Screen Mediated Work in an Ethnography of Official Statistics

2021 ◽  
pp. 48-67
Author(s):  
Francisca Grommé
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Official Statistics ◽  
Organizational Processes ◽  
Research Traditions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Knowledge Practices ◽  
Digital Work

The omnipresence of screen mediated work has consequences for researchers interested in ethnographically observing digital work ‘in action’ in co-located, face-to-face, fieldwork. Researchers can encounter difficulties such as deciding how and when to observe the role of screens, and observing screen mediated work when figures and graphs appear briefly or out of view. Focussing on organizational knowledge practices, the chapter first discusses how we can conceptualize the roles of screens in digital work by reviewing five ethnographic research traditions: (1) symbolic interactionism; (2) ethnomethodology; (3) panoptic theories of power; (4) actor-network theories; (5) sociomateriality in organizational processes. Next, the chapter considers how to practically study screen mediated work via an ethnographic research project in a statistical office. On the basis of this project, we can distinguish five ‘small m’ methodological positions for conducting fieldwork in screen mediated workspaces, illustrating how ‘screen demonstration interviews’ and (participant) observation are conducted.

The collective consumption network

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Närvänen ◽  
Evert Gummesson ◽  
Hannu Kuusela
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Weak Links ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Heterogeneous Consumption

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a network perspective to the study of collective consumption. The authors examine the characteristics of heterogeneous consumption collectives formed around a Finnish footwear brand. The case is both theoretically and practically relevant. It differs from previous research by featuring consumer grassroot activities, face-to-face interaction and strong pre-existing social relationships. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative case study research was conducted with different methods of data generation including interviews, participant observation and cultural materials such as newspaper articles and photos. Findings – A new concept of collective consumption network is introduced. Five kinds of consumption collectives are identified, including place focussed, brand focussed, activity focussed, idea focussed and social relations focussed consumption collectives. The strength of ties as well as the role of the brand varies within the collectives. Practical implications – Suppliers should find an appropriate network position, where they can enable and support shared value creation. Developing skills to identify and cultivate weak links as well as mobilize resources are important. Originality/value – The findings illustrate the heterogeneity and complexity of collective consumption. In particular, the paper discusses the way self-organizing and emergent consumption collectives and the supplier interact and integrate resources within the network.

scholarly journals The Role of Territorially Embedded Innovation Ecosystems Accelerating Sustainability Transformations: A Case Study of the Transformation to Organic Wine Production in Tuscany (Italy)

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 4621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Chaminade ◽  
Filippo Randelli
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Wine Production ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Earth Systems ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Organic Wine ◽  
Rapid Transformation

Over the last few years, there has been a growing concern among academics and practitioners about the slow pace in which sustainability transformations unfold. While most socio-technical transformations tend to happen over extended periods, research shows that unless some dramatic changes are introduced, we are risking damaging the critical earth systems that sustain human life. In this context, understanding why and how transformations happen at a much faster pace in certain places than in others is of crucial importance. This paper investigates the rapid transformation of Panzano, from traditional wine production to organically produced wine. Using a combination of document analysis, participant observation, and face to face interviews in Panzano in 2019, this article examines the role of the territorially embedded innovation ecosystems facilitating this fast transformation. The study looks at place based-structural preconditions and different forms of agency at different stages in the transformation. Our findings illustrate that a place-based agency is paramount for accelerating sustainability transformations.

Sufi Shrine as Space of Hegemonic Struggle in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seemab Zahra ◽  
Muhammad Bilal ◽  
Shafia Azam
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Power Struggle ◽  
Popular Belief ◽  
Educational Backgrounds ◽  
The Status ◽  
Males And Females

In the post-9/11 period, while the rise of the Taliban and their alliance with Al-Qaeda accelerated radicalism in Pakistan, Sufism and Sufi shrines have been awarded the status of an antidote to counter the extremist propensities of orthodox Islam typically associated with mosques and madrasas. Nevertheless, contrary to popular belief, sectarian schism, loathing and violence have also been witnessed at several Sufi shrines across Pakistan. The article explores the dynamics of power struggle at the shrine of Bari Imam in Islamabad, Pakistan, while examining the role of sectarian conflicts and violence in achieving the desire for social and economic hegemony. Ethnographic research design was employed, involving participant observation while partaking in different activities of the shrine. Also, respondents including members of the Auqaf Department, pilgrims, caretaker(s) of the Bari Imam shrine and inhabitants of the area were interviewed. The respondents include both males and females of diverse age groups belonging to various socio-economic statuses, sectarian affiliation and educational backgrounds. The findings propose that regardless of the spiritual character of the Bari Imam shrine, it has become a pivot of economic and political power struggle, eventually engendering and escalating sectarian discord, violence and detestation.

scholarly journals Visions of the future: technology and imagination in Hungarian civil society

1970 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Wormald
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Future Technology ◽  
Anthropology Of Science ◽  
Village Community ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Geographically Dispersed

The question of ‘new’ methods in the anthropology of science and technology is perhaps better phrased as the need to improve our understanding of experiences—as both participants and observers—of these fields of enquiry. This paper is based on ethnographic research on the role of computers in Hungarian civil society at the Hungarian Telecottage Association (HTA), a movement seeking to promote locally-oriented technological development with the aim of empowering and improving the lives of local people. The members of this movement are geographically dispersed, each representing a telecottage in their own village community. They are united organizationally through a mixture of face-to-face and internet-based interaction.

Off the record: understanding the (latent) functions of documents in organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Langhof
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Institutional Ethnography ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Practices

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to suggest the usage of an approach based on sociological systems theory for exploring the (latent) functions of documents in organizations. The focus lies on the reconstruction of organizational knowledge practices required for the competent production and use of documents. Design/methodology/approach The argument is developed through a critical and integrating review of relevant literature as well as through the analysis of empirical data drawn from participant observation and ethnographic conversations in a multi-organizational, multi-site, and multi-event setting. Findings The essence of the paper is that a systems theoretical approach in the analysis of the production and use of documents in organizations yields new and startling insights into their (latent) functions for organizations compared to what document analysis and institutional ethnography can achieve. Originality/value The paper focuses on the contexts, situations, and the organizational knowledge practices necessary for the competent use of documents in organizations not on the document itself. Hence, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of the (latent) functions of documents for organizations compared to mere document analysis.

Mommy Knows?

2020 ◽  
pp. 139-158
Author(s):  
Madhurima Das
Keyword(s):  
Middle Class ◽  
Cultural Capital ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Economic Capital ◽  
Distinct Form ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Neoliberal India ◽  
Crisis Managers

Globalization and its imminent effect on education have received attention in recent years. Less widely acknowledged is the discussion of the role of middle-class mothers who are stuck amidst the changes in their children's education and future. With the aid of in-depth face-to-face interviews and extensive participant observation in Kolkata, this chapter examines how middle-class mothers resort to commercial solutions to help manage their crisis in a neoliberal India. The crisis managers in the form of “mom-schooling” agencies support and coach mothers to negotiate with the changing education system and parenting methods that have become highly Americanized. In this chapter, the author uses Bourdieu's theory of conversion of capital to argue that mothers in Kolkata are acting as “converters” of capital with the help of commercial mom-schools by converting economic capital to a distinct form of cultural capital that they transfer to their children for the latter's success in a global economy.

scholarly journals The perfect fit? Being both volunteer and ethnographer in a UK foodbank

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayleigh Garthwaite
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North East ◽  
Qualitative Understanding ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore both volunteer and ethnographer in a Trussell Trust foodbank in Stockton-on-Tees, North East England during a period of welfare reform and austerity. It shows how ethnographic researchers can develop a more effective qualitative understanding of foodbank use through volunteering. Design/methodology/approach – The methodological design was ethnographic both in terms of data collection and analysis. Volunteering and participant observation began in November 2013 and is ongoing. The data presented are derived from field notes of participant observations. Findings – Tensions are present when considering how best to write up ethnographic research when the researcher adopts a “volunteer ethnographer” role. The negotiation of relationships, practices, and emotions requires the researcher to appreciate the complex and “politicized” discourse surrounding foodbank use in order to report how the foodbank operates in an objective yet truly reflective way. Originality/value – There is an expanding research interest in the growth of foodbanks. This paper offers unique insights into the value and tensions of adopting the dual role of “volunteer ethnographer” when researching foodbank use in the UK.

Knowledge management in extended operations networks

2003 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 29-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Spring
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Spatial Proximity ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Knowledge Transfers ◽  
Dyadic Model

It is argued that existing literature on knowledge management fails to combine inter‐and intra‐organizational knowledge transfers and also neglects the role of spatial proximity in face‐to‐face transfers of tacit knowledge. A model is developed that captures these variables in a dyadic transfer situation, and short cases illustrate aspects of the model. Suggestions are made on how the dyadic model may be developed to apply to interactions in networks of more than two actors.

Granting the privilege to grunt: Reconceptualizing the perception of grunting in gyms

2021 ◽  
pp. 101269022110201
Author(s):  
Assaf Lev ◽  
Esther Hertzog
Keyword(s):  
Symbolic Interaction ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Voluntary Action ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Sociological Research ◽  
Social Phenomenon ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Socially Constructed ◽  
Interaction Approach

For many gym goers, grunting in times of bodily exertion is perceived as a voluntary performance, a self-evident expression for which they can waive any responsibility. Drawing on a symbolic interaction approach, this paper provides a novel examination of grunting as a social phenomenon. It demonstrates the role of grunting as a social symbol and its connection to social spaces and identities, gender norms, and power relations. The scope of sociological research on grunting in times of bodily exertion is relatively limited and often relegated to the context of biomedicine. Therefore, the contribution of this paper is to address the lacuna of research that focuses on the link between grunting as a socially constructed phenomenon and its sociocultural implications. Ethnographic research was conducted for 3 years in two gyms, using a combination of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Key findings illustrate three themes toward the role of grunting: grunting and socialization; grunting and space; and finally, grunting and situational adjustment. It is argued that grunting at the gym is socially constructed, a rational and voluntary action that is negotiated, controlled, and adjusted according to the situation.

Collection of Ego-Centered Network Data with Computer-Assisted Interviews

Methodology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Gerich ◽  
Roland Lehner
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methods ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Network Data ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Full Network

Although ego-centered network data provide information that is limited in various ways as compared with full network data, an ego-centered design can be used without the need for a priori and researcher-defined network borders. Moreover, ego-centered network data can be obtained with traditional survey methods. However, due to the dynamic structure of the questionnaires involved, a great effort is required on the part of either respondents (with self-administration) or interviewers (with face-to-face interviews). As an alternative, we will show the advantages of using CASI (computer-assisted self-administered interview) methods for the collection of ego-centered network data as applied in a study on the role of social networks in substance use among college students.

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