scholarly journals Mitigating risk: mediating transition through the enactment of information literacy practices

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 1190-1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Practices ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the emergent grounded theory of mitigating risk, which was produced through an analysis of the information literacy practices of English-speakers who are learning a language overseas as part of their undergraduate degree.Design/methodology/approachThe grounded theory emerges from a qualitative study that was framed by practice theory and transitions theory, and employed constructivist grounded theory, semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation methods to explore the information activities of 26 language-learners from Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA.FindingsThe grounded theory of mitigating risk illustrates how academic, financial and physical risks that are produced through language-learner engagement overseas catalyse the enactment of information literacy practices that enable students to mediate their transition overseas.Research limitations/implicationsThis study’s theory-building is localised and contextual rather than generalisable.Practical implicationsThe grounded theory broadens librarians’ and language-educators’ knowledge of student activities during immersive educational experiences as well as extending understanding about the shape that information literacy takes within transition to a new intercultural context.Social implicationsThe grounded theory develops understanding about the role that local communities play within intercultural transition and how these groups can respond to and prepare for increasingly fluid patterns of global movement.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to an increasingly sophisticated theoretical conceptualisation of information literacy while further providing a detailed exploration of transition from an information perspective.

Moving beyond the descriptive

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Practices ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Literacy Research

Purpose Information literacy has been consistently undertheorised. The purpose of this paper is to contribute in the ongoing theorisation of information literacy by exploring the meaning and implications of the emergent grounded theory of mitigating risk for information literacy research and practice. Design/methodology/approach The grounded theory was produced through a qualitative study that was framed by practice theory and the theoretical constructs of cognitive authority and affordance, and employed constructivist grounded theory, semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation methods to explore the information literacy practices of language-learners overseas. Findings This paper provides a theoretically rich exploration of language-learner information literacy practices while further identifying the importance of time, affect and information creation within information literacy research and practice as well as the need for the continued theorisation of information literacy concepts. Research limitations/implications The paper’s constructivist grounded theorisation of information literacy remains localised and contextualised rather than generalisable. Practical implications The paper raises questions and points of reflection that may be used to inform the continued development of information literacy instruction and teaching practices. Originality/value This paper contributes to an increasingly sophisticated theoretical conceptualisation of information literacy as well as forming a basis for ongoing theoretical development in the field.

Organised crime goes online: realities and challenges

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Lavorgna
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Research Field ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internet Crime ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Police Records ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an empirically based description of how the Internet is exploited by different types of organised crime groups (OCGs), ranging from Italian mafia-style groups to looser gangs. Design/methodology/approach – The article relies on a dataset collected from mid-2011 to mid-2013 and, specifically, on semi-structured interviews to law enforcement officials and acknowledged experts in Italy, the UK, the USA and The Netherlands; judicial transcripts; police records; and media news. Findings – This article provides an account of the main scope for which the Internet has been used for various criminal activities traditionally associated with the organised crime rhetoric, first and foremost, cross-border trafficking activities. This study also discusses some current legal and policy approaches to deal with OCGs operating online. Originality/value – This contribution addresses an under-investigated research field and aims to foster a reflection on the opportunity to integrate Internet crime research, and even more Internet crime investigations, into the everyday routines of criminologists, analysts and law enforcement officers.

Saturation, acceleration and information pathologies: the conditions that influence the emergence of information literacy safeguarding practice in COVID-19-environments

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemaree Lloyd ◽  
Alison Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Practices ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Literacy Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Standard Information ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this second study into information literacy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic is to identify the conditions that influence the emergence of information literacy as a safeguarding practice.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research design comprised one to one in-depth interviews conducted virtually during the UK's second and third lockdown phase between November 2020 and February 2021. Data were coded and analysed by the researchers using constant comparative techniques.FindingsContinual exposure to information creates the “noisy” conditions that lead to saturation and the potential for “information pathologies” to act as a form of resistance. Participants alter their information practices by actively avoiding and resisting formal and informal sources of information. These reactive activities have implications for standard information literacy empowerment discourses.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is limited to the UK context.Practical implicationsFindings will be useful for librarians and researchers who are interested in the theorisation of information literacy as well as public health and information professionals tasked with designing long-term health promotion strategies.Social implicationsThis paper contributes to our understandings of the role that information literacy practices play within ongoing and long-term crises.Originality/valueThis paper develops research into the role of information literacy practice in times of crises and extends understanding related to the concept of empowerment, which forms a central idea within information literacy discourse.

The role of citizens in DRR planning exercises: when to inform or consult

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 209-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Kornakova ◽  
Alan March
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Participation Styles ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this research paper is to explore the role and effectiveness of particular participation styles that affect the effectiveness of urban planning being integrated with disaster risk reduction (DRR) practices. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted using a heuristic approach to the examination of urban planning and DRR practices focussing particularly upon citizens’ participation in four case studies internationally: the UK floods in 2007; Hurricane Katrina in the USA in 2005; wildfires of 2009 in Victoria, Australia; and Swiss avalanche prevention and preparedness. Desktop research was conducted to analyse cases and identify key findings, confirmed and augmented by interviews with relevant specialists in each country through semi-structured interviews. Findings The research reveals some similarities across all four cases studied. It appears that urban planning and DRR approaches, particularly those with a regulatory outcome and based on highly technical tests, are common. Further, it is apparent in the cases studied that circumstances where deeper technical knowledge and/or self-interest are strong factors, that informing and sometimes consulting styles are the most appropriate. While the scope of the paper means that this principle cannot be widely applied, there is a need to investigate these issues further. Research limitations/implications The heuristic and inductive nature of this research limits the potential for in-depth analyses of the case studies, but rather provides a base for future research in this area, which currently has limited literature. Originality/value This study provides a wide base for future research and partially addresses the gap in the literature on the topic of integration of urban planning and DRR with a focus on the community involvement in it.

scholarly journals Contextualising risk: the unfolding information work and practices of people during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemaree Lloyd ◽  
Alison Hicks
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Practices ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stable Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Information Work ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate people's information practices as the SARS-CoV-2 virus took hold in the UK. Of particular interest is how people transition into newly created pandemic information environments and the ways information literacy practices come into view.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research design comprised one-to-one in-depth interviews conducted virtually towards the end of the UK's first lockdown phase in May–July 2020. Data were coded and analysed by the researchers using constant comparative and situated analysis techniques.FindingsTransition into new pandemic information environments was shaped by an unfolding phase, an intensification phase and a stable phase. Information literacy emerged as a form of safeguarding as participants engaged in information activities designed to mitigate health, legal, financial and well-being risks produced by the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsTime constraints meant that the sample from the first phase of this study skewed female.Practical implicationsFindings establish foundational knowledge for public health and information professionals tasked with shaping public communication during times of crisis.Social implicationsThis paper contributes to understandings of the role that information and information literacy play within global and long-term crises.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to explore information practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evolution of international and Chinese anti-bribery and corruption compliance programs

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 437-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Schonfelder ◽  
S. Ramakrishna Velamuri ◽  
Wilson Liu
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Compliance Programs ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
High Level

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the regulatory framework in China and the extent to which Chinese multinationals have implemented and disclosed their anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) compliance practices. This is done against the backdrop of the evolving international ABC compliance standards. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on detailed reviews of the ABC compliance standards of international organizations; legislation passed by the USA, the UK and Chinese Governments; seven semi-structured interviews with leading experts in the field; and comparisons of ABC program disclosures of four Chinese with four best-in-class western multinational corporations. Findings A high level of convergence was found in the ABC standards published by the international organizations. Several positive features were found in the Chinese ABC regulatory frameworks but our findings indicate that there is minimal disclosure around ABC compliance program practices. This paper shows that a transparent disclosure would represent an easy win for Chinese multinational corporations and contribute to raising their reputations internationally. Research limitations/implications While there are numerous studies in the law literature on ABC compliance standards and the extent to which they are effective in achieving their objectives, this is an emergent area in management research, to which our study makes a contribution. Future research could explore how other emerging economies are tackling this important issue. Practical implications By proactively adopting ABC compliance practices, corporations can seize the ethical high ground and build solid reputations with their stakeholders. Originality/value It is believed that this study is the first academic study that compares Chinese and international ABC standards.

scholarly journals Talent management and retention strategies in luxury hotels: evidence from four countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 3855-3878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelia Marinakou ◽  
Charalampos Giousmpasoglou
Keyword(s):  
Succession Planning ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Retention Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Luxury Hotels ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Talent Retention ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a definition of talent and talent management in the luxury hotel sector with a focus on talent retention strategies. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used and 27 face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers in luxury hotels in four countries (the USA, the UK, Australia and Greece). Findings Talent refers to those who “go above and beyond”. Talent retention strategies in luxury hotels include a friendly, family-oriented and open access culture, teamwork, compensation, succession planning and training and development. A hybrid exclusive and inclusive approach to talent management (TM) is proposed with the implicit engagement of the individuals. Practical implications Luxury hotels should choose TM practices that fit the organizational culture with a focus on retention strategies that are tailor-made to the individual or groups of individuals. Opportunities to progress, succession planning and employee participation to TM are valued in the industry. Originality/value This study provides findings from empirical comparative research conducted in four different countries, whereas most published work on TM focuses on bibliographic reviews. It provides a conceptualization of talent and TM. This study frames the nature of TM in hotels and advances the knowledge of talent retention strategies found to be effective in hospitality.

Cross-cultural professional experiences of female expatriates

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tami France ◽  
Lize Booysen ◽  
Carol Baron
Keyword(s):  
Mainland China ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cultural Leadership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Experiences ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk

Purpose In this world of global interconnectedness, women continue to develop cross-cultural careers and their experiences impact global scholarship and practice. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships, resources and characteristics that support female expatriate success, with specific focus on the role of mentor/coach relationships. The sample included 102 women from the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK working or formerly working in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan. Design/methodology/approach This three phase sequential mixed-methods exploratory research study included 10 one-on-one semi-structured interviews, 102 survey respondents and 3 facilitated focus groups attended by nine professional women. Findings This research offers evidence that resiliency-based characteristics must be cultivated and developed to support expatriate cross-cultural success. These characteristics can be cultivated through relying on multiple relationships, such as mentors, coaches, host country liaisons, expatriate colleagues, friends and family as well as by supporting and mentoring others. These characteristics can also be developed through specific cultural experiences, knowledge and skill building resources, as well as developing an informed view of self and identity clarity through reflective activities. Originality/value Based on the overall findings, a cross-cultural professional success model was designed and implications for scholarship, organizational effectiveness and cross-cultural leadership practice are presented.

scholarly journals Young children’s information-seeking practices in center-based childcare

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062096216
Author(s):  
Sarah Barriage
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Concept Of Information ◽  
Classroom Resources

Many children in the USA spend a significant amount of time in center-based childcare. However, research has yet to explore their information practices in this setting. This study investigates young children’s perceptions of the concept of information and their own information-seeking practices within the context of their day care classroom. The participants included 13 children between three and five years of age. Data was collected using participant observation, semi-structured interviews, child-led photo tours, and photo-elicitation interviews. The findings indicate that the children did not perceive the concept of information in a manner consistent with adult understandings of the term, and that they engaged in information-seeking related to finding out new things on their own, through interactions with others, and through classroom resources, activities, and routines. The findings have implications for both researchers and practitioners working with young children.

“There is still a perception that homelessness is a housing problem”: devolution, homelessness and health in the UK

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Whiteford ◽  
Glenn Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Issue Salience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Comparative Policy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an exploratory account of the links between devolution, homelessness and health in the UK. Specifically, it focusses on the policy context and governance structures that shape the systems of healthcare for homeless people in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach Empirically the paper draws on semi-structured interviews with a small sample of policy and practice actors from the devolved territories. Qualitative interviews were supplemented by a comparative policy analysis of the homelessness and health agenda within the devolved regions. Theoretically, it takes inspiration from Chaney’s concept of the “issue salience of homelessness” and explores the comparative character of healthcare as pertains to homeless people across the devolved territories. Findings The paper provides clear evidence of areas of divergence and convergence in policy and practice between the devolved regions. These features are shown to be strongly mediated by the interplay of two factors: first, the scope and scale of national and local homelessness prevention strategies; and second, intra-national variation in public health responses to homelessness. Originality/value The paper offers considerable insight from a comparative policy perspective into the nature of healthcare provision for homeless people in the devolved regions.

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