Faculty of Management Projects (Master's)

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The impact of telecommunication technology on the nature of managerial work
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2001, 2001) Patrick, George; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Williams, Bernard
The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of whether telecommunications technology (cell phones and pagers) serve to facilitate the performance of the three managerial roles identified by Mintzberg (1973). It was further the intent of this study to explore the ways cell phones and pagers create interruptions and false urgencies that could impede the performance of the managerial roles. The study also investigated the ways managers use boundary controls to manage their interruptions and false urgencies. The effective performance of the three managerial roles was determined by the relevant information exchanged by respondents using cell phones, which had direct correlation to the managerial roles. The issue of whether cell phones and pagers create false urgencies and interruptions was related to the non-expected calls received and the importance and urgency of calls received. It was anticipated that managers who used extensive boundary controls would tend to receive fewer calls and thus manage their interruptions more effectively. The research design involved a cross section analysis of data, which created a pattern of relationship between the issue of false urgency, interruptions and boundary controls. It was found that cell phones had indeed assisted managers to perform their managerial roles. It was also found that the issue of false urgency and interruptions was contingent upon the expectancy of calls received, importance and urgency of calls received and the effective management of the boundary controls.
Fitness for change and Alberta health care organizations : a management perspective
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2001, 2001) Steinke, Claudia; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Dastmalchian, Ali
What constitutes the definition of organizational effectiveness and the capabilities required for dealing with change among the Regional Health Authorities in Alberta was investigated. The perceptions of Regional Administrators and Medical Directors from across the province were measured in accordance to a dual methodology approach (survey plus case study interviews). The Survey of Organizational Fitness provided a means to acquire a measure of “fitness” along the key dimensions of environment; performance; capabilities and characteristics; levers for change; the capacity to change and learn; and strategic orientation in approaches to change (Theories E, EO or O). Theory E is based on the creation of economic value and Theory O on developing lasting organizational capabilities, the ideal objective is to integrate the two (Theory EO). The results indicate that although the majority of Regional Health Authorities perceive themselves as subscribing to a combined theoretical approach to change (Theory EO), those that subscribe solely to Theory E rate themselves as achieving overall higher levels of organizational effectiveness.
Employment issues and challenges facing older workers in Lethbridge, Alberta
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2001, 2001) Stephenson, Jacquiline Henrietta; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; McKenna, Ian
This study assesses the current perceptions of older workers, defined as aged 50 and over, in Lethbridge, Alberta and area. Specifically, the study addresses two research questions. The first seeks to determine the primary challenges facing older workers in their quest to find suitable employment. The second examines the value which older workers place on programs currently in place to assist in their search for employment. The intent of this study is to inform Government and private sector policies and programs as they relate to the provision of services which will alleviate the unemployment difficulties of older workers. A mixed methods approach was employed with the use of structured interviews and survey questionnaires. This results from this study suggested partial support for ageist attitudes and stereotyping as barriers to employment. There was also some support for the improvement of current employment programs targeted at older job seekers.
Strategic responses to institutional pressures : a case study of an aboriginal nonprofit organization
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Finley, Jill; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Williams, Bernard
This research project explored an Aboriginal nonprofit health organization’s strategic responses to institutional pressures using concepts from neo-institutional and resource dependency theories. The case study method was adopted, and participant observation and interviews were the main data collection techniques utilized. The study revealed an organization that contended with legitimacy issues from a variety of stakeholders. Organizational responses to these pressures involved the adoption of business practices, while attempting to maintain Aboriginal values and culture. Leadership was identified as a key variable that influenced the structural and strategic responses of the organization. Through this research I concluded that when utilized in a complementary manner, institutional theory and resource dependency theory offer insightful explanations about the adoption of business-like structures and strategies in a nonprofit organization. This research project closes with practical recommendations concerning the ways that nonprofit organizations are structured and operate, and a discussion of policy implications and future research.
Cause-related marketing as a peripheral cue?
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Mardian, Neil; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Basil, Michael D.; Basil, Debra
Even though cause-related marketing has increased in popularity, academic researchers have only started to examine how consumers respond to it. In this study, the author examines cause-related marketing in combination with two major theories: (1) the prospect theory and, (2) the elaboration likelihood model. The objective of this study was to test for main and interaction effects of CRM, consumer involvement and price of product on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. The results of this study indicate that there were no significant interactions between price of the product, involvement situation and CRM when in an experimental magazine setting. The major overall finding, which was evident throughout all hypotheses, was that advertisements with a CRM claim were far more effective than advertisements without a CRM claim. Regardless of the price, it appears that cause-related marketing affiliations can substantially influence consumer perceptions and ultimately purchase behaviours. Due to its effectiveness in high involvement situations, these findings suggest that CRM does not operate only as a peripheral cue.
A life and death matter : evaluation of a training program for emergency medical services providers
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Herbert-Pemberton, Carol; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Williams, Bernard
The effectiveness of a legislated training program for emergency medical services (EMS) practitioners in Southern Alberta was evaluated in three communities. The theoretical guide for the research was the Kirkpatrick Training Evaluation Model (1959; 1975; 1996; 1998), which evaluates training programs at four levels- reaction, learning, behavior and results. The research design involved analyses of patient care reports, and interviews with EMS practitioners, allied professionals and patients. Findings indicated positive outcomes at all four levels of the Kirkpatrick model. The results indicated that the training program has resulted in improved EMS delivery by trainees who positively transferred newly acquired skills and knowledge. Accordingly, it was concluded that the legislated training standards have created positive outcomes, and it was recommended that funding for the training program should continue. It was also concluded that the training program has helped to develop a positive learning environment in the three EMS agencies studied.
Satisfaction with a merger, its impact on organizational commitment and turnover intentions : Canadian evidence
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Kyei-Poku, Ivy Akua; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Miller, Diane; Kelley, Helen
This study was conducted to examine the impact employee post-merger satisfaction has on employee organizational commitment and turnover intentions. Employees of a Canadian financial institution (N=73) completed surveys approximately seven months after a merger between two comparably sized banks. Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach to structural equation modeling (SEM) (e.g., Wold, 1982) provided evidence for the relationship between satisfaction with a merger and the affective and normative components of organizational commitment. Support was also found for the hypotheses that proposed that affective and normative commitments are negatively correlated with turnover intentions. The implications of these relationships are offered. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are also included.
Like lemmings over a cliff : a study of Alberta physician burnout
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Goodfellow, Renee L; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Boudreau, Robert A.
The prevalence and severity of physician burnout in Alberta was investigated. A total of 1161 out of 6584 (17.6%) practicing physicians, retired physicians, residents, and medical students responded to the survey either by fax, mail, or electronic version. The survey consisted of one demographic section and four burnout measures, one of which was the Modified Maslach Burnout Inventory (MMBI). More specifically, and relative to the Alberta physician population numbers provided by the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), 22 % were practicing physicians; 9.2 % retired; 7.5 % residents, and 1.3 % medical students. Based on the Phase Model, almost ha1f(i.e., 48.6%) of Alberta physicians are found to be in an advanced phase of burnout (i.e., phases VI, VII, & VIII). A comparison of these data with other occupations and countries is also offered.
The effects of partial acquisitions on stock performance of target firms
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Oloo, Michael; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Torabzadeh, Khalil; Gardner, Eldon
This study analyzes the returns to target stockholders for partially acquired firms surrounding the acquisition announcements through one year after the announcements. A sample of fifty-three Canadian firms partially acquired by domestic firms from 1993 through 1999 is considered. The examination of the return behaviour found significant positive abnormal returns from event-day t = - 2 through t = + 1. No significant abnormal returns are realized thereafter. The findings imply that the announcements positively affect the surrounding returns. The lack of significant positive abnormal returns thereafter suggests that the announcement does not have a positive impact on the stockholder returns one year later.
What do Canadian managers do : a study of their roles, views, and perspectives
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Regimbald, Bruno; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Dastmalchian, Ali
This study presents a different perspective that strives to achieve a better understanding of “What do managers do.” The present work divides the role of a manager in two major ways: 1) through an analysis of the characteristics of successful and effective managers; and 2) through an assessment of the different attitudes and perspectives of Canadian managers. The data were collected from a sample of 186 Canadian managers in which the participants completed a paper and pencil questionnaire. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A major finding from this study was that successful Canadian managers used multiple roles including human resource management, traditional management, and networking whereas effective managers used predominantly the human resource management role. As well, the issues of professionalism and unionization stood out for this sample of Canadian managers.
Readiness for change : an individual perspective
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Anderson, Barbara; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Chreim, Samia
The purpose of this study is to understand employees’ views of their readiness for change. The study explores employees’ retrospective interpretations of their experience with the elimination of the public service division of an organization that they worked for. A qualitative case study approach involving the utilization of deductive and inductive analyses was adopted. A conceptual model of readiness factors was adapted from the literature. The research findings indicated that the constructs of the conceptual model, discrepancy, appropriateness, personal valence, self-efficacy, and fairness influence employees’ readiness for change. As significantly, the findings revealed that the model should be expanded to include three additional factors that influence employees’ readiness: a sense of control, the passage of time, and a sense of the change inevitability. The study emphasized the importance of studying the change targets’ perspectives to enhance our understanding of change dynamics in organizations.
Institutional context of trust
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2002, 2002) Sonpar, Karan; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Dastmalchian, Ali
The dynamics of trust have perplexed academicians and practitioners alike. However, it continues to remain as an elusive and evasive area of study. The perception of trustworthiness in times of change has social dimensions attached to it. An institutional framework to understand this process of change in conjunction with the traditional theories of trust provides a fresh approach to understand these social intricacies. This paper argues that trust and institutional logics are not monolithic entities. Institutional logics are best understood through mental scripts. A mental script is an individual's socially shared cognitive belief about what is the appropriate social behavior. Mental scripts on the norms of appropriate behavior may vary across the various subgroups within an organization. Such a variance of institutional logics may also explain the varying levels of trust among organizational members.
Personality and performance : what is the role of negative affectivity?
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003, 2003) Wright, Marianne; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Perlow, Richard
The present study examined the importance of four psychological constructs, negative affectivity, worry, self-efficacy, and cognitive interference, in predicting the performance of 113 undergraduate students who completed a computerized managerial decision-making simulation. Results revealed that negative affect and worry were unrelated to performance. Self-efficacy was not predictive of task performance; however, self-reported task-related intrusive thoughts was. PLS analysis of the linkages among these construct, identified cognitive interference as a potent force affecting task outcomes. The study suggests that cognitive interference may be useful in more sharply defining the processes involved with task performance; the malleability of the construct offers the implication that managers should train employees to guard against such intrusions to boost performance.
Information systems effectiveness among small businesses
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003, 2003) Ortiz de Guinea Lopez de Arana, Ana; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Hunter, M. Gordon
This study examines the validity of the Thong et al. (1996) model of Information Systems effectiveness in Canadian small businesses. The model evaluates the importance of managerial support and external expertise (vendors and consultants) for Information Systems effectiveness. This project extends the model by adding two constructs: intention of expansion for adopters and intention of adoption for non-adopters. The sample included 105 adopters and eight non-adopters of a mid-size city in Western Canada. Partial Least Squares was used to statistically test the model. The results showed that managerial and vendor support are essential for effective Information Systems in small businesses, and supported part of the relations between Information Systems effectiveness and intention of expansion for adopters. Descriptive statistics revealed that non-adopters lacked knowledge and resources to purchase technology. Overall, the results suggested managers should engage quality vendors to obtain Information Systems that contribute to achieve the small businesses’ goals.
Relational orientation in consumer purchase intentions : brick-and-mortar vs. e-commerce shopping environments
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003, 2003) Risse, Bernhard; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Basil, Michael D.
Building lasting customer relationships is a central goal for companies in today’s business world. While numerous studies deal with the construct of relationship as objective it has also been suggested that relationships are very subjective and based on individual perceptions. This study puts the emphasis on the concept of relational orientation as an individual difference that influences the customers’ view of relationships. The study compares individual preferences and influences across the two shopping environments, Brick & Mortar and E-Commerce. Relational Orientation was found to be a moderating factor in the relationship development process, mainly influencing the effects of trust.
Burnout among Canadian physicians
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003, 2003) Cahoon, Sandra L.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Boudreau, Robert A.
This study investigates the prevalence of burnout among Canadian physicians. The Boudreau Burnout Questionnaire (BBQ), distributed as part of the Canadian Medical Association Physician Resource Questionnaire (PRQ) 2003, was used to measure burnout levels, compared by gender, age, practice locale, and specialty. Using the Phase Model Approach (Golembiewski et al., 1986), 1870 physicians were categorized with respect to their HI or LO scores of emotional exhaustion, reduced personal achievement, and depersonalization. Overall, 45.7% of Canadian physicians were in advanced phases of burnout (Phases VI, VII, & VIII). A higher percentage of female physicians (47.6%) than male physicians (44.6%) reported levels of advanced burnout. Age negatively correlated with burnout measures, yet age groups 35 – 44 and 45 – 54 showed over 50% advanced burnout. Advanced burnout scores were almost identical across broad specialties. A slightly higher percentage of rural physicians (46.9%) than urban physicians (45.5%) reported levels of advanced burnout. These results indicate that burnout among Canadian physicians warrants attention.
Service integration in a health care unit : a case study of radical change
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003, 2003) D'Agnone, Kristene; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Chreim, Samia
This study focuses on the dynamics enabling or constraining radical change in a health care unit in a rural region of Alberta. The unit envisioned change from a fragmented, treatment-based model to an integrative, prevention-based model of health care delivery. This research adopts a case study approach that relies on multiple sources of data including written documents and interviews with groups such as physicians, nurse practitioners (NP), and public health nurses (PHN), who were directly involved in the changes towards integration. The data indicate that a number of institutional and organizational elements facilitated and constrained the change. The findings also indicate that at the time of the study, the unit was experiencing an oscillation between parallel structures derived from two archetypes in order to maintain quality patient care.
The role of community in the retention/attachment process : a qualitative study of the embeddedness model
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003, 2003) Thomson, S. Bruce; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Williams, Bernard
Why do people stay with organizations? This study looked into the role of an individual’s community involvement as a motivator to stay with an organization. It was postulated that the strength of the ties or attachments to a community as a factor that influence their decision to continue in a specific employment relationship. Interviews were conducted with twelve employees from the hotel/resort industry in a major resort area in the Canadian Rockies. Data gathered illustrated that leisure or recreational activities played a major role for the participants in their decision to accept employment with an organization and to stay. The research demonstrated that industry, employment type and location may play a significant role in the strength of the organizational or community attachments formed by employees. The research did demonstrate strong support for the ‘job embeddedness’ model (Lee & Mitchell, 2001); however, these qualitative findings suggest community organizational membership performs a minor role in the attachment/retention process.
Whistle-blowing & peer reporting : a cross-cultural comparison of Canadians and Chinese
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003, 2003) Zhuang, Jinyun; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Thomas, Stuart; Miller, Diane
This study examined the impact of cultural differences on whistle blowing and peer reporting between Canada and China using Graham’s (1986) model of principled organizational dissent in conjunction with Hofstede’s culture theory (1980, 1993, & 2001). These countries have been shown, by Hofstede, to differ on important cultural dimensions which are expected to influence ethical decision-making. This study found that Canadian subjects felt more responsibility for reporting than Chinese subjects. The likelihood of whistle blowing was less than the likelihood of peer reporting for Chinese subjects. The results of the study supported the expectation that culture was related to subjects’ ethical judgments, which has implications for ethics training programs and the internal control system of multinational corporations.
A phenomenological approach to understanding work-nonwork conflict among female academics
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management, 2003, 2003) Petherick, Heather; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Management; Williams, Bernard
For nearly two decades research on the issue of work-nonwork conflict has been conducted from the perspective of competing demands and limited time. Still, our knowledge is not complete. In an attempt to gain a richer understanding of the perceptual experience of work-nonwork conflict, and thus provide a more informed basis from which future research strategies may be developed, this study employed a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with female academics who were married with children. The findings gave rise to nine structural descriptions that conveyed how participants perceived work-nonwork conflict. The structural descriptions were divided into two overarching themes, institutional and individual, based on the context of their influence. Moreover, the research offers a characterization of work-nonwork conflict based on the frequency and intensity of conflict. I theorize that an individual’s perception of work-nonwork conflict will change over time. Implications for the academic institution, the individual, and for future research are presented.