Abstract:There is great potential for the implementation of physical-activity measures at the workplace, especially in smaller companies. The present paper describes the study protocol for evaluating an impact-model-based multicomponent intervention promoting physical activity at the workplace within a cross-company network. The evaluation is based on a logic model focusing on outputs and short-term outcomes for the purpose of physical-activity promotion, physical-activity-related health competence, and knowledge about… Show more
“…Within the project, participation in the cross-company network was not associated with any costs for the companies. A study protocol has been published [ 43 ], the trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (18/06/2020; DRKS00020956), and ethics approvals were received (German Sport University Cologne; reference numbers 120/2019 and 068/2020). Fig.…”
Background
In the field of health promotion, interorganisational networks are of growing relevance. However, systematic and target-oriented network management is of utmost importance for network development. The aim of this article is to report on the development of a cross-company network promoting physical activity, and to identify necessary activities and competencies for a systematic network management.
Methods
The network was systematically planned and implemented in a German technology park comprising different companies. To assess and describe the development of the network, quantitative social network analysis was conducted. To answer the question on the activities and competencies for systematic network development semi-structured interviews with participating stakeholders, and a focus group discussion with health promotion experts were conducted. The interviews were analysed deductively and inductively with the structuring content analysis method and the focus group discussion was analysed deductively by summarising key aspects of the discussion.
Results
Network metrics showed that the network became larger and denser during the planning phase, and stagnated during the implementation phase. As key facilitators for network development, participation of all stakeholders, a kick-off event, and the driving role of a network manager were identified. Necessary activities of the network manager were related to structural organisation, workplace health promotion offers, and cross-sectional tasks. The results suggested that not only professional and methodological competencies, but also social and self-competencies were required by the manager.
Conclusions
Our study provides initial guidance regarding the activities and required competencies of an interorganisational network manager. The results are of particular relevance for the context of workplace health promotion, since a network manager can be considered as a driving role for planning and implementing a cross-company network.
Trial registration
The study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00020956, 18/06/2020).
“…Within the project, participation in the cross-company network was not associated with any costs for the companies. A study protocol has been published [ 43 ], the trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (18/06/2020; DRKS00020956), and ethics approvals were received (German Sport University Cologne; reference numbers 120/2019 and 068/2020). Fig.…”
Background
In the field of health promotion, interorganisational networks are of growing relevance. However, systematic and target-oriented network management is of utmost importance for network development. The aim of this article is to report on the development of a cross-company network promoting physical activity, and to identify necessary activities and competencies for a systematic network management.
Methods
The network was systematically planned and implemented in a German technology park comprising different companies. To assess and describe the development of the network, quantitative social network analysis was conducted. To answer the question on the activities and competencies for systematic network development semi-structured interviews with participating stakeholders, and a focus group discussion with health promotion experts were conducted. The interviews were analysed deductively and inductively with the structuring content analysis method and the focus group discussion was analysed deductively by summarising key aspects of the discussion.
Results
Network metrics showed that the network became larger and denser during the planning phase, and stagnated during the implementation phase. As key facilitators for network development, participation of all stakeholders, a kick-off event, and the driving role of a network manager were identified. Necessary activities of the network manager were related to structural organisation, workplace health promotion offers, and cross-sectional tasks. The results suggested that not only professional and methodological competencies, but also social and self-competencies were required by the manager.
Conclusions
Our study provides initial guidance regarding the activities and required competencies of an interorganisational network manager. The results are of particular relevance for the context of workplace health promotion, since a network manager can be considered as a driving role for planning and implementing a cross-company network.
Trial registration
The study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00020956, 18/06/2020).
“…The present study was part of the model project “KomRueBer,” which aimed to conceive, implement, and evaluate a cross-company network offering a multi-component intervention promoting physical activity of employees in small- and medium-sized companies ( 50 , 51 ). The study was composed of two parts, with the first part focusing on the development of the cross-company network and a multicomponent intervention for promoting physical activity ( 50 ).…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The study was composed of two parts, with the first part focusing on the development of the cross-company network and a multicomponent intervention for promoting physical activity ( 50 ). Subsequently, the multicomponent intervention was implemented and evaluated, with the evaluation based on an impact model (logic model) and a focus on process evaluation ( 51 ). In Germany, the establishment of cross-company networks is an acknowledged approach to specifically support health promotion for employees in small companies ( 6 , 50 ).…”
IntroductionThe workplace is considered a promising setting for reaching physically inactive adults, but participation quotes in workplace health promotion (WHP) remain low. Regarding the low participation in WHP, the question emerges concerning the importance of health communication strategies. This paper presents the results from the evaluation of the communication strategy of a cross-company network for promoting physical activity and derives findings for the successful communication of measures.Materials and methodsQuantitative and qualitative data sources were used to evaluate the communication strategy. The methods applied included individual semi-structured interviews (n = 14) and the monitoring of the usage of digital communication channels.ResultsThe analysis revealed that the usage of the digital communication channels within this study was subjected to major fluctuations and a variety of factors must be considered when communicating physical activity measures in a cross-company network. It is important to engage in appropriate communication management that explicitly takes the interpersonal communication and the organizational circumstances into account.ConclusionThis study revealed which factors may have an influence on the successful communication of physical activity measures in the context of WHP in cross-company networks. Thus, it makes an important contribution to the transfer of science and practice as it captured relevant questions from the field of WHP.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS)-ID: DRKS00020956; Date of registration: 18 June 2020, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00020956.
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