Role of Agile Mindfulness in Wellbeing of Agile Team Members

Today, agile approach is arguably the most-widely-used project management method in software development industry. The dynamic nature of agile methods however is putting an overwhelming pressure on agile team members which in turn might negatively influence their overall agile wellbeing. Drawing on IT mindfulness as a theoretical foundation, this research-in-progress develops a conceptual model to examine the potential impact of agile mindfulness, in conjunction with agile identity, on the agile wellbeing of individuals in information system development projects. The findings of this research, upon completion, will contribute to IS literature by providing an evidencebased theoretical understanding of the relationship between agile mindfulness, agile identity, and agile wellbeing. The findings could also help agile teams to understand what improves agile wellbeing of team members, and in turn help them maintain, promote, and enhance it

Stepping into the Intersection: The Unintended Consequences of Presenting a ‘Latina Educational’ at a Feminist Health Organisation

An intersectional approach is typically applied to individuals, but this lens is also needed at the level of systems. Similar to large institutions, human service agencies may maintain racism due to established patterns of Eurocentricity. Agencies also function as entities where change can be affected. The following case study is about the process of decentering whiteness at a feminist health organisation located in an urban centre in the United States. The author, a white, non-binary woman, serving on the board of directors, offered to present a graduate paper at an agency-wide meeting. Preparations for this presentation evolved into a year-long process, during which time the agency began to grapple with the limitations of a cultural competence framework in its services for women’s and trans health.Feminist intersectionality theory is used to examine the organisation’s steps towards facing its Eurocentricity. This case study provides examples from organisational practice, during a year of racial turbulence, to explore three strategies that human service agencies commonly use to avoid confronting internal issues of race. It deconstructs past events in which staff maintained systemic racism through (1) disowning past harm, (2) suppression of criticism, and (3) deflection of responsibility through white feminine fragility.A narrative of events is analysed with the support of scholarship to explore how an intersectional approach can address gaps in the flawed implementation of a cultural competence framework. Intersectionality theory can transform ways of thinking among human service providers to promote critical analysis of racism within agency settings. This framework also shows the connection between systemic racism and the delegitimisation of individuals, an essential concept to the task of decentering whiteness within human service organisations

The Practical Science of Society

https://commons.und.edu/und-books/1107/thumbnail.jp

Effects of Workplace Ethics on Employees and Organisational Productivity in Nigeria

Man's abysmal failure to uphold ethical behaviour within the framework of employment relationship, necessitates continuous interrogation of the complex issues, which arise from the asymmetry between productivity and employees' commitment. This paper examines the effects of etiquette and unethical behaviour on employee commitment and productivity in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study using one hundred and eleven valid questionnaires, which were administered on Employees in Government Establishments, Organised Private Sector, Indigenous, Asian and Lebanese Companies operating in Ikeja, Oshodi, Ikorodu, Isolo and lganmu Industrial Estates of Lagos State, Nigeria. Secondary data as well as documented evidence were also reviewed and used for the study. The sampling procedure was carried out randomly. The data collected were analyzed through Structural Equation Modelling and supported by descriptive statistics. Each item was based on a 5-Point-Likert scale. AMOS 22 was adopted in testing the study hypotheses; the data was presented with the use of SPSS while Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized due to its generality and flexibility to evaluate the validity of regression and correlation between the observed variables. The results show that significant relationship exists between ethical standards and organisational productivity, in Nigeria and that integrity cum discipline have negative impact on improved productivity level of the organization, which could be attributed to the nature of these virtues being abstract and could only be seen or observed overtime. The study suggests that all government agencies such as National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Economic & Financial Crimes Commission & Independent Corrupt Practices, etc. saddled with the duty of ensuring etiquette in workplaces, should discharge their responsibilities more diligently and sanction organisations found guilty of unethical conducts in business concern and employment relationships

Subversive acts : the politics of the female subject in performance

Summary in English.Bibliography: leaves 146-155.This study analyses the role of theatrical discourse in the relationship between patriarchal ideology and gendered subjectivity. It explores ways in which theatre might be used to encourage the social transgression of patriarchal gender norms and investigates the problems associated with the practical realisation of these strategies for gender subversion. The study is structured in two parts. Part I lays the theoretical foundation of the discussion. It argues, in Chapter One, that the concept of gender identity as a natural, inherent facet of human nature is an ideological construct and that gender is not, therefore, an innate aspect of all human beings, but rather a learnt behaviour. In Chapter Two, the connection between the social and theatrical performances of gender is made and the role of theatre in teaching the social performance of gender is examined. Part I concludes with an exploration into possible strategies for gender subversion within the paradigm of theatre. Part II concentrates on the application of the theory discussed in Part I to the practice of theatre. Chapters Four and Five focus respectively on the author's experiences of producing and receiving performance texts from a gender-subversive perspective. In conclusion, this study argues that there are particular problems associated with attempting gender-subversion through theatrical performance texts, due to the extent to which patriarchal ideology is entrenched within the cultural practice of theatre. It also argues, however, that theatre offers unique potential for intervening in the interpellation of gendered subjects and as such, all attempts to use it to this end should be encouraged and supported

Personal values and identity structures of Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs in Malaysia

The research involves a cross-cultural exploratory research on personal values and identity structures of Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs as reflected in their cognitive functioning. The general focus of this research is to study personal values through indirect measures, as emerging constructs elicited from cognitive activities. This study adopts a different approach in that it moves away from the search for a single set of entrepreneurial traits. On the other hand, examining the personal values of entrepreneurs can be more fruitful. In this context, it is assumed that entrepreneurs undergo changes in personal values and identity due to changes in their personal and social situations. This research integrates nomothetic' (perspective of the general) and 'idiographic' (perspective of the particular) research methods. The techniques of data collection used are in-depth interviews, demographic data questionnaire, and Identity Structure Analysis. The data gathered were analysed using three different techniques namely quantitative and qualitative account analysis, statistical analysis using SPSS, and Identity Exploration (IDEX- IDIO and IDEX-NOMO) computer programs. The research reveals fifteen personal values common to Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs: 'personal independence, trustworthiness, a comfortable life, frugality, perseverance, hard work utilise and create opportunities, benevolence, versatility, fatalism, risk taking, self discipline, innovativeness, mutual obligation and reciprocity to family and kinship and high achievement'. The single personal value found specific to Malay entrepreneurs is 'religious piety'. On the other hand, the personal values revealed to be specific to Chinese entrepreneurs are 'sustaining growth and continuity as family business' and 'harmonious relationships with others'. The findings from this study show that there are similarities and differences in the identity structures between both groups of entrepreneurs. Most Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs have a high level of 'idealistic identification' with 'admired person', 'successful entrepreneur', and 'most Chinese entrepreneurs'. Chinese entrepreneurs sampled in this study have a 'moderate' level of 'idealistic identification' with Malay entrepreneurs. Malay entrepreneurs have a 'moderate' level of 'idealistic identification' with their 'father' whereas Chinese entrepreneurs' identification can be considered 'high'. Both groups of entrepreneurs have high self-confidence with regard to their roles as 'an entrepreneur', 'as a husband', and 'as a Malay/ Chinese'. This research has made considerable contribution to knowledge specifically in the field of entrepreneurial studies. This empirical research into personal values of entrepreneurs in general and in particular the linkage with entrepreneur's identity and role expectations broadened the psychological perspective of entrepreneurs. It is reasonable to qualify this research as one of the very few studies into personal values and identity structures of entrepreneurs. More specifically this is the first empirical research not only to compare personal values and identity of Malay and Chinese entrepreneurs but also Malay entrepreneurs in general. The study of personal values and identity of entrepreneurs is still in its infancy. Therefore, further research should be conducted to enrich existing knowledge in this area

Gender, agency and mobile phones: urban street traders in Uganda

Mobile phones have proliferated remarkably in developing countries. It is argued that mobile phones present enormous opportunities for achieving gender equality in the context of broader development aims. Yet, emerging literature presents a mixed picture of outcomes for gender relations, suggesting that a much more nuanced assessment is required. Thus the research asks: to what extent can mobile phones contribute to achieving gender equality through the expansion of women's agency? The research reviews and evaluates the relationships between gender, mobile phones and development, then highlights how the relationship between mobile phones and capabilities has been conceptualised. It argues that the ca pability approach offers a prism to explore agency but is insufficient in capturing multiple expressions of agency. Combined with other critical theories of social and technological processes, viewing the capability approach through a feminist lens enriches an understand ing of nuanced gender, agency and mobile phone relations. This argument is made by using an interpretive theoretical framework of spaces for agency and an instrumental case study of street traders in Kampala, Uganda. A quantitative approach analyses the features of mobile phone mediated agency of street traders to establish disparities between men and women. Qualitative methods demonstrate the opportunities and challenges for expanding women's agency. Narrative analysis illustrates the complex ways in which mobile phone practices both enable and constrain agency with cont radictory results for women. The research finds that a focus on capabilities suggests that mobile phones present opportunities that can be a first step towards greater equality. However, it is difficult for mobile phones access and use to change gendered ideologies, creating tensions between empowerment and disempowerment. Mobile phone practices are neither wholly beneficial nor wholly const rained. The tensions generated by mobile phones at multiple levels can be an important first step towards transforming unequal gender relations by challenging prevailing norms

The role of research in policy development: school sex education policy in Scotland since devolution

This study explores the applicability of different conceptual models to two different policy sectors in Scotland; education and health, with specific reference to SHARE a specially designed school sex education programme. The study also draws on the policy network literature to understand the way in which the interaction between organisations and actors affects the value attached to research evidence. This thesis addresses three main research questions: How has school sex education policy been developed? How is research evidence used in school sex education policy development since devolution? What factors facilitate or impede the use of research evidence? To explore these issues I carried out 21 in-depth semi-structured interviews with policy makers and researchers, all of whom had insight into various aspects of sex education policy development in health and education. Using semiotics, I also analysed four policy documents. Results The development of sex education policy in the health and education sectors appears to have different underlying objectives. In the health sector it is designed to achieve immediate action, which requires speedy decision-making, while in the education sector it is designed to build consensus, achieved through cautious and careful decision-making. In health leadership of policy development for sex education can be identified at the instigation of policies with a high turnover of actors in subsequent stages; leadership within education is controlled and maintained throughout all stages of sex education policy development. As a result, common epistemic perspectives are more easily identified amongst those developing sex education within education, than within health. These perspectives affect the way research evidence has been used in the development of sex education policy. Although research evidence has been used in different ways, the intention behind its use is nearly always political. Fast decision-making militates against the use of research evidence in the health sector, while prioritising consensus overshadows the need to be evidence-based in education. The use of research in sex education policy-making is inhibited or facilitated by external contextual factors (political and organisational priorities) and internal contextual factors (modes of decision-making, the beliefs and interests of individuals, and interaction between individuals). In addition, the dynamics of power between policy-makers and researchers need to be carefully negotiated and can also be influenced by contextual factors

Postoperative pain : nursing management and organisational commitment

Postoperative pain management has been the subject of several national reports (Royal College of Surgeons of England and College of Anaesthetists, 1990; Audit Commission, 1997; Clinical Standards Advisory Group, 2000) that have each made recommendations for practice at ward level and Trust-wide strategies to improve pain management within an organisation. These two areas represent the foci of the work undertaken in this thesis.The research consisted of two studies; the first surveyed hospital Trusts in the Northern and Yorkshire region (n=35) and the second explored nursing care of 120 patients admitted to four English hospitals (two with an acute pain service) through nonparticipant observation, patient interviews and examination of nursing documentation. The questionnaire results highlighted increases in funding for pain management, staff education, audit practices and written guidelines compared to previous work by the Audit Commission (1998) but wide variations in the nature of these activities. In the second study, hospital two (without a pain service) achieved the lowest pain scores at rest (p=0.018) and on movement (p=0.013) but also had one of the lowest rates of analgesic administration and morphine equivalent doses. This ward had the highest number of pain-related interactions (p=0.004), entries onto pain assessment charts (p=0.03) and documented evaluations in nursing care plans. Data also illustrate the differences between observed and documented care in all hospitals and the low use of pain assessment tools in practice to inform analgesic decision-making.This study provides an insight into hospital activities aimed at improving pain management and surgical nursing practice across Trusts. Recommendations are made to further enhance pain relief in hospital including the promotion of pain as a quality of care indicator and increasing accountability within organisations