Causes, forms and consequences of the professionalization of international sport federa-tions in Switzerland: Conceptual framework and first results

Synopsis: Sport organisations are facing multiple challenges originating from an increasingly complex and dynamic environment in general, and from internal changes in particular. Our study seeks to reveal and analyse the causes for professionalization processes in international sport federations, the forms resulting from it, as well as related consequences. Abstract: AIM OF ABSTRACT/PAPER - RESEARCH QUESTION Sport organisations are facing multiple challenges originating from an increasingly complex and dynamic environment in general, and from internal changes in particular. In this context, professionalization seems to have been adopted by sport organisations as an appropriate strategy to respond to pressures such as becoming more “business-like”. The ongoing study seeks to reveal and analyse the internal and external causes for professionalization processes in international sport federations, the forms resulting from it (e.g. organisational, managerial, economic) as well as related consequences on objectives, values, governance methods, performance management or again rationalisation. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND/LITERATURE REVIEW Studies on sport as specific non-profit sector mainly focus on the prospect of the “professionalization of individuals” (Thibault, Slack & Hinings, 1991), often within sport clubs (Thiel, Meier & Cachay, 2006) and national sport federations (Seippel, 2002) or on organisational change (Griginov & Sandanski, 2008; Slack & Hinings, 1987, 1992; Slack, 1985, 2001), thus leaving broader analysis on governance, management and professionalization in sport organisations an unaccomplished task. In order to further current research on above-mentioned topics, our intention is to analyse causes, forms and consequences of professionalisation processes in international sport federations. The social theory of action (Coleman, 1986; Esser, 1993) has been defined as appropriate theoretical framework, deriving in the following a multi-level framework for the analysis of sport organisations (Nagel, 2007). In light of the multi-level framework, sport federations are conceptualised as corporative actors whose objectives are defined and implemented with regard to the interests of member organisations (Heinemann, 2004) and/or other pressure groups. In order to understand social acting and social structures (Giddens 1984) of sport federations, two levels are in the focus of our analysis: the macro level examining the environment at large (political, social, economic systems etc.) and the meso level (Esser, 1999) examining organisational structures, actions and decisions of the federation’s headquarter as well as member organisations. METHODOLOGY, RESEARCH DESIGN AND DATA ANALYSIS The multi-level framework mentioned seeks to gather and analyse information on causes, forms and consequences of professionalization processes in sport federations. It is applied in a twofold approach: first an exploratory study based on nine semi-structured interviews with experts from umbrella sport organisations (IOC, WADA, ASOIF, AIOWF, etc.) as well as the analysis of related documents, relevant reports (IOC report 2000 on governance reform, Agenda 2020, etc.) and important moments of change in the Olympic Movement (Olympic revenue share, IOC evaluation criteria, etc.); and secondly several case studies. Whereas the exploratory study seeks more the causes for professionalization on an external, internal and headquarter level as depicted in the literature, the case studies rather focus on forms and consequences. Applying our conceptual framework, the analysis of forms is built around three dimensions: 1) Individuals (persons and positions), 2) Processes, structures (formalisation, specialisation), 3) Activities (strategic planning). With regard to consequences, we centre our attention on expectations of and relationships with stakeholders (e.g. cooperation with business partners), structure, culture and processes (e.g. governance models, performance), and expectations of and relationships with member organisations (e.g. centralisation vs. regionalisation). For the case studies, a mixed-method approach is applied to collect relevant data: questionnaires for rather quantitative data, interviews for rather qualitative data, as well as document and observatory analysis. RESULTS, DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS With regard to causes of professionalization processes, we analyse the content of three different levels: 1. the external level, where the main pressure derives from financial resources (stakeholders, benefactors) and important turning points (scandals, media pressure, IOC requirements for Olympic sports); 2. the internal level, where pressure from member organisations turned out to be less decisive than assumed (little involvement of member organisations in decision-making); 3. the headquarter level, where specific economic models (World Cups, other international circuits, World Championships), and organisational structures (decision-making procedures, values, leadership) trigger or hinder a federation’s professionalization process. Based on our first analysis, an outline for an economic model is suggested, distinguishing four categories of IFs: “money-generating IFs” being rather based on commercialisation and strategic alliances; “classical Olympic IFs” being rather reactive and dependent on Olympic revenue; “classical non-Olympic IFs” being rather independent of the Olympic Movement; and “money-receiving IFs” being dependent on benefactors and having strong traditions and values. The results regarding forms and consequences will be outlined in the presentation. The first results from the two pilot studies will allow us to refine our conceptual framework for subsequent case studies, thus extending our data collection and developing fundamental conclusions. References: Bayle, E., & Robinson, L. (2007). A framework for understanding the performance of national governing bodies of sport. European Sport Management Quarterly, 7, 249–268 Chantelat, P. (2001). La professionnalisation des organisations sportives: Nouveaux débats, nouveaux enjeux [Professionalisation of sport organisations]. Paris: L’Harmattan. Dowling, M., Edwards, J., & Washington, M. (2014). Understanding the concept of professionalization in sport management research. Sport Management Review. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.smr.2014.02.003 Ferkins, L. & Shilbury, D. (2012). Good Boards Are Strategic: What Does That Mean for Sport Governance? Journal of Sport Management, 26, 67-80. Thibault, L., Slack, T., & Hinings, B. (1991). Professionalism, structures and systems: The impact of professional staff on voluntary sport organizations. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 26, 83–97.

Un modelo no paramétrico de evaluación de la eficiencia y la gestión de las redes sociales virtuales : una aplicación a las empresas del sector de las telecomunicaciones en España

Este artículo analiza la relación entre la eficiencia productiva y las Redes Sociales Virtuales (RSV) en las empresas de telecomunicaciones en España. En una primera etapa, se aplica el análisis envolvente de datos (DEA) incorporando varios indicadores de actividad ?Social Media?. En una segunda etapa, se utiliza una regresión logística para caracterizar las empresas eficientes. Los resultados muestran que la capacidad de absorción y utilización de las RSV es un factor determinante en la mejora de la eficiencia productiva. La utilización combinada y las distintas capacidades de gestión de las RSV permiten identificarlas como un recurso heterogéneo. Este trabajo presenta un modelo para la evaluación del desempeño estratégico al abordar su presencia y actividad en RSV. ABSTRACT. This paper analyzes the relationship between the productive efficiency and the Online Social Networks - OSN in the Spanish telecommunications firms. First, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used and several indicators of business "Social Media" activities are incorporated. In a second stage, a logistic regression model regression is applied to characteri ze the efficient enterprises. Results show that the company's ability to absorb and utilize this OSN is a key factor in improving the productive efficiency. These results on the combined use and different management capabilities of OSN point to a definitio n of OSN as a heterogeneous resource. This paper presents a model for assessing the strategic performance to address their presence and activity in OSN.

A GESTÃO DE RECURSOS HUMANOS: PERFIL ESTRATÉGICO OU OPERACIONAL?

Este trabalho tem como objetivo examinar o estágio atual do processo de desenvolvimento da função de Recursos Humanos (RH) e se esses papéis, ainda requeridos ou já existentes, atendem às expectativas dos diversos estratos envolvidos, auxiliando na busca de melhores resultados para as empresas e os que nelas trabalham. Nesse contexto, baseou-se na premissa de que as crescentes alterações sócio-culturais e o constante avanço tecnológico experimentado no mundo, além das modificações das condições de vida, permeiam e alteram as condições de trabalho e expectativas de convivência entre as pessoas e suas organizações, exigindo que a função Recursos Humanos busque alternativas de ação para alinhar suas estratégias às das organizações onde atua e fazendo com que o sistema de gestão de pessoas seja fonte de vantagem competitiva sustentável. Buscou-se analisar se o que uma organização faz e como o faz é fator que a distingue das demais, se sua especialização e habilidades deixam-na mais capaz, se é essa capacidade que a torna essencialmente mais competente e técnica e se, nesse quadro, o posicionamento postural de Recursos Humanos é adequado. Também procurou analisar a atuação de diversos públicos de interesse, como os envolvidos nas atividades trabalhistas-sindicais e se os novos elementos da governança corporativa são definidores de atuação estratégica para os profissionais da área estudada. Dentro dos conceitos acima, verificaram-se teorias e fatos, além de pesquisa, que resumissem e explicassem o que se sabe sobre o objeto estudado, classificando-os e sistematizando-os conforme apresentados na realidade empírica e selecionando aqueles a serem estudados, na tentativa de buscar e prever novas caracterizações dos papéis desempenhados por Recursos Humanos, que melhor os clarifiquem. A análise dos levantamentos teóricos realizados reforçou a importância das vantagens competitivas para o sucesso empresarial e a necessidade de que pessoas de conhecimento tornem-se mais produtivas na busca dessas vantagens, além de constatar que essas pessoas devem estar preparadas para atuar em contextos exigentes e complexos e o alerta de que a atuação estratégica de RH é fundamental na solidificação desse novo perfil dos empregados. As diversas funções operacionais atribuídas a Recursos Humanos, entre elas a administração da infra-estrutura e o gerenciamento da contribuição dos funcionários, devem complementar-se, agora, com as chamadas funções estratégicas, geradoras de valor, destacando-se o auxílio na definição das estratégias empresariais e sua tradução em ações de transformação e mudança. Mais do que isso se verificou a crescente preocupação de autores em aliar os recentes conceitos de governança corporativa a essa função estratégica de Recursos Humanos.(AU)

A GESTÃO DE RECURSOS HUMANOS: PERFIL ESTRATÉGICO OU OPERACIONAL?

Este trabalho tem como objetivo examinar o estágio atual do processo de desenvolvimento da função de Recursos Humanos (RH) e se esses papéis, ainda requeridos ou já existentes, atendem às expectativas dos diversos estratos envolvidos, auxiliando na busca de melhores resultados para as empresas e os que nelas trabalham. Nesse contexto, baseou-se na premissa de que as crescentes alterações sócio-culturais e o constante avanço tecnológico experimentado no mundo, além das modificações das condições de vida, permeiam e alteram as condições de trabalho e expectativas de convivência entre as pessoas e suas organizações, exigindo que a função Recursos Humanos busque alternativas de ação para alinhar suas estratégias às das organizações onde atua e fazendo com que o sistema de gestão de pessoas seja fonte de vantagem competitiva sustentável. Buscou-se analisar se o que uma organização faz e como o faz é fator que a distingue das demais, se sua especialização e habilidades deixam-na mais capaz, se é essa capacidade que a torna essencialmente mais competente e técnica e se, nesse quadro, o posicionamento postural de Recursos Humanos é adequado. Também procurou analisar a atuação de diversos públicos de interesse, como os envolvidos nas atividades trabalhistas-sindicais e se os novos elementos da governança corporativa são definidores de atuação estratégica para os profissionais da área estudada. Dentro dos conceitos acima, verificaram-se teorias e fatos, além de pesquisa, que resumissem e explicassem o que se sabe sobre o objeto estudado, classificando-os e sistematizando-os conforme apresentados na realidade empírica e selecionando aqueles a serem estudados, na tentativa de buscar e prever novas caracterizações dos papéis desempenhados por Recursos Humanos, que melhor os clarifiquem. A análise dos levantamentos teóricos realizados reforçou a importância das vantagens competitivas para o sucesso empresarial e a necessidade de que pessoas de conhecimento tornem-se mais produtivas na busca dessas vantagens, além de constatar que essas pessoas devem estar preparadas para atuar em contextos exigentes e complexos e o alerta de que a atuação estratégica de RH é fundamental na solidificação desse novo perfil dos empregados. As diversas funções operacionais atribuídas a Recursos Humanos, entre elas a administração da infra-estrutura e o gerenciamento da contribuição dos funcionários, devem complementar-se, agora, com as chamadas funções estratégicas, geradoras de valor, destacando-se o auxílio na definição das estratégias empresariais e sua tradução em ações de transformação e mudança. Mais do que isso se verificou a crescente preocupação de autores em aliar os recentes conceitos de governança corporativa a essa função estratégica de Recursos Humanos.(AU)

Illinois state health improvement plan /

SHIP strategic issues and outcomes: Access: access to health care and public health services including quality prevention programs, oral health, mental health, medical and long-term care. ... Data and information technology: assure that current health status and public health system data are used to plan and implement policy and programs. ... Disparities : monitor health disparities and implement effective strategies to eliminate them. ... Measure, manage and improve the public health system: assure accountability, ongoing improvement, and performance management. ... Workforce: assure an optimal, diverse and competent workforce. Priority health conditions: monitor priority health conditions and risk factors, and implement effective strategies to reduce them. ...

A GESTÃO DE RECURSOS HUMANOS: PERFIL ESTRATÉGICO OU OPERACIONAL?

Este trabalho tem como objetivo examinar o estágio atual do processo de desenvolvimento da função de Recursos Humanos (RH) e se esses papéis, ainda requeridos ou já existentes, atendem às expectativas dos diversos estratos envolvidos, auxiliando na busca de melhores resultados para as empresas e os que nelas trabalham. Nesse contexto, baseou-se na premissa de que as crescentes alterações sócio-culturais e o constante avanço tecnológico experimentado no mundo, além das modificações das condições de vida, permeiam e alteram as condições de trabalho e expectativas de convivência entre as pessoas e suas organizações, exigindo que a função Recursos Humanos busque alternativas de ação para alinhar suas estratégias às das organizações onde atua e fazendo com que o sistema de gestão de pessoas seja fonte de vantagem competitiva sustentável. Buscou-se analisar se o que uma organização faz e como o faz é fator que a distingue das demais, se sua especialização e habilidades deixam-na mais capaz, se é essa capacidade que a torna essencialmente mais competente e técnica e se, nesse quadro, o posicionamento postural de Recursos Humanos é adequado. Também procurou analisar a atuação de diversos públicos de interesse, como os envolvidos nas atividades trabalhistas-sindicais e se os novos elementos da governança corporativa são definidores de atuação estratégica para os profissionais da área estudada. Dentro dos conceitos acima, verificaram-se teorias e fatos, além de pesquisa, que resumissem e explicassem o que se sabe sobre o objeto estudado, classificando-os e sistematizando-os conforme apresentados na realidade empírica e selecionando aqueles a serem estudados, na tentativa de buscar e prever novas caracterizações dos papéis desempenhados por Recursos Humanos, que melhor os clarifiquem. A análise dos levantamentos teóricos realizados reforçou a importância das vantagens competitivas para o sucesso empresarial e a necessidade de que pessoas de conhecimento tornem-se mais produtivas na busca dessas vantagens, além de constatar que essas pessoas devem estar preparadas para atuar em contextos exigentes e complexos e o alerta de que a atuação estratégica de RH é fundamental na solidificação desse novo perfil dos empregados. As diversas funções operacionais atribuídas a Recursos Humanos, entre elas a administração da infra-estrutura e o gerenciamento da contribuição dos funcionários, devem complementar-se, agora, com as chamadas funções estratégicas, geradoras de valor, destacando-se o auxílio na definição das estratégias empresariais e sua tradução em ações de transformação e mudança. Mais do que isso se verificou a crescente preocupação de autores em aliar os recentes conceitos de governança corporativa a essa função estratégica de Recursos Humanos.(AU)

A COMUNICAÇÃO ORGANIZACIONAL NA JUSTIÇA DO TRABALHO BRASILEIRA: da rotina operacional à gestão estratégica

Esta dissertação trata da comunicação organizacional realizada no âmbito da Justiça do Trabalho do Brasil e teve como objetivo verificar como se realizam as principais atividades dessa área em tribunais regionais do trabalho, relacionando-as à atuação estratégica das instituições. Para atingir tal objetivo, fizemos uso de pesquisa bibliográfica, evidenciando aspectos do Poder Judiciário em nosso país e também das principais teorias acerca da comunicação empresarial estratégica. Também realizamos a análise de documentos que ajudaram a obter dados históricos sobre a comunicação neste ramo da Justiça. Por fim, procedemos à aplicação de questionários e à realização de entrevistas em profundidade, por meio das quais pudemos obter um panorama da atual situação dos departamentos de comunicação nos TRTs.A análise efetuada evidenciou a evolução vivenciada pelas áreas de comunicação dos tribunais nos últimos anos. Apuramos que a maior parte dos departamentos desenvolve planos estratégicos e executa as ações previstas, prestando relevantes serviços ao órgão e também à sociedade como um todo. No entanto, identificamos que tal planejamento não é realizado com base em diagnósticos e que os tribunais ainda não consolidaram uma cultura de pesquisa e tampouco uma cultura de comunicação. Buscamos apontar, assim, caminhos para que a comunicação nessas instituições possa ser realizada de forma cada vez mais estratégica e integrada.

Enhancing performance through the introduction of customer orientation into the building components industry

Purpose: This paper aims to describe an investigation into how company performance can be improved by integrating internal and external customers and technology. The approach was developed, implemented and evaluated in the operations of the building components industry. The research was carried out in the precast concrete division of a Singapore company. Design/methodology/ approach: For the purpose of undertaking the investigation an exploratory case study approach was used. This was divided into conceptual and action research stages. The action research was also used to implement the changes in the company. Questionnaire surveys were carried out among company employees and external customers to assess the effect of these changes. Results of the investigation were derived using content and statistical analysis. Triangulation between three sources was used for validating the data. Findings: The exploratory case study strategy resulted in rich research data, which provided evidence of the changes taking place and integration happening, leading to improved performance. The action research approach proved a powerful tool where the uncertainty of outcomes makes it near impossible to make accurate forecasts. Another output of the research was the development of an "integrated customer orientation" (ICO) model. Research limitations/implications: The research in this paper used a single site action research investigation so should be interpreted within the specific company and industry context. There are implications for theory and practice in a number of areas of production and marketing as well as contributions to understanding about productivity improvement and organisational development. The investigation also fulfils the dual objectives of action research by contributing to both knowledge and practice. Originality/value: The paper describes a unique approach towards improving productivity, quality and service through the use of action research to implement changes, as well as providing the research evidence to evaluate both the process of implementation and results achieved. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Managing healthcare performance in analytical framework

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to develop an integrated framework for performance management of healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach – This study develops a performance management framework for healthcare services using a combined analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and logical framework (LOGFRAME). The framework is then applied to the intensive care units of three different hospitals in developing nations. Numerous focus group discussions were undertaken, involving experts from the specific area under investigation. Findings – The study reveals that a combination of outcome, structure and process-based critical success factors and a combined AHP and LOGFRAME-based performance management framework helps manage performance of healthcare services. Practical implications – The proposed framework could be practiced in hospital-based healthcare services. Originality/value – The conventional approaches to healthcare performance management are either outcome-based or process-based, which cannot reveal improvement measures appropriately in order to assure superior performance. Additionally, they lack planning, implementing and evaluating improvement projects that are identified from performance measurement. This study presents an integrated approach to performance measurement and implementing framework of improvement projects.

A comparative assessment of performance and productivity of health centres in Seychelles

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to measure the technical and scale efficiency of health centres; to evaluate changes in productivity; and to highlight possible policy implications of the results for policy makers. Design/methodology/approach - Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is employed to assess the technical and scale efficiency, and productivity change over a four-year period among 17 public health centres. Findings - During the period of study, the results suggest that the public health centres in Seychelles have exhibited mean overall or technical efficiency of above 93 per cent. It was also found that the overall productivity increased by 2.4 per cent over 2001-2004. Research limitations/implications - Further research can be undertaken to gather data on the prices of the various inputs to facilitate an estimation of the allocative efficiency of clinics. If such an exercise were to be undertaken, researchers may also consider collecting data on quantities and prices of paramedical, administrative and support staff to ensure that the analysis is more comprehensive than the study reported in this paper. Institutionalization of efficiency monitoring would help to enhance further the already good health sector stewardship and governance. Originality/value - This paper provides new empirical evidence on a four-year trend in the efficiency and productivity of health centres in Seychelles. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

The UK productivity gap in the service sector: do management practices matter?

Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to the debate on the drivers of the productivity gap that exists between the UK and its major international competitors. Design/methodology/approach – From the macro perspective the paper explores the quantitative evidence on the productivity differentials and how they are measured. From the micro perspective, the article explores the quantitative evidence on the role of management practices claimed to be a key determinant in promoting firm competitiveness and in bridging the UK gap. Findings – This study suggests that management practices are an ambiguous driver of firm productivity and higher firm performance. On the methodological side, qualitative and subjective measures of either management practices or firm performance are often used. This makes the results not comparable across studies, across firms or even within firms over time. Productivity and profitability are often and erroneously interchangeably used while productivity is only one element of firm performance. On the other hand, management practices are multi-dimensional constructs that generally do not demonstrate a straightforward relationship with productivity variables. To assume that they are the only driver of higher productivity may be misleading. Moreover, there is evidence of an inverse causal relationship between management practices and firm performance. This calls into question most empirical results of the extant literature based on the unidirectional assumption of direct causality between management practices and firm performance. Research limitations/implications – These and other issues suggest that more research is needed to deepen the understanding of the UK productivity gap and more quantitative evidence should be provided on the way in which management practices contribute to the UK competitiveness. Their impact is not easily measurable due to their complexity and their complementary nature and this is a fertile ground for further research. Originality/value – This paper brings together the evidence on the UK productivity gap and its main drivers, provided by the economics, management and performance measurement literature. This issue scores very highly in the agenda of policy makers and academics and has important implications for practitioners interested in evaluating the impact of managerial best practices.

Emergent strategy and the measurement of performance:the formulation of performance indicators at the microlevel

This article presents some evidence on an aspect of the design of a strategic control system, at the microlevel, within a single organization. The research we report used an ethnographic approach to provide an understanding of strategy formulation. Our aim is to contribute to an area of literature which is of increasing significance, but relatively underdeveloped in terms of the application of in-depth, field-research techniques. We take an intensive look at the manner in which performance measures are formulated, at the microlevel, within a single organization. The article presents, as an in-depth case analysis, the experience of a fisheries holding company in New Zealand. The article recounts the experiences of managers within the organization of the process of identification of such things as critical success factors and key performance indicators (KPIs) and, more broadly, the formulation of a strategic performance measurement system.

Communicating knowledge about police performance

This paper describes the organizational processes of knowledge acquisition, sharing, retention and utilisation as it affected the internal and external communication of knowledge about performance in an English police force. The research was gathered in three workshops for internal personnel, external stakeholders and chief officers, using Journey Making, a computer-assisted method of developing shared understanding. The research concluded that there are multiple audiences for the communication of knowledge about police performance, impeded by the requirement to publish performance data. However, the intelligence-led policing model could lead to a more focused means of communication with various stakeholder groups. Although technology investment was a preferred means of communicating knowledge about performance, without addressing cultural barriers, an investment in technology may not yield the appropriate changes in behaviour. Consequently, technology needs to be integrated with working practices in order to reduce organizational reliance on informal methods of communication.

Managing people and performance:An evidence based framework applied to health service organizations

People and their performance are key to an organization's effectiveness. This review describes an evidence-based framework of the links between some key organizational influences and staff performance, health and well-being. This preliminary framework integrates management and psychological approaches, with the aim of assisting future explanation, prediction and organizational change. Health care is taken as the focus of this review, as there are concerns internationally about health care effectiveness. The framework considers empirical evidence for links between the following organizational levels: 1. Context (organizational culture and inter-group relations; resources, including staffing; physical environment) 2. People management (HRM practices and strategies; job design, workload and teamwork; employee involvement and control over work; leadership and support) 3. Psychological consequences for employees (health and stress; satisfaction and commitment; knowledge, skills and motivation) 4. Employee behaviour (absenteeism and turnover; task and contextual performance; errors and near misses) 5. Organizational performance; patient care. This review contributes to an evidence base for policies and practices of people management and performance management. Its usefulness will depend on future empirical research, using appropriate research designs, sufficient study power and measures that are reliable and valid.

Management development within the construction industry:building on success?

This article explores the notion that the workplace is a learning environment, and that the line manager is a key player determining its effectiveness. The work discusses how performance management systems may be used to clarify expectations made of line managers with regard to employee development. The work, in addition, suggests that line manager people management expertise may be a factor inhibiting workplace development for subordinates, and makes a number of suggestions about how to prepare the line manager for effective employee development. Key issues are illustrated by reference to a case study example. The case demonstrates that a high profile management development programme within a major international organisation failed to meet all objectives because of the unwillingness of the line management team to participate in the development of subordinates back in the workplace.