UK retailers and AIDS ‐ an exploratory study

McLean, Morag; Moore, Christopher

doi:10.1108/09590559710156071

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…The self‐declared ‘uncaring’ employers observed that welfare was ‘not a high priority’. Some respondents especially noted ‘a possible welfare hierarchy’ whereby the retailer's assistance to an individual would depend on the company's position on the subject, which is consistent with previous research by McLean and Moore 23 . In terms of actual practice, respondents were asked whether the company would consider offering employee assistance and if so, what type of assistance should be provided, if an employee contracted HIV/AIDS.…”

Section: Welfare/eapsupporting

confidence: 53%

“…Marchington and Wilkinson 22 relate that even when ‘best practice’ appears to be adopted, it is often implemented without clear and careful planning, and taken up as the latest fad or fashion, without considering how it might actually contribute to competitive advantage. The authors observed this phenomenon in a previous study 23 which identified that development of some retailers’ HIV/AIDS policies were in response to ‘public image concerns’ and more about ‘joining the Liz Taylor bandwagon’ than determining the practical implications of having such a policy.…”

Section: Hr Policymentioning

confidence: 89%

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Theory to practice: HIV/AIDS policies in operation within British retailing

McLean

Moore

2000

Journal of Consumer Studies & Home Economics

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Despite recent scientific advancements, Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a serious health issue for those involved in employee management. The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) has meant that increased numbers of HIV/AIDS infected workers are able to remain in employment, fully protected by this legislation. Because of the nature and characteristics of retail employment, it is suggested that retailers have an increased likelihood of encountering employees and/or customers with the disease, compared with most other industries. This paper examines one particular aspect of the challenge facing retailers, notably that of the ‘operationalization’ of their HIV/AIDS policies into practices, especially in terms of company selection rocesses, education and training, employee relations and employee assistance programmes. Data were collected from a number of leading retail companies,1 from which, important observations can be made with regard to retailers' attitudes towards employee welfare in general, and in relation to HIV/AIDS in particular. The research results indicate potential discrimination in terms of employee selection involving a significant number of major retailers, and little comprehensive education/training on HIV/AIDS occurring, despite evidence of disruptive behaviour by staff. In addition, the findings provide evidence that even major companies find it difficult to balance issues of employee welfare against the financial concerns of the organization, in terms of assisting affected employees.

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Section: Welfare/eapsupporting

confidence: 53%

Section: Hr Policymentioning

confidence: 89%

Theory to practice: HIV/AIDS policies in operation within British retailing

McLean

Moore

2000

Journal of Consumer Studies & Home Economics

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“…18 Marchington and Wilkinson 22 relate that even when 'best practice' appears to be adopted, it is often implemented without clear and careful planning, and taken up as the latest fad or fashion, without considering how it might actually contribute to competitive advantage. The authors observed this phenomenon in a previous study 23 which identified that development of some retailers' HIV/AIDS policies were in response to 'public image concerns' and more about 'joining the Liz Taylor bandwagon' than determining the practical implications of having such a policy.…”

Section: Hr Policymentioning

confidence: 89%

“…Some respondents especially noted 'a possible welfare hierarchy' whereby the retailer's assistance to an individual would depend on the company's position on the subject, which is consistent with previous research by McLean and Moore. 23 In terms of actual practice, respondents were asked whether the company would consider offering employee assistance and if so, what type of assistance should be provided, if an employee contracted HIV/AIDS. The results are shown in Table 3.…”

Section: Welfare/eapmentioning

confidence: 99%

Theory to practice: HIV/AIDS policies in operation within British retailing

McLean¹,

Moore²

2000

J Con Stud Home Econ

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Despite recent scientific advancements, Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a serious health issue for those involved in employee management. The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) has meant that increased numbers of HIV/AIDS infected workers are able to remain in employment, fully protected by this legislation. Because of the nature and characteristics of retail employment, it is suggested that retailers have an increased likelihood of encountering employees and/or customers with the disease, compared with most other industries. This paper examines one particular aspect of the challenge facing retailers, notably that of the 'operationalization' of their HIV/AIDS policies into practices, especially in terms of company selection rocesses, education and training, employee relations and employee assistance programmes. Data were collected from a number of leading retail companies, 1 from which, important observations can be made with regard to retailers' attitudes towards employee welfare in general, and in relation to HIV/AIDS in particular. The research results indicate potential discrimination in terms of employee selection involving a significant number of major retailers, and little comprehensive education/training on HIV/AIDS occurring, despite evidence of disruptive behaviour by staff. In addition, the findings provide evidence that even major companies find it difficult to balance issues of employee welfare against the financial concerns of the organization, in terms of assisting affected employees.

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We will not make a drama out of a health care crisis: an examination of UK retailers' HIV/AIDS policies

Moore

McLean

1998

Journal of Consumer Studies & Home Economics

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Described as the greatest health crisis to face mankind in the modern era, the threat of HIV and AIDS in the workforce provides important challenges for consumer businesses that seek to balance divergent public opinions with the need to provide adequately for the health care requirements of their workforce. This research, based upon a survey that included 42 of the UK's largest retailers, identifies the many issues surrounding the development of a credible business response to this health issue. The research findings suggest that many retailers have taken cognisance of customer feeling in their development of policies in this area and that in some instances the development of HIV/AIDS policies in respect of staff has had more to do with politically correct posturizing than a commitment to the welfare of staff.

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UK retailers and AIDS ‐ an exploratory study

Cited by 3 publications

References 5 publications

Theory to practice: HIV/AIDS policies in operation within British retailing

Theory to practice: HIV/AIDS policies in operation within British retailing

Theory to practice: HIV/AIDS policies in operation within British retailing

We will not make a drama out of a health care crisis: an examination of UK retailers' HIV/AIDS policies

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