Sarah Turnbull

Barriers to women leaders in academia: tales from science and technology

There is growing concern regarding the lack of women in senior positions in science and technology (ST) in United Kingdom (UK) universities. Previous research has enhanced our understanding of the challenges women in academia face to progress their careers. In contrast, relatively little is known as to why so few women reach leadership positions in ST. This article reports on research to examine womens experiences regarding the perceived barriers to leadership in ST faculties in UK universities. Using in-depth interviews the authors explore personal narratives to highlight the perceived barriers to career advancement. Findings report on the gendered nature of ST faculties and how women struggle to navigate their careers. The investigation illustrates the effect of organisational influences such as temporary work arrangements, male-dominated networks, intimidation and harassment, as well as individual influences such as lack of confidence.

The advertising creative process: A study of UK agencies

Advertising agencies are hired to develop creative advertising for their clients. This paper explores the advertising creative process used by agencies when developing new creative work. Using in-depth interviews with 21 agency practitioners in the UK this study examines the stages that take place within the advertising creative process. Findings suggest the process is made up of a series of sequentially linked stages and illustrate how agencies validate advertising creative during development. The study provides insight into how agencies customise the process and identifies that agencies have different approaches to the level of client involvement. Implications for practitioners are discussed and areas for future research identified.

Exploring advertiser's expectations of advertising agency services

Advertisers have expectations about what they will receive from an advertising agency. These expectations are about the future service they believe the agency will deliver and influence the satisfaction/dissatisfaction the advertiser has of agency performance. Using an expert sample and a native categories approach, the study explores advertisers expectations of agency services at the selection stage. The paper makes three main contributions to our understanding of agency selection. First, we provide insight into what advertisers seek to gain from an agency in future service delivery. Second, we identify four categories of expectations: craft, affinity, functionality and perspective. Third, we illustrate the nature of these expectations and provide evidence that some expectations are less precise than others. We consider the implications of the findings for the agency selection literature and agency management.

International human resource management: Implications for multinational corporations operating in the Arab Middle East

This paper explores the implications for human resources development (HRD) and practice for firms operating in the Arab Middle East. The paper makes two key contributions. Firstly, we expand the current understanding of Islamic axiology and the implications of Islamic ethics in a business context. Second, we explore successful expatriation within multinationals within the Arab Middle East. We argue that in addition to the global competencies required by expatriates when undertaking an overseas appointment, firms should also provide training and development opportunities in Islamic ethics in order to facilitate effective business-to-business relationships to aid effective and efficient social networks. The article outlines a conceptual model of the factors influencing the success of expatriate assignments in the Arab Middle East during each stage of an expatriation.

The advertising standardisation debate revisited:implications of Islamic ethics on standardisation/localisation of advertising in Middle East Islamic States

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to bridge the gap between previous examinations of advertising standardisation and consideration of Islamic ethics to develop a better understanding of how Islamic values influence global advertising strategy. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a critical review of the literature. The paper presents a conceptual framework which considers both the environmental influences and Islamic ethics which need to be considered when developing advertising strategy in Middle East Islamic States. Findings – The authors assert the importance of considering Islamic ethics when planning advertising in the Islamic Middle East. In particular, six dominant ethical dimensions are provided for marketing scholars and practitioners to observe: unity (Tawheed), Iman (faith), Khilafah (trusteeship), Balance, Justice or Adl and Free will. Research limitations/implications – The conceptual model presented provides a useful starting point to generate further academic debate an...