The digital divide and social inclusion among refugee migrants

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 344-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khorshed Alam ◽  
Sophia Imran
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Australian Community ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Centre Piece ◽  
Physical Access ◽  
Migrant Groups

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which influence refugee migrants’ adoption of digital technology and its relevance to their social inclusion in Australia. Design/methodology/approach – This research developed a conceptual framework keeping the “use” of digital technology as the centre-piece of the digital divide. The empirical data were derived from a series of focus group discussions with refugee migrants in an Australian regional city, Toowoomba in Queensland. Findings – There is a digital divide among refugee migrant groups and it is based on inequalities in physical access to and use of digital technology, the skills necessary to use the different technologies effectively and the ability to pay for the services. The opportunities to use digital technology could support the social inclusion of refugee migrant groups in the broader Australian community. Research limitations/implications – Further research is required to examine whether this digital divide is unique in the regional context or common to Australian society and to confirm factors that might contribute significantly to refugee migrants’ social inclusion. Originality/value – This paper determined the role digital technology can play in building social capital and hence social inclusion among refugee migrant groups. Many of the factors identified as influencing refugee migrants’ use of digital technology can inform the Australian government and the information and communication technology industry in devising supportive policies and plans to reduce the risk of social exclusion, alienation and marginalisation among refugee migrant groups.

Digital inclusion

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald M. Baecker
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Rich

J. C. R. Licklider, Vannevar Bush, Doug Engelbart, Ted Nelson, and Alan Kay optimistically and exuberantly imagined how computers could better the lives of people. Much of this has come to pass. The Internet supports learning by ‘students’ at all levels. Information on laws, procedures, diseases, and medical care may be found on the web. The Internet now provides the easiest, or in some cases the only, way to pay bills or order items such as books, groceries, and even clothing. It is a means of communication with family, friends, individuals one would like to meet, individuals with whom one could share insights, and potential employers. Music, films, and other means of entertainment stream to our digital devices. This implies that those for whom digital technology is not available are at a disadvantage. The gap between the technology-haves and the technology-have-nots became known in the 1990s as a digital divide. The concept is nuanced; we can speak of availability or scarcity of hardware, such as personal computers (PCs) and mobile phones; of infrastructure such as cellular networks; of communications bandwidth that enables a smooth media viewing experience; of expertise in using the technology; of commitment to its use; and of engagement in the process. Some only consume information; others contribute their ideas via methods such as blogging and tweeting. Yet a better way to describe digital technology widely accessible is the goal of social inclusion, to allow all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, location, race, gender, or ability or disability, to take advantage of the benefits of modern computing and telecommunications. To have terminology that is even more evocative, we shall use the more modern and descriptive term of digital inclusion. This has been defined by the International Telecommunications Union as ‘empowering people through information and communication technologies (ICTs)’. The term ‘people’ is meant here to imply all people throughout the world. This chapter will first examine the digital divide between the haves and the have-nots (often the rich and the poor) within several nations. Examples of the benefits of digital inclusion will be cited.

scholarly journals From Digital Divide to Digital Inclusion and Beyond

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Nemer
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Inclusion ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Physical Access

This literature review examines how scholars approached issues around the digital divide and moves on to analyzing initiatives to use digital technology to decrease the inequalities that exist between groups of different socioeconomic backgrounds. The intention is to highlight some useful references that are relevant in addressing how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are used in different socioeconomic contexts. It presents references that follow several ideologies when approaching digital divide and digital inclusion. These ideologies go from providing physical access to a multifaceted approach of access that involves cognitive, economic, cultural and social factors, as well as differentiated uses of the internet.

Reconsidering the digital divide: an analytical framework from access to appropriation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Ai-Chi Loh ◽  
Arul Chib
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive Index ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Methodological Problems

PurposeThis paper presents a framework to measure the digital divide by considering a more comprehensive index of information and communication technology (ICT) predictors. The authors also address the conceptual and methodological problems in the digital divide field, given that its focus has been shifted from technological access to higher-order divides over the years. The proposed framework is hypothesized and tested in the context of unemployed and underemployed residents in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachThrough a quantitative survey, 302 unemployed and underemployed workers were asked what ICT “access”, “usage” and “appropriation” meant to them. Factor analyses were deployed to identify the underlying, granular dimensions of ICT access, usage and appropriation.FindingsThe factor analyses revealed an interesting breakdown of the main factors of ICT access, usage and appropriation. The authors found that one's purpose for which technology is accessed, used and appropriated determines how each of the levels of ICT assets is defined. Thus, the authors propose new operational definitions for ICT access, usage and appropriation based on the analyses.Originality/valueThis study aims to provide a more robust measure of the digital divide from access, capabilities to outcomes. The authors hope that this framework, besides complementing current digital divide models, can be applied to different types of participants.

The cooperation-competition interplay in the ICT industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilene Leite ◽  
Cecilia Pahlberg ◽  
Susanne Åberg
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Project Leader ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Marketing ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Industry

Purpose Building on a business network perspective, the paper addresses the following question: Why do firms move between cooperation and competition in the context of high-tech industry? Hence, the purpose of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the complex cooperation–competition interplay between actors in a business network. Design/methodology/approach A single case study within the information and communication technology industry is undertaken and illustrates the cooperation–competition interplay in projects of technology. Findings The authors discuss the implications of interdependence on relationship dynamics. The main argument is that business relationships survive despite periods of competition if interdependence is high. Thus, firms move between a state of cooperation and a state of competition within business relationships, rather than ending the relationships when starting to compete. Practical implications This study suggests that managers need to pay attention to how different degrees of interdependence lead firms to be embedded in cooperative or competitive forms of relationships. Originality/value The paper contributes to the ongoing debate about cooperation, competition and coopetition within international business and industrial marketing literature. An interesting aspect in the paper is the cooperation–competition interplay, which is associated with positioning. A centrally positioned actor will choose who to bring into the partnership, with positioning concomitantly changing from project to project. The willingness of being a central actor, i.e. a project leader, places traditional buyer–supplier partners in competition. Thus, cooperation and/or competition becomes contextual.

The Existential Significance of the Digital Divide for America's Historically Underserved Populations

2008 ◽  
pp. 3470-3483
Author(s):  
Lynette Kvasny
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Corporate Leaders ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Underserved Groups ◽  
Physical Access ◽  
The U.S

During the 1990s, the digital divide figured prominently in the discourses of academics, corporate leaders, educators, and policymakers worldwide. In the U.S., we witnessed a massive infusion of computers and Internet access in homes, schools, libraries, and other neighborhood institutions. This has significantly increased citizens’ physical access to information and communication technology (ICT) artifacts and has enhanced citizens’ opportunities for acquiring and strengthening technical skills. However, does increased physical access and technical skills signal closure of the digital divide? In this chapter, I address this question by describing the preconstructed ways in which the digital divide is conceptualized by academics and policymakers, and inferring what these conceptualizations suggest about the existential significance of the digital divide as experienced by historically underserved groups in the U.S.

scholarly journals From Digital Divide to Social Inclusion: A Tale of Mobile Platform Empowerment in Rural Areas

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 2424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisha Ye ◽  
Huiqin Yang
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Mobile Platform ◽  
The World ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

The digital divide in rural areas is an important social issue, especially in developing countries. Although Internet and broadband penetration have increased in the world generally, there are many obstacles for rural China to get access to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and its services. The mobile platform is regarded as a novel and effective tool to reduce the digital divide. Based on a case of one mobile platform, namely WeCountry in Chinese rural areas, this study illustrates how a mobile platform bridges the digital divide and helps rural areas achieve social inclusion. Results show that: (1) the mobile platform mainly acts on the digital capability divide elimination, and it has to guide and increase users’ usage capability; (2) the mobile platform can empower villagers in structural, psychological, and resource dimensions, achieving political inclusion, social participation inclusion, and economic inclusion; (3) platform providers and government are key organizations during the divide elimination process. This paper concludes with theoretical and practical implications.

The Growing Impact of ICT on Development in Africa

2019 ◽  
pp. 403-415
Author(s):  
Sherif H. Kamel
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Global Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Development Paths

Information and communication technology for development has been evolving for almost four decades, realizing business and socioeconomic development and growth and capitalizing on channels for information acquisition and knowledge dissemination allowing the creation of an emerging global knowledge-based society with innovative means of communication that can help increase competitiveness for individuals, organizations, and societies. ICT tools and applications could be used as an effective platform to minimize the digital divide and promote social inclusion. The transformation process enabled through ICT is affecting different aspects of the economy and is forcing governments to rethink the way they handle their socioeconomic challenges as they move forward in their development paths. This chapter addresses some of the initiatives in Africa to minimize the intra- and inter-digital divide and join actively the global knowledge society by capitalizing on emerging technologies but more importantly by focusing on human capital as the most invaluable element in the technology ecosystem.

Analysis of e‐inclusion projects in Russia, Austria and Switzerland

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Niehaves ◽  
Ralf Plattfaut ◽  
Elena Gorbacheva ◽  
Peter H. Vages
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Selection Of

PurposeThe issue of digital divide is widely discussed in research as well as in practice. Today, especially senior citizens are excluded from the merits of using information and communication technologies (ICT). This paper aims to study municipal projects for an inclusive information society in Russia, Austria, and Switzerland.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper 50 cities are selected from each country studied based on three variables. In each city, all age‐related e‐inclusion projects are analyzed to find commonalities and varieties.FindingsResults show that in all countries the projects share several commonalities. However, project ideas are not shared internationally.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the selection of countries and cities. Future research should compare the results of other countries.Practical implicationsDecision makers in municipalities should look for successful e‐inclusion projects in other areas, not only nationally but also internationally.Originality/valueThis paper presents a first comparative analysis of e‐inclusion projects in several European countries.

scholarly journals Digital oases and digital deserts in Sub-Saharan Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Wentrup ◽  
Patrik Ström ◽  
H. Richard Nakamura
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Online Service ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Service Usage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internet Firms ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate whether Sub-Saharan African countries are catching up with the rest of the world in terms of online usage. Online service usage is an important component of the discourse of the “digital divide”, an emblematic term for the inequality of information and communication technology access. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a quantitative analysis of internet and Facebook penetration coupled with economic strength (GDP/capita), literacy and degree of rural population. Findings – The findings reveal a heterogeneous pattern with a few African countries being digital oases and close to European levels, whereas the majority of the countries are still digital deserts. A strong correlation is found between economic strength and internet penetration. A generalist picture that Sub-Saharan is on the trajectory of closing the digital divide is an imprecise reflection of the reality. Research limitations/implications – It is argued that instead of measuring supply-side data, which has been the trend till now, the use of demand-side elements such as online service usage tells more about digital inequalities between countries. Practical implications – The research encourages internet firms to open up their eyes for Sub-Saharan Africa as an investment opportunity with an untapped gap of online usage. Social implications – The three-billion internet users on the planet are unevenly spread and under-represented in Africa. By drawing a heterogeneous online usage landscape, digital policy can be accurately steered toward countries with the largest needs. Originality/value – There is a paucity of research going into the depth of online usage in Africa. The paper is a contribution to fill that gap.

Exploring high-performance work processes in effective virtual teams

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 398-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Juliana De Bruyn
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Risk Managers ◽  
Process Alignment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to bridge the void in virtual teams’ (VTs) lived experiences on the high-performance work process theme by exploring process alignment best practices for the functioning of effective VTs in the software sector of the technology industry of South Africa. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, interpretivist case study was used to gain insight into the lived experiences of VT members. A purposive sample was selected, and data were collected through an electronic questionnaire and analysed by means of content analysis. Findings International literature corpus informed the process theme. Empirical evidence suggests that a value-driven work orientation to combat cybercrime linked with the pre-existence to specific architecture effectively contribute to the practice of VT expertise by delivering innovative new paths instead of aligning to traditional processes. Research limitations/implications The qualitative approach of this paper limits the replication possibilities beyond the information and communication technology (ICT) VTs who participated in the study. The themes, elements and the virtual nature of the study could be generalised across various technology-infused organisations in other VTs and within other knowledge working fields. Practical implications An exemplary questionnaire and method to obtain deep knowledge from the lived experiences of the virtually dispersed participants could be utilised for similar future studies. Social implications ICT software organisations trading on the African, within VT environments and South Africa, people practitioners and risk managers would benefit from the process alignment practices suggested in this study. Originality/value This paper complements seminal VT theorists, and presents suggestions towards a practical implementable novel framework for the implementation of VT processes alignment.

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