The challenge of managing informally

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the orientations of line managers in handling workplace conflict. In particular it examines the tension between the traditional preference of frontline managers for informal approaches and the perceived certainty of written disputes procedures. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon findings from 12 organisational case studies, focusing on interviews conducted with HR and managers. Findings – As line managers undertake more responsibility for people management, their preferences for informal approaches to workplace issues appears to be being replaced by a more rigid adherence to policy and procedure. This is largely driven by a lack of confidence and expertise in conflict management and a fear of the repercussions (both legal and organisational) of mishandling difficult issues. Written procedure therefore provides managers with both a systematic guide but also a protective shield against criticism and litigation. Research limitations/implications – It is not possible to generalise from a limited sample, therefore this suggested change requires further exploration to assess whether it has been evidenced in organisations more widely. Practical implications – For practitioners this research highlights the critical requirement for organisations to develop key skills among line managers to enable them to respond effectively to problems at an early stage. Social implications – For policy-makers, the barriers to line managers implementing informal resolution should be considered. Originality/value – This paper enriches understanding of line managers’ current role in people management and the challenges they face in doing so informally

Environmental and Health Impacts of Air Pollution in China: The Perception of Undergraduate Students

Abstract. The environmental and health impacts of China's air pollution are well researched and documented. Investigated to a lesser extend however, is the perception of Chinese citizens about how severe these very present consequences are. For that matter, it is equally little researched how foreigners perceive the same consequences as compared to Chinese citizens. This study was conducted to attain insight as to how Chinese students perceive the impacts of air pollution in China as compared to American students. Study groups of anonymous university students in China and American students of HampdenSydney College took surveys which were analyzed by U-tests to determine differences in opinion. It was found that both study groups agreed air pollution in China is a major problem and threat to the environment, but American students were significantly more in agreement with the statements. However, the groups clearly disagreed about government intervention with American students feeling that the government was not properly handling the issue or properly informing the public about its severity. _______________________________________________________________________

Juggling on the line: Front line managers and their management of human resources in the retail industry

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay between the role of front line managers (FLMs) and their contribution to the reported gap between intended and actual human resource management (HRM). This paper argues that FLMs are key agents in people management and play a critical role in the gap between intended and actual employee relations (ER) and HRM. The research found that these managers held a high level of responsibility for people management, but experienced a lack of institutional support, monitoring or incentives to implement according to central policy. This provided an opportunity for them to modify or resist intended policy and the tensions inherent in their role were a critical factor in this manipulation of their people management responsibilities