Food for thought on eating while meeting virtually.

This study examines observers' perceptions of employees eating during virtual work meetings. Using a 2 × 3 experimental design, participants (N = 842) were randomly assigned to one of three eating conditions including no one eating, target eating, and everyone eating where they rated either a male or female target. While existing research has demonstrated positive consequences of sharing food in the traditional workplace, our findings demonstrate that individuals who eat during virtual work meetings are perceived as less professional, less competent, and less likely to experience career success. Observers' perceptions of the eater's professionalism are negatively impacted, regardless of whether the target is the only one eating or whether everyone is eating. We offer practical suggestions for HRM professionals working to help managers and employees understand the nuances of videoconferencing.

Virtual Work Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Good, Bad, and Ugly.

This study focuses on the good, the bad and the ugly of using videoconferencing for work-related meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a text mining process and qualitative content analysis of 549 comments posted to a LinkedIn online discussion board, we identified six key themes; three were tied to camera and microphone issues, two involved eating and meeting management issues, and one dealt with work-from-home issues. These themes are discussed in relationship to media naturalness theory and meeting science. Because widespread use of videoconferencing will likely continue, we provide guidance for workplace policies/practices and suggest directions for future research.

Physicians, patients, and Facebook: Could you? Would you? Should you?

This article investigates the opinions of physicians and patients regarding the use of Facebook to communicate with one another about health-related issues. We analyzed 290 comments posted on online discussion boards and found that most (51.7%) were opposed to physicians being Facebook "friends" with patients and many (42%) were opposed to physicians having any kind of Facebook presence. Some believed that health care organizations should have a social media policy and provide social media training. We conclude with suggestions for how health care administrators can provide assistance to physicians and effectively manage their social media presence.

Perceptions of service quality: what's fun got to do with it?

While incorporating fun into healthcare work environments to improve productivity, employee satisfaction, and patient satisfaction has been gaining attention since the release of the popular Fish! books (e.g., Lundin, Christensen, Paul, & Strand, 2002), no empirical research has been conducted examining customer/client reactions to witnessing the use of such fun activities. Using a 2 x 2 x 2 experimental scenario-based study, this research evaluated the impact of 3 independent variables (attentiveness to the customer, customer waiting time, and level of fun) on the dependent variables of perceived service quality and intent to return, refer, and complain.

Is fun for everyone? Personality differences in healthcare providers' attitudes toward fun.

This study examines the role of personality (the Big Five dimensions) in attitudes towards fun and levels of experienced fun in the healthcare environment. Our results show that extraversion and agreeableness were positively related to attitudes toward fun. Extraversion and emotional stability (low neuroticism) were positively related to the level of experienced fun. In general, our sample expressed positive attitudes regarding the appropriateness, salience, and consequences of having fun at work. Additionally, those who reported experiencing greater levels of workplace fun had significantly lower emotional exhaustion and emotional dissonance, as well as higher job satisfaction. Implications for healthcare institutions are discussed.