Vertex arboricity of triangle-free graphs

Master's Project (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2016The vertex arboricity of a graph is the minimum number of colors needed to color the vertices so that the subgraph induced by each color class is a forest. In other words, the vertex arboricity of a graph is the fewest number of colors required in order to color a graph such that every cycle has at least two colors. Although not standard, we will refer to vertex arboricity simply as arboricity. In this paper, we discuss properties of chromatic number and k-defective chromatic number and how those properties relate to the arboricity of trianglefree graphs. In particular, we find bounds on the minimum order of a graph having arboricity three. Equivalently, we consider the largest possible vertex arboricity of triangle-free graphs of fixed order

Olfactory control, aroma power and organizational smellscapes

This chapter explores ‘aroma management’ in consumption spaces, workplaces and other institutional settings, reviewing debates in architectural design, sensory marketing and the natural sciences. We argue the biologically deterministic assumptions upon which these developments are premised silences considerations of power and ethics and propose an alternative socio-cultural reading of these phenomena, taking our lead from sensory anthropology. We highlight the role culture plays in the creation of organizational olfactory experiences and demonstrate that olfactory design and aroma management cannot be taken as independent of either professional norms or the employee bodies that experience, negotiate and themselves contribute to organizational smellscapes

Presenting whilst retreating in the age of the corporate lanyard

It seems a little curious, that until recently, most of us hadn’t even heard of the word lanyard, let alone knew what it meant or where it came from, given its ubiquitous presence in our daily lives. Rooted in 15th century maritime history, lanyard derives from the French word lanière, meaning strap or thong, which was made from scraps of rope on board ships, presenting a hands-free solution to working on a vessel, whilst keeping weapons close at hand. It is from this utility, as an attachment, that the history of lanyards is largely a military one, gracing different traditions over the centuries. Lanyards were used to connect a sword, pistol or whistle to a uniform by cavalry and naval officers. This is where decoration meets function; a soldier’s or sailor’s status determining what braiding or colour combination might apply. Any appraisal of the lanyard now within a contemporary context cannot ignore this antecedence, which is so central to the object’s DNA

Grounded Visual Pattern Analysis: Photographs in Organizational Field Studies

© The Author(s) 2017. Visual methodologies for researching organizational life have grown in popularity over the past decade, with conceptual and methodological foundations now well documented. However, analytical critique has not kept pace, and so in this article we offer grounded visual pattern analysis (GVPA) as a rigorous means of analysis that mines the discursive meanings of individual photographs and the visual patterns apparent across multiple still images. We illustrate GVPA’s value through an ethnographic field study investigating the relationship between workplace environments and identity formation among hair salon workers in the United Kingdom. Specifically, we explain how to combine the strengths of both “dialogical” and “archaeological” approaches to visual research, which have hitherto been seen as distinct endeavors. We argue this is particularly valuable in field studies addressing material turns in organization studies, such as studies of space, strategy-as-practice, embodied cognition, and servicescape aesthetics. The article concludes by putting forward a series of potential directions for the future of visual organizational research based on the bridging of Meyer et al.’s five different methodological approaches

The presentation of the self and professional identity: countering the accountant’s stereotype

Purpose: As its central objective, this study explores the intersection of professional values and career roles in accountants’ presentations of their professional identity, in the face of enduring stereotyping of the accounting role. Design/methodology/approach: This study presents a qualitative investigation of accountants’ construction of their professional identities and imagery using a Goffmanian dramaturgical perspective. Viewing professional identity construction as a presentational matter of impression management, the investigation employs a reflexive photo-interviewing methodology. Findings: Accountants use a variety of workplace dramatization, idealization and mystification strategies inside and outside the workplace to counter the traditional accounting stereotype. They also attempt to develop a professional identity that is a subset of their overall life values. Research limitations/implications: Their professional orientation is found to embrace role reconstruction and revised image mystification while not necessarily aiming for upward professional mobility. This has implications for understanding the career trajectories of contemporary accountants with associated implications for continuing professional development and education. Originality/value: The paper focuses on professional role, identity, values and image at the individual accountant level, while most prior research has focussed upon these issues at the macro association-wide level. In offering the first use of reflexive photo-interviewing method in the accounting research literature, it brings the prospect of having elicited different and possibly more reflective observations, reflections and understandings from actors not otherwise possible from more conventional methods

Empirical Challenges in Organizational Aesthetics Research: Towards a Sensual Methodology

Despite growing scholarly interest in aesthetic dimensions of organizational life, there is a lack of literature expressly engaging with the methodological mechanics of 'doing aesthetics research'. This article addresses that gap. It begins with an overview of the conceptual idiosyncrasies of 'aesthetics' as a facet of human existence and maps out the challenges these pose for empirical research methodology. A review of methodological approaches adopted to date in empirical studies of organizational aesthetics is then presented. The remainder of the article draws on the author's experiences and suggests methods and techniques to address both conceptual and practical challenges encountered during the execution of an organizational aesthetics research project. The article calls for a firmer focus on the aesthetic experiences of organizational members in addition to those of researchers and concludes with some suggestions as to the future of such 'sensual methodologies' </jats:p

Portraiture and the construction of “charismatic leadership”

During the history of Western art, the link between portraits and status or power has been widely documented. Commissioned portraits have been traditionally the privilege of certain groups and individuals occupying positions of authority (West, 2004). The possibility of understanding portraits as a tool for what Weber has called the “routinization of charisma” offers an interesting avenue to link portraits and the field of leadership studies. This chapter aims at presenting some elements of the analysis of portraiture as a form of art that can illuminate the understanding of leadership in contemporary organizational studies. The questions inspiring this chapter include: a. How portraiture can reveal aspects of leadership in Western cultures? b. Which notions of leadership are highlighted through portraits in contemporary culture? c. What are the contributions of art history in the analysis of images of leadership

The devil in high heels : drugs, symbolism and Kate Moss

This paper contributes to critical voices on the issue of organisational responses to drugs and employee drug use. It does so by exploring some of the symbolism residing at the heart of organisations&rsquo; relations with drugs and drug taking. Our focus is recent media coverage of, and organisational responses to, the UK tabloid media&rsquo;s expos&eacute; of fashion supermodel Kate Moss&rsquo;s cocaine use. We use this case to explore symbolic relationships between drugs, sex and femininity, and organisation. Through highlighting these symbolic connections we question further the rationality of organisational responses to the &lsquo;spectre&rsquo; of drugs and the issue of employee drug use. We conclude by suggesting that workforce drug testing regimes might be fruitfully seen as mechanisms for scapegoating and sacrifice in order to protect the organizational moral order.<br /