Search results

1 – 10 of over 42000
Article
Publication date: 3 May 2013

François Lambotte and Dominique Meunier

The research process is commonly viewed as a succession of linear, structured and planned practices that exclude informal and unplanned practices, engaging with the unexpected or…

1125

Abstract

Purpose

The research process is commonly viewed as a succession of linear, structured and planned practices that exclude informal and unplanned practices, engaging with the unexpected or the uncertain. The authors’ aim is to explore this aspect of researching in connection with the narratives of researchers as they oscillate between past and present, theory and empiricism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first draw on the concept of “bricolage” to validate informal research practices as researchers seek to lend “thickness” to their research. To deal with the apparent “messiness” of research narratives, they apply the concepts of kairotic time and action nets. Kairotic times are key moments in research narratives when actions, under tension, interconnect to form action nets, which, in turn, generate meaning or knowledge.

Findings

The authors analyse two research episodes. The first recounts how personal experiences and contingencies influence a researcher's choice of research objects and his associated theoretical reflections. The second highlights how some concrete difficulties in choosing a field and gaining access trigger a set of actions that force a researcher to review his initial choices and to reposition himself methodologically. Discussing the concept of kairotic time, the authors show the importance of context and timing and demonstrate how stories build around a gravitational point. From there, they discuss how the concept of action nets, breaking linearity, helps to envision research practice not as a sequence, but as networks of actions that produce scientific outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper provides an operational method of using kairotic time and action nets to account for, and acknowledge, the messiness in research narratives.

Details

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5648

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2010

Barbara Czarniawska

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the complexity of accounting for the city, on a specific example of an urban project in Rome.

2823

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the complexity of accounting for the city, on a specific example of an urban project in Rome.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a study consisting of various accounts of the project, including a photo reportage done by the author.

Findings

The study revealed that in spite of, and perhaps because of, a multitude of accounts, it was difficult if not impossible to follow the chain of translations from a political decision to actual events in the city. One of the reasons is the politicians' tendency to manipulate accounts; another is the hermetic character of technical accounts, including accounting, which makes actual processes more opaque rather than more transparent.

Research limitations/implications

Within research perspective, a conceptualization of city management as a construction and maintenance of an action net might be helpful in attempts to render the complexity of translations of events and actions into words and numbers, and vice versa.

Practical implications

The practical implication is that a more focused and consistent translation is needed, leaving open the question who should accomplish it. The possible candidates are the media, citizens' organizations and researchers.

Originality/value

The paper offers a possible interpretative frame for studying city management, enriching it by the inclusion of visual reporting.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2001

Peter Dobers and Lars Strannegård

In an increasingly connected age, information technology can be argued to have become more politicized. The attempts to establish network technologies to promote the development…

1023

Abstract

In an increasingly connected age, information technology can be argued to have become more politicized. The attempts to establish network technologies to promote the development of an information society are tokens of an increasingly vested interest that politics has in information technologies. Recognition of the entanglement of politics and technology is crucial in understanding contemporary organizational change. Instead of taking organizational stability for granted, we assume organizational change to be the norm. In this paper, we point to the many organizing efforts needed to prevent technologies from drifting away into non‐existence. We present two cases of IT ventures – one seemingly failed and one seemingly successful. Together, they illustrate the point that technological networks, as stable as they may seem, can only survive as long as they permanently fascinate actors from other techno‐economic networks and thereby attract their unconditional love, affection and commitment.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2011

Barbara Czarniawska

The purpose of this paper is to question the common conviction that responsibility is the major factor influencing performance.

1549

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question the common conviction that responsibility is the major factor influencing performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a comparison of two recent cases of ecological catastrophes.

Findings

In emergency situations, locating parties able to perform gives better results than establishing responsibility for the accident.

Research limitations/implications

More similar cases should be examined systematically.

Practical implications

If the conclusions are accepted, the conventional mode of acting in emergencies may change.

Social implications

Hopefully, the paper may redirect attention from responsibility to performativity.

Originality/value

The paper opposes a commonly accepted belief and the corresponding mode of acting.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 24 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2016

Mikkel Mouritz Marfelt

– The purpose of this paper is to build on contemporary intersectional literature to develop a grounded methodological framework for the study of social differences.

2855

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build on contemporary intersectional literature to develop a grounded methodological framework for the study of social differences.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review serves as the foundation for a discussion of the challenges associated with intersectional research. The findings assist in positioning the proposed methodological framework within recent intersectional debates.

Findings

The review shows a rise in intersectional publications since the birth of the “intersectionality” term in 1989. Moreover, the paper points to four tensions within the field: a tension between looking at or beyond oppression; a tension between structural-oriented and process-oriented perspectives; an apparent incommensurability among the macro, meso, and micro levels of analysis; and a lack of coherent methodology.

Research limitations/implications

On the basis of the highlighted tensions in contemporary research as well as the limitations of that research, the present presents a methodological framework and a discussion of the implications of that framework for the wider diversity literature.

Practical implications

The paper suggests an empirically grounded approach to studying differences. This provides an opportunity, for scholars and practitioners, to reassess possible a priori given assumptions, and open up to new explorations beyond conventional identity theorization.

Social implications

The paper suggests a need for an empirically grounded approach to studying social differences, which would not only create an opportunity to reassess common assumptions but also open up for explorations beyond conventional identity theorizations.

Originality/value

The framework departs from traditional (critical) diversity scholarship, as it is process oriented but still emphasizes stable concepts. Moreover, it does not give primacy to oppression. Finally, it adopts a critical stance on the nature of the macro, meso, and micro levels as dominant analytical perspectives. As a result, this paper focusses on the importance of intersectionality as a conceptual tool for exploring social differences.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2000

Steve Balkin and Alfonso Morales

Presents a discussion of an Internet Web site started in reaction to attacks on an historic street market in Chicago, USA. Takes an advocate’s perspective rather than an academic…

Abstract

Presents a discussion of an Internet Web site started in reaction to attacks on an historic street market in Chicago, USA. Takes an advocate’s perspective rather than an academic one and shows how the site developed to provide information about street vending around the world. Discusses the success and problems of using the Internet for the purposes of helping the poor on a shoestring budget.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 20 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Yvonne von Friedrichs Grängsjö and Evert Gummesson

The paper provides insights into destination marketing and the conditions and outcome of competitor co‐operation in a local, horizontal hotel network. The specific purpose is to…

7294

Abstract

Purpose

The paper provides insights into destination marketing and the conditions and outcome of competitor co‐operation in a local, horizontal hotel network. The specific purpose is to uncover the mechanics of such a network and offer a theory together with recommendations for practice and future research.

Design/methodology/approach

In contrast with manufactured goods, which are distributed to the market, destination marketing distributes customers to a service production site. This basic prerequisite has effects on marketing strategies and the networking of competitors, and so has the fact that the services are in part delivered in interaction with customers and between customers at a physical place. The paper is based on inductive case study research, and the observations and conclusions from the empirical case data are given precedence over extant theory. The case, the Hotel Group, is a hotel network in the town of Östersund, Sweden. The case is directed towards certain strategic business‐to‐business elements of destination marketing.

Findings

The study shows that the Hotel Group has found a success formula. Among the results are that a drive for action, both planned and improvised, is more decisive for success than plans and expressed intentions; that networking is facilitated when local competitors build social capital through trust and commitment in action; and that competitors have to adhere to certain basic principles, strike a balance between seemingly contradictory strategies, and live by an agreed code of conduct.

Research limitations/implications

The case study lays bare the need to rethink certain mainstream vantage points used in research. These include departure from the notion of small‐ and medium‐sized businesses as autonomous economic entities and consider them part of networks; recognition of the social context and synergy of a network organization and its code of conduct; and learning to manage a social network by balancing seeming paradoxes and opposites. The study is temporally limited and does not forecast the sustainability and robustness of the network and its success formula over time and under changing conditions.

Practical implications

The study offers normative and actionable insights about the success of a horizontal tourism network. The network members should adhere to three basic principles: show enthusiasm, give time, and contribute to financing; they have to perform balancing acts between the collective and individual, co‐operation and competition, and planning/intention and action; and they have to follow a seven‐point code of conduct.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a theory of co‐operation in marketing networks. It empirically examines network mechanics when local competitors take action to improve their individual situation by improving the collective competitive position on the market, provides insights into destination marketing and the conditions and outcome of competitor co‐operation in a local, horizontal hotel network.

Details

International Journal of Service Industry Management, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-4233

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2015

Stefan Hellman, Gustaf Kastberg and Sven Siverbo

In order to improve cooperation and collaboration between units, clinics and departments, many health care organizations (HCOs) have introduced process orientation. Several…

Abstract

Purpose

In order to improve cooperation and collaboration between units, clinics and departments, many health care organizations (HCOs) have introduced process orientation. Several studies indicate problems in realizing these ambitions. The purpose of this paper is to explain and understand the success and failure of process orientation in HCOs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted three case studies and applied Actor-Network Theory as an analytic lens.

Findings

The realization of process orientation is hindered by neglect or resistance from physicians, who find the process targets to be of low medical priority. However, the authors also see that medical priorities are no stable entities but are susceptible to negotiations. Over time, process organization, process mapping, process measurement activities and the acting of enroled actors may have impact on medical priorities.

Originality/value

Contrary to previous research, the findings indicate that New Public Management may not be the main obstacle against processes, that accounting figures may not be hard to disregard and that the role of leadership is not paramount.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2011

Thanos Papadopoulos

The purpose of this study is to explore the link between continuous improvement (CI) and dynamic actor associations through a case of lean thinking implementation in healthcare.

2875

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the link between continuous improvement (CI) and dynamic actor associations through a case of lean thinking implementation in healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows the qualitative case study strategy. Data were collected by interviewing (tape‐recording) managers and staff, analysing relevant written project material, and conducting non‐participant observations.

Findings

The findings suggest that the implementation of CI depends on the emergence of a “favouring” network from the dynamic associations between heterogeneous entities. This network aims at facilitating change leadership, establishing behaviour/culture prone to CI, and constructing a behaviour non‐resistant to CI needed for creating competencies for the continuous roll‐outs of such changes. Continuous translation is the underlying mechanism for establishing the favouring network.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the literature gap regarding the role of dynamic actor associations in shaping CI in a public sector context. It does not aim at generalising the results of the case study; it informs current theory by revealing that the success of CI deployment depends on the emergence of a CI‐favouring network, which will continuously transform opposing views into accepting CI.

Details

Leadership in Health Services, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1879

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2022

Hammed Afolabi, Ronita Ram, Khaled Hussainey, Monomita Nandy and Suman Lodh

The authors explore the behaviour and perspectives of SMEs' owners towards a greener economy and its implications for net zero carbon emissions target.

1129

Abstract

Purpose

The authors explore the behaviour and perspectives of SMEs' owners towards a greener economy and its implications for net zero carbon emissions target.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on the mirroring concept and 26 semi-structured interviews with SMEs' owners and managers to provide insights and explore the misalignment between SMEs' actions and perceptions and the technical architecture (and requirements) of achieving net zero carbon emissions in the UK.

Findings

The authors find that SMEs lack trust and are sceptical about the government's net zero emissions agenda. The authors also find that lack of understanding and perceived benefits, and supply chain complexities (end-to-end emissions) are the key factors hindering SMEs interests in engaging with better carbon emissions management and environmental management system (EMS). Moreover, pressure from external stakeholders, particularly banks and customers, is a strong driver to draw SMEs more effectively with sustainability and environmental impact disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to 26 SMEs' owners operating in seven industries. Future research could explore the result in other industries. Further research could also investigate how the sustainability reports produced by SMEs are useful for different user groups' decision-making. This study reinforces the social constructionist approach to advance our understanding of SMEs' actions towards carbon emission management and EMS.

Practical implications

This study shows how government policies and SMEs' interests can be aligned to achieve the net zero carbon emissions target.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the perceptions and behaviour of SMEs towards the ongoing pursuit of a greener economy in the UK, including the key factors driving their actions and reasoning.

Details

Journal of Applied Accounting Research, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-5426

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 42000