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The purpose of this paper is the conceptual expansion of the science-theoretical foundations of information science, i.e. to develop new thought schemes for information science.

The design of the paper is as follows: first, the paper will discuss the foundation of the systemic paradigm (SP). Then the authors will consider the history of information science related to the philosophy of science. In the remaining part of the paper, the authors will investigate information science and its relation to the philosophy of science, focusing on SP.

In conclusion, the authors will summarise the seven criteria for the application of SP in information science.

Paradigms in information science have rarely reflected upon the use of a SP in information science.

The practical use of the seven criteria in information science Criterion 1: make your premises, suppositions, prerequisites and motives explicit. Criterion 2: make your moral/ethical results and consequences explicit. Criterion 3: research should be evaluated in relation to the transcendence of knowledge. Criterion 4: emphasise methodical pluralism, i.e. empirical generalisations and conceptual generalisations. Criterion 5: emphasise proximity and in-depth studies. Criterion 6: look for patterns and patterns which combine. Criterion 7: look for the power behind the patterns.

The opinion is that scientists to a great extent should seek knowledge on the basis of a belief, a specific way of thinking, and by means of specific methods. To make the authors belief explicit makes the way of thinking visible. What the authors achieve, and possibly the only thing the authors can achieve, is to reaffirm the conscious belief. This does not make reality more real, but it could put the authors in a better position to see through the authors way of thinking when faced with scientific problems. This indicates that a scientific study should emphasise all three entities: “The Context of Discovery”, “The Context of Justification” and “The Context of Solution”. These three entities, according to SP, make up the unity of the scientific process.

The seven criteria entail that Kuhn’s argumentative chain (where he tries to find out why theory A is preferred to theory B on a rational pretext) does not concur with SP. This indicates that a scientific study should emphasise all three entities: “The Context of Discovery”, “The Context of Justification” and “The Context of Solution”. These three entities, according to SP, make up the unity of the scientific process.

The purpose of this paper is to make a small contribution to reflections on general methodology, not specific methods, in social science.

Systemic methodology.

First, schematic typology of six conceptual models. Second, typology for determining levels of abstraction for different models and degrees of generalisation. Third, typology for generalisation on the basis of a case study. Fourth, strategy for developing conceptual models.

Research falls into two main categories: conceptual generalisation and empirical generalisation. Conceptual generalisation is an investigation whereby the researcher uses other researchers’ empirical findings in conjunction with his or her own process of conceptualisation in order to generalise and identify a pattern. This contrasts with empirical generalisation, where the researcher investigates a phenomenon or problem that is apparent in the empirical data, and only thereafter generalises in the light of his or her own findings.

A low level of understanding of conceptual generalisation among masters and PhD students. With this paper the authors try to change this perception among students.

Developing a systemic methodology in order for students and university teachers to understand conceptual generalisations.

This paper aims to help managers gain greater insight into issues relating to employees’ sense of mastery to contribute to improved employee performance.

Conceptual generalization was applied in this paper.

An analytical model consisting of seven elements that can be applied as a management tool for promoting a sense of mastery among employees was developed.

Managers have little insight into issues relating to employees’ sense of mastery, which can inhibit productivity.

Effective managers focus on the personal strengths of their employees. Managers select and surround themselves with the right people. Successful managers see and understand employees’ need to work on things that they are passionate about.

This paper used cybernetics and systemic thinking to solve mastery issues.

This paper aims to develop a methodology for teaching moral courage.

Conceptual generalization.

This study uses a five-step method for teaching moral courage, together with a seven-level sliding scale for developing attitudes related to moral courage.

This paper is an aspect of systemic education for pupils and students.

This study builds aspects of a methodology for education of active bystanders in moral conflict situations.

This study builds aspects of a systemic methodology for education of moral issues.

Beers viable model (Figure 1) has been used to visualize a model for teaching moral courage.

The purpose of this paper is to improve the theoretical understanding of the communicative processes in social systems.

Conceptual generalisation.

Aspects of a communications theory with three assumptions and ten propositions.

The method used and the findings.

The purpose of this paper is to present a general scientific methodology on tenets from Mario Bunge’s philosophy.

Systemic thinking and conceptual generalisation.

A general scientific methodology based on tenets from Mario Bunge’s philosophy of social science.

Using quantitative methods to conduct a research to test Asplunds motivation theory and North’s action theory.

How to conduct a research based on a systemic perspective.

An advantage of linking a systemic perspective to organisational psychology studies is that it may result in new ways of looking at old problems and bring new perspectives to the methods used. One explanation may be the fact that while researchers within various organisational psychology subject fields are largely specialists, the systemic perspective is oriented towards general scientific methodology.

The authors have not seen anybody who have tried to apply systemic thinking as a general methodology for research.

While the causes and effects of begging are well known, solutions on how to eradicate begging are still elusive in many parts of the developing world. The purpose of this study is to examine the different ways through which community leaders at the local level can contribute to the eradication of begging in one of Ghana’s most densely populated suburbs in the city of Accra.

This study was undertaken using the qualitative approach, and primary data was collected through interviews, participants observation and focus group discussions with beggars, community leaders and officials of non-governmental organisations at Nima, a suburb of Accra.

Begging in the suburb of Nima is increasingly becoming a business venture. It is no more an activity that is the preserve of only the weak, the poor, the elderly, the physically challenged, the needy and the marginalised in society. This paper argues that the eradication of begging requires multiple approaches and that community-based leaders must play a central role. This paper identified the provision of alternative sources of livelihood, the naming, shaming and condemnation of unjustified begging in the community, strict boarder control, returning foreign beggars to their home countries, the formulation and enforcement of community anti-begging by-laws and regular sensitisation programs on begging as crucial in reducing or eliminating begging.

While focusing on one Muslim-dominated suburb in Accra ensures a detailed discussion of strategies of eliminating begging from a cultural and religious perspective, the findings of this study may not be applicable to non-Islamic settings and communities where cultural or religious leadership structures do not exist.

This study has demonstrated that the eradication of begging in society cannot have one-size-fit all solution. This paper shows that in societies where cultural and religious leadership structures exist, they must play important roles in the design and implementation of strategies that seek to reduce or eliminate religious begging in society. This implies that formal government agencies and their associated laws alone will not be enough to eradicate or reduce begging under such contexts.

Measures to eradicate begging have often ignored the role of community leaders. This paper contributes to our understanding on this by specifically examining the phenomenon of begging at the micro level and exploring the different ways community leaders can contribute to the eradication of begging in society.

The purpose of this paper is to explore gender differences in personal values in an Arab country.

Based on a sample of 137 participants, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify if the mean scores or ranks of personal values scores were significantly different between males and females. A scale developed by McDonald and Gandz (1991, 1992) was used in this study.

The findings show that females place a higher weight on personal values related to the broad categories of “ethics” and “citizenship”, while males put a stronger emphasis on “masculinity”. There were no significant differences between males and females on personal values concerned with the “vision” factor.

The results show that organizations may have to increase their training programs in the area of ethics especially for males. Second, females can be trained on how to demonstrate some masculine traits necessary for career growth without receiving the negative reactions common to such a practice. Third, organizations could offer diversity training to minimize bias toward females. Fourth, organizations should build a culture that emphasizes citizenship in organizations such as adhering to rules and policies and maintaining and protecting the work environment.

This is the first research study which explores gender differences in personal values in an Arab country, and one which promises to offer important HR implications. Moreover, an important departure from all previous studies is that the study measures personal values that are more related to the business context.