scholarly journals Mobilizing a pluralist theoretical approach to understand microlending digital platforms: the AfricaMC case

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric van Heck ◽  
Ana Clara Souza ◽  
Marlei Pozzebon ◽  
Maira Petrini
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Online Auction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Auction Models ◽  
Theoretical Approaches

Purpose This study aims to explore how a microlending digital platform connects social investors in developed countries and micro-entrepreneurs in Africa. However, additional research is necessary to discuss how online auction models are designed and implemented and how existing theories can explain their use in the so-called developing countries. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a single case study: an online auction model for microlending named AfricaMC. Two main methods collected empirical data, namely, online participant observation, i.e. real-time participation in the online auction market and in the forum of discussions, where the authors observed the processes of microlending transactions as registered members; analysis of online documents, by reviewing forum discussions, analyzing reports, blogs, chats and other materials. Findings The results suggest that using sociological and information systems theoretical lenses in a complementary manner could provide greater value than using economics. Originality/value The study makes two main contributions. First, it mobilizes a pluralist theoretical approach based on economic, sociological and information systems perspectives to improve the understanding of microlending digital platforms using online auction models. Second, it uses the understanding produced from data analysis of one particular African case to validate propositions derived from these three theoretical approaches that might be applied to other cases.

Shaping accountability at an NGO: a Bourdieusian perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 178-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjaya Chinthana Kuruppu ◽  
Sumit Lodhia
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Considerable Change ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fresh Perspective ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
External Forces

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of accountability as it relates to a non-governmental organisation (NGO) evolving through a period of considerable change in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth single case study of a large NGO working in Sri Lanka is presented. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with a range of NGO employees and stakeholders, undertaking participant and non-participant observation and document analysis. Findings This paper shows how accountability is a contested notion that is shaped by struggles among stakeholders within a field. The authors explore how the “widespread field” consisting of the aid context in Sri Lanka and internationally is rapidly shifting. This creates unique pressures within the “restricted field” of the case NGO and its constituents. These pressures are manifested in the contest between the different capitals held by various stakeholders to shape the NGO. The nature of access to these capitals is important in the way that the NGO is shaped by external forces, and also by the individuals within it. Research limitations/implications This study adds fresh perspective to the growing body of work in NGO accountability. The paper highlights the tensions NGOs face through a holistic application of a Bourdieusian conceptual framework. The authors show how the habitus of the organisation is shaped in such a way that conceptions of accountability were captured by powerful external and internal constituencies. Ultimately, the nature of an organisation’s agency is questioned. Practical implications The authors present a more nuanced understanding of forces which shape accountability in an NGO setting which is of practical relevance to NGOs and their stakeholders. The authors highlight the struggle for an NGO to maintain its agency through resisting external forces that impact on its operations. Originality/value This study presents a comprehensive and holistic application of Bourdieu’s concepts and their interactions in an organisational setting. The struggle to harness various forms of capital in the field, shapes doxa and the habitus of NGO actors, illuminating the role of symbolic violence in the creation of an organisational identity.

Knowledge co-creation in Open Innovation Digital Platforms: processes, tools and services

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1434-1447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tindara Abbate ◽  
Anna Paola Codini ◽  
Barbara Aquilani
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Innovation Intermediaries ◽  
Innovation Platform

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how Open Innovation Digital Platforms (OIDPs) can facilitate and support knowledge co-creation in Open Innovation (OI) processes. Specifically, it intends to investigate the contribution of OIDPs-oriented to successfully implement all the phases of interactive coupled OI processes. Design/methodology/approach The paper carries out an exploratory qualitative analysis, adopting the single case study method. The case here investigated is Open Innovation Platform Regione Lombardia (OIPRL). Findings The case study sheds light on how OIPRL supports knowledge co-creation through its processes, tools and services as a co-creator intermediary. In its launch stage, the platform simply aimed at giving firms a tool to “find partners” and financial resources to achieve innovative projects. Now, however, the platform has developed into an engagement platform for knowledge co-creation. Research limitations/implications One limitation lies in the particular perspective used to perform the case study: the perspective of the digital platform itself. Future research should focus on the individuals engaged in the platform to better investigate the processes, tools and services used to implement the OI approach. Practical implications The paper suggests ways in which OIDPs could be used by firms for effective exploration, acquisition, integration and development of valuable knowledge. Originality/value The study conceptualizes the role of OIDPs in shaping knowledge co-creation, assuming that the platforms act as Open Innovation Intermediaries (OIIs). Specifically, OIDPs can be observed to function as “co-creator intermediaries” that define, develop and implement dedicated processes, specific tools and appropriate services for supporting knowledge co-creation activities.

The role of individual adaptive practices for sustainable adaptation

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Wamsler ◽  
Ebba Brink
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Institutional Development ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the strategies used by Swedish citizens to adapt to changing climate variability and extremes. There is an increasing consensus that individual adaptive capacities are critical to successfully adapt to climate change and achieve sustainable development. However, little is known about individual adaptive practices, particularly in developed countries. Design/methodology/approach – The study covered a variety of geographical areas and included single-case studies of specific locations, cross-case studies and country-wide studies. Data were collected through literature review, interviews with at-risk people, observation and group discussions with municipal staff. Findings – The paper provides an overview of Swedish citizens’ adaptive practices and highlights how institutional development efforts affect individuals and their activities, including the equitable distribution of adaptation needs and resources. The paper concludes that individual adaptive capacities do not necessarily translate into adaptation. Practical implications – The results show that planned interventions are required. They emphasise the importance of more people-oriented adaptation planning that fosters the sustainable transformation of cities, together with the role that South-North knowledge transfer can play in this context. Originality/value – The paper offers critical insights into the positive and negative effects of citizens’ adaptation strategies (based on criteria such as effectiveness, sustainability and equity), and it discusses their relevance in the formulation of development policies and programmes.

scholarly journals Pubscape: innovation by design in the British pub

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 3018-3036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn Martin ◽  
Bob Jerrard ◽  
Lucy Wright
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Local Identity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Research ◽  
Public House ◽  
Brand Values ◽  
Single Case Research

Purpose The decline of the British public house (pub), well documented over the past three decades, is often linked to detrimental social and economic conditions in communities. The purpose of this study was to explore brewery responses to turbulent market conditions for the pub trade, with a focus on innovation through design. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal, qualitative study was conducted over 12 months, with 4 months of close participant observation within the company, to explore the experiences of a design team located within a medium-sized UK brewery. Findings The “pubscape” emerged, extending and augmenting earlier models of the “servicescape”, driven by an entrepreneurial shared vision recognising the importance of design and innovation in delivering the modern pub. Research limitations/implications A single case – one brewery – formed the basis for a longitudinal qualitative study, with the associated benefits and disadvantages typical of single case research in providing insights rather than measurable outcomes. Other cases and other research methods would allow testing of ideas, rather than exploration, and generate different perspectives. Practical implications The research indicates the value of adopting an entrepreneurial approach to address challenging trading conditions and shows the practical role that design can play in rethinking service offerings to fit consumer needs and aspirations. Originality/value New insights into modern pub management have emerged from this study, positioning design innovation as a route to delivering successful British destination pubs by innovating while retaining traditional brand values and local identity markers, using the “pubscape” as a specific way to envisage innovative servicescape environments.

Negotiating violence in family law mediation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaina Behounek ◽  
Michelle Hughes Miller
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediation Training ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
The Social ◽  
Ethnographic Data ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand mediation in divorce cases where intimate partner violence (IPV) is a concern. These cases may involve managing power imbalances, coercive control or risk for continued violence. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the authors use feminist and sociological theoretical approaches and grounded theory to analyze triangulated ethnographic data to explore how mediators construct and manage the issue of IPV in mediation. Findings The results indicate that mediators often share a common discourse about IPV that asserts that mediators are professionals with the skills to both identify IPV and to appropriately conduct mediations where IPV is present. However, to achieve successful mediations mediators sometimes choose to discount the seriousness of IPV in assessments. They also use a set of fluid strategies to handle potential power imbalances that allow them to represent themselves as unbiased, even while those strategies risk the equity of the mediation. Practical implications The authors share several strategies that could enhance the social justice of the process for all parties, including uniformity in assessing whether IPV is a concern and oversight of mediators’ practices and training. Social implications The results indicate mediators often share a common discourse about IPV that asserts mediators are professionals with the skills to identify IPV and to appropriately conduct mediations where IPV is present. To reach settlement mediators use a set of fluid mediation and accommodation strategies to handle potential power imbalances due to IPV that allow them to represent themselves as impartial, even while those strategies may risk equity in the mediation. Originality/value The unique data provide a behind-the-scenes look at mediation generated from participant observation of mediation training and actual mediations, along with interviews with 30 practicing mediators.

Rethinking dominant theories used in information systems field in the digital platform era

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-384
Author(s):  
Payam Hanafizadeh ◽  
Bayan Khosravi ◽  
Seyed Habibollah Tabatabaeian
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
User Interaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Digital Platform ◽  
Layered Architecture ◽  
Realistic View ◽  
Policy Objectives ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Selecting an appropriate theory has always remained a critical task for the digital policy researchers. The literature seems to miss providing theoretical accounts of policy view of the digital platforms governance and offering tools for measuring the effectiveness of policies. To this end, this paper aims to provide a critical review and comparison of dominant information systems (IS) theories used. It highlights the weaknesses of these theories to explain technology features and actor- technology interactions with the rising trend of digital platforms. The main argument of this research is that the policymakers will not have adequate tools for policymaking of digital platforms by following the assumptions of theories used dominantly in the IS field. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyzes the assumptions of dominant IS theories and their applications in the digital policy literature. Then, it shows to what extent these theories are incapable of conceptualizing features of technology and actors’ role in policymaking and governance of digital platforms. Findings This paper identifies three aspects of digital platforms, including layered architecture, multisided (“side” means “participants”) and user interaction based, that dominant IS theories have shortcomings in explaining them. Practical implications The findings of this research can help authorities to take a more realistic view in defining digital platform policy objectives and applying more appropriate tools in policy implementation. Originality/value Discussing insights into the shortcomings of theories helps to define the theoretical requirements for studying policymaking and governance of digital platforms. It also suggests opportunities and recommendations for future studies.

scholarly journals Sustainable public procurement: the Federal Public Institution’s shared system

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Cader Da Silva ◽  
Luciana Betiol ◽  
Teresa Villac ◽  
Raquel Nonato
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Collective Construction ◽  
Technology Resources ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report the experience of the Federal Public Institution with sustainable public procurement through the mechanism of shared acquisitions. Design/methodology/approach The analysis adopted a qualitative approach and an empirical investigation of MPF’s experience, based on a documentary research and participant observation. Findings The results allow the authors to demonstrate the economic, environmental and social advantages of the procurement made by MPF, thus granting to this new model of acquisition governance, the adherence to the organization’s institutional mission. Research limitations/implications This is a single case study. Practical implications It is a promising path that optimizes the institution’s use of its budgetary, human, logistical and information technology resources, focusing on the quality and sustainability of public biddings. Social implications The process of collective construction, improvement of knowledge management, standardization, procedural and scale economies, and the use of sustainability criteria are the main reasons for the implementation of the sustainable shared acquisitions system in the institution. Originality/value This is a development process of a new paradigm of procurement at MPF.

Off the record: understanding the (latent) functions of documents in organizations

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Langhof
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Institutional Ethnography ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Practices

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to suggest the usage of an approach based on sociological systems theory for exploring the (latent) functions of documents in organizations. The focus lies on the reconstruction of organizational knowledge practices required for the competent production and use of documents. Design/methodology/approach The argument is developed through a critical and integrating review of relevant literature as well as through the analysis of empirical data drawn from participant observation and ethnographic conversations in a multi-organizational, multi-site, and multi-event setting. Findings The essence of the paper is that a systems theoretical approach in the analysis of the production and use of documents in organizations yields new and startling insights into their (latent) functions for organizations compared to what document analysis and institutional ethnography can achieve. Originality/value The paper focuses on the contexts, situations, and the organizational knowledge practices necessary for the competent use of documents in organizations not on the document itself. Hence, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of the (latent) functions of documents for organizations compared to mere document analysis.

Women gig workers raise pressure for labour reform

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Population Ageing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Gig Economy ◽  
Technology Platforms ◽  
Care Economy ◽  
And Storage ◽  
New Jobs

Subject Women in the gig economy. Significance Work in the ‘gig economy’ relies on digital platforms to bring workers and purchasers of their services together. It has brought new jobs for women but also reinforced existing gender divides in the labour market, with more women, for example, in domestic work than in transport and storage sectors of the gig economy. Impacts The 'care economy' will grow considerably in developed countries due to population ageing and cuts in government funded services. Collective action among female gig workers in isolated domestic spheres will be difficult. Technology platforms themselves could become the forums through which gig workers organise for better working conditions.

Asset management the track towards quality documentation

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Edana Tyler
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Document Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Rail Network

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share the experience of the document discovery process, during the implementation of an asset management system for a rail company. This system will deliver comprehensive enterprise asset management information from a single source, with information provided to mobile devices, for use by field workers. This case study presents the challenges encountered in the search, retrieval and management of documentation for use on a daily basis for civil standard maintenance tasks. Design/methodology/approach Evidence gathered for this paper was a result of direct and participant observation over a period of 18 months from 2014 to 2016. As a member of the project team, certain privileges were accorded to the researcher who was placed in a unique position to act as the main research instrument, able to collect data on the systems used as well as the everyday practices on information capture and document production. Findings Document quality and standards can be overlooked or deemed as not crucial; the value, significance and importance of documentation are lost when no one takes ownership; the understanding and application of standards, quality management and governance can have a direct bearing on the effective management and control of documents and subsequent records produced. Research limitations/implications Research is limited, as this is a single case study. Practical implications By highlighting the challenges faced and the resolutions used, this paper hopes to offer a level of practical guidance with the detection process for maintenance tasks for the civil assets discipline for a rail network. Originality/value This case study contributes to the understanding of quality management and the role it plays in document management and in turn the search and retrieval process. It provides evidence that documents must be systematically managed and controlled to limit risk both internally and externally.

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