The formal system paradogm for studying failures

One way in which general lessons may be learnt from sets of failures and disasters is by using a common conceptual framework for analysis. Many authors have found the use of individual systems concepts useful in their studies of failure. This paper presents a unified model that draws together those concepts and other related concepts. The model that is described forms part of a systemic methodology which has been used successfully in the understanding of failures. It is suggested that the model could be developed further so as to become a predictive and preventative tool.     

E.E.C. FISHERIES POLICY

This paper looks at the special characteristics of the fishing industry which distinguish it from the rest of the ‘agricultural’ sector and which have made its organisation at E.E.C. level both politically and economically difficult. It examines the reasons for the moves behind the creation of a common fisheries policy, the difficulties which the Community of nine (and subsequently ten) countries had in adapting to rules worked out previously by the Six, the subsequent protracted negotiations and the eventual achievement of the new policy which was agreed in January, 1983. The details of the new Common Fisheries Policy are then outlined with possible future problems in the implementation of the policy as well as the opportunities it provides described by way of conclusion.     

Training and women: Some thoughts from the grassroots

Current assumptions and values with respect to management training for women are examined. A number of suggestions for change are made. The thrust of the changes will move us toward ensuring that education for women does not remain “education for frustration”, that is, education which gives women the desire for change in a world that remains the same. Many women have paid their dues, even a premium, for a chance at a top position, only to find a glass ceiling between them and their goal. The glass ceiling is not simply a barrier for an individual, based on the person's inability to handle a higher-level job. Rather, the glass ceiling applies to women as a group who are kept from advancing higher because they are women. (Morrison, White and Velsor, 1987, p. 13). Breaking the Glass Ceiling Can Women Reach the Top of America's Largest Corporations?     

After the global financial crash: Individual factors differentiating young adult consumers’ trust in banks and financial institutions

Our exploratory study aims to examine individual factors that may differentiate young adults’ trust in banks and financial institutions. We use a longitudinal data set compiled during two, timed surveys, before and after the collapse of the nation’s financial system. Participants (N=748) were classified into three groups distinguished according to their differing levels of trust. Findings based on ANOVA and three-group discriminant analyses indicate that several individual factors – self-reported well-being (overall well-being, financial well-being, subjective financial knowledge) and financial status (determined by parents’ socioeconomic status and total debt level) – significantly influence young adult consumers’ level of trust in banks and financial institutions.     

The Supreme Court Holds Class on Sexual Harassment: How to Avoid a Failing Grade

This article analyzes the three recent sexual harassment cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in its 1997–98 session. The purpose is to highlight the most common mistakes made by management as evidenced by the case history on this topic. Each mistake is described in the context of the cases and with reference to widespread business practices. The explanation of each error is followed by a brief practical directive to aid management in formulating appropriate policies and practices on that topic. A concluding section describes the desired result of each recommendation from the perspective of the employees. This article gives managers a quick checklist to ensure that their policies and practices avoid common problems and are up to date with the latest court interpretations on sexual harassment.     

The making of women trade union leaders

A trade union's constitution is intended to produce its leaders in a democratic and even-handed manner, but the reality for women is one of inequality. They remain almost invisible in senior positions in British unions. The social processes by which women do or do not progress in a union's career structure are investigated through a case study of SOGAT ‘82.     

EXPLORING STRATEGY PERCEPTIONS IN CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS*

This article explores how a firm perceives its own strategy and that of its competitors. Findings from an exploratory, sociometric study covering both a period of ‘boom’ and a period of ‘bust’ demonstrated that firms and competitors differ greatly in their strategy perceptions. These perceptions were also found to differ from ‘objective’ evaluations made by the investigator. None of the firms studied was found to change their basic strategy in response to environmental jolts.