articles 31 to 40 of 76
Abusive Supervision: A Look at Bullying from Both Sides
What's the role of the victim in workplace bullying? Typically, abusive bosses are blamed when it comes to instances of mistreatment at work, but bullying involves a two-way interaction. While not pointing the finger at workers, new research suggests it's time to explore abusive supervision from both perspectives. Are the underdogs contributing to their own plight? Particularly anxious employees may inadvertently bring on confrontation, claim the researchers, while organisational stress can also be a contributing factor. But in the end, both parties will need to work to repair the relationship.
From: December 05, 2011
Do You Really Want Fries With That? How to Find a Customer Service Perfect Match
The attitudes and styles of customer service reps may present a perfect match for some customers, and just get up others' noses. New research from the Australian School of Business pinpoints three different perceptions of good customer service among frontline employees. Each is right in certain circumstances, but can be damaging when misplaced. With more customer touch points in today's organisations, the trick is in recruiting sales and service personnel to suit and then ensuring a one-size-fits-all approach to training does not impinge their beneficial attributes.
From: November 22, 2011
Equal Pay: Setting the Standard to Even the Salary Gap
Pay equity has eluded women in the Australian workforce. While there's been a drive to get more women into the boardroom and rising through the executive ranks, the pay gap between men and women has barely budged over the past 27 years. Now a new draft standard that aims to help progressive employers make the workplace fairer in terms of remuneration has been taking comments. Reading between the lines, it seems much of what women bring to their jobs is frequently undervalued. But with the release of a final standard in 2012 that may be all about to change.
From: November 07, 2011
Limited Seating: Mixed Results on Efforts to Include More Women at the Corporate Board Table
Although women have been steadily gaining ground for years in the workforce, both in the U.S. and abroad, they still occupy a very small number of board seats in big companies. Some countries have responded by passing laws requiring that a certain percentage of seats on a company's board of directors be held by women. But experts warn that the issue of greater board diversity calls for more than a "one-size-fits-all" solution.
From: November 07, 2011
On the Career Fast Track: Why Some People Learn Faster
Can you learn faster? The answer is yes! The results of a five-year research program by the Accelerated Learning Laboratory at the University of New South Wales are good news for those intent on hurtling along the fast-track for promotion, and for their employers. Fast learners are open to novelty and embrace change. And they have the right approach to acquiring knowledge proactively, rather than focusing on performing. But by understanding more about how people learn, ultimately organisations give themselves the inside running to enhance their performance.
From: October 25, 2011
Reviewing Equal Pay for Women: Because They're Worth It
All is still not equal in the workforce when it comes to earning power. Income equality took a sharp U-turn in Australia in recent years. The metaphorical glass ceiling continues to repel women who predominate in part-time roles. Their willingness to rejoin the workforce is also dampened by the tax system in Australia, which provides a disincentive for women to return to work after having children. The whole system needs a shake-up, argues Australian School of Business professor Denise Doiron, who recently presented the prestigious Academy of Social Sciences in Australia Fay Gale lecture. While reform may come at a high price, women's work is definitely worth it.
From: October 11, 2011
When Your Job Makes You Sick: Employees Find Little Leverage in Today's Workplace
With millions of people looking for employment, the workplace these days is an increasingly unhealthy environment for those who still have, and are trying to keep, their jobs. One key reason -- a stagnant economy that reduces the leverage employees have when they attempt to negotiate improved working conditions, move up in their organization or find better jobs outside the company. What can employees do to make their workplaces less toxic?
From: October 10, 2011
Business Etiquette: The Lowdown on Corporate Turn-offs
In a business relationship – as in any other – small things are often the most annoying. Smiley faces on emails, wet-fish handshakes and the clang of the teaspoon on the side of the mug during a meeting may seem trivial, but they can be extremely irritating for colleagues, prospective partners and clients. Understanding how to keep behaviour neutral is key, according to Danielle Di-Masi, a business etiquette expert who coaches leaders in building the right perceptions for business success. While direct eye contact is too much in some cultures, others consider a corporate hug okay. Get it right, she says, because there's no second chance at making a first impression.
From: September 27, 2011
Message in a Bottle: Time to Put the Screws on Booze?
In a nation renowned for loving a drink, the wider impact of employees who drink too much now has been tallied. A new report estimates heavy drinkers cost others A$13.43 billion in out-of-pocket costs, lost wages and productivity. Many people, including those who compensate for accident-prone, underperforming co-workers, are hidden victims. The report only tells part of the story, claim the researchers who crunched the numbers for the first time. Will the staggering results help health minister Nicola Roxon pack more punch with her plan to set a minimum price for alcoholic drinks?
From: August 25, 2011
Happiness Is ... A Career Move
When switching jobs, the lure of a bigger pay packet for new recruits is not as powerful as many employers may think. And, in these days of talent and skills shortages, dangling the carrot of work-life balance may not work either when it comes to making new hires. Security and on-the-job stimulation are the major motivations for people making a career move, according to new research from the University of New South Wales. While some industries are more inclined to employee turnover, and big organisations have better chances of retaining their staff, there's also a gender divide. Blue-collar women workers are more likely to stay put than male counterparts or female professionals.
From: August 16, 2011
