Transformational leadership and moral reasoning

Terms such as moral and ethical leadership are used widely in theory, yet little systematic research has related a sociomoral dimension to leadership in organizations. This study investigated whether managers' moral reasoning (n=132) was associated with the transformational and transactional leadership behaviors they exhibited as perceived by their subordinates (n=407). Managers completed the Defining Issues Test (J. R. Rest, 1990), whereas their subordinates completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (B. M. Bass & B. J. Avolio, 1995). Analysis of covariance indicated that managers scoring in the highest group of the moral-reasoning distribution exhibited more transformational leadership behaviors than leaders scoring in the lowest group. As expected, there was no relationship between moral-reasoning group and transactional leadership behaviors. Implications for leadership development are discussed.

Clinical studies of spatial and temporal aspects of vision: an investigation using psychophysical and electrophysiological techniques

Separate physiological mechanisms which respond to spatial and temporal stimulation have been identified in the visual system. Some pathological conditions may selectively affect these mechanisms, offering a unique opportunity to investigate how psychophysical and electrophysiological tests reflect these visual processes, and thus enhance the use of the tests in clinical diagnosis. Amblyopia and optical blur were studied, representing spatial visual defects of neural and optical origin, respectively. Selective defects of the visual pathways were also studied - optic neuritis which affects the optic nerve, and dementia of the Alzheimer type in which the higher association areas are believed to be affected, but the primary projections spared. Seventy control subjects from 10 to 79 years of age were investigated. This provided material for an additional study of the effect of age on the psychophysical and electrophysiological responses. Spatial processing was measured by visual acuity, the contrast sensitivity function, or spatial modulation transfer function (MTF), and the pattern reversal and pattern onset-offset visual evoked potential (VEP). Temporal, or luminance, processing was measured by the de Lange curve, or temporal MTF, and the flash VEP. The pattern VEP was shown to reflect the integrity of the optic nerve, geniculo striate pathway and primary projections, and was related to high temporal frequency processing. The individual components of the flash VEP differed in their characteristics. The results suggested that the P2 component reflects the function of the higher association areas and is related to low temporal frequency processing, while the Pl component reflects the primary projection areas. The combination of a delayed flash P2 component and a normal latency pattern VEP appears to be specific to dementia of the Alzheimer type and represents an important diagnostic test for this condition.

Stakeholder accountability or stakeholder management: a review of UK firms? Social and ethical accounting, auditing and reporting SEAAR practices

The main aim of this study is to undertake an evaluation of the initial wave of stand-alone social reports issued by the major market players in the UK using AA1000 as an evaluative tool, or benchmark, in order to ascertain the extent to which they conform to the provisions of AA1000, in particular the core principles of accountability and inclusivity. Applying the lens of the stakeholder model the paper examines to what extent contemporary SEAAR practices in the UK are likely to promote stakeholder accountability, or whether they are simply exercises in stakeholder management.

A detailed study of the mechanical and electrical aspects of microparticle impact phenomena

An experimental and theoretical study of the impact behaviour of charged microparticles in a high voltage vacuum gap has been carried out to investigate under controlled conditions the role of low velocity microparticles (ζ 500 ms-1) in initiating electrical breakdown in such gaps. This has involved developing a unique (UHV) low-velocity source of micron-sized charged particles to study the underlying mechanical and electrical aspects of micro-particle impact on a range of target materials e.g. Pb, Ti, C, stainless-steel and mica etc., having atomically clean or oxidised surfaces. Argon-ion etching and electron-beam heating has been used for in-situ surface treatment and ellipsometry for characterising the target surfaces. An associated sphere/plane theoretical model has been developed for detailed analysis of the many complex electrical (in-flight in-field emission, M.I.M. tunnelling and ohmic conduction) and mechanical (impact dynamics, deformation and heating) phenomena that are involved when a microparticle closely approaches and impacts on a plane target. In each instance the influence of parameters such as particle radius, particle/target impact velocity, surface field, surface condition and material has been determined.

AIDS: neurological and ophthalmological aspects

Although overt ocular symptoms are not often encountered in AIDS patients, many exhibit subtile neuro-ophthalmic signs and symptoms. This article describes the neuropsychiatric symptoms as well as the neuro-ophthalmic conditions which have been reported recently in AIDS patients. The degree to which optometrists may be vulnerable to the AIDS virus from contact with patients in practice will also be discussed.

School mathematics and dyslexia: aspects of the interrelationship

This investigation sought to explore the nature and extent of school mathematical difficulties among the dyslexic population. Anecdotal reports have suggested that many dyslexics may have difficulties in arithmetic, but few systematic studies have previously been undertaken. The literature pertaining to dyslexia and school mathematics respectively is reviewed. Clues are sought in studies of dyscalculia. These seem inadequate in accounting for dyslexics' reported mathematical difficulties. Similarities between aspects of language and mathematics are examined for underlying commonalities that may partially account for concomitant problems in mathematics, in individuals with a written language dysfunction. The performance of children taught using different mathematics work-schemes is assessed to ascertain if these are associated with differential levels of achievement that may be reflected in the dyslexic population few are found. Findings from studies designed to assess the relationship between written language failure and achievement in mathematics are reported. Study 1 reveals large correlational differences between subtest scores (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Wechsler, 1976) and three mathematics tests, for young dyslexics and children without literacy difficulties. However, few differences are found between levels of attainment, at this age (6 ½ - 9 years). Further studies indicate that, for dyslexics, achievement in school mathematics, may be independent of measured intelligence, as is the case with their literacy skills. Studies 3 and 4 reveal that dyslexics' performances on a range of school mathematical topics gets relatively worse compared with that of Controls (age range 8 - 17 years), as they get older. Extensive item analyses reveal many errors relating strongly to known deficits in the dyslexics' learning style - poor short-term memory, sequencing skills and verbal labelling strategies. Subgroups of dyslexics are identified on the basis of mathematical performance. Tentative explanations, involving alternative neuropsychological approaches, are offered for the measured differences in attainment between these groups.

Software and hardware aspects of a microprocessor controlled lathe

A small lathe has been modified to work under microprocessor control to enhance the facilities which the lathe offers and provide a wider operating range with relevant economic gains. The result of these modifications give better operating system characteristics. A system of electronic circuits have been developed, utilising the latest technology, to replace the pegboard with the associated obsolete electrical components. Software for the system includes control programmes for the implementation of the original pegboard operation and several sample machine code programmes are included, covering a wide spectrum of applications, including diagnostic testing of the control system. It is concluded that it is possible to carry out a low cost retrofit on existing machine tools to enhance their range of capabilities.