Entrepreneurial opportunity discovered or created? A Strong Structuration Theory perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol N° 145 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-304
Author(s):  
Nizar Ghamgui ◽  
Richard Soparnot
Keyword(s):  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Entrepreneurial Opportunity ◽  
Strong Structuration Theory ◽  
Strong Structuration

Recursive approaches to technology adoption, families, and the life course: actor network theory and strong structuration theory

2018 ◽  
pp. 41-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Mead ◽  
Barbara Barbosa Neves
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Actor Network ◽  
Strong Structuration Theory ◽  
Strong Structuration ◽  
The Life Course

This chapter examines two recursive approaches to the study of technology adoption within families and the life course: actor network theory (ANT) and strong structuration theory (SST). These recursive approaches explain the reciprocal relationship between social structure and agency in the context of technology use over time. ANT rejects any dualism between technology and society, whereas SST combines structure, agency, and context to offer a comprehensive analysis of users, technologies, and their situational dimensions. The chapter first provides an overview of the theoretical commitments ANT and SST entail for the researcher before discussing the ways in which each has been, and can be, applied in the domains of family and life course studies. It also presents two case studies to illustrate the opportunities and challenges that both recursive approaches bring with them in framing and explaining relationships between technology use, family life, and life transitions.

When Technologies are Not Enough: The Challenges of Digital Interventions to Address Loneliness in Later Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 136078042110292
Author(s):  
Barbara Barbosa Neves ◽  
Jenny Waycott ◽  
Alexia Maddox
Keyword(s):  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Multidisciplinary Research ◽  
Frail Older People ◽  
Sociological Approach ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Strong Structuration Theory ◽  
Strong Structuration

This article discusses sociotechnical challenges of technology-based interventions to address loneliness in later life. We bring together participatory and multidisciplinary research conducted in Canada and Australia to explore the limits of digital technologies to help tackle loneliness among frail older people (aged 65+). Drawing on three case studies, we focus on instances when technology-based interventions, such as communication apps, were limiting or failed, seeming to enhance rather than lessen loneliness. We also unpack instances where the technologies being considered did not match participants’ social needs and expectations, preventing adoption, use, and the intended outcomes. To better grasp the negative unintended consequences of these technological interventions, we combine a relational sociological approach to loneliness with the Strong Structuration Theory developed by sociologist Rob Stones. This combined lens highlights the connection between sociotechnical factors and their agentic and structural contexts, facilitating a rich understanding of why and when technologies fail and limit.

Understanding Jordanian corporate reporting regulation change using strong structuration theory

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-499
Author(s):  
Khaldoon Al-Htaybat
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Interpretive Study ◽  
Corporate Reporting ◽  
Strong Structuration Theory ◽  
Strong Structuration

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the change of the Jordanian corporate reporting requirements in 1998. The reasons as to why International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) were adopted in Jordan are outlined on the basis of strong structuration theory’s (SST) quadripartite structure. Design/methodology/approach This study is interpretive, as perceptions of the study’s participants are analysed regarding the adoption of IFRS in emerging economies. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to collect Jordanian experts’ perceptions. The study uses elements of Stones’ strong structuration to illustrate and analyse the current study’s data. Findings The analysis illustrated that various elements pushed for the adoption of IFRS in Jordan – external structures that cause adoption of IFRS are the Gulf War and the immediate impact this had on Jordan. The internal structures seek to adopt new regulation in order to protect and support the Jordanian economy, which is part of agents-in-focus’ dispositions, and gain foreign direct investment. Agents-in-focus found that some corporations comprehended the needs of external investors, thus, sought to provide such information voluntarily. Research limitations/implications A limitation of this paper is the number of participants, which for future studies needs to be considered. Practical implications Reasons as to why new regulation is adopted are illustrated, which can support other countries seeking to do adopt new corporate reporting rules. Originality/value This study contributes to the sparse body of studies using SST in financial accounting. It is also one of the few studies investigating the change of regulation and the reasons for this adoption in the Middle Eastern and Jordanian context, in an interpretive study.

Strong structuration theory and accounting information: an empirical study

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1152-1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orla Feeney ◽  
Bernard Pierce
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Accounting Information ◽  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Structures ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Strong Structuration Theory ◽  
Strong Structuration

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of accounting information in new product development (NPD) using Strong Structuration Theory. NPD is a complex social action involving a wide range of different actors and clusters of actors. Strong Structuration Theory allows the authors to take a broad view of this social system in order to develop a complete picture of the clusters of actors involved, to comprehensively examine the relevant structures, both internal and external, and to understand how these are formed, reformed or modified through the actions of agents. Design/methodology/approach A field study of the manufacturing division of a large group was conducted which explored how managers use accounting information during NPD. Examining how these managers draw upon their conjuncturally specific structures of signification, legitimation and domination, and how these are affected by their external structural conditions and their general dispositional frames of meaning, allowed the authors to develop an in-depth understanding of the managers’ behaviour during NPD. Findings These findings suggest that the managers’ use of accounting information is determined as much by the subjective nature of the managers themselves as it is by the objective characteristics of the structures with which they interact. By using Stones’ composite research strategy, which encourages the authors to conceive of internal structures as always looking outwards and external structures as always looking inwards, the findings help the authors to understand the “connecting tissue” between the different elements of the quadripartite of structuration which has been lacking in previous research in the area. This understanding of the connecting tissue between structures was facilitated by the micro-analysis of six managers within a given conjuncture. Using the concept of the agent-in-focus as a tool with which to switch lenses from manager to manager acknowledged the web-like interdependencies between different processes of structuration. This allowed an exploration of the relationships between the various agents and structures. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of Stones’ Strong Structuration Theory at both an ontological and methodological level by operationalising Stones’ model in a case study setting.

scholarly journals Teoria da Estruturação Forte Aplicada aos Estudos Organizacionais

2014 ◽  
pp. 45-58
Author(s):  
Miguel Rivera Peres Jr. ◽  
José Roberto Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Anthony Giddens ◽  
Strong Structuration Theory ◽  
Strong Structuration

A Teoria da Estruturação do sociólogo Anthony Giddens tem, ao longo dos últimos anos, sido utilizada em diversos trabalhos em uma gama extensa de áreas de estudo, e, dentre tais áreas, destacam-se os estudos organizacionais. A despeito dessa intensa utilização, a Teoria da Estruturação foi alvo de várias críticas e revisões, como a feita por Stones (2005), que redundou na proposição da “Teoria da Estruturação Forte” (Strong Structuration Theory). Este artigo objetiva apresentar as principais concepções da Teoria da Estruturação Forte, cotejando-as com os fundamentos da Teoria da Estruturação e fornecendo insights iniciais para investigações em estudos organizacionais, a partir dessa perspectiva teórica. Para o alcance desse objetivo, foi feita revisão bibliográfica crítica das duas teorias que, ao final, possibilitou a indicação de algumas possibilidades de investigações no âmbito organizacional com a utilização da Teoria da Estruturação Forte, em particular a partir da ontologia, in situ, proposta por Stones (2005).

scholarly journals The bridge between ontological concepts and empirical evidence: an interview with Rob Stones

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1145-1151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Stones ◽  
Lisa Jack
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interdisciplinary Dialogue ◽  
Recorded Lecture ◽  
Research Workshop ◽  
The Status ◽  
Strong Structuration Theory ◽  
Strong Structuration

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to share interdisciplinary ideas about the purpose of social theory in empirical research. Design/methodology/approach The formal interview took place in front of an audience at the Strong Structuration Theory and Management Research workshop at IAE de Paris, Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, on 10 May 2016. A recording was made, transcribed, and then edited. Elements from a recorded lecture on the same day are also included. A conversational format is retained to enhance the sense of interdisciplinary dialogue that characterises the research project. Findings The use of SST as a conceptual methodology is explained, and the use of agent’s conduct and agent’s context analyses is elucidated providing pointers regarding how accounting research can be developed further by basing the analysis in an understanding of the status and adequacy of knowledge on which people act to produce and reproduce structure. Originality/value The value of the interview is to provide insights into the process of empirical research and conceptualisation, which are likely to be particularly helpful for early career researchers.

scholarly journals Structuration theory: reflections on its further potential for management accounting research

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Coad ◽  
Lisa Jack ◽  
Ahmed Othman Rashwan Kholeif
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Structuration Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Clear Explanation ◽  
Strong Structuration Theory ◽  
Strong Structuration

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the potential of strong structuration theory in management accounting research. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains how the ontological perspective of strong structuration theory extends the work of Giddens and explores how the perspective overcomes a number of the limitations of existing management accounting research based on structuration theory. Findings – Strong structuration theory develops and extends the work of Giddens, providing greater insights into the role of agents, improves our understanding of the diffusion of accounting practices through organisational fields, adds to our knowledge of how artefacts are used in the production and reproduction of organisational life and improves research design. Research limitations/implications – Strong structuration theory provides clear guidance about management accounting case study research design, and suggests the potential for the accounting research community to engage more actively in debates about the development of structuration theory beyond the work of Giddens. Originality/value – This paper provides a clear explanation of the ontology of strong structuration theory, its implications for research design and how it holds the potential to overcome many of the limitations of earlier management accounting studies deploying structuration theory.

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