We examine the ways in which a hidden crisis can be exposed from a communication point of view. In which way can organisations create general awareness of a crisis and try to understand the dynamic nature of interactions? With the help of discourse analysis, we have examined the interactional achievements of two crisis entrepreneurs in the domain of education in the Netherlands: a rector of a secondary school and the founders of BON, a social movement aimed at improving the quality of education. In this way, we will illustrate the discursive practices that play an active role when certain players signal a crisis.
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Introduction: In this study, a blended learning course, designedusing a participatory design approach and Persuasive Technology(PT), was evaluated by students and teachers. The use ofa participatory design and PT may help facilitate a blended learningcourse that motivates students and supports teachers in this relativelynew field. Method: Students received the blended course aspart of their regular curriculum. Subsequently, interviews with students(N = 10) and teachers (N = 3), as well as a survey amongstudents (N = 35) were held to evaluate the blended course. Results:Most of the PT which was implemented motivated the students toparticipate in the online course. The techniques suggestions, similarity,reduction, self-monitoring and tunneling seemed to specificallymotivate students. According to the students, their teacherssufficiently integrated the online course with the Face to FaceClasses. Teachers stated that they stimulated intrinsic motivation,supported students to complete their tasks and facilitated theblended learning process (integrating the different elements ofa blended learning course). Discussion/Conclusion: The use of PTmotivated students. Teachers played a crucial role in mergingdifferent aspects of the blended learning course. Future challengeswould be the implementation of social support online. What do you want to do ?New mail
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Purpose – Against the background of current leadership theory, this research paper analyses and compares the leadership approaches of two outstanding leaders: Daniel Vasella, chairman of the leading Swiss pharmaceutical organization Novartis and Ricardo Semler, owner of the Brazilian conglomerate Semco. In contrast to many rather abstract, unpractical and pointlessly theoretical papers on leadership this analysis provides a more applied view of leadership by means of the life history approach delivering insight into both leaders’ development and leader personality. Methodology/approach – First, this paper locates the ideas and practices associated with the term “leadership” as a concept through theories that have developed over time and shows how the practices of leading can be derived and understood through chosen theories. Based on this, the specific characteristics and career paths of both leaders are presented and compared so that a final analysis of their leadership approach can be done. The paper is based on secondary sources such as peer-reviewed business journals and literature on leadership. Information about both leaders and their approach to leadership is gathered mainly from published interviews with them. Additional information on Semler is taken from his autobiography. Conclusions – It is difficult to identify an “essence” of leadership, whether that takes the form of personality characteristics or traits, charisma, the ability to transform people or organizations or a brain function. All presented theories of leadership seem to have their raison d’être. Both Vasella and Semler apply a combination of different attitudes and behaviours that characterize their leadership style containing elements of transformational, charismatic, ethical, servant and authentic leadership.
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