Information grounds as a vehicle for social inclusion of domestic migrant workers in Israel

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 934-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Bronstein
Keyword(s):  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Information Behavior ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Migratory Movements ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Precarious Situation

Purpose Economic adversity, geopolitical, and climate crises leading to the lack of decent and sustainable work are resulting in growing and diverse migratory movements. The precarious situation of many migrant workers in their countries of employment results in a state of social exclusion due to a lack of access to relevant information sources. The purpose of this paper is to further the understanding of the information behavior of migrants by examining the role that La Escuelita, a Hebrew night school for domestic migrant workers in Israel, plays as an information ground helping migrants struggling with social exclusion. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used and data were collected using participation observation over a three-months period. Eight students at the school were interviewed using in-depth interviews. Findings La Escuelita served as a vehicle for social inclusion by providing valuable everyday information to the students in a caring environment. Information was shared in multiple directions between both the staff and the students and between the students. Language barriers were revealed as one of the main factors for social exclusion. Findings revealed that although the migrant workers who study at La Escuelita are information poor regarding their struggle for social inclusion into Israeli society, they wish to learn Hebrew as a way to overcome this exclusion. Originality/value Understanding the information behavior of marginalized populations is the first step into designing and implementing information services to help them toward social inclusion. This research presents an innovative contribution by examining the significance and roles of social connections in the setting of a unique information environment.

The creative minds of extraordinary pastry chefs: an integrated theory of aesthetic expressions – a portraiture study

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 3015-3034
Author(s):  
Kai-Sean Lee ◽  
Denise Blum ◽  
Li Miao ◽  
Stacy R. Tomas
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Aesthetic Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wassily Kandinsky ◽  
Integrated Theory ◽  
Theoretical View ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Material Artifacts ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose This paper aims to demystify the creative experiences of an extraordinary group of pastry chefs – The Malaysian World Pastry Team, champions of the 2019 World Pastry Cup. The authors adopted an expressionist theoretical lens informed by two aesthetic philosophers – John Dewey and Wassily Kandinsky. Design/methodology/approach A two-year portraiture was conducted – a qualitative methodology that draws features from phenomenology and narrative inquiry, rendering artistically and empirically written “portraits” that reflect themes and patterns of participants’ experiences. In-depth interviews, observations and material artifacts were collected amid a journey alongside nine extraordinary Malaysian pastry chefs. Findings Presented in story structures, the authors offer three “portraits” of culinary creativity, each representing a core essence of the creative phenomenon: creative harmony in the form of sensorial and symbolic poetry; imaginative episodes as a hypnotic state of inspiration and incubation; and the creative duality of scientific rationalism and artistic fashion. The authors delineated the intricacies of each theme by presenting them as individual narratives. Research limitations/implications The portraits indicated that culinary creativity reflects an organic and emancipating aesthetic experience that is unbounded by formative structures or sequential processes. This provides a novel theoretical view that moves beyond conventional studies’ capitalistic frameworks, and toward the intimate viewpoints of the chef-creators. Specific contributions are discussed. Originality/value Through a unique qualitative approach and an aesthetic theoretical framework, this study provided a novel perspective on the culinary creative process. The aesthetic view captures culinary creativity through the eyes of the creator, a viewpoint less considered, yet imperative to the culinary profession.

The role of compliance for organisational change

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 334-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Busse ◽  
Ufuk Doganer
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lively Debate ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Fuelled by the latest scandals at Siemens, VW or Walmart, there is a lively debate on the role of compliance and ethics programmes. Unlike large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) arguably tend to underestimate their significance and lag behind. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to shed light on the process of introducing compliance codes and its effects on employee acceptance and performance. Design/methodology/approach In line with the qualitative methodology, the authors conducted 12 in-depth interviews with German SME employees which the authors evaluated with the qualitative content analysis. Findings As for the major contribution, results indicate the emergence of a lack of understanding, anger, anxiety and operational performance losses – both at the individual and the corporate level – especially when employees feel uninvolved in the initial introduction stadium. Originality/value Practicing managers may benefit from the recommendation to facilitate staff involvement at earlier stages. As for theory advancement, the authors draw on Kotter’s (2007) long surviving “Eight Steps Change Management Model” and find significant support for shifting the spotlight of attention towards the first four phases. The authors discuss the original value of the research, admit limitations and illuminate some promising future research trajectories.

scholarly journals Interfunctional coordination: the role of digitalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 404-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
José L. Ruiz-Alba ◽  
Rodrigo Guesalaga ◽  
Raquel Ayestarán ◽  
Javier Morales Mediano
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Executives ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Negative Side Effects ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Integrated Study

Purpose This paper aims to investigate interfunctional coordination (IC) in a B2B context. More specifically, it explores the role of digitalization as a strategic driver for an effective IC. Design/methodology/approach Following a qualitative methodology, three studies have been integrated: Study 1 (focus group with 5 participants), Study 2 (31 in-depth interviews with top executives) and Study 3 (online focus group with 9 experts). Findings One finding is that digitalization is the main driver for IC and can be considered strategic. Other findings show that digitalization can enhance IC, but it was also found that digitalization can have negative side effects on IC. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of the importance of digitalization on IC and also contributes to the conceptualization of IC as a dynamic capability.

The impact of digital networking on the life of asylum seekers in Italy

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-263
Author(s):  
Magda Pischetola ◽  
Clio Sozzani
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Migration Flows ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
The Way

The article aims to investigate the relation between migration and digital technologies, in particular the way in which connectivity contributes to new forms of social inclusion. The study presented explores asylum seekers’ digital connections in relation to affective belonging, focusing on how social media enhance new forms of relationship between the homeland and host countries, as well as across migration flows. The research draws from the humanities and social sciences, proposing a qualitative methodology based on in-depth interviews with five migrants from the Middle East and Africa, who are hosted in a temporary camp for asylum seekers in Italy. It focuses on the way in which they remain connected to their home countries and how they try, at the same time, to create new relationships in the host country. The results outline how different forms of communication and digital networking impact on the migrants’ settling into new lives at the local and transnational level.

Core tensions in luxury wine marketing: the case of Burgundian wineries

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Thach ◽  
Steve Charters ◽  
Laurence Cogan-Marie
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Differentiation ◽  
Differentiation Factors ◽  
Luxury Marketing ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Theory Base

Purpose The purpose of this research study is to identify differentiation factors Burgundian wineries use to distinguish their brand, and to determine whether these methods align or conflict with luxury marketing differentiation attributes. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology of 23 in-depth interviews with various sized wineries, as well as Burgundy market experts, was used. In addition, document analysis of websites and marketing materials was carried out along with a comprehensive review of the luxury marketing literature. Findings Results show that Burgundian wineries have adopted some, but not all, of the luxury marketing differentiation attributes. Furthermore, there are a series of core tensions in the industry, including disagreement on using luxury marketing strategies. These findings contribute to the theory base in luxury wine marketing by illustrating how general luxury marketing attributes are used for wine brand differentiation. Originality/value This research is the first of its kind to investigate luxury marketing differentiation practices of Burgundy wineries. The results are relevant for new wineries in Burgundy, as well as those in different regions of the world who desire to emulate, and perhaps come close to achieving, some of the luxury price points that certain Burgundy wine producers achieve. The information is also useful to assist related industries, such as food and spirits, which struggle in implementing luxury marketing strategies.

Learning to lead from outsiders

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1262-1271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Kotlyar ◽  
Julia Richardson ◽  
Len Karakowsky
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Peer Coaching ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Leadership Development Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Coaching ◽  
Leadership Development Program ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose – An increasingly popular method of facilitating employee and leadership development is via a career community (Parker et al., 2004), where individuals self-organize to obtain career support. This study was driven by the following research question: how do external peer coaching groups – which are a form of career community – impact leadership development? The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a research study that examined one such career community focussed on providing peer coaching for managers in business organizations. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with participants who attended a leadership development program that was based on harnessing a career community for the purpose of peer coaching. The authors report the results of the study and its implications for leadership development programs. Design/methodology/approach – The authors chose a qualitative methodology to conduct this exploratory examination, where the authors conducted in-depth interviews with participants in a unique leadership development program which involved peer group coaching supplemented by one-on-one personal coaching. A key reason for adopting a qualitative methodology was that the authors were looking for a deeper understanding of interviewees’ perceptions and experiences regarding peer coaching. The first component of the leadership program involved eight peer coaching sessions over a 12-month period. Participants met in small, exclusive groups – typically in cohorts of seven to eight peers, but as many as 12 peers – every six weeks to discuss a variety of topics relevant to their jobs and stage of career and to provide each other with peer coaching and advice. Each group was comprised of people from different organizations. Sessions were led by a facilitator and lasted three hours each. The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 17 graduates of the program. The sample comprised 14 women and three men. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using thematic analysis (King, 2004) to identify the key themes in interviewees’ experiences of the respective program. Findings – Thematic interpretation of participants’ responses yielded the following four major themes: first, the value of a learning community; second, the utility of a formal approach to peer coaching; third, the value of diversity and “externality”; and fourth, the value of an open learning environment (each fully described in the manuscript). The study revealed that external peer coaching and personal coaching deliver distinct types of value as part of a complete leadership development program. Research limitations/implications – This was a case study and specific to one leadership development program. Consequently, the authors cannot necessarily generalize the findings. Practical implications – The findings draw critical attention to the major contribution that learning communities can make toward leadership development. Although many leadership development programs assume that “leadership” is best learned from top leaders (e.g. Presidents and CEOs), organizations can acquire unique benefits by leveraging the concept of peer coaching, which can produce substantial results by having managers at the same organizational level learn from each other. In addition, the study underscores the potential value of external sources of peer coaching and leader development. Organizations may further maximize such benefits by sending their mid and senior-level managers to external peer coaching programs, which can deliver unique value in addition to any internal leadership development initiatives. Social implications – This study underscores the need to better bridge the gap between two literatures – careers and leadership development. Career scholars explore the activities involved in developing careers (e.g. career communities) and leadership development scholars explore activities involved in developing leaders. This study demonstrates the value of integrating knowledge from both these literatures to suggest that learning communities can impact leadership development in significant and positive ways. Originality/value – This study makes a novel contribution to the literature addressing leadership development. It draws attention to the use of career communities for leadership development – an issue which has largely been ignored. In addition, while much of the extant research has focussed on either academic or student participants, the study focussed on business professionals. Few studies have examined the use of peers from outside organizations to serve as coaches for leadership development.

scholarly journals Afraid to leave the house: issues leading to social exclusion and loneliness for people with a learning disability

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 168-175
Author(s):  
Liz Tilly
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disability ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Barriers ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose Tackling social exclusion, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness, is an important current issue. People with a learning disability have a right to be full members of their communities, yet often experience social exclusion. Community connections play a key role in people developing reciprocal relationships. It is therefore important to know the barriers to full inclusion. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This paper builds on an inclusive research project exploring these issues (Mooney et al., 2019) and aims to place that study’s main findings in a broader academic, policy and practice context. Findings Whilst there is a wide range of literature about social exclusion, lack of friendships and loneliness experienced by people with a learning disability, there is a gap in knowledge regarding some of the specific social barriers that prevent wider social inclusion, and therefore opportunities to make and keep friends. Originality/value This paper relates the findings of an inclusive research project to the current literature. It identifies the social barriers that limit community involvement and draws on the experience of people with a learning disability to find possible ways forward.

Does Musharakah Mutanaqisah converge with Bai Bithamin Ajil and conventional loans?

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 740-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aghilasse Kashi ◽  
Azhar Mohamad
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Financial System ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose This study aims to examine the disputable Shari’ah and the technical issues underlying the implementation of the Musharakah Mutanaqisah partnership (MMP) model in home financing by Islamic banks in Malaysia. It assesses whether this much-lauded facility is in line with Shari’ah rules and whether it diverges from or converges to the Bay’ Bithaman Ajil (BBA) and conventional loan models. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative methodology based on in-depth interviews to achieve these objectives. Findings With regard to the issue of convergence, it is obvious from the interviewees’ perceptions that the MMP model is converging with the BBA and conventional housing loans. Originality/value Many factors were mentioned as the reasons for this convergence, with the most important being that Islamic banks are not operating in a fully fledged Islamic financial system, reducing the risk weightage and regulatory restrictions. As for Shari’ah compliance, controversy may result from the enhanced features that structure this facility. Though these enhanced features are Shari’ah compliant, it transforms the MMP model into a debt rather than a partnership contract.

Influence of social structures on transnational migration duration: the case of Vietnamese contract workers returning from Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Quynh Phuong ◽  
Sundar Venkatesh
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Transnational Migration ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Family Obligations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Contract Workers ◽  
Vietnamese Women ◽  
Internal Structures ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeLimited previous studies about Vietnamese returned migrant workers reviewed that a relatively high rate of migrants returned home before their contract ended. This paper aims to explore how the decisions to return were made under social lenses.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses data obtained through in-depth interviews of contract workers who had worked in Taiwan with a focus on Phu Tho province in Vietnam.FindingsThe authors followed O’Reilly’s (2012) adaption of Practice theory in migration research to examine a group of Vietnamese labour migrants returning from Taiwan. Under this theory, external and internal structures are the two divisions of the social environment. The authors identified external structures that might enable or constraint migrant’s mobility. When negotiating internal structures, Vietnamese women might end their contract early in response to family obligations.Originality/valueThe findings provide insights into how women make their decisions when to return, which may contribute to a better understanding of how to assist women engaged in transnational labour migration.

Brand ageing: an analysis from a Latin American perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Villegas ◽  
Ruben Guevara ◽  
Juan Esteban Escalante
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Time Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Endogenous Factors ◽  
Upper Management ◽  
American Perspective ◽  
Ageing Processes ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Acknowledging that brands age over time, this paper aims to investigate the exogenous and endogenous factors that influence this phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach The literature on brand ageing is scarce. Through a study of several Colombian organisations that have an international presence, the paper uses a grounded-theory qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews and documentary brand reviews over a longitudinal time dimension, to perform an analysis of specific aspects that affect brand ageing processes. Findings The results revealed that the factors that determine brand ageing can be classified into the following two subgroups: exogenous (conditions of the economic environment, category conditions, entrance of new competitors, ageing current consumers and entry of new consumers) and endogenous (organisational growth, upper management convictions, marketing structure, brand architecture, inappropriate naming and obsolete brand image) factors. Originality/value This research provides substantial academic value and insights that allow a better understanding of specific aspects that influence the brand ageing process.

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