Ethical dilemmas and challenges in ethnographic migration research

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-291
Author(s):  
Martha Montero-Sieburth
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Migration Research ◽  
The Us

PurposeArgued is the need for: (1) a clearer interpretation of procedural ethics guidelines; (2) the identification and development of ethical field case study models which can be incorporated into university ethics teaching; (3) an understanding of the vulnerabilities of researchers and participants as reflected in the researchers' positionality and reflexivity and (4) ethnographic monitoring as a participant-friendly and participatory ethics methodology.Design/methodology/approachThis article, drawn from the author's four-decade trajectory of collective ethnographic research, addresses the ethical challenges and dilemmas encountered by researchers when conducting ethnographic research, particularly with vulnerable migrant women and youth.FindingsThe author addresses dilemmas in field research resulting from different interpretations of ethics and emphasizes the need for researchers to be critically aware of their own vulnerabilities and those of migrants to avoid unethical practices in validating the context(s), language(s), culture and political landscape of their study.Research limitations/implicationsThe author presents case studies from the US and the Netherlands, underlining her positionality and reflexivity and revisits Dell Hymes' ethnographic monitoring approach as a participant-friendly, bottom-up methodology which enables researchers to co-construct knowledge with participants and leads to participatory ethics.Practical implicationsShe presents case studies from the US and the Netherlands underlining her positionality and reflexivity and revisits Dell Hymes’ ethnographic monitoring approach as a participant-friendly, bottom up methodology which enables researchers to co-construct knowledge with participants and engage in participatory ethics.Social implicationsFinally, she proposes guidelines for the ethical conduct of research with migrant populations that contribute to the broader methodological debates currently taking place in qualitative migration research.Originality/valueExpected from this reading is the legacy that as a qualitative migration researcher one can after 4 decades of research leave behind as caveats and considerations in working with vulnerable migrants and the ethical dilemmas and challenges that need to be overcome.

Qualitative migration research ethics: a roadmap for migration scholars

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-279
Author(s):  
Ricard Zapata-Barrero ◽  
Evren Yalaz
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Ethics ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Codes Of Conduct ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Ethical Awareness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Migration Research ◽  
And Migration

PurposeThis article aims to set a roadmap for an ethical programme, which we call “qualitative migration research ethics” (QMRE). It is a scoping review that maps current ethical challenges that migration scholars often face and provide guidance, while acknowledging the fact that many researchers deal with ethical issues on a case-by-case basis.Design/methodology/approachBy connecting three lines of debates – ethics in social sciences, in qualitative research and in migration studies – this article addresses the following core questions: What are the particular ethical dilemmas in qualitative migration research (QMR)? How do migration researchers deal with these ethical dilemmas? What is the role of universal ethical codes of conduct and case-by-case ethical considerations in dealing with particular situations?FindingsThis review demonstrates that special aspects of migration research context, e.g. participants' mobility, potential vulnerability and migration as a politicized issue as well as the flexible and exploratory nature of qualitative research require particular ethical awareness that cannot be sufficiently addressed by standardized guidelines.Originality/valueIt proposes that efforts to raise ethical awareness must go beyond researchers' ethical confessions or blind adherence to pre-fixed guidance. Researchers must have critical “ethical radar” before, during and after their fieldwork; not only while working on extreme and vulnerable cases but also while doing all kind of research regardless of the level of vulnerability. Last but not least, this article claims the need for including critical ethical consciousness substantially in higher education programmes at the very beginning of the research career.

scholarly journals Ethical dilemmas in studying family consumption

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratna Khanijou ◽  
Daniela Pirani
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Family Meals ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emotional Challenges ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
The Family ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Family Consumption

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the types of ethical challenges and dilemmas researchers face when engaging in family consumption research. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from the concept of micro-ethics to bridge reflexivity with ethics in practice, the paper provides a reflexive account of the various ethical dilemmas encountered by two family consumption scholars during their fieldwork. Both researchers conducted qualitative research on family meals. Findings The paper reveals five types of ethical tensions that can arise when doing research on family consumption. These tensions are addressed as display, positioning, emotional, practical and consent dilemmas, all of which have ethical implications. The findings unpack these dilemmas, showing empirical and reflexive accounts of the researchers as they engage in ethics in practice. Solutions and practical strategies for dealing with these ethical tensions are provided. Originality/value Despite the growing interest in interpretive family research, there is less attention on the ethical and emotional challenges researchers face when entering the family consumption scape. As researching families involves entering an intimate area of participants’ lives, the field may be replete with tensions that may affect the researcher. This paper brings the concept of micro-ethics to family marketing literature, showing how researchers can do ethics in practice. The paper draws on reflexive accounts of two researchers’ personal experiences, showing their emotional, practical, positioning and display challenges. It also provides practical strategies for researchers to deal with dilemmas in the field.

Research through design for energy transition: two case studies in Germany and The Netherlands

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Stremke ◽  
Sören Schöbel
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Research Through Design ◽  
Landscape Transformations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to enlarge the body of knowledge on research through design (RtD) methods that can be employed by landscape architects and others working on (but not limited to) sustainable energy transition. Design/methodology/approach A specific approach to RtD – qualitative landscape structure analysis (QLSA) – is introduced and illustrated by means of diagrams and photographs. Two case studies showcase the application of QLSA for research on solar parks in the Netherlands and research on wind turbines in the Alpine foothills in Southern Germany. Findings The case studies show how RtD can help to define design principles for large solar parks and arrangement of wind turbines in particular landscape types in the Netherlands and Germany, respectively. In doing so, RtD can help to expand the breadth of spatial research beyond well-established methods such as multi-criteria decision analysis and environmental impact assessment. Originality/value The paper provides insights into contemporary RtD in two countries and affirms the importance of such research with regard to landscape transformations while starting to define a research niche for landscape architects and other environmental designers working on the topic of sustainable energy transition.

Changing China

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 25-27
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Military Deployment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Military ◽  
The Us ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The concept of “VUCA” – a commercial climate that has volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity – has its roots in the US military, where understanding such an environment helped with planning. For an ordered, regimented organization such as the armed forces, it was tempting to assume logic and form governed external society as well; however, this has rarely been the case in military deployment. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Regulating internet access in UK public libraries: legal compliance and ethical dilemmas

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrienne Muir ◽  
Rachel Spacey ◽  
Louise Cooke ◽  
Claire Creaser
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Obligations ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – This paper aims to consider selected results from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)-funded “Managing Access to the internet in Public Libraries” (MAIPLE) project, from 2012-2014. MAIPLE has explored the ways in which public library services manage use of the internet connections that they provide for the public. This included the how public library services balance their legal obligations and the needs of their communities in a public space and the ethical dilemmas that arise. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers used a mixed-method approach involving a review of the literature, legal analysis, a questionnaire survey and case studies in five public library authorities. Findings – UK public library services use a range of methods to regulate internet access. The research also confirms previous findings that filtering software is an ubiquitous tool for controlling access to and protecting library users from “inappropriate”, illegal and harmful internet content. There is a general, if sometimes reluctant, acceptance of filtering software as a practical tool by library staff, which seems to contrast with professional codes of ethics and attitudes in other countries. The research indicates that public library internet access will be a valued service for some time to come, but that some aspects of how public library services regulate internet access is currently managed can have socially undesirable consequences, including blocking legitimate sites and preventing users from accessing government services. Education could play a greater part in helping the general population to exercise judgement in selection of materials to view and use. This does not preclude implementing stricter controls to protect children, whilst allowing public libraries to continue providing a social good to those who are unable to otherwise participate in the digital age. Research limitations/implications – The response to the survey was 39 per cent meaning that findings may not apply across the whole of the UK. The findings of this study are compared with and supplemented by other quantitative sources, but a strength of this study is the depth of understanding afforded by the use of case studies. Originality/value – This paper provides both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of how internet access is managed in UK public libraries, including how library services fulfil their legal obligations and the ethical implications of how they balance their role in facilitating access to information with their perceived role as a safe and trusted environment for all members of their communities. The findings add to the international discussion on this issue and stimulate debate and policy making in the UK.

Innovation in China’s information and communications technology industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingzhi Li ◽  
Kai Reimers
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Government Policy ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Communications Technology ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Ict Industry

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the sources of innovation in the current business environment of China. With the set target of transforming China into an innovative society by 2020, the Chinese government has taken dramatic measures to foster the nation’s innovation capability. Whether this Chinese model of promoting innovation has been successful and can be sustainable are controversial issues which need to be analyzed from an academic perspective. In recent years, there have been successful cases of innovation driven by grassroots entrepreneurs, especially in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Therefore, it is time to analyze their success factors from the perspectives of both corporate strategy and government policy. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used in this research is a comparative case analysis, and several high-profile cases in China’s ICT industry have been selected for this comparative study. Information used in the analysis comes from publicly available sources such as business school case studies and industry and news media reports. The authors have been following the evolution of China’s ICT industry for more than a decade; insights from their prior research and knowledge gained through industry contacts are also used in the analysis. Findings – Generally speaking, the types of innovation in China’s ICT industry can be categorized into a top-down or a bottom-up approach. For the top-down approach of innovation driven by the government, the authors analyzed the case of the Chinese government’s effort to build an industry value chain through fostering the Chinese indigenous third-generation mobile communications standard time division–synchronous code division multiple access. In comparison, the authors use several success cases, including the ecosystem built around the highly successful XiaoMi mobile phone and Tencent’s mobile portal WeChat, as it showcases of the bottom-up approach of innovation driven by grassroots entrepreneurship. The comparison of these two approaches suggests that massive government-sponsored projects are unlikely to generate genuine innovation in the highly competitive and dynamic ICT sector. The government’s role should be to foster entrepreneurship and to create a fair business environment. Originality/value – This research uses the method of comparative case studies to identify the source of innovation in a highly dynamic and uncertain business environment. Findings of this study shed light on the government policy toward innovation in the ICT industry and on the business firms’ strategy on innovation.

US dock strike unlikely to be repeated

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Stoppage ◽  
Us Economy ◽  
Complete Work ◽  
The Us

Significance The slowdown led to extreme backlogs at the ports, which are responsible for about 45.0% of containerised cargo in the United States and goods representing 12.5% of GDP. Importers and exporters are concerned that the tactic of an economically-damaging slowdown or complete work stoppage may be repeated at the end of the contract, or at ports on the East or Gulf Coasts. Impacts The economic impact of the slowdown is calculated to have cost GDP one percentage point in the fourth quarter of 2014. State actions against unions will provide case studies for examining their impact on wage levels. The segmentation of the US economy has made low-income workers suited for greater unionisation. However, they are also most vulnerable to employer action and less able to withstand strikes.

scholarly journals Network orchestration: new role of business incubators?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Guilherme Rodrigues Antunes ◽  
Cleber Carvalho de Castro ◽  
Andrea Ap da Costa Mineiro
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Network Models ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Incubators ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Orchestration

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of incubators in the stages of formation and development of incubated business networks, especially in bottom-up and top-down network models. Design/methodology/approach The research is defined as qualitative and descriptive, with the application of multiple case studies, in which two networks of incubated businesses were investigated, one being top-down and the other bottom-up, which emerged within the incubation process of two business incubators (CIETEC and INCIT). To make the study operational, 11 semi-structured interviews were carried out and the thematic analysis of content was developed. Findings The results pointed out that in the top-down network the incubator performs a new assignment, the network orchestration, which corresponds to the actions of formation, coordination and governance of the group. In the bottom-up network, it was found that the role of the incubator was to expand the value offers usually practiced. Research limitations/implications As a limitation of the research, the very limitation of case studies is pointed out that is they do not allow for generalizations. Practical implications The research contributes to reflections on the effectiveness of the incubator and sheds light on the complementarity of networks in incubation processes, providing gains for incubators, incubated businesses and society. Originality/value The originality of this document is the new role of the incubator, which is orchestration, and its categorization. The results allow us to understand the effects of providing networks and relationships for incubated businesses. In addition, this study broadens the focus of traditional analyses of the incubator–incubated duo to consider the incubator–network–incubated trio.

scholarly journals Time to turn over the crown: a temporal narrative analysis of royal leadership succession

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-58
Author(s):  
Bram van Vulpen ◽  
Jorren Scherpenisse ◽  
Mark van Twist
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Leadership Succession ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Time ◽  
Turn Over ◽  
New Generation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to capture legitimising principles of recent successions to the throne through narrative time. Further, this study considers leaders’ sense-giving to succession. Design/methodology/approach This research applies a “temporal narrative analysis” to explicate legitimising principles of narrative time in three recent case studies of royal succession: the kingdoms of Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. Findings The findings show that royal successions in three modern European constitutional monarchies are legitimised through giving sense to narrative time. The legitimacy of timing succession is embedded in multiple temporal narratives, in which heirs apparent are brought forward as the new generation who will modernise the monarchy. Originality/value The paper presents an innovative conceptual framework of sense-giving to succession through narrative time. This framework will be helpful to scholars who aim to grasp legitimising principles of temporal narration in leadership succession.

scholarly journals Understanding immigration detention

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-142
Author(s):  
Lars Breuls
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Immigration Detention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emotional Challenges ◽  
Strongly Connected ◽  
Organisational Routines ◽  
Analytical Research

Purpose A reflexive ethnographic account of the practical and emotional challenges encountered by the researcher during fieldwork is too often separated from the analytical research results, which, as argued by this paper, downplays or even ignores the analytical value of the encountered challenges. Drawing on personal examples from ethnographic research in immigration detention, the purpose of this paper is to show that these challenges have an intrinsic analytical value. Design/methodology/approach Ethnographic research was carried out in two immigration detention centres in Belgium and one in the Netherlands. Observations, informal conversations with detainees and staff, and semi-structured interviews with detainees were triangulated. Extracts from fieldnotes are presented and discussed to demonstrate the analytical value of the challenges experienced during fieldwork. Findings Three important challenges are presented: distrust from organisational gatekeepers and research participants, disruptions of the organisational routines, and witnessing and experiencing feelings of powerlessness. The analytical value of these challenges is strongly connected to theoretical and analytical themes that emerged during the research. Originality/value Ethnographic researchers are encouraged to explicitly treat the reflexive accounts of practical and emotional challenges as “data in itself” and as such nested within their analytical results.

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