Information Power and Inequality

2022 ◽  
pp. 119-141
Keyword(s):  
Information Power

scholarly journals What are the risk factors for avoidable transitions in the last year of life? A qualitative exploration of professionals’ perspectives for improving care in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alina Kasdorf ◽  
◽  
Gloria Dust ◽  
Vera Vennedey ◽  
Christian Rietz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professional ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Information Power ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Nursing Services ◽  
Value Based Care ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

Abstract Background Little is known about the nature of patients’ transitions between healthcare settings in the last year of life (LYOL) in Germany. Patients often experience transitions between different healthcare settings, such as hospitals and long-term facilities including nursing homes and hospices. The perspective of healthcare professionals can therefore provide information on transitions in the LYOL that are avoidable from a medical perspective. This study aims to explore factors influencing avoidable transitions across healthcare settings in the LYOL and to disclose how these could be prevented. Methods Two focus groups (n = 11) and five individual interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals working in hospitals, hospices and nursing services from Cologne, Germany. They were asked to share their observations about avoidable transitions in the LYOL. The data collection continued until the point of information power was reached and were audio recorded and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Four factors for potentially avoidable transitions between care settings in the LYOL were identified: healthcare system, organization, healthcare professional, patient and relatives. According to the participants, the most relevant aspects that can aid in reducing unnecessary transitions include timely identification and communication of the LYOL; consideration of palliative care options; availability and accessibility of care services; and having a healthcare professional taking main responsibility for care planning. Conclusions Preventing avoidable transitions by considering the multicomponent factors related to them not only immediately before death but also in the LYOL could help to provide more value-based care for patients and improving their quality of life.

scholarly journals Is Access Enough? Interrogating the Influence of Money and Power in Shaping Information

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Heather Brodie Perry
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Power Structures ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Information Power ◽  
Complex Information ◽  
Community Information ◽  
Truth Claims ◽  
Information Consumers

AbstractAccess to information encourages innovation and leads to participation in society of individuals. The emergence of Open Access supports the inclusion of all, including the voices of the traditionally marginalized, yet access alone is insufficient to enable consumers to effectively use information. Power structures can influence the information available and silence opposing viewpoints. Industry disinformation can influence viewpoints and shape policy in ways that can be detrimental to individuals and the community. Information consumers may not possess the competence required to navigate the complex information ecosystem to find the accurate, high-quality, resources required to meet their need. Libraries have a role in assisting consumers develop the critical evaluation capabilities essential to the exercise of informed skepticism when evaluating truth claims. Access is essential; however, without the knowledge to determine the quality and validity of information, a consumer can be misled in ways that can cause harm to themselves and society.

Power, dependence and frustration

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard Stone
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Business Owner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Power ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Advisor Roles ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Advisory Role

Purpose – This study aims to explore the existence and strength of power through focussing on the manner in which accountants exercise power in their advisory relationship with small business. Design/methodology/approach – Interviews provided insights into accountants’ power-related perceptions, experiences and use of power in the advisory relationship. A questionnaire accessed evidence from small business owner-managers (SBOMs). Power theoretical perspectives informed the analysis of the findings. Findings – Accountants’ expert and information power is a consequence of SBOMs’ dependence on their accountants’ expertise and knowledge. Accountants construct advisor roles and exercise power in a manner indicating that they attempt to manage rather than exploit power imbalances to the detriment of dependent SBOMs. However, outbreaks of frustration and conflict in the relationship illustrate the difficulties in managing the dysfunctional consequences of power imbalances. Research limitations/implications – While the findings are restricted to the Australian accountant–small business advisory relationship, they offer a basis for research into the effect of power on the relationship in other national contexts. Research which includes the views of managers of failed small businesses would also extend this work. Practical implications – The study’s focus on accountants’ experiences can assist practitioners endeavouring to develop advisory relationships with small business and designers of professional development programmes seeking to optimise the value of the advisory relationship. Originality/value – The paper extends the study of power to the under-researched yet important accountant–small business advisory area. Its findings are of interest to accountants and accounting policymakers who envisage a broadening of accountants’ small business advisory role.

Does Your School Have Information Power?

1991 ◽  
Vol 75 (535) ◽  
pp. 50-53
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Morris
Keyword(s):  
Information Power

scholarly journals The Influence of Information Power Upon the Great Game in Cyberspace: U.S. Wins Over Russian Meddling in the 2018 Elections

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Schafer
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Presidential Election ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Great Power ◽  
Primary Sources ◽  
Information Power ◽  
Power Operations ◽  
Great Game ◽  
The U.S

The 2018 U.S. pivot in information and cyberspace degraded Russian operations in the 2018 election. Following pervasive Russian information power operations during the U.S. 2016 elections, the United States progressed from a policy of preparations and defense in information and cyberspace to a policy of forward engagement. U.S recognition of renewed great power competition coupled with Russia’s inability to compete diplomatically, militarily (conventionally), or economically, inspires Russia to continues to concentrate on information power operations. This great game in cyberspace was virtually uncontested by the U.S. prior to 2017. Widespread awareness of Russian aggression in 2016 served as a catalyst which highlighted the enormity of Russian campaigns and the crippling constraints on U.S. information power. This catalyst pivoted the U.S. from a passive policy of preparations and defense in information and cyberspace to a policy of forward engagement that successfully attenuated Russian efforts in 2018. By examining information power from theory development and Russian practice to recent reports and primary sources we find that the U.S. demonstrated the capability and willingness to defend forward successfully during the 2018 elections. Going forward, the U.S. must continue and expand efforts to contest cyberspace and counter disinformation to secure our democracy and the U.S. 2020 presidential election.

Information-Power Machine with Senses and Limbs

1974 ◽  
pp. 11-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ichiro Kato ◽  
Sadamu Ohteru ◽  
Hiroshi Kobayashi ◽  
Katsuhiko Shirai ◽  
Akihiko Uchiyama
Keyword(s):  
Information Power ◽  
Power Machine

Gender Differences in Relation to Organization Sources of Power

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Ebtihaj Al-A'ali ◽  
Ralla Mohammed Alazali
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
National Culture ◽  
Social Roles ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Life Strategies ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Information Power ◽  
Managerial Positions

Women encounter more challenges than men in their attempts to reach top managerial positions. Challenges stem from proscribed social roles, employed life strategies, and/or organizational structures. The same challenges lead men and women to use organizational sources of power differently. This qualitative research examines gender differences in relation to individual and contextual issues. Individuals' issues are education, age, religion, and personal values. Contextual issues are exemplified in national culture and international culture. These issues lead interviewees to view sources of power in organizations differently. Sources of power illustrated in legitimate, reward, coercive, referent, expert, and information power are valued and ranked differently based on gender.

scholarly journals The 6-star doctor? Physicians’ communication of poor prognosis to patients and their families in Cape Coast, Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. e002334
Author(s):  
Alexandra Caulfield ◽  
Amelie Plymoth ◽  
Yvonne Ayerki Nartey ◽  
Helle Mölsted-Alvesson
Keyword(s):  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Clinical Communication ◽  
Information Power ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Concept Of Information

IntroductionCommunication is considered a key skill for physicians globally and has formed a central part of medical curricula since the WHO identified it as a key attribute of the ‘5-star doctor’. Communication of poor prognosis to patients and caregivers is particularly challenging, yet an important example of physicians’ clinical communication, and a priority within palliative care research. Knowledge is scarce regarding the different positions physicians adopt during poor prognosis communication, especially in sub-Saharan countries.MethodsThis qualitative study took place at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Ghana’s Central Region. Physicians in the internal medicine department, with experience in communicating poor prognosis to patients and families on a weekly basis were purposively sampled. Based on the concept of information power, a maximum variation of participants, in terms of age, sex, seniority and experience was achieved after conducting 10 semistructured interviews in March 2019. Positioning theory was used as a theoretical lens to inform study design. The data were analysed through a constructivist thematic analysis approach.ResultsPhysicians adopted six positions, considered as six different themes, during their communication of poor prognosis: clinical expert, educator, counsellor, communicator, protector and mentor. Physicians’ choice of position was fluid, guided by local context and wider health system factors. Physicians’ desire to communicate with patients and families in a way that met their needs highlighted three key challenges for communication of poor prognosis: linguistic difficulties, pluralistic health beliefs and the role of family. These challenges presented ethical complexities in relation to autonomy and non-maleficence.ConclusionContext is key to physicians’ communication of poor prognosis. Communication of poor prognosis is multifaceted, complex and unpredictable. Physicians’ communication training should be developed to emphasise contextual circumstances and physician support, and international policy models on physicians’ roles developed to include a greater focus on social accountability.

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