Journal Articles
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/7915
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Item Exploring motivations in Chinese corporate expatriation through the lens of Confucianism(1/07/2016) Yao C; Arrowsmith J; Thorn KThere is increasing interest in the human resource management strategies and practices of Chinese multinationals, including the important area of overseas assignments. This article focuses on the neglected area of employee perspectives, in particular workers’ motivations for accepting an international assignment (IA). It is based on qualitative interviews with 31 individuals recruited through a snowball technique. In contrast to the established (western) literature which understands IA motives from an individual rational-instrumental perspective, this study stresses the importance of Confucian values on motivations and in particular how these relate to perceived collective obligations to the family, the organisation and society. It is argued that the results add a different perspective for the academic study of IAs and have implications for the successful management of IAs more generally.Item Factors influencing online learning in an organisational context(1/01/2016) Montgomerie K; Edwards M; Thorn KPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors perceived to influence successful online learning in organisations. Design/methodology/approach: Utilising an exploratory, qualitative approach, 20 participants were involved in semi-structured interviews before, during and after their involvement in an online development programme. Findings: Key factors perceived to influence participants’ learning, in order of their perceived influence, are online considerations (such as time allocation and discipline), peer support and technical delivery. Organisational culture was also found to have some influence, however further research is required to establish the extent this influence. The compounding or mitigating effect of the interplays of these factors was highlighted. Research limitations/implications: Although the study is limited by its small sample, it provides a basis for the further exploration of online learning in an organisational context and draws attention to the effect of the interplay of factors affecting learning. Research into the longitudinal influence of online learning in organisations, and particularly research which enables breakdown by learning style may assist in the development of programmes suitable for most participants. Originality/value: Online learning is becoming a common tool for employee development in the workplace and yet little is known about the factors that influence learning in this environment. This paper offers new insights into that gap through a progressive evaluation of factors facilitating or inhibiting online learning.Item Self-initiated expatriation and older women: composing a further life(6/04/2022) Myers B; Thorn K; Doherty NPurpose: Research into self-initiated expatriation (SIE) has increased exponentially, although the focus of these investigations has been on professional workers, and little has been gender specific. The purpose of this research therefore is to explore the career and personal motivations for SIE through the novel lens of older women. In this exploratory study, SIE and socio-emotional selectivity motivation theories (SSTs) are used, in addition to the Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM), to understand the reasons these women have taken this path. Design/methodology/approach: The paper employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on in-depth life story interviews with 21 women aged 50 or more who had taken a SIE. A five-step narrative process using a story-telling approach was the method of analysis. Findings: The findings show important contradictions to the extant literature. Career dissatisfaction and escape are key motivations for these women. Further, contrary to SST, these women were seeking novelty–new places and new experiences. These women were also seeking authenticity as suggested by KCM, but also challenge was to the fore–not in the career domain, but in the personal domain. Their motivations for SIE extend beyond the current evidence base and understanding of the phenomena. Originality/value: The contributions include new insights into the motivational drivers for SIE for these older women and the importance of timing as facilitators of SIE. The SIE nomenclature is broadened through the inclusion of older women and beyond professional spheres. An initial framework of a more integrated model is developed from this exploratory study and presented as a basis for beginning to understand the phenomenon of older women undertaking SIE.
