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Tiina Henttu-Aho, Janne T. Järvinen and Erkki M. Lassila
This paper empirically demonstrates the major organizational events of a rolling forecasting process and the roles of controllers therein. In particular, this study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper empirically demonstrates the major organizational events of a rolling forecasting process and the roles of controllers therein. In particular, this study aims to investigate how the understanding of a “realistic forecast” is translated and questioned by various mediators in the rolling forecasting process and how it affects the quality of planning as the ultimate accuracy of forecasts is seen as important.
Design/methodology/approach
This study follows an actor-network theory (ANT) approach and maps the key points of translation in the rolling forecasting process by inspecting the roles of mediators. This qualitative case study is based on interviews with controllers and managers involved in the forecasting process in a single manufacturing company.
Findings
The paper identified two episodes of translation in the forecasting process, in which the forecast partially stabilized to create room for managerial discussion and debate. The abilities of controllers to infiltrate various functional groups and calculative practices appeared to be one way to control the accuracy of forecasting, although this was built on a façade of neutrality.
Originality/value
Prior literature identifies the aims of interactive planning processes as being to improve the quality of planning. The authors apply ANT to better understand the nature of mediators in constructing an entity called a “realistic rolling forecast”.
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Keywords
During 1959 the Director of Aslib spent nearly six weeks visiting members of Aslib, and other organizations with which Aslib has common interests, in Canada and USA. The trip was…
Abstract
During 1959 the Director of Aslib spent nearly six weeks visiting members of Aslib, and other organizations with which Aslib has common interests, in Canada and USA. The trip was primarily in the nature of a goodwill tour of member organizations rather than an investigation of specific library problems, but he was able to see and discuss many aspects of library and information work of interest to librarians in this country. A few copies of his report to the Aslib International Relations Committee are available on request.
Matthew Lee and Christopher Marquis
A large and growing literature examines the explicit social responsibility practices of companies. Yet corporations’ greatest consequences for social welfare arguably occur…
Abstract
A large and growing literature examines the explicit social responsibility practices of companies. Yet corporations’ greatest consequences for social welfare arguably occur through indirect processes that shape the social fabric that sustains generosity and mutual support within communities. Based on this logic, we theorize and test a model that suggests two pathways by which large corporations affect community philanthropy: (1) through direct engagement in community philanthropy and (2) by indirectly influencing the efficacy of community social capital, defined as the relationships among community members that facilitate social support and maintenance of social welfare. Our analysis of United Way contributions in 136 US cities over the 46 years from 1952 to 1997 supports our model. We find that the presence of corporations weakens the contributions of both elite and working-class social capital on community philanthropy. Our findings thus contribute to a novel view of corporate social responsibility based on how corporations influence the social capital of the communities in which they are embedded.
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The British Productivity Council has recently published a booklet outlining its programme and policy. Emphasis is given to the importance of making available to all engaged in…
Abstract
The British Productivity Council has recently published a booklet outlining its programme and policy. Emphasis is given to the importance of making available to all engaged in industry, including management and trade union officials, information respecting modern production techniques and the economic advantages of their wider application.
Sarah N. Keller and Timothy Wilkinson
This study aims to examine whether a community-based suicide prevention project could increase willingness to seek professional help for suicidal ideation among young people.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine whether a community-based suicide prevention project could increase willingness to seek professional help for suicidal ideation among young people.
Design/methodology/approach
Online surveys were administered at baseline (n = 224) and six months post-test (n = 217), consisting of the Risk Behavior Diagnosis scale; self-report questions on suicidality; willingness to engage with suicide prevention resources; and willingness to communicate with peers, family members, teachers or counselors about suicide.
Findings
A comparison of means within groups from pre- to post-test showed increases in self-efficacy for communicating about suicidal concerns with a teacher, school counselor or social worker; increases in self-efficacy for helping others; and increases in response-efficacy of interpersonal communication about suicide with a teacher, school counselor or social worker.
Practical implications
Young adults need to be willing and able to intervene in life-threatening situations affecting their peers. In step with narrative empowerment education, personal experiences can be used to communicatively reduce peer resistance to behavior change.
Originality/value
Health communicators tend to rely on overly didactic education and awareness-raising when addressing suicide prevention. This research shows the importance of direct and personal forms of influence advocated by social marketing professionals.
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This study examined the national prevalence of cluster suicides among law enforcement personnel at the county level, the influence on future suicides and risk factors associated…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examined the national prevalence of cluster suicides among law enforcement personnel at the county level, the influence on future suicides and risk factors associated with clusters.
Design/methodology/approach
Law enforcement suicide data were obtained from The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) and categorized into: (1) cluster and (2) non-cluster suicides. Chi-square was used to compare differences between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to predict the probability of suicide risk factors in the groups.
Findings
2,465 law enforcement suicides were listed in NVDRS between 2003–2018. 80 (9.4%) US counties had clusters, with 640 officers (25.7%) of officers as part of those clusters. Odds ratios for risk factors associated with the suicide cluster group were: mental health crisis (OR = 2.6, p = 0.026), age (OR = 1.01, p = 0.003), married (OR = 1.729, p=<0.001), military service (OR = 2.59, p=<0.001) and job problems (OR = 1.70, p = 0.05).
Research limitations/implications
This study suggests that cluster suicides occur in law enforcement. The study is primarily descriptive and limited by the different numbers of contributing states in the NVDRS database through the years.
Practical implications
This study suggests that clusters occur in law enforcement and that they can impact future suicides. It is important for law enforcement organizations to recognize the potential for suicide clusters.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to empirically examine suicide clusters in law enforcement.
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