Organisations exist. An organisation is not just a group of people, a workplace, a structure or system; it is a combination of these and many other aspects involved in its operation. In recent years, the nature and needs of organisations have changed dramatically, challenging them to rethinking how they organise themselves and accomplish their goals in a sustainable manner. This is an important, but not easy, task. The research presented in this thesis aims to contribute to organisational development theory and practice, in terms of how to articulate collective organisational values, and upon which to establish a sustainable workplace framework to govern and improve organisational performance. The research was undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 focused on researching organisational values, which is considered as a critical step towards the development of sustainable workplaces. A values and behaviours study was conducted in the UK offices of the sponsoring company. Schwartz's values survey instrument and values theory are, for the first time, applied extensively in an organisational context, as opposed to the comparative intercultural research conducted at the national/cultural level. The study used a structured, mixed methods approach which Involved virtually all employees, whose values profiles were collected and analysed through an organisation-wide survey. Follow-up workshops and post workshop activities with a company Values Group faCilitated the sharing of common values; they then helped staff representatives develop their own organisational values statements, independent of senior management, before a final stage of negotiation. Meanwhile, a set of core-values-related workplace behaviours and relevant mechanisms were identified and communicated across the whole organisation. The core organisational values are fundamental in governing the workplace behaviours, and the mechanisms represented desirable work practices. This values-based approach facilitated the identification of the grassroots demand for continuous improvement of workplace environmental, social and economic performances, hence formed a foundation for the development of sustainable workplaces. The findings from the first phase revealed the core values of the organisation, highlighted the importance of applying the principles of sustainable development to the workplace context, which prompted further research into the nature of a sustainable workplace (phase 2). Although there is an increasing interest in sustainable workplace development, as an emerging and fast developing area, the body of research is still fragmented and unbalanced. In order to establish a holistic and balanced approach to the development of sustainable workplaces, available guidance documents were systematically categorised, compared and synthesised within a clear framework, to facilitate easy understanding and practice. This revealed that, at present, emphasis tends to be placed on environmental impacts arising from workplace activities, and hence the promotion of environmental awareness among the workforce. Whilst this may be appropriate in itself, it is of concern that other key aspects of sustainable development (Le. social and economic aspects) have been overlooked to a significant extent. A sustainable workplace framework was therefore established which provides a balanced approach for governing all aspects of the workplace development. The data obtained from phase 1 not only highlighted the need for such a balanced approach, but also inform the identification and prioritisation of the indicators within the framework, which offer useful measures for organisational behaviours. Meanwhile, the framework can be used as a tool to facilitate the integration of values into workplace development. The research concludes that to develop an organisation in a sustainable manner, a set of collective organisational values must be articulated, which will serve as guiding principles of work place behaviours and practices, and therefore dictate workplace performance. The shaping of collective organisational values should be based on a clear understanding and communication of employees' personal values, and that Schwartz's circumplex model of human values and associated survey instrument are helpful neutral framing devices to initiate and structure such a debate. As all the elements of sustainability are rooted in values, the identification of the collective organisational values could be considered as a critical step towards the development of sustainable workplaces. Furthermore, the research highlighted that the sustainable workplace is a multidimensional concept which requires holistic thinking. The conceptual framework developed in this research joins together the key aspects/criteria of sustainable workplaces, with the aim to balance the workplace environmental, social and economic performances. By linking the organisational values and related key business issues to workplace sustainable development criteria, the development towards sustainable workplaces could consequently enhance organisational values, therefore improving organisational perfonnance as well as employees' quality of life at work.

Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 1993. / Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

The historic place is the result of a uniqueness that characterises and differentiates it from other places. It holds both tangible and intangible features that creates its sense of place, which is a lifelong process whereby it gradually constitutes our historic city and its character. This study aligns with the growing recognition by the international heritage community to expand our understanding of cultural heritage to include tangible and intangible values, agenda of sustainability, the role of local culture, and sustainable development. It, thus, initiates a critical dialogue between heritage conservation and sustainable urban development, to examine the concept of sense of place and its implications for conservation theory and practice. By drawing on a variety of methodologies and sources, it seeks to understand how effectively sense of place can contribute to the management of historic urban areas in a globalised world. The theoretical phase of the research traces relevant literature and studies, presenting the latest debates on heritage management at the international level, and explores selected collaborative projects in Europe at regional level. While the practical phase, focuses on Edinburgh as an in-depth case study, exploring its policies and practice at a local level. The methodological approach adopted in this study has enabled combining literature from different disciplines, through categorising the main features of sense of place, to a grid of main goals for any development project: conserving the physical structure, the suitability of the use, and the development of local community and improving the quality of life. This takes us beyond issues of conservation and towards a recognition of the central role sense of place and local community have in (re)configuring shared values, practices, collective memory and identity in a specific cultural cluster. To illustrate the validity of the approach, the analytical framework was applied to selected development projects across Edinburgh to explore the sense of place, unpack the complexity of local values of various users, effectively engage more users and stakeholders, and redefine heritage management and the way it can be integrated within the planning system. This was possible by using various methods to acknowledge its multiplicity: exploring the evolution of Edinburgh’s historic place in history and the role of planning system and policies into shaping the present character; and conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and focus groups in local communities.

Evaluation reports, along with development studies literature suggest that development practice is often failing to enact espoused participatory, empowering and gender equitable approaches or to achieve these espoused goals. Mainstream development theories are underpinned by values and beliefs about what is good and what �ought to be�. In this study I explore the influence of values on the development practice of Cambodian practitioners working in non-government organisations in rural Cambodia. Development practitioners are the major conduit of community based development assistance, but little is known about how their values impact their day-to-day practice, and influence their moral and political choices. In the study I used ethnographic methodology, guided by feminist principles. The research was conducted with individuals and groups of experienced, mostly Cambodian development practitioners. Data were collected in four phases through in-depth and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and observations of practice. I examine the (in)congruity between practitioners� espoused theories and values and those demonstrated by their practice. The findings reveal that the values are not essentially different but are prioritized differently. The espoused values are consistent with those of the international development discourse, all of which are premised on a belief in human equality. Theories and values inferred from actual practice reflect hierarchical underpinnings. In the Cambodian context this is consistent with socio-cultural values and the hierarchical order of society. However, as expatriate research participants and the literature attest, this incongruence is not particular to Cambodian practitioners. The study reveals practitioners give higher priority to fulfilling the tasks necessary for the achievement of their NGOs� planned outputs and organisational imperatives than to the facilitation of participatory and empowering processes. At the same time, the enactment of some development values is in tension with certain socio-cultural norms and practices. Practitioners are challenged to make desirable development values explicit and identify how to operationalise them in the lived social, cultural, political and economic context.

Evaluation reports, along with development studies literature suggest that development practice is often failing to enact espoused participatory, empowering and gender equitable approaches or to achieve these espoused goals. Mainstream development theories are underpinned by values and beliefs about what is good and what �ought to be�. In this study I explore the influence of values on the development practice of Cambodian practitioners working in non-government organisations in rural Cambodia. Development practitioners are the major conduit of community based development assistance, but little is known about how their values impact their day-to-day practice, and influence their moral and political choices. In the study I used ethnographic methodology, guided by feminist principles. The research was conducted with individuals and groups of experienced, mostly Cambodian development practitioners. Data were collected in four phases through in-depth and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and observations of practice. I examine the (in)congruity between practitioners� espoused theories and values and those demonstrated by their practice. The findings reveal that the values are not essentially different but are prioritized differently. The espoused values are consistent with those of the international development discourse, all of which are premised on a belief in human equality. Theories and values inferred from actual practice reflect hierarchical underpinnings. In the Cambodian context this is consistent with socio-cultural values and the hierarchical order of society. However, as expatriate research participants and the literature attest, this incongruence is not particular to Cambodian practitioners. The study reveals practitioners give higher priority to fulfilling the tasks necessary for the achievement of their NGOs� planned outputs and organisational imperatives than to the facilitation of participatory and empowering processes. At the same time, the enactment of some development values is in tension with certain socio-cultural norms and practices. Practitioners are challenged to make desirable development values explicit and identify how to operationalise them in the lived social, cultural, political and economic context.

Cette thèse a pour objectif de montrer que les valeurs de développement durable de l’ONU (liberté, égalité, solidarité, tolérance, respect de la nature et partage des responsabilités) existent dans les traditions gabonaises et sont donc bien plus anciennes que ce nouveau concept. Pour cela, trois hypothèses générales ont été testées à travers six études. La première hypothèse (Les valeurs de développement durable existent au sein des sociétés traditionnelles et rurales gabonaises et sont donc plus anciennes que le concept de développement durable) fait appel à deux études complémentaires basée sur l’analyse documentaire des premiers dictionnaires linguistiques Myènè (étude 1) et des entretiens menés avec trois orateurs traditionnels gabonais (étude 2). La deuxième hypothèse (Les populations rurales gabonaises portent des valeurs de développement durable au regard de leurs pratiques qui sont différentes de celles de l’ONU) s’appuie sur l’analyse documentaire d’ouvrages historiques gabonais (étude 3) et photographique du milieu rural actuel (étude 4). La troisième hypothèse (Les valeurs prioritaires pour les populations gabonaises sont différentes de celles de l’ONU) est explorée par une enquête par questionnaire menée auprès d’étudiants (étude 5) et de salariés (étude 6) gabonais. Les résultats obtenus aux différentes études et permettent de conclure que les valeurs de développement durable préconisées par l’ONU doivent se décliner en fonction des contextes culturels. Ainsi, en Afrique, et plus spécifiquement au Gabon, les valeurs en lien avec les pratiques traditionnelles qu’on peut considérer comme durables doivent être intégrées et articulées avec celles retenues par l’ONU afin d’y impulser un développement durable véritable. / The aim of this thesis is to show the UN’s sustainable development values (freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect of nature, responsibility sharing) exist in Gabon’s traditions and are thus much older than this recent concept. Three general hypotheses were tested in six studies. The first (Sustainable development values exist in traditional and rural Gabonese society and thus pre-date the concept of sustainable development) involved two complementary studies based on documentary analysis of the first Myènè linguistic dictionaries (study 1) and interviews with three traditional Gabonese orators (study 2). The second hypothesis (Rural Gabonese customs have sustainable development values that differ from those of the UN) is examined through documentary analysis of historical Gabonese works (study 3) and photographs of present-day rural Gabon (study 4). The third hypothesis (The priority values of the Gabonese people differ from those of the UN) is explored through a questionnaire completed by Gabonese students (study 5) and workers (study 6). The findings of the studies are discussed and lead to the conclusion that the sustainable development values recommended by the UN should be adapted to the cultural context. Thus, in Africa, and more specifically in Gabon, values linked to traditional practices that can be considered as sustainable should be incorporated and linked to those upheld by the UN in order to foster real sustainable development.

My dissertation project deals with an actual theme: the conditions of coexistence of two generations- the younger and the older one. This topic will gain more relevance in the viewpoint of irregular demographic development, when the ratio of older people to other age groups will rapidly increase. Relations among generations, especially between seniors and young people, are nowadays frequently debated; these relations could be regarded as not ideal, according to certain establishments. There is known quite much about the young people's approach and evaluation towards seniors, but what is not so well known, how seniors actually percieve this reality about themselves and what they think about the current young generation. My dissertation is divided into a theoretical and a practical part. The theoretical part contains an objectification of terms that are important for a better understanding to the given topic. In these chapters informations about some authors' results and findings, regarded to this problem, are introduced. There are listed terms such as generation X,Y,Z, an adolescence and early adulthood phase, a dotage and aging, and demographic development; also values and their creation, additionally modern coexistence trends characteristical for modern young generation. The definition of these contexts serves as a foundation for the practical part of my project. The empirical part deals with the peculiar research; its goal is to map out how citizens over 65 and more appraise the young generation. For data acquisition were used: a strategy of qualitative research, an interrogating method, and a semi-structured interview technique. Acquired data were processed through the case studies form and then analysed by coding. The basic research file for data collection was formed by seniors over 65 years living in České Budějovice. For the empirical part three questions were set: 1. Is the young generation appraised negatively by seniors? 2. What exposures of young people are the most frequent source of senior's criticism? 3. How do the citizens over 65 percieve a coexistence of not married heterosexual couples and homosexual couples in registered partnership? From informations acquired ensue that the seniors living in or near České Budějovice appraise the young generation negatively. Among the most frequent sources of their criticism belong an immodest behavior, disrespect to older individuals, laziness, and early sexual life. The over-half majority of seniors percieve the not married couples living together negatively, too. This meaning also persists when these couples have children or they plan to have them. According to seniors' opinion, it is children what should be a reason leading to a marriage. Regarding to a homosexual couples, the majority of seniors does not understand such relationship or coexistence. In he old generation, there are still enduring prejudices causing a disagreement with registered partnership, too. The appointed goal of my dissertation project was fulfilled. Results of my project can serve as a basis for further research, for organizations working with youth, or for a tuition.

This diploma thesis deals with the values of children and youth in the context of a sociocultural disadvantaged backgrounds. The work has theoretical and empirical character. The theoretical part explains the basic terminology and assumptions relating to values and value orientation, moral development of children, social exclusion. The text provides a detailed description of the Roma population including its history and current status, possible causes of problems and theoretical solutions psychosocial differences. Practical work provides data on socially excluded Roma locality Chanov and especially local elementary school. The research study provides an interpretation which life values Roma children perceive as important and what attitude to their value orientation have teachers of elementary school Chanov. The results of interviews and questionnaires are compared with the conclusions of the studies mentioned in the theoretical part.

The dissertation entitled Art-educational contexts of music pedagogy in the innovation of primary education characterizes from the scientific point of view philosophy, psychology, music psychology, neurophysiology, pedagogy and music pedagogy the importance of music education for the development of human personality. It follows the stimuli of the new academic discipline of transdidactics and deducts it to the practical level of primary education, in the focus of which they are strong activating means of musical activity. Through authorial creation and the use of artistic inspirations, it aims at the synergy of musical activities with other aesthetic and educational disciplines, whose cooperation deepens emotional experience and develops a relationship with artistic and ethical values, leading to the discovery of beauty. Deepening experiences with artistic activities based on polyesthetics and integrativity enables quality communication of cognitive and emotional processes in the child's consciousness. They are deepening, which represents an irreplaceable influence on the improvement and development of the child's personal integration in a very important period of the beginning of schooling. Contemporary education can positively influence this process through transdidactics using polyesthetics and...