Qualitative Analysis of Latent and Manifest Variables in a Study of Entrepreneurial Locus of Control

The relative virtues of quantitative and qualitative research have been vigorously debated. Several researchers recommend combining methodologies but there is little evidence in the literature to suggest how different research methods might be integrated (Bryman, 1988). The current study addresses this deficiency in the research by examining the use of latent variables in quantitative and qualitative research as a means of blending the two approaches. A study of entrepreneurial Locus of Control where quantitative and qualitative data were available illustrates the methodological issues. Analysis of quantitative data was conducted using LISREL (7.20) and qualitative data were categorised using NUDIST (Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorising computer software). Detailed comparisons are made between the method described in this paper and other approaches to content analysis

Re-thinking Transformational Leadership Factors

The aim of this study was to examine the factor structure of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire developed by Bass and Avolio (1990). Using 480 senior officers from an Australian Law Enforcement Organisation, a more complex factor structure was identified. A higher order confirmatory factor analysis identified first and second order factors. The second-order factors were consistent with the four transformational leadership factors identified by Bass and Avolio (1990). These second-order factors were generated by eleven previously unidentified first-order factors. This factor structure may explain why some previous attempts to confirm the structural validity of the MLQ have been unsuccessful

The reflective learning continuum: reflecting on reflection

The importance of reflection to marketing educators is increasingly recognized. However, there is a lack of empirical research which considers reflection within the context of both the marketing and general business education literature. This paper describes the use of an instrument which can be used to measure four identified levels of a reflection hierarchy: habitual action, understanding, reflection and intensive reflection and two conditions for reflection: instructor to student interaction and student to student interaction. Further we demonstrate the importance of reflective learning in predicting graduates’ perception of program quality. Although the focus was on assessment of MBA level curricula, the findings have great importance to marketing education and educators

The moderating role of transformational leadership on HR practices in M&A integration

Scant research exists examining the effect of HRM practices on employee behavior in M&A integration and the role that leaders play within this. This paper develops a conceptual framework that focuses on the moderating role of transformational leadership on the achievement of human integration and organizational identification in M&A integration. We argue that communication, employee involvement, teamwork, and training and development have a positive effect on employee behavior and their identification with the newly formed organization. Moreover, we argue that transformational leadership behaviors will moderate the implementation of HRM practices in M&As, leading to positive employee behavior and employee identification in the new organization. We suggest that further research is necessary to test propositions of the present study in order to achieve finer-grained understanding of the role of transformational leadership on the achievement of human integration and organizational identification in M&A integration

Transformational leadership and employee well-being : the mediating role of trust in the leader and self-efficacy

Although transformational leadership (TL) is considered a kind of positive leadership, which can elevate followers in the long term, the mechanism of how TL influences employee well-being remains a relatively untouched area. Based on survey data collected from 745 employees from the People\u27s Republic of China (Beijing, n= 297; Hong Kong, n= 448), results revealed that employees\u27 trust in the leader and self-efficacy partially mediated the influence of TL on job satisfaction, and fully mediated the influence of TL on perceived work stress and stress symptoms. Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed

Seriously personal:The reasons that motivate entrepreneurs to address climate change

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is freely available from Springer Verlag via the DOI in this record.Scholars increasingly argue that entrepreneurs and their small- and medium-sized enterprises should play a central role in reducing the rate and magnitude of climate change. However, evidence suggests that while some entrepreneurs recognize their crucial role in addressing climate change, most do not. Why some entrepreneurs nevertheless concern themselves with climate change has largely been overlooked. Some initial work in this area tentatively suggests that these entrepreneurs may engage with climate change because of their personal values, which either focus on financial or socio-ecological reasons, or a combination of both. Yet, it is unclear if all for-profit entrepreneurs engage with climate change for the same reasons, or if indeed their motivations vary across business types. Over a period of four years, we examined entrepreneurs’ motivations to engage with climate change through a variety of qualitative research methods. Our findings illustrate how entrepreneurs who address climate change have motivations specific to their business activity/industry and level of maturity. In each instance, we link these motivations to distinct conceptualizations of time and place. We contend that, through a more differentiated understanding of entrepreneurial motivations, policy-makers can draft climate change-related policies tailored to entrepreneurial needs. Policies could both increase the number of entrepreneurs who already engage in climate change mitigation and leverage the impact of those entrepreneurs already mitigating climate change.This study was funded by the European Social Fund (09099NCO5). We acknowledge with thanks the participation of the entrepreneurs and the support of Business Leaders for Low Carbon, Cornwall Council, and Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project. The authors wish to thank Professor John Amis, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi and the anonymous reviewers who provided useful feedback on earlier versions of the article

Evidence for factorial validity of Maslach Burnout Inventory and burnout levels among health workers

En el presente trabajo se quieren conocer los niveles de burnout y variables relacionadas con el síndrome en un grupo de profesionales sanitarios. Los objetivos de la investigación fueron la obtención de evidencias de validez factorial del Maslach Burnout Inventory, la estimación de la prevalencia y la identificación de factores de riesgo de burnout en un grupo de profesionales sanitarios. Se realizó un estudio transversal, cuantitativo y exploratorio. Los datos corresponden a una muestra de 435 profesionales que incluye auxiliares, enfermeros y médicos. Los resultados obtenidos indican un adecuado ajuste en la estructura trifactorial del Maslach Burnout Inventory; asimismo, se ha obtenido que la categoría profesional, edad y tipo de dedicación son factores de riesgo de padecimiento de burnout. Por otra parte, se obtiene que los enfermeros presentaban niveles de burnout más altos que el resto de grupos profesionales considerados. Lo anterior sugiere que los factores indicados deben ser tenidos en cuenta en la implantación de programas encaminados a la prevención del desarrollo del síndrome.In this research we studied the levels and the associated variables with the burnout syndrome in health professionals. This research aimed to obtain evidences of factorial validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), to estimate the prevalence of burnout, and to identify the risk factors for this syndrome among health professionals. A cross-sectional, quantitative, and exploratory study was conducted for this purpose. The sample consisted of 435 professionals including assistants, nurses and doctors. The results indicated proper adjustment in the tri-factorial structure of the MBI. It was also found that professional category, age and type of dedication, are risk factors for suffering from burnout. On the other hand, the results showed that nurses had higher burnout levels than the rest of the professional groups studied. The foregoing suggests that the above risk factors should be taken into account when implementing programs to prevent development of the syndrome.El presente trabajo fue financiado por los proyectos P07HUM- 02529 y P11HUM-07771 (Proyectos de Excelencia de la Junta de Andalucía. España).Open Access funded by Fundación Universitaria Konrad Loren