Dispossessed, without place and face. The plight of elders

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Brannigan

Purpose Have we grown closer and closer apart? Imagine the plight of our elders. Their history is linked with their geography, where they lived, loved and labored. The purpose of this paper is to explore how, though they have earned their “place” in the world, a world now under the hegemony of accelerated time and blurring of distance, many of them feel displaced, “unseen” and irrelevant. Design/methodology/approach The paper’s methodology is in narrative structure, at times referring to contemporary philosophical and art sources. The author’s commentary addresses this loss of place and face for today’s elders within the context of our failure, in the USA and much of the West, to construct a consistent, coherent philosophy of life stages. Put simply, the thoroughly pragmatic and future-driven culture of youth and productivity assigns no intrinsic value to getting old. Findings Place unfolds in particularities – my place, our home, etc. – and is critically distinct from space. As we squeeze together time and space through worldviews and technologies, we have erased the importance of place. This poses unique problems for elders for whom place, in particular home, carries special meaning involving time and relationships. Originality/value For elders, in particular, meaning comes through lived, embodied experiences. The author argued that our embodied encounters enable moral meaningfulness, and that it is the face which is the centerpiece of such engagement. Face reveals a moral invitation to authentic person-to-person communication. And in light of this communication, understanding the importance of place and need for face-to-face interaction helps to ground us in our conversations with elders. With our seniors, for whom the greatest gift is our time and attention, it is not only what we say, but how we are with them, through our presence, that matters.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Ater ◽  
Christine Gimbar ◽  
J. Gregory Jenkins ◽  
Gabriel Saucedo ◽  
Nicole S. Wright

Purpose This paper aims to examine the perceptions of auditor roles on the workpaper review process in current audit practice. Specifically, the paper investigates how an auditor’s defined role leads to perceived differences in what initiates the workpaper review process, the preferred methods for performing reviews and the stylization or framing of communicated review comments. Design/methodology/approach A survey was administered in which practicing auditors were asked about workpaper review process prompts, methods and preferences. The survey was completed by 215 auditors from each of the Big 4 accounting firms and one additional international firm. The final data set consists of quantitative and qualitative responses from 25 audit partners, 33 senior managers, 30 managers, 75 in-charge auditors/seniors and 52 staff auditors. Findings Findings indicate reviewers and preparers differ in their perceptions of the review process based on their defined roles. First, reviewers and preparers differ in their perspectives on which factors initiate the review process. Second, the majority of reviewers and preparers prefer face-to-face communication when discussing review notes. Reviewers, however, are more likely to believe the face-to-face method is an effective way to discuss review notes and to facilitate learning, whereas preparers prefer the method primarily because it reduces back-and-forth communication. Finally, reviewers believe they predominantly provide conclusion-based review notes, whereas preparers perceive review notes as having both conclusion- and documentation-based messages. Research limitations/implications This paper advances the academic literature by providing a unique perspective on the review process. Instead of investigating a single staff level, it examines the workpaper review process on a broader scale. By obtaining views from professionals across all levels, this work intends to inspire future research directed at reconciling differences and filling gaps in the review process literature. The finding that reviewers and preparers engage in role conformity that leads to incongruent perceptions of the review process should encourage the consideration of mechanisms, with the potential to be tested experimentally, by which to reconcile the incongruities. Practical implications Results support recent regulator concerns that there are breakdowns in the workpaper review process, and the findings provide some insight into why these breakdowns are occurring. Incongruent perceptions of review process characteristics may be the drivers of these identified regulatory concerns. Originality/value This is the first study to examine current workpaper review processes at the largest accounting firms from the perspective of both preparers and reviewers. From this unique data set, one key interpretation of the findings is that workpaper preparers do not appear to recognize a primary goal of the review process: to ensure that subordinates receive appropriate coaching, learning and development. However, workpaper reviewers do, in fact, attempt to support preparers and work to create a supportive team environment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-187
Author(s):  
Stig-Börje Asplund ◽  
Héctor Pérez Prieto

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore what conversation analysis has to offer when analysing a series of life story interviews aiming to capture how reading and texts are used in a rural working-class man’s identity construction. Design/methodology/approach The conversation analysis methodology with its explicit focus on embodied social action, activity and conduct in interaction is integrated with a life story approach when analysing and describing the identity constructing processes that take place in life story interview settings. Findings Through a close and detailed analysis of the interaction between interviewer and interviewee, and by focusing and highlighting the phenomena and identities that are oriented to in the face-to-face interaction here and now (and in relation to there and then), descriptions of the complex and dynamic identity constructing processes that are set into play in the life story interview are possible. Research limitations/implications It is argued that the approach has a lot to offer when approaching life story data, and thus is a method that can increase the transparency in life story interview research. Originality/value The paper explores the intersection of what is often seen as diametrically opposed forms of analysis: conversation analysis and narrative inquiry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazirah Zainul Abidin ◽  
Nadia Alina Amir Shariffuddin

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the practice of engaging key project consultants for the development of green projects in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach is adopted in this research using the face-to-face semi-structured interview process with 18 respondents consisting of developers and architects of green projects that have obtained green certification by the Malaysian Green Building Index. Findings The engagement of consultants is divided into three stages: engagement method; consultant selection method; and evaluation process. The engagement method can be initiated by the client or through the architect. The direct selection is the preferred strategy in engaging architects, while open strategy is commonly adopted for engaging other key consultants. The evaluation process consists of request for proposal evaluation and negotiation before appointment is awarded. In addition, there are four main criteria in selecting the consultants: client’s preference, fee flexibility, green project requirement and consultant firm’s internal strengths. Research limitations/implications The study is based on the Malaysian context and based on the engagement of main consultants in green development projects and, thus, cannot be generalised to other consultants’ engagement in conventional projects. Practical implications This research presents the process that can contribute to better planning, controlling and management of the consultants’ engagement process. The selection criteria shall form a reference in selecting the most suitable consultants for the project. Originality/value This study attempts to understand how consultants are engaged in green projects, an important management stage in project initiation, but has received little attention in the past.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Ning ◽  
Minjie Feng ◽  
Jin Feng ◽  
Xiao Liu

PurposeDrawing upon the ambivalence literature, the purpose of this paper is to explore clients’ ambivalence caused by the co-existence of trust and distrust and to investigate how clients respond to the ambivalence.Design/methodology/approachQualitative research strategies using multiple data sources were adopted. Face-to-face interviews were the major method for gathering data. Additional data sources included archival cases, official reports, regulations and rules and survey reports.FindingsThe results identified that clients’ ambivalence occurs in the face of the co-existence of trust and distrust. Clients might trust contractors on certain aspects and distrust of others or when they realize that trust and/or distrust have mixed merits and demerits. As a response strategy to the ambivalence, clients may choose to oscillate between trust and distrust in accordance with contractors’ quality and cost performance.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation is that dwelling fit-out projects are generally small in size. Parties in small size projects might have different mindsets than large projects. Thus, it is worthwhile to extend the framework to the context of large projects.Practical implicationsManagers or clients should be aware of the double-edged sword nature of trust and distrust. To deal with the ambivalence resulting from co-existence of trust and distrust, a proper balance of trust and distrust might be effective.Originality/valueThis study contributes an ambivalence approach to the trust research in project management.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Wallace ◽  
Isabel Buil

Purpose This study aims to present a typology of Facebook followers of charities, drawing on theories of value co-creation, impression management and conspicuous donation behavior. Design/methodology/approach Data from 234 students based in an Irish University and 296 adults in the USA were subjected to cluster analysis. Findings Four segments were identified, common to both samples. Quiet donors are less likely to engage with a charity on Facebook, yet they may donate to the charity. They follow a charity if it offers intrinsic meaning, and they quietly donate money. Facebook expressives mention charities on Facebook to impress others, but have low intention to donate. Following the charity on Facebook is a means to virtue signal, but it helps to spread word of mouth. Friendly donors are active on social media and engage with charities on Facebook when there is personal meaning, and they will donate. Following the charity offers them intrinsic value, and their Facebook mentions promote the charity online. Finally, dirty altruists are motivated by a desire to help, but also to impress others. They will donate, but they will ensure to highlight their good deed on Facebook, to virtue signal. Originality/value The study contributes to the literature investigating individuals’ motivations to connect with charities through social media and suggests value co-created by types of charity followers on Facebook.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-287
Author(s):  
Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the relative opacity of the “About” page at PubPeer, which is a whistleblower website, primarily of the academic literature. The site refers to itself as an online journal club. It is important to assess whether the PubPeer site, organization or leadership display opacity because PubPeer attempts to hold the authors who have published errors in their literature to the high standards of transparency. Design/methodology/approach The paper examined the statements of the “About” page at PubPeer to assess the aspects of opacity. The “About” page is the face and image of an organization to the public. Findings In 2015, The PubPeer Foundation was created as a charitable organization to receive funding in the USA, and at the end of 2016, the PubPeer Foundation received funding (US$ 412,000) from a philanthropic organization, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. Several of these details were not indicated in the older version of the “About” page at PubPeer. Other aspects of that page are opaque. Research limitations/implications To fully assess the opacity of PubPeer, continual monitoring is needed. The examination of the “About” page gives a limited perspective. Practical implications Academics are under intense scrutiny by a vigilant anonymous and pseudonymous community at PubPeer. Any opacity by PubPeer, as was documented here, reduces trust in its objectives and operations. Reduced trust is at the heart of the replication crisis. Originality/value This paper represents the first published critical assessment of PubPeer. Science watchdogs, which watch various science-related organizations, also need to be watched.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim-Shyan Fam ◽  
James E. Richard ◽  
Lisa S. McNeill ◽  
David S. Waller ◽  
Honghong Zhang

PurposeThis paper explores how consumer psychographics impact responses to sales promotions (SPs), and specifically whether equity sensitivity (ES) moderates attitudes towards sales promotion in the retail purchase experience (PE).Design/methodology/approachThe study examines data from a survey of 284 Hong Kong consumers, using a shopping mall-intercept method. Every third person walking past the researchers was asked to participate in the survey. After obtaining their permission, those agreeing to take part in the study were surveyed either inside or outside of the shopping complex. The face-to-face intercept surveying method also increases confidence in sample and response reliability.FindingsThe study finds that ES has a significant positive relationship with evaluations of the retail PE. Consumers identified as “Benevolents” were significantly more positive towards SPs and reported significantly higher satisfaction with the PE. In contrast, consumers identified as “Entitled” were less positive towards SP and less satisfied with the PE. In addition, noncash SPs significantly positively influenced Benevolents' PE.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study extends and expands equity theory and ES research by applying these concepts to consumer SPs. The study is limited to an examination of common consumer purchases, across different product categories and SP types. While this allows us to examine the relationship between SP attitudes, ES and purchase satisfaction, future comparisons between individual sales promotion techniques (SPTs) and specific consumer profiles are recommended.Practical implicationsFrom a retail perspective, it is important to understand individual differences and what influences and motivates the consumers' retail PE. Retail managers are advised to track customer purchases and satisfaction levels linked to SPs as this would allow for the identification of which customers are more likely to fit the Entitled or Benevolent psychological profiles and predict their likely responses to SP offers.Originality/valueTo date, there has been little research on individual psychological differences between consumers when offered SPs at retail stores. The current study contributes to the marketing literature by extending the price fairness equity model to the retail PE, thereby addressing a prominent gap in the literature.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-468
Author(s):  
Ann Suwaree Ashton ◽  
Noel Scott ◽  
Therdchai Choibamroong

Purpose This study aims to investigate the decision-making processes of international retirement migrants. The development of a place in response to the high demand for international retirement migration has become an important strategy for stakeholders within host destinations; of particular interest is international retirement migrant behaviour and intention to stay and retire in a foreign country. Design/methodology/approach This research presents the results of a qualitative study using face-to-face interview techniques. Content analysis technique was used to analyse data from interviews with 33 international retirees in Thailand. Findings Destination stakeholders must consider creating awareness of the destination through WOM, trustworthy websites and government channels, which migrants evaluate a destination based on pre-retirement visits that create attachment and emotional feelings for the place, and finally, the decision-making processes of short stay, semi-permanent and permanent migrants. Research limitations/implications This qualitative study investigated migrants from Europe, Australia and the USA. An understanding of IR migrants from Asia needs further research. Practical implications The results can be used as guidelines for government, hospitality and tourism stakeholders. IR migrants want different destination attributes to mainstream tourists, especially a peaceful environment, mild weather (not too cold or hot), and to live among locals. Originality/value This study examines migrant decision-making processes. The results provide a theoretical foundation for how IR migrants decide to retire overseas. This comprises three components: destination awareness, secondly, evaluation of the destination’s resources, and finally, the decision and implementation of their plans.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Holttum

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider two recent studies on computer use by older people, who may become increasingly isolated due to infirmity and sensory impairments. Older people are less likely to use computer technology yet it has been suggested that it may help reduce isolation. These studies inquired into older people’s experience with computers. Design/methodology/approach – The first paper discussed here explored how a sample of older people in the USA acquired a computer and whether it contributed to their well-being. The second paper was about a similar study with a sample of older people in the UK. Findings – In the US sample, people who saw tablet computers being used by a friend were likely to purchase one. In the UK sample, people seemed to have had to overcome more fears of using computer technology, but in both samples, once initial difficulties were overcome, people were enthusiastic about using them. In both, people felt more able to keep up hobbies and interests through finding information or connecting with interest groups online, and able to keep connected with family members. Originality/value – In light of increasing migration of services and information to the internet, these studies explored the things that help and hinder older people in terms of using computers, in order to address the digital divide, whereby those unable to use them can be left isolated and with reduced information and support. These studies were able to explore personal meanings of computer use and specific fears and difficulties, which are important to understand in planning for training and support for older people who are not yet on line. They also demonstrated that, alongside face-to-face interaction, being online was experienced as reducing people’s isolation and enhancing their lives.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique-Javier Díez-Gutiérrez ◽  
Katherine Gajardo Espinoza

PurposeMarch 14, 2020, marked the beginning of an unexpected state of emergency in Spain due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). From that moment on, the educational system had to adapt so that millions of students could continue their education at home. Through a descriptive study, the reality and perceptions that Spanish families have about the educational actions that took place during the compulsory lockdown of the Spanish population is presented.Design/methodology/approach3,400 representatives of family units from 17 autonomous communities answered a survey, the data were analyzed using descriptive and frequency statistics.FindingsRelevant conclusions were drawn from the results. Despite the efforts of the authorities, the economic, cultural, social and digital divides leave many households without access to the fundamental right of education; families value the support of technologies but consider that they should not replace the face-to-face education that is necessary for the development process of minors; it is necessary to adapt the school content for a future postpandemic, discriminating the expendable from the essential in the school curriculum; priority must be given to the integral well-being of people in educational policies and also to the most vulnerable ones.Originality/valueThe study allows progress in the analysis of educational policy proposals in the face of future crisis.


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