (51.4%) reported an experience of sexual abuse. A history of sexual abuse was associated with increased psychological distress, increased rates of alcohol (AOR = 2.91; p <.01) and/or drug abuse (AOR = 2; p <.01) treatment, increased risk of housing instability (AOR = 2.13; p <.05), and increased risk for suicidality (AOR = 4.3; p <.001). Findings demonstrate that screening for sexual abuse may be useful in determining the service needs of high-risk MSM.     

Young people's perspectives of being parented in critical situations: teenage non‐offenders and desisters speak out

This paper considers young people's perspectives of being parented and draws on a study that comprised secondary analysis of 112 qualitative interviews with teenagers who had either never offended or who had ceased to offend for at least a year. Young people's offending behaviour has traditionally been linked to parenting styles, but it is parenting practices that proved central to parental responses to revelations about their offspring's offending. During the interviews, desisters gave accounts of their upbringing and, in particular, the parenting they experienced in one critical situation, namely when their offending came to light. At this point, parents of desisters were reported to be more punitive, more emotional and less measured than they were customarily, and non‐offenders anticipated similar reactions from their parents if they were to offend in the future. The relevance of the findings for professional interventions, especially parenting programmes, and for social workers in child protection is discussed, and suggestions for further research is made.     

The Use of Humor to Help Bridge Cultural Divides: An Exploration of a Workplace Cultural Awareness Workshop

Humor can be used to ease tensions and create a safe place to dialogue across cultural differences in educational initiatives that seek to address social inequality. Little is written however on the appropriate use of humor within these educational programs. This article explores how group facilitators utilized specific types of humor to challenge ill-informed or intolerant statements while still maintaining a safe space to dialogue across difference. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal worldviews on the understanding and use of humor are contrasted to help inform group facilitators on the knowledge and skills needed to appropriately utilize humor within their work.     

Meeting the needs of the adoption triangle through Open Adoption: The adoptive parent

Open adoption enables the adoptive parents to participate more fully in the adoption. It allows them to make decisions regarding the amount of openness they wish to have. By means of seminars, readings, and panels the adoptive parents learn more about adoption and birthparents. By experiencing openness, the adoptive parents come to know the birthparents as real people. The birthparents are no longer perceived as a threat. The adoptive parents gain a feeling of entitlement to parent from the birthparent(s).