The case for complexity: A look at the relationship between individual and structure from the inside out

Abstract

This paper develops a model of the individual – structure relationship using a predominantly sociological explanation. Adopting the perspective of the individual and grounding the approach in a structurationist framework, a system of person-based and role-based relationships is proposed. The model's implications for the individual are developed from an examination of markets, hierarchies and networks. Main conclusions cross-cut individual, functional and organizational levels: (1) work- and non-work roles need to be intentionally maintained and leveraged as a way to develop individual and organizational complexity; (2) individual discretion is essential to achieving the proper balance between the two kinds of roles; (3) networks provide the greatest potential for role satisfaction; and (4) HRD assumes an instrumental role in establishing and maintaining a culture of trust and in designing and supporting jobs that foster complexity and discretion.     

Building scenarios for Hong Kong using EMS

Managers facing substantial uncertainties find it helpful to construct scenarios describing alternative futures. The scenarios reveal a variety of possible futures that managers might face, and the scenario construction process can offer insights into the source of future uncertainties. As part of the scenario-building process it is useful to talk with people who are knowledgeable about the events depicted in the scenarios. But in some political environments, these people may be reluctant to talk openly about their concerns. This article describes an approach based on electronic meeting systems in which participants can discuss sensitive events anonymously through a network of personal computers. The article presents scenarios for the business future of Hong Kong following its reunification with the People's Republic of China.     

A conceptual framework for the study of human ecosystems in urban areas

The need for integrated concepts, capable of satisfying natural and social scientists and supporting integrated research, motivates a conceptual framework for understanding the role of humans in ecosystems. The question is how to add humans to the ecological models used to understand urban ecosystems. The ecosystem concept can serve as the basis, but specific social attributes of humans and their institutions must be added. Learning and feedback between the human and natural components of urban ecosystems are key attributes of the integrated model. Parallels with familiar ecological approaches can help in understanding the ecology of urban ecosystems. These include the role of spatial heterogeneity and organizational hierarchies in both the social and natural components of urban ecosystems. Although urban watersheds are commonly highly altered, the watershed approach can serve as a spatial basis for organizing comparative studies of ecosystems exhibiting differing degrees of urbanization. The watershed concept can also spatially organize the hierarchically scaled linkages by which the integrated human ecosystem model can be applied. The study of urban ecosystems is a relatively new field, and the questions suggested by the integrated framework can be used to frame ecosystem research in and associated with urban and metropolitan areas.     

Who participates? Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Women's Participation in Voluntary Groups

Participation in voluntary groups is potentially an important way to create health promoting social capital. This paper investigates women's participation in voluntary groups, utilising data from a postal survey of 968 female respondents and in‐depth interviews with 30 women. Logistic regression was conducted to examine factors associated with frequency of women's group involvement. Not working full time, living in a married relationship, and having a university education were all significantly associated with regular involvement. The qualitative data further illustrated some of the ways in which these three factors were linked with women's involvement in groups. We conclude that women who were able to regularly participate were those who already enjoyed levels of social and economic privilege. Policies to promote social capital via participation might focus on identifying what types of group involvement benefit women's health, and increasing the accessibility of such groups to include diverse groups of women.     

后金融危机时代IMF总裁选任制度改革的国际法思考

总裁在IMF的治理结构中扮演着重要的角色,但IMF总裁选任规则的缺陷与不足却未得到恰当的纠正和补足,IMF之职能与目标的实现亦因此而受到阻碍。IMF、发展中国家、发达国家以及非政府组织对改革IMF总裁选举规则提出的意见和建议,应在实践的基础上予以进一步完善,以打破"任人唯亲"的"欧洲传统",建立"任人唯贤"的IMF总裁选拔机制,提升发展中国家国民参与IMF管理工作的广度与深度,真正实现成员方共治IMF。     

Duvet woman versus action man: the gendered aetiology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome according to English newspapers

Media portrayals of conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) demand exploration as the media is a potent source of information and meaning, and as such has the potential to inform public and professional understandings. To date, there is little systematic exploration of print media representations of CFS/ME. In this study, we address that gap by exploring the voices of CFS/ME sufferers in the English print media (1998–2015) from a constructionist feminist perspective. We found that portrayals of CFS/ME differ meaningfully, depending on gender. The psychological and emotional tended to be foregrounded where women were concerned and the scepticism surrounding CFS/ME as a “non disease” was much more evident. On some occasions this was dealt with directly, whilst on others it was “leaked in” or hinted at. This serves to delegitimise the illness in women. In contrast, the physical was usually foregrounded in the case of men suffering from the condition and their experiences were accredited greater legitimacy. We problematise these representations and discuss the potential impact upon public and professional sympathy, treatment options and long-standing, gendered constructions of illness.