Gender and the labour market in South East England. Volume 2: employers’ policies and practices

This research on gender and the labour market in South East England was funded by the South East of England Development Agency/European Social Fund. In volume 1 we set out the context: theoretical explanations for gender equality, the legal framework and organisational factors. Moreover, using a range of published data, we answered the first of our research questions: how does the labour market position of women in the government region of the South East of England compare with that of both men in the South East and that of women in Great Britain/United Kingdom? In this volume we turn our attention to our other research questions: • What policies and practices do employers in South East England adopt in respect of gender equality? • What barriers do employers and women employees in South East England identify in respect of gender and employment

Far but Near or Near but Far?: The Effects of Perceived Distance on the Relationship between Geographic Dispersion and Perceived Diversity

Geographic dispersion has been proposed as one means to promote cooperation and coordination in teams high in perceived diversity. However, research has found mixed support for this assertion. This study proposes that the inclusion of perceived distance helps to explain these mixed results. To test this assertion, we examined 121 teams—62 collocated and 59 geographically dispersed. Results demonstrate that perceived distance explains when geographic dispersion benefits teams high in perceived diversity. Results also indicate that the type of perceived diversity matters (surface-level vs. deep-level diversity). This study contributes to our understanding of distance and diversity in teams.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/116792/1/paper2483 (Final Submission).pdfDescription of paper2483 (Final Submission).pdf : Main Articl

Courseware And Small Group Development: A Comparative Analysis

The scholarship of teaching and learning is the basis for this research, which investigated the use of the information technology tool- courseware or software that facilitates collaboration in classroom settings. The study focuses on the use of computer-mediated communication as a tool for group decision-making. The study compared a distance education class in the Collaborative Degree Program at regional mid-size state university to a face-to-face course taught at the same university. The purpose of this work is to better understand group interaction in computer-mediated situations. The results of this study contribute to a growing body of research on the ways evolving technologies impact group collaboration

The effect of cross-cultural differences on team performance within an educational setting: A mixed methods study

Faculty members’ performance, experience, satisfaction while on a team, and their professional development were investigated to determine the benefits and challenges of cross cultural differences. The sample consisted of full- and part-time faculty members at James Madison University (JMU), located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The purposes of this mixed methods study (online survey and one-to-one interview) were to determine and measure the effect of cross-cultural differences on team performance, highlight advantages and disadvantages of those cross-cultural differences within the team; and, apply the knowledge learned from this study to enhance team performance within an educational setting. The online survey assessed faculty performance while on a team. The results provided statistical evidence regarding the effect of multicultural team performance within an academic organization. The interview, the second step, provided more detailed information about the university`s international faculty members` experiences on a multicultural team. By referencing these findings, educational institutions may improve organizational culture and provide a vision for increasing multicultural team performance. By highlighting the benefits and challenges of cross-cultural differences, educational administrators will gain greater knowledge in understanding and promoting more productive team performance. The study concludes by suggesting appropriate directions for future research

Emerging economy sourcing: Implications of supplier social practices for firm performance

As firms search the world for suppliers that provide the best combination of cost, quality and latest technology, they have been confronted with the challenges of managing the sustainability performance of their global supply chains. Specifically, companies have come under increased scrutiny from various stakeholder groups for the labour and human rights practices of suppliers located in emerging economies. Drawing on the sustainability, supplier relationship management, and stakeholder literature, this research examines the relationship between emerging economy sourcing, the use of purchasing teams, and the impact on enforcement of supplier social practices, and firm financial performance. Using data from a survey and archival sources from a sample of large U.S. firms, findings confirm the mediated role of the use of purchasing teams resulting in better enforcement of supplier social practices and improved firm performance. Findings also provide important implications for supply chain and purchasing executives. While the results of this research demonstrate the performance benefits of sourcing from emerging economies, findings also suggest that organizations should make investments to support capabilities related to enforcement of supplier social practices. Opportunities for future research are also identified

AN EXPLORATION OF ATHLETE THOUGHTS AND PERCEPTIONS OF COHESION IN COACTING SPORTS

Cohesion is a central element in group dynamics that contributes to a team’s functioning and performance. Most of the cohesion research to date has focused on the dynamic within interacting sport teams (i.e., football, basketball, soccer) but has looked past coacting teams (i.e., golf, tennis, cross-country running). While interacting sports command worldwide popularity, a significant portion of student athletes compete in coacting sports and represent the bulk of NCAA affiliated participants on the world stage at the Olympics. Thus, with such status on the world stage of competition, the investigation of coacting sports is justified. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify and explain athlete experiences and perceptions of cohesion in a coacting sport such as golf. A case study design was used along with semi-structured open-ended interview format to investigate the topic with six Division I women’s collegiate golfers. Results revealed two higher-order categories which were called team development, and athlete experiences and perceptions. Despite participants unique differences in sporting experience, there were several common themes that emerged, including players acknowledgement that cohesion was a necessary element of team performance, that the strength of interpersonal relationships and positive team dynamic made participants feel an improvement in performance potential, and that intrateam competition and a poorly regulated environment would deteriorate individual and team performance and wellbeing. Moreso, participants discussed their perception of the role team members and coaches fill in contributing to a positive or negative team atmosphere, and how this inevitably influences the prevailing dynamic of intrateam competition and its impact on performance outcomes. Findings from this study provide a greater understanding of the athlete interpretation of cohesion and expand the body of literature on coacting sports generally

‘Lift off!’: Employing an integrated curriculum design to increase student, faculty, and community engagement

Integrating curriculum can foster engaging teaching and learning experiences, thereby challenging the structure of traditional pedagogy. The aim of this analysis is to appraise the value of employing an Integrated Curriculum Design (ICD) across two core-curriculum courses in a tourism program. Drawing on data collected from undergraduate students, course instructors, and teaching assistants, we outline the opportunities and challenges that may accompany ICDs, as well as offer recommendations for educators who may wish to use an ICD within their classrooms. We contend that an ICD may unite courses and shift traditional teaching and learning relationships that transpire within the classroom. Moreover, analysis of findings revealed that integration across courses fosters deep learning through peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, community engagement, and real world application. Such insights lead us to believe that ICDs may support students in becoming better collaborators and empower them to make a difference in the classroom, their communities, and society

Monitoring and Trust in Virtual Teams

This study was conducted to determine whether monitoring moderated the impact of trust on the project performance of 57 virtual teams. Two sources of monitoring were examined: internal monitoring done by team members and external monitoring done by someone outside of the team. Two types of trust were also examined: affective-based trust, or trust based on emotion; and cognitive trust, or trust based on competency. Results indicate that when internal monitoring was high, affective trust was associated with increases in performance. However, affective trust was associated with decreases in performance when external monitoring was high. Both types of monitoring reduced the strong positive relationship between cognitive trust and the performance of virtual teams. Results of this study provide new insights about monitoring and trust in virtual teams and inform both theory and design.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/116032/1/Robert CSCW 2016.pd