Tourism and the transformation of ritual practice with sand pagodas in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

2015 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ploysri Porananond
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Participant ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Chiang Mai ◽  
Traditional Beliefs ◽  
Northern Thailand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Sacred Spaces ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This study aims to examine the transformation process in traditional beliefs and practices in the use of sand in the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses historical and ethnographic methods to understand the transformation of the sand rituals in the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai. The historical approach is used to investigate the past ritual practices of the sand pagoda, while the ethnographic approach is used to gather evidence about the recent practices surrounding the construction and deployment of the sand pagoda; the historical and archival research for this study has also accessed material from newspapers and photographs. Because observation and interviews are major methods of ethnographic research, participant observation at the sand pagoda rituals in the Songkran Festival was conducted, as well as interviews with the relevant interest groups to collect data on the rituals and the recent changes in these practices. Findings – The transformation process in the traditional beliefs and practices surrounding the construction of sand pagodas in the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, is a result of the influence of tourism, the development of a market economy and the accompanying commoditisation process and secularisation and the decline of Buddhism in the local communities in Chiang Mai. Research limitations/implications – This study has implications for other religious practices which have become increasingly staged and reinvented in the process of tourism development. It only examines one among many other elements in the increasingly touristic secularisation of formerly religious beliefs and practices. Practical implications – The paper contributes to an expanding literature on the transformation of traditional rituals as a consequence of external factors, especially tourism promotion and the ways in which formerly sacred spaces and activities become commoditised. Originality/value – This is the first study which focuses on the transformation of practices surrounding sand pagodas in the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, in relation to the promotion of tourism, processes of commoditisation and the declining importance of Buddhism.

Three-dimensional sustainability of Kaizen

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Mendez ◽  
Mercedes Vila-Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
First Century ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Know How ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to know, from a three-dimensional perspective (operational, emotional and behavioral), the process of “putting down roots” related with the implementation of Kaizen until it becomes sustainable. The research aims to know how this “putting down roots” process is carried out, what transformations occur, what elements are involved and what role they represent in achieving sustainability. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a methodology based on the case study has been used, an interpretive approach to reality has been adopted as a paradigm and the Grounded Theory has been applied as an analytical technique. Findings The results suggest the existence of a transformation process that leads to creating new habits, beliefs and feelings, a phenomenon that the authors identify as a three-dimensional learning process (operational, emotional and behavioral). Practical implications This type of learning is perceived as a transition toward an organizational culture that ensures the roots of the Kaizen principles, which is essential for its sustainability and which favors the creation of talent and the well-being of employees, two challenges that the Kaizen of the twenty-first century must face. Originality/value The document includes innovative contributions to the Kaizen sustainability phenomenon, as it is dealt with from a three-dimensional perspective that underlies the inhibitors and enablers known in the current literature.

scholarly journals “Help goes around in a circle”: young unaccompanied refugees’ engagement in interpersonal relationships and its significance for resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-261
Author(s):  
Kristina Johansen ◽  
Ingunn Studsrød
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mutual Support ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Concern For Others ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address how young unaccompanied refugees in Norway actively engage in interpersonal relationships. It explores the significance of these relationships in doing well following adversity, according to the young people’s own perspectives. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a qualitative research design. Data were derived through a combination of participant observation, interviews and research workshops inspired by participatory methods. In total, 12 young unaccompanied refugees, aged 15–20, residing in Norway, participated in the study. Findings Participants described actively searching for help and support in order to do well. In addition, they showed concern for others and often described an explicit intention of helping. They engaged in relationships of mutual support and helped others through acts of kindness or social involvement. Nevertheless, the relationships were not only a source of happiness, safety and well-being, but also of pain and worry. Practical implications Social workers who want to strengthen the resilience of young unaccompanied refugees should consider and build on the young people’s capacity for involvement and mutual support. Originality/value This study offers a unique analysis of young unaccompanied refugees’ engagement in relationships and the significance of these relationships in doing well following adversity.

Coimbra as a literary tourism destination: landscapes of literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sílvia Quinteiro ◽  
Vivina Carreira ◽  
Alexandra Rodrigues Gonçalves
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Left Bank ◽  
Tourism Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Literary Tourism ◽  
Tourist Flows ◽  
Literary Heritage ◽  
The City ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relevance of developing literary tourism in Coimbra. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory qualitative research identifies existent resources and development potential of literary tourism. The instruments of data collection were bibliographic research, questionnaires, interviews and participant observation. Findings There are few literary tourism products in Coimbra, which contrasts with the number of literary places identified, namely, on the left bank of the River Mondego. Tourism development stakeholders in Coimbra have not paid enough attention to the emergence of literary tourism and the opportunities for the development of new sustainable cultural products related with it. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by the size and continual renewal of the corpus, which implies a constant updating of data regarding authors and texts. Practical implications This study will lead to the production of a database of Coimbra’s literary resources and a digital literary map, allowing any citizen or entity to design and implement literary tourism products. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study reviewing the potential of Coimbra as a literary tourism destination. Moreover, it discusses literary heritage as a source of products and experiences to foster more balanced tourist flows throughout the city.

Making culture visible: reflections on corporate ethnography

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Laure Fayard ◽  
John Van Maanen
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Multinational Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Written Text ◽  
Emic And Etic ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe and reflect on the experience as corporate ethnographers working in (and for) a large, multinational company with a remit to study and articulate “the culture of the firm.” Design/methodology/approach – The research relied heavily on interviews and some (participant) observation carried out periodically – in North America, Europe and Asia – over an eight-year period. Findings – The authors discuss how the studies were produced, received, and occasionally acted on in the firm and the realization over time of the performativity of the work as both expressive and constitutive of firm’s culture. Research limitations/implications – The increasing entanglement in the organization raises questions regarding emic and etic perspectives and the possibility (or impossibility) of “enduring detachment” or “going native” and the associated, often unintended consequences of being both outsiders and insiders. Practical implications – The authors start with the premise that ethnography is about producing a written text and conclude by arguing that ethnography is not fully realized until the writing is read. Social implications – The ethnographic reports, when read by those in the company, made visible a version of Trifecta culture that was interpreted, framed and otherwise responded to in multiple ways by members of the organization. Originality/value – Corporate ethnography is a growing pursuit undertaken by those inside and outside firms. This paper focusses on how and in what ways corporate ethnography sponsored by and written for those in the company shifts the positioning of the ethnographer in the field, the kinds of texts they produce, and the meanings that readers take away from such texts.

Sexual risk behaviours and HIV knowledge and beliefs of Shan migrants from Myanmar living with HIV in Chiang Mai, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-556
Author(s):  
Amporn Jirattikorn ◽  
Arunrat Tangmunkongvorakul ◽  
Patou Masika Musumari ◽  
Arratee Ayuttacorn ◽  
Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Chiang Mai ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Northern Thailand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
Living With Hiv

Purpose For decades, northern Thailand has been a hub for migration in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, particularly for migrants from Myanmar. HIV prevalence among Myanmar/Burmese migrants is higher than in the general Thai population. This study aims to focus on Shan migrants living with HIV in Chiang Mai, the metropolitan centre of northern Thailand and to examine two related aspects: migrants’ sexual risk behaviour and their HIV knowledge and beliefs. The study aims to understand circumstances in which mobility increases HIV risk behaviour and prevalence. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative study, the authors conducted in-depth interviews in 2017 with 43 HIV-infected Shan migrants (21 males and 22 females), and 29 health-care providers who work in district hospitals in Chiang Mai. Findings The authors found that social and economic vulnerability associated with migration, and AIDS-related mortality, increased migrants’ likelihood of having multiple serial partners. Confusion about HIV symptoms, stigmatization of HIV positive women and low risk perceptions, particularly among men, increased their risk behaviours. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to study the way of life, sexual behaviour and HIV knowledge and beliefs of Shan Migrants from Myanmar Living with HIV in Thailand.

Development of a sustainable brand identity model: fostering the implementation of SDGs in the Brazilian power sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Cristina Ferreira Caldana ◽  
Marina Lourenção ◽  
Caroline Krüger ◽  
Adriana Fiorani Pennabel ◽  
Neusa Maria Bastos Fernandes dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Identity Management ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Brand Identity ◽  
Marketing Theory ◽  
Power Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Identity Model ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to develop a sustainable brand identity model to help organizations align their managerial practices to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and examine its applicability for a Brazilian electrical sector company.Design/methodology/approachA systematic qualitative review of the literature was carried out to provide a theoretical basis for the attributes chosen to compose the sustainable brand identity management (SBIM) model. To apply the model, the authors collected the data from internal and public domain documents, semi-structured in-depth interviews and non-participant observation of the company's work environment.FindingsThe first SBIM model was developed. The Brazilian power sector company implemented sustainable actions related to most of the models' attributes, contributing to the SDGs. A research agenda was presented.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical contribution is provided toward brand identity and sustainability literature with the sustainable brand identity model development and the conceptual explanation regarding its attributes.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are provided from the model application to an electrical company leading to some managerial suggestions that might be used to companies willing to align their practices to sustainability.Originality/valueThe studies on SDG and brand identity models were analyzed in order to create the first SBIM model. This article extends the concept of the brand identity of marketing theory by linking its core to sustainability actions, so far not addressed in academic studies.

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.

scholarly journals How to scope configuration projects and manage the knowledge they require

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 982-1014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Shafiee ◽  
Katrin Kristjansdottir ◽  
Lars Hvam ◽  
Cipriano Forza
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domain Experts ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Knowledge Validation ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Standard Framework ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore the use of the knowledge management (KM) perspective for configuration projects. Configuration projects implement configurators as information technology systems that help companies manage the specification process of customised products. An effective method of retrieving and formalising knowledge for configurators is essential, because it can reduce the risk of unsuccessful implementation and the time and effort required for development. Unfortunately, no standard KM frameworks are available specifically for configuration projects. This study identifies the knowledge necessary for different phases of a configuration project (which knowledge, for what purpose and from what sources), examines how it is transformed during a configuration project (what KM activities and tools are used) and establishes how the knowledge can be documented for future maintenance and updates. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes a four-step framework for making the KM process more efficient in configuration projects. The framework is based on the literature, developed in collaboration with industrial partners and tested on four configuration projects in two engineering companies. The framework is a structured KM approach designed to save time for both domain experts and the configuration team. The authors have used a qualitative exploratory design based on multiple data sources: documentation, workshops and participant observation. Findings The proposed framework comprises four steps: determination of the system’s scope, to establish the project’s goal based on stakeholders’ requirements and prioritise the required products and processes; knowledge acquisition, to classify the knowledge according to the desired output and identify different knowledge sources; modelling and knowledge validation; and documentation and maintenance, to ensure that the KM system can be maintained and updated in the future. Research limitations/implications Because the framework is tested on a limited number of cases, its generalisability may be limited. However, focusing on a few case applications allows us to assess the effectiveness of the framework in detail and in depth to identify the practical challenges of applying it. The results of the tests support the framework’s validity. Although the framework is designed mainly for engineering companies, other industries could benefit from using it as well. Practical implications The individual steps of the framework create a structured approach for the KM process. Thus, the approach can save both time and resources for companies, without the need for additional investment. Originality/value A standard framework is lacking in the literature on KM for configuration projects. This study fills that gap by developing a KM framework for configuration projects, based on KM frameworks developed for IT projects, and KM tools.

scholarly journals Removing “invisible” barriers: opening paths towards the future of accessible tourism

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Cruces Portales
Keyword(s):  
Driving Forces ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Prestige ◽  
Planning Framework ◽  
The Future ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the analysis and grasp of accessible tourism, from its present into a medium-term future. It provides a socio-anthropological approach. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the scenarios-planning analysis framework proposing four scenarios arising from the interaction of aforementioned driving forces. The author also use a trilemma to both form and evaluate scenarios. The criteria for the trilemma were (stakeholders, cooperation and prejudice). Findings The strength of combining a new set of driving forces, namely, empathy, apathy, certainty in economic profits and fear of economic losses, which would enable to draw four plausible scenarios into the future of accessible tourism within a scenarios-planning framework. The significance is to provide “food for thought” to address the future through a range of different concepts. Research limitations/implications The main limitation is the difficulty to obtain honest answers about why the lack of development of accessible tourism. Practical implications Participant observation on both groups and individuals in vacation atmosphere. Also, in-depth interviews to different stakeholder representatives. Social implications To try to explain to the stakeholders their wasted economic benefits and, at the same time, the opportunity of getting social prestige. Originality/value The main value is about considering the interplay of social concepts as empathy, apathy, “aesthetic prejudice” and fear of losses or faith in profits.

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