Journal Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/7915

Browse

Author: search.filters.author.Thorn K

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Exploring motivations in Chinese corporate expatriation through the lens of Confucianism
    (1/07/2016) Yao C; Arrowsmith J; Thorn K
    There 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Factors influencing online learning in an organisational context
    (1/01/2016) Montgomerie K; Edwards M; Thorn K
    Purpose: 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Self-initiated expatriation and older women: composing a further life
    (6/04/2022) Myers B; Thorn K; Doherty N
    Purpose: 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Moving forward: Business model solutions for amateur sport clubs
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2021-04) Bradbury T; Mitchell R; Thorn K
    Rationale/Purpose: The survival of New Zealand’s amateur sport clubs is threatened by a broad range of factors, including competing sport organisations and changes within the sport environment. Partnerships between clubs may address viability concerns. This study’s purpose was to investigate how partnerships can overcome sustainability issues brought about through changes within the sport environment. Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative case study approach using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with representatives from five sport clubs that had formed a partnership with another club was used to explore how partnerships could alter sport clubs’ business models for improved long-term viability. Findings: Partnerships enabled clubs’ governing bodies to appeal to a wider cross-section of society through improved strategic focus, direction and resource use. This led to membership growth and diversity, enhanced financial viability, improved governance, greater community connection and improved human resource management functions. Practical Implications: The study suggests the RCOV model and RDT helped clubs’ pre-partnership sustainability issues. Partnerships created larger clubs, enabling financial stability, the retention of members, and resource use to overcome environmental change challenges. Research Contribution: This study offers perceptions of partnership outcomes from amateur sport club ‘partnership change agents’. Critical success factors are identified and presented as an implementation guide of best practice.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    New constructs for the prediction of self-initiated international mobility: An exploratory study
    (Cambridge University Press, 2013) Thorn K; Inkson K; Carr S
    This study aims to explore relationships between the motives for international mobility and observed mobility patterns. The key motives of 2,608 skilled expatriate New Zealanders were identified as cultural and travel opportunities, career, economics, affiliations, political environment, and quality-of-life. Mobility patterns, described here as the frequency, duration and cessation of mobility and the nature of the destination in terms of development level and cultural distance, were investigated. Desire for cultural and travel opportunities was the dominant motive, and the best predictor of cessation of mobility and development level of the destination. Career motives predicted duration of mobility and cultural difference of the destination. Linking motivation and actual mobility is a novel contribution to the theorisation of self-initiated mobility. Countries and organisations that understand this linkage may ultimately gain competitive advantage.