scholarly journals An empirical study of knowledge sharing: A case of South African healthcare system

2019 ◽  
pp. 114-128
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
South African ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Factors Influencing

The importance of knowledge sharing in healthcare organisations cannot be overemphasised. This is mainly due to the dynamic and sensitive nature of knowledge within the healthcare sector that can assist in caring for the patients and other administrative operations. The absence of knowledge sharing and retention practice in healthcare organisations may result in negative repercussions. Hence, using Actor-Network Theory, the study will investigate and identify the factors influencing the current knowledge sharing taking place within the South African healthcare system. One of the top healthcare organisations was selected for data collection, and a qualitative research method was adopted in this study. The findings revealed the different actors involved in the sharing of knowledge and the networks that enable knowledge sharing and retention. The study also highlights the factors that triggered knowledge sharing.

scholarly journals Study of the Factors Affecting the Career Development of New-Immigrant-Children University Students in Taiwan

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Yu-Chuan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Career Development ◽  
University Students ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Immigrant Children ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
International Marriages ◽  
New Immigrant

Over the last two decades, Taiwan has experienced a surge in immigration due to marriage. With the growth in the incidence of international marriages, the number of immigrant children in Taiwan has sharply increased. Career development is an important factor worldwide and is thus an important issue for immigrant children in Taiwan. Many factors influence the choices of new immigrant children for their career development. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing the career development of new immigrant children. The research was conducted using the qualitative research method, and data were collected from 30 participants who were new-immigrant-children university students. After analyzing the interviews of the participants, the results were analyzed. Further, on the basis of analysis of previous literature and interviews, recommendations were made for the career development of new immigrant children, such as strengthen the attainment of and respect for multi-culturalism through School, family, and social systems.

Determinants of dynamic process of emerging ICT adoption in SMEs – actor network theory perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunday C. Eze ◽  
Vera C. Chinedu-Eze ◽  
Adenike O. Bello
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Process ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
One Stage ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Ict Adoption

PurposeWhile traditional theories of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption have been deployed to study ICT adoption in the past, these theories considers ICT adoption as static and rely on conceptualising factors as variables and predicting their levels of outcome at a single decision stage. Although much has been credited to these theories, they have continuously ignored the fact that as decisions to adopt are made and challenged along the adoption process, such decision can be influenced by the same, different or combination of factors at different stages of the adoption process. This paper aims to examine ICT adoption from a dynamic process perspective and to explore the key determinants and how these differ from one stage of the adoption process to another.Design/methodology/approachQualitative method was adopted in this study. Both unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted in two separate stages using purposeful random sampling. Hybrid approach of thematic analysis was adopted in analysing the data.FindingsThis study develops a framework informed by actor network theory (ANT) concepts and finds that using ANT to examine the process of adoption helps to unveil the recursive nature of the process. The study reveals that the 14 determinants identified in this study influenced adoption at different stages. Factors such as ease of use, managerial time, customer focus and adoption influenced adoption at all the stages. This reveals that factors influencing ICT adoption are not static at one particular stage rather it may influence ICT adoption at different stages.Research limitations/implicationsQualitative research is often subjective and interpretive in nature, and one of the limitations is the sample used in this research. Considering the small number of interviews carried out in this study, the generalisation of finding and the framework remains to be established across a wider population. Therefore, the factors presented could be limited considering that a number of practitioners that are involved in establishing emerging ICT are numerous. Therefore, other factors are prevailing to other industries or sectors that may provide scholars another way of examining these factors. Also, the framework demonstrates that it is a valuable analytical tool for researchers to examine how and why different actors including small and medium enterprise (SME) managers act around emerging ICT.Originality/valueThis study develops a framework that revealed the interactive and recursive nature of ICT adoption and the determinants influencing the process of ICT adoption at different stages thereby advancing ICT adoption research. The study challenges researchers to always consider ICT adoption as dynamic and unpredictable instead of one-off action as factors influencing its adoption are not static rather; they vary from one stage to another.

Understanding Knowledge Sharing in an Organization

2020 ◽  
pp. 358-381
Author(s):  
Michael Twum-Darko ◽  
Lee-Anne Lesley Harker
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
General Framework ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Normative Approach ◽  
The Way

This paper set out to propose the actor-network theory (ANT) as a lens through which to understand and interpret the sociotechnical knowledge sharing challenges in organisations. The methodology for this study was developed within the context of ANT by adopting its ideals and principles. The findings demonstrate that using the concept of the Moments of Translation as a lens to study this phenomenon is indeed a novel way of investigating the reason why there is still difficulty with sharing and managing knowledge. This perspective is proposed to transform the way that knowledge sharing factors are perceived. By utilising a normative approach, this research looked at how knowledge sharing as an ideal can be achieved when taking into account the existing constraints within an organisation. A general framework is proposed to guide the formation of a network of aligned interest for knowledge sharing.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Primary Care Physicians’ Prescribing Behavior of Anticoagulant Therapy for the Management of Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in the Community: a Qualitative Research Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shera Chaterji ◽  
Lay Geok Lian ◽  
Ting Yee Lee ◽  
Liwei Chua ◽  
Sabrina Wee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Anticoagulant Therapy ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Medication Cost ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Factors Influencing

Abstract Background: Oral anticoagulant therapy use in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains suboptimal despite the availability of both warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Primary care physicians’ (PCP) decision-making to initiate and select appropriate anticoagulant medication is pivotal in reducing complications among patients with AF.Aim: This study explored the factors influencing PCPs’ decision-making in anticoagulant initiation and adjustment for patients with non-valvular AF. Design of study: Qualitative research based on the theoretical framework of the Generalist Wheel of Knowledge, Understanding and Inquiry. Method: In-depth interviews or focus group discussions were conducted with 27 PCPs in general practice in urban Singapore. The audio-recordings were transcribed, audited and coded to identify themes, which are framed according to the “clinician”, “patient”, “medical condition and treatment” and “healthcare system and policy” domains.Results: Personal training and experience with anticoagulant therapy; understanding patient risk-stratification; AF detection during clinical practice; medication cost; clinical support services for anticoagulation monitoring and constraints in existing care model influenced PCPs in their anticoagulant prescription. PCPs preferred to seek guidance from cardiologists in managing patients with newly diagnosed AF and attempted to engage their patients in decision-making regarding anticoagulant therapy. They perceived sub-specialized primary care clinics focusing on AF co-management with cardiologists as an ideal setting for initiation and maintenance of anticoagulant therapy.Conclusion: PCPs’ decisions on anticoagulant therapy is influenced by personal attributes, patients, clinical presentations, anticoagulant properties and healthcare system. Their proposed care model to address the barriers awaits feasibility and acceptance assessment in future research.

An ANT Analysis of Healthcare Services for the Nomadic Patients of Namibia

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiko Iyamu ◽  
Suama Hamunyela
Keyword(s):  
Urban Communities ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Nomadic People ◽  
Geographical Locations

Patients seek attention and treatments to various types of diseases and symptoms. Diseases infection and symptoms are often not predictive. Normally, there is a spread and movement of people across the geographical locations, of both the rural and urban communities, in countries including Namibia. As such, healthcare could be needed at any location, and at any time. There is significant mobility of individuals and groups within a country. Unfortunately, the healthcare services are not always as mobile at the level and speed that individuals and groups does in Namibia. Hence, there is need for the mobility of healthcare services at both primary and secondary healthcare levels, particularly in the developing countries, such as Namibia. The population of Namibia is scantly spread among its towns and cities. The major towns and cities are situated, in the average of 175km far apart from each other, in the country's 825, 418km square landscape. The spread necessitates movements of individuals and groups, particularly the old, poor, and nomadic people. Unfortunately, healthcare records in the country are not centralised and virtualised, making accessibility into patients' records difficult or impossible, from any location. As a result, healthcare service delivering is challenged. This study therefore explored and examined the possibility of mobility of healthcare services to those who live in the country. The study employed the qualitative research method, within which data was gathered from primary healthcare service providers, using open-ended questionnaires. The Moments of Translation from the perspective of actor-network theory (ANT) was used as a lens in the analysis of the data, to examine and understand the power and factors, which influences mobility of healthcare service in Namibia. Categorisation of Patients, Response Time, Understanding the Actors, Actors' participatory to service delivery, and Actors' Alliance were found to be the influencing factors in the provision of mobility of healthcare services.

An ANT Analysis of Healthcare Services for the Nomadic Patients of Namibia

2017 ◽  
pp. 775-790
Author(s):  
Tiko Iyamu ◽  
Suama Hamunyela
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Nomadic People ◽  
Geographical Locations

Patients seek attention and treatments to various types of diseases and symptoms. Diseases infection and symptoms are often not predictive. Normally, there is a spread and movement of people across the geographical locations, of both the rural and urban communities, in countries including Namibia. As such, healthcare could be needed at any location, and at any time. There is significant mobility of individuals and groups within a country. Unfortunately, the healthcare services are not always as mobile at the level and speed that individuals and groups does in Namibia. Hence, there is need for the mobility of healthcare services at both primary and secondary healthcare levels, particularly in the developing countries, such as Namibia. The population of Namibia is scantly spread among its towns and cities. The major towns and cities are situated, in the average of 175km far apart from each other, in the country's 825, 418km square landscape. The spread necessitates movements of individuals and groups, particularly the old, poor, and nomadic people. Unfortunately, healthcare records in the country are not centralised and virtualised, making accessibility into patients' records difficult or impossible, from any location. As a result, healthcare service delivering is challenged. This study therefore explored and examined the possibility of mobility of healthcare services to those who live in the country. The study employed the qualitative research method, within which data was gathered from primary healthcare service providers, using open-ended questionnaires. The Moments of Translation from the perspective of actor-network theory (ANT) was used as a lens in the analysis of the data, to examine and understand the power and factors, which influences mobility of healthcare service in Namibia. Categorisation of Patients, Response Time, Understanding the Actors, Actors' participatory to service delivery, and Actors' Alliance were found to be the influencing factors in the provision of mobility of healthcare services.

Knowledge Sharing in an Organisation

2020 ◽  
pp. 201-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee-Anne Lesley Harker ◽  
Michael Twum-Darko
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Actor Network

This chapter employed the moments of translation of the actor-network theory (ANT) to understand and interpret the sociotechnical knowledge sharing dynamics in organisations. Given the contextual and sociotechnical nature of knowledge sharing, a model constructed on the concepts of the moments of translation of the actor network theory (ANT), developed from a case study of a higher education institution (HEI) in South Africa, is proposed to help to understand and interpret the knowledge sharing challenges in organisations. A conceptual framework was developed within the context of ANT by adopting its ideals and principles to understand how to introduce and develop knowledge sharing within an organisation, using the moments of translation. As such, it was possible to determine why there is no network of aligned interest for knowledge sharing, and how to create a network of aligned interest.

scholarly journals Cultural factors associated with the management of breast lumps amongst Xhosa women

2003 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nosipho Mdondolo ◽  
Louise De Villiers ◽  
Valerie J Ehlers
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Breast Lumps

A qualitative research design and an ethno-nursing research method were used to identify cultural factors influencing Xhosa women’s health seeking behaviours associated with breast lumps. Opsomming ’n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp en ’n etnoverpleegkundige navorsingsmetode is gebruik. Die doel was om te bepaal watter kulturele faktore Xhosa vroue se strewe na welstand, wat in verband staan met ’n borsvergroeisel, beïnvloed. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

scholarly journals The Significance of ‘Things’ in Cybercrime: How to Apply Actor-network Theory in (Cyber)criminological Research and Why it Matters

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-168
Author(s):  
Wytske Van der Wagen
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Deviant Behavior ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
Criminological Research ◽  
The Social ◽  
Methodological Principles

In recent years computer technologies and digital devices have become ubiquitous in all facets of human existence, including crime and deviant behavior. Various forms of criminality have emerged in which technical entities play a substantial role. It can be argued that such a development urges criminologists and anthropologists to draw more attention to the significance of things in crime. Latour’s (2005) actor-network theory (ANT), which considers non-human entities as active participants of the social, could be a useful approach for extending our analytical focus to the non-human. The article will not only asses why, but also how we can apply ANT as a more-than-human methodology in qualitative research, by discussing three ANT-based methodological principles: ‘follow the tool’, ‘follow the hybrid’ and ‘follow the network.’ In this scope, this article draws on earlier conducted qualitative ANT case studies on different forms of high-tech cybercrime. In a more general vein, the article aims to show that innovations in qualitative research methods can be also informed by theory. 

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