Just why do we need school libraries? Some ideas from students

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 140-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Kenneth Shenton
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
School Library ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pleasure Reading ◽  
Personal Interests ◽  
Frequency Counts ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The paper aims to explore the purposes of school libraries as they are viewed by teenagers attending a high school in northern England. Design/methodology/approach – The work is based on qualitative data contributed by 245 youngsters. Their material was coded inductively and frequency counts were generated in order to determine the balance of the data in relation to individual themes. Findings – Typically, the school library was understood as an area that made available books either for pleasure reading or academic purposes. No participant referred either to the work of librarians or to the value of libraries in enabling the user to find information in support of personal interests. Research limitations/implications – The research took place in only one school and it may well have been the case that many students who were apathetic towards school libraries simply declined the opportunity to participate in the work. Practical implications – Although the attitudes of the young people who contributed data were to an overwhelming degree constructive, key gaps were evident in their awareness of the potential of a school library. These are best rectified by managers developing their facility in such a way that it serves to demonstrate effectively to students the roles that the school library can play in a diversity of situations. Originality/value – Much of the published literature dealing with the purposes of school libraries and the prerequisites necessary to ensure their effectiveness pays little regard to the ideas of young people themselves. This paper goes some way towards remedying the deficiency.

Institutional repository: access and use by academic staff at Egerton University, Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 276-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicitas Ciabere Ratanya
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Institutional Repository ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Expected Benefits ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the access and use of the institutional repository (IR) among academic staff at Egerton University. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a description of the building and development of the IR at the Egerton university and describes expected benefits of the repository to the University and relevant stakeholders. A survey was conducted among 84 academic staff with an aim of examining their levels of awareness on the existence of the IR at the Egerton University and assess their access and use. Through a structured questionnaire both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Findings The study revealed that majority of the academic staff at the Egerton University are still not aware of the existence of the IR. Staff also faced challenges in accessing and using the content available. The paper provided suggestions on how best to enhance the access and utilization of the IRs among the academic staff. Practical implications From a practical point of view, the paper provides implications on the access and use of IRs by the academic staff. The paper points out some challenges faced by this group of users which other academic institutions may try to solve in their respective contexts. Originality/value Findings and discussions provided in the paper will pave way to solving the challenges faced in access and use of IR by the academic staff at the Egerton University.

scholarly journals Flesh-and-blood knowing

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo de Souza Bispo ◽  
Silvia Gherardi
Keyword(s):  
Social Action ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive Literature Review ◽  
Practice Based Research ◽  
New Research ◽  
Embodied Practice ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to offer a perspective to interpret qualitative data drawing on the introduction of the notion of “embodied practice-based research”. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a comprehensive literature review to support a meta-theoretical approach, we developed a theoretical essay. Findings The body is not only a field of studies but a mean of study as well. The embodied practice-based research is an inquiry style to access the tacit texture of social action and cognition. Practical implications Embodied practice-based research may impact qualitative researchers’ education and the way to report methodological proceedings and data report. Originality/value The core contribution of the paper is the introduction of a new research style able to change how researchers’ bodies may be used in qualitative management research.

Are you a spy? On the inconveniences of conventional methodology in terror wrap ethnography

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asif Iqbal Dawar
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
Process Approach ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the significance of contextually localized strategies and to engage researchers in critical reflection about the ethical dilemmas of researching in volatile situations.Design/methodology/approachBased on 14 months of research experience, the paper reflects on the challenges and difficulties in qualitative data collection through conventional methodology in dangerous fields.FindingsThe paper argues that conventional methodology and the established codes of ethics and their guidelines certainly provide a useful starting point but each dangerous setting requires different localized approaches whereas ethics need to be considered as a process approach.Practical implicationsThis paper not only suggests the significance of “intermittent interview method” and its effectivity but also the importance of “respondent pyramiding” and “mutual confidentiality” in a dangerous field.Originality/valueThe paper reflects on the original 14 months of ethnographic accounts which will add value to the existing literature on qualitative research in dangerously hazardous fields.

scholarly journals Public servants coping with competing demands on their agency in client relationships

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 595-611
Author(s):  
Tiina Tuominen ◽  
Mervi Hasu
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Servants ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Discursive Strategies ◽  
Client Relationships ◽  
Competing Demands ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Improve Service Quality ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper analyzes how public servants who work with young people discursively cope with competing demands on their agency, defined as their orientation toward and capabilities to influence their clients. Previous studies revealed how public servants treat their clients when facing competing demands but paid less attention to how public servants define their agency.Design/methodology/approachMicro-level discourse analysis is applied to analyze how public servants represent their agency in client relationships, drawing on interviews with nine individuals in a Finnish city who work with young people lacking jobs or school placements.FindingsInstead of describing their agency coherently, the interviewees applied several discourses to represent their agency differently in relation to different demands. This ability to navigate contradictory discourses is discussed as reflexive discursive coping strategy, which enables public servants to maintain a positive image of their agency despite tensions at work.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the method does not allow direct generalizations, it reveals discursive strategies likely to be found in many contemporary public organizations.Practical implicationsThe study indicates a need to better acknowledge and nurture the multifaceted nature of agency to improve service quality.Originality/valueThe findings deepen the view on tensions in public servants' work and show that diverse discourses not only create anxiety but also help individuals dealing with contradictory work.

Construct creation from research questions

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 1817-1838
Author(s):  
Sarah Forbes ◽  
Mark Avis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Methodological Problem ◽  
Ecological Validity ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Made In

Purpose Construct Creation (CC) is a methodological problem occurring when a research process, instead of measuring an extant construct in the participant’s mind, creates the construct. The purpose of this paper is to argue that CC derives from problems around ecologically invalid research and attitudinal responses developed on the spot, both resulting from self-generated validity. Design/methodology/approach A between-subjects design was used to explore whether the personification prime (PP), a component of brand personality (BP) methodology, influenced the CC of BP for rocks. Analysis of qualitative data on how participants made their BP ratings in the absence of a PP was also completed. Findings Findings revealed that a methodology can enable CC in the participant’s mind, despite the construct being ecologically invalid prior to them participating in the study. Analysis also revealed that participants will use varied, and sometimes elaborate, strategies to enable CC and provide researchers with the answers to their questions. Research limitations/implications Previous research has drawn attention to CC as a problem but the implications of prior research have so far been “sidestepped”. Consequently, this paper demonstrates CC and why it is a problem, while rebutting some arguments made in prior research for sidestepping CC. Practical implications CC is a potentially serious methodological problem that can result in invalid findings informing or misdirecting theory used by practitioners. As such, this paper proposes methods to ameliorate CC and improve ecological validity of future research. Originality/value This study will contribute to methodological literature by refocusing attention to the currently neglected problem of CC and by proposing a model of CC by participants.

Collectors behaving ethically: an emerging consumption constellation

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Yurchisin ◽  
Sara B. Marcketti
Keyword(s):  
Fair Trade ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Significant Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Predominantly Female ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Disadvantaged People

PurposeThis study aims to examine the characteristics of ethnographic textile collectors and compare them with the literature regarding fair trade consumers to explore the existence of a possible consumption constellation between collecting and fair trade purchasing.Design/methodology/approachPurposive sampling was used for the study as it maximized the attainment of significant information related to ethnographic textile collecting. Qualitative data from ethnographic textile collectors (n=12) were collected.FindingsResults suggested that collectors were interested in purchasing high quality, authentic products that expressed their identity and individuality. These are similarities shared with fair trade consumers. Furthermore, collectors' motives to help artisans overcome poverty were evident; a similar value guides fair trade purchasing.Research limitations/implicationsThe predominantly female sample of academics may not be representative of the average ethnographic textile collector.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the multiplicity of products and activities representative of one consumer group's lifestyle is beneficial to both for‐profit and non‐profit organizations in terms of product promotion or donation solicitation. The understanding of these consumers' lifestyle can, in turn, help marketers design and implement effective advertising and fundraising campaigns that improve the livelihood and wellbeing of excluded and disadvantaged people in developing countries.Originality/valueThe paper furthers the knowledge base and understanding of these different consumer segments by providing evidence of a consumption constellation between ethnographic textile collectors and fair trade consumers.

Understanding children’s non-disclosure of child sexual assault: implications for assisting parents and teachers to become effective guardians

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Marie Wager
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Adult Survivors ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Child Sexual Assault ◽  
Concern For Others ◽  
The Right ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine adult survivors’ of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) retrospective reflections on their motives for not disclosing their abuse. The aim was to identify factors that might facilitate early disclosure in order to both enhance the future safety of young people who have experienced sexual victimisation and to offer a means of reducing the numbers of future victims. Design/methodology/approach – This was a retrospective web-based, mixed-methods survey which was completed by 183 adult survivors of CSA. The data presented here is in relation to answers offered in response to an open-ended question which were thematically analysed. Findings – In all, 75 per cent of the survivors of CSA indicated that they had not told anyone of the abuse whilst they were a child. Analysis of the responses revealed five barriers to disclosure which included: a lack of opportunity, normality/ambiguity of the situation, embarrassment, concern for others and a sense of hopelessness. Additionally, some respondents highlighted implicit attempts to disclose and others reported later regret over non-disclosure. Practical implications – A timely disclosure of CSA, which is appropriately responded to, has the potential to reduce the risk for subsequent sexual exploitation/revictimisation, and to foreshorten the predations of offenders. To achieve this, responsible and trusted adults in the lives of children need to learn how to invite a genuine disclosure of CSA. Originality/value – This paper offers practical suggestions for parents and teachers on what signs indicate that an invitation might be warranted and for creating the right context for their invitation to be accepted.

Soul mates or odd couples? Alignment theory and HRD

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Gibb ◽  
Mhairi Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Test Validity ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Guiding Principle ◽  
Partial Alignment ◽  
Alternative Perspective ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to test and explore alignment theory as a guiding principle for human resource development (HRD) by performing an empirical study. HRD scholars, professionals and others have adopted or assumed alignment theory to help explain HRD effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – Constructs to measure an organisation’s strategic priorities and its HRD practices. A measure of HRD effectiveness was developed. A survey gathered data from 270 employees, managers and HRD staff in a sample of 76 organisations. Findings – The results show that HRD effectiveness does not vary with alignment as predicted. Forms of partial alignment, or the relations of an “odd couple”, are more strongly associated with HRD effectiveness than high alignment. Research limitations/implications – The use and integration of both normative measures (Likert scale) and ipsative measures (ranking) is necessary to capture alignment, but this limits the inferential statistics available to test validity and reliability. Qualitative data on case studies would be useful to explore alignment issues in context and depth. Practical implications – Stakeholders in organisations can use the “odd couple” interpretation of alignment as a fresh way to review and explore the opportunities and challenges of managing HRD effectiveness in an era where a narrowing and retrenchment of provisions is occurring and increasing. Originality/value – This study provides evidence which raises questions about alignment theory and policies intended to increase alignment. It suggests in the case of HRD, an alternative perspective that validates partial alignment can support effective HRD provisions.

Co-creating sustainable corporate brands: a consumer framing approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-461
Author(s):  
Sonja Lahtinen ◽  
Elina Närvänen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Corporate Brands ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore how consumers co-create sustainable corporate brands (SCBs) by framing brands with a newly adopted sustainability orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative data were generated from four focus groups consisting of altogether 25 Finnish millennial consumers. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the resulting themes were classified as different framings.FindingsThe findings indicate three ways of framing SCBs: as signs of corporate hypocrite, as threats that increase societal fragmentation and as signs of corporate enlightenment. These framings are based on two components: the perceived attributes and activities of the corporate brand.Practical implicationsThe role of corporate brands is expanding from the business sphere towards actively influencing society. Yet, sustainability activities can be risky if consumers, as primary stakeholders, deem them unacceptable, unethical or untrustworthy. This research supports brand managers to succeed in co-creating SCBs as contributors to societal and environmental well-being, at a time when multiple stakeholders consider this a worthwhile endeavour.Originality/valueThe theoretical contribution is twofold: firstly, the paper extends the sustainable corporate branding literature by demonstrating how SCBs are co-created through an interactive framing process between the corporation and primary stakeholders, and, secondly, it contributes to the constitutive approach to corporate social responsibility communication (CSRC) research by showing how millennial consumers frame corporate brands that communicate corporations' newly adopted sustainability orientation.

A viewpoint from the trenches

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sergius Koku
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Future ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to present the author’s viewpoint on the developments in the Journal of Services Marketing (JSM) during the past 25 years of his association with the Journal. The paper documents the evolution in the Journal, highlights significant changes and makes some prognostications for the future. Design/methodology/approach The paper relies on the first-hand account of the author, which is supplemented by limited qualitative data analysis that consists of analyzing keywords and the abstract of articles published in JSM during the past 25 years. Findings The first-hand account shows that JSM has undergone changes that reflect changes that have taken place in the field of marketing. The issues/topics of manuscripts submitted and published in the Journal have become interdisciplinary and so are the analytical techniques. This expanding scope of the Journal positions it well for the future in which collaborative research will be more pervasive in the academy. Research limitations/implications This is a first-hand account with limited data analysis and therefore could suffer from the writer’s biases even though they might be unintended. Practical implications This paper documents the expanding scope of the Journal that may have been the result of explicit steps taken to make the Journal more successful in the future. Originality/value As a first-hand account, this study is original.

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