International Journal of Educational Management

Individualism-collectivism and job satisfaction between Malaysia and Australia : Table of Contents

Fauziah Noordin, Kamaruzaman Jusoff — Sat Feb 06 08:00:23 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – One of the main issues that many organizations will face in the coming years is the management of increasing diversity in the workforce. The purpose of this paper is to examine the levels of individualism and collectivism of managers in two different cultural environments, that is, Malaysia and Australia. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected by questionnaire from middle managers in a total of 18 organisations in Malaysia and ten organisations in Australia. Individualism-collectivism was measured using Singelis et al.'s 32-item scale. The items in the scale are designed to measure the horizontal and vertical aspects of individualism-collectivism. The items were answered on seven-point scale where 1 indicates strong disagreement and 7 indicates strong agreement. In addition, the seven-item job satisfaction measure, which is part of the Survey of Organizations questionnaire developed by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, was used. Findings – The study reveals the existence of differences between Malaysian and Australian managers on the level of vertical individualism, horizontal collectivism, and vertical collectivism. In addition, the Australian managers appear to have a significantly higher level of job satisfaction than their counterpart in Malaysia. Research limitations/implications – Overall, the findings of the present study suggest that there have been significant shifts in value classifications in Malaysia since Hofstede conducted his original study. This finding underscores the fact that, although a nation's work-related values and attitudes are deep-seated preferences for certain end states; they are subject to change over the years as external environmental changes shape a society. Therefore, researchers and practitioners should use caution before attempting to use work-related values and attitudes to understand human behaviours in organizations. Practical implications – The results of this study may be of interest and assistance to managers of multinational and international organizations who need to manage in global contexts and, therefore, need to understand cultural-driven differences in personal and interpersonal work-related conditions between and across nations. Originality/value – The results of this study provide empirical corroboration of the theoretical perspectives of Singelis et al. on individualism-collectivism and horizontal and vertical dimensions of individualism and collectivism respectively. In addition, they may be of interest and assistance to managers of multinational and international organizations who need to manage in global contexts and, therefore, need to understand cultural-driven differences in work attitudes of employees between and across nations. Finally, the study's findings contribute to a growing body of research that illustrates the need to take a multidimensional approach to the study on individualism-collectivism.

Steps toward promoting consistency in educational decisions : Table of Contents

Joseph Klein — Sat Feb 06 08:00:23 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The literature indicates the advantages of decisions formulated through intuition, as well as the limitations, such as lack of consistency in similar situations. The principle of consistency (invariance), requiring that two equivalent versions of choice-problems will produce the same preference, is violated in intuitive judgment. This paper aims to examine the contribution of the simple decision process (SDP) to invariance in intuitive educational decisions. The SDP integrates intuitive and systematic techniques by breaking down a dilemma into simple problems that can be processed intuitively with little or no perturbation by bias. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 40 teachers resolved a complex educational dilemma three times intuitively, with the same data presented in a different order in each iteration. Content analysis revealed inconsistency in the conclusions reached with the three formats. This is explained in the literature by the anchoring effect. Thereafter, the three-step procedure was repeated, with the participation of 246 teachers using SDP. A statistical analysis showed significant invariance with respect to decisions made during the three trials. Findings – An SDP formulated decision is not affected by the order of data presentation. The principle of invariance, a sine qua non in analyzing rational choices, is maintained Originality/value – The article sheds light on the potential inherent in integration of intuition and common sense with analytical thought-patterns in educational decisions and in other fields that involve probabilistic determinations.

Early antecedents to students' expected performance : Table of Contents

John Garger, Michael Thomas, Paul H. Jacques — Sat Feb 06 08:00:23 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to confirm the predictive validity of several antecedents to students' early perceptions of future performance in collegiate courses. Design/methodology/approach – A non-experimental design was used to test a proposed model based on a review of relevant literature. Students completed surveys capturing the constructs researched. Findings – Students' internal locus of control predicted student perceptions of social integration, academic self concept and grade point average (GPA) and social integration significantly predicted academic self concept. Moreover, academic self concept significantly predicted early perceptions of expected grade beyond the student's current level of performance as measured by his/her current GPA. Research limitations/implications – Subjects were from one academic program in one university. Also, expected performance was measured with one item, which focused on expected grade, only one aspect of performance. Other aspects of performance and outcomes such as perceived learning or satisfaction with the course could shed more light on the relationships among the constructs under study Practical implications – Students with an internal locus of control orientation can better leverage self-confidence to social and academic ends in the classroom and more readily exhibit the sustained goal-related behaviors requisite for success during transitions to college and subsequent professional placements. Also, students who are encouraged to take personal responsibility for relationships with peers and adjust behaviors are likely to maintain and enhance the quality of these relationships. Originality/value – The paper's results suggest that instructors who foster/reinforce students' concept of connections between choices and outcomes may be rewarded with enhanced student motivation to perform well in the course.

Knowledge management in academic institutions : Table of Contents

Dev Raj Adhikari — Sat Feb 06 08:00:23 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a concept of knowledge among the campus chiefs and other university leaders to make them aware of how important knowledge management (KM) is to achieve quality education criteria. Design/methodology/approach – The approach of the article is basically conceptual and descriptive. The article was presented at three different seminars of professors and campus chiefs and their suggestions are also incorporated. Originality/value – The article deals with KM and quality education relations. The author believes that this article is valuable to academic leaders to know the issues and challenges of Nepalese academic institutions and apply the concept of KM to achieve quality education goals. Practical implications – The article was prepared to familiarize Nepalese educational leaders with the tools and processes of KM. Originality/value – This is a conceptual article and there is still a need for research in Nepalese academic institutions to know the real situation of KM. However, the article helps educational leaders to know how important are KM concepts, tools and practices to fulfill the objective of quality education.

Harnessing ICT potential: The adoption and analysis of ICT systems for enhancing the student learning experience : Table of Contents

Shane Dawson, Liz Heathcote, Gary Poole — Sat Feb 06 08:00:23 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to examine how effective higher education institutions have been in harnessing the data capture mechanisms from their student information systems, learning management systems and communication tools for improving the student learning experience and informing practitioners of the achievement of specific learning outcomes. The paper seeks to argue that the future of analytics in higher education lies in the development of more comprehensive and integrated systems to value add to the student learning experience. Design/methodology/approach – Literature regarding the trend for greater accountability in higher education is reviewed in terms of its implications for greater “user driven” direction. In addition, IT usage within higher education and contemporary usage of data captured from various higher education systems is examined and compared to common commercial applications to suggest how higher education management and teachers can gain greater understanding of the student cohort and personalise and enhance the learning experience much as commercial entities have done for their client base. A way forward for higher education is proposed. Findings – If the multiple means that students engage with university systems are considered, it is possible to track individual activity throughout the entire student life cycle – from initial admission, through course progression and finally graduation and employment transitions. The combined data captured by various systems builds a detailed picture of the activities students, instructors, service areas and the institution as a whole undertake and can be used to improve relevance, efficiency and effectiveness in a higher education institution. Originality/value – The paper outlines how academic analytics can be used to better inform institutions about their students learning support needs. The paper provides examples of IT automation that may allow for student user-information to be translated into a personalised and semi-automated support system for students.

Educational value: how students choose university: Evidence from an Italian university : Table of Contents

Luca Petruzzellis, Salvatore Romanazzi — Sat Feb 06 08:00:23 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to measure students' perceptions of value that are influenced by differences in costs (monetary and non-monetary), students' attitudes and socio-demographic features. It seeks to investigate the components of the university value that affects students' choice. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was developed in order to measure students' beliefs and perceptions about the offer and service attributes of the university. All variables, primarily drawn from the literature, were measured using multiple items. ANOVA and a PLS regression was used to investigate the effects of the various value dimensions as perceived by students. Findings – The findings suggest that, although universities could improve student retention by attempting to increase their level of satisfaction, their efforts will be more effective if focussed on demonstrating the way that the service provided has helped their customers to achieve their objectives, highlighting the strategic importance of the social value. Research limitations/implications – Despite the limitations, such as the sample size and the convenience sampling strategy, future research should be addressed to define the student lifetime value from both the university and the student point of view. Additionally, it could be interesting to investigate a kind of “student equity” as a function of: student satisfaction, student sacrifice and word-of-mouth. Originality/value – Since little empirical research concerning student value and its formation exists, this paper develops a value approach that measures the total student experience. Moreover, very few studies exist in the Italian context, which proves to be interesting due to the recent changes in the university system structure.