Abductive Method Research Articles

A SYNTHESIS OF THE DETERMINANTS OF SUCCESSFUL INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN ORGANISATIONS

Organisations exist, function and develop through communication. Intercultural communication is a specific communication activity in which the parties involved represent different cultures. The current context, dominated by globalisation, multiculturalism, internationalisation and digitalisation, underlines the importance of studying intercultural communication in an organisational context. The aim of this paper is to develop a comprehensive synthesis of the factors that influence the effectiveness of intercultural communication in organisations and to propose research hypotheses for future studies in this area. The methodology used to conduct this study includes the methods of analysis, synthesis, induction (for logical connections), deduction (for identifying theories from the literature), abduction (for identifying causes and factors and building hypotheses) and hierarchical classification (for grouping factors in the three-level taxonomy). The analysis of the factors mentioned in the literature on the effectiveness of intercultural communication in organisations has led to the development of a three-level taxonomy that groups them into five categories: management-related factors, group factors, individual factors, cultural factors and communication factors. This systematic and clarifying approach suggests linkages and directions for research as well as lines of action for practitioners to ensure sustainable development of multicultural organisations and increase the chances of success of intercultural communication in different organisational contexts. The novelty of the paper lies in the fact that the existing literature does not propose a systemic view of the factors that influence intercultural communication outcomes. Most of the identified research presents comparative, descriptive approaches to the characteristics of intercultural communication in specific cultural contexts.

The Problem of the Authenticity The Endless Debate Between Revisionist and Traditionalist New Perspectives

The authenticity of hadith is an endless debate between the western and Islamic worlds, mainly due to different points of view. The nonconformity arose because the study of the Islamic world focused on dogmatic ideological nuances, while western world studies adopted a more critical and academic methodology. The present study aimed to explore how these two opposing viewpoints assessed the hadith of the Prophet. The studies conducted by Goldziher and Schacht were selected as representatives of the Western world and those of Azami for Islam. Azami, a leading traditionalist Islamic scholar, had tried to counter both from an academic perspective. Furthermore, other Islamic scholars often reiterate the opinion of Azami when rejecting theses of Goldziher and Schacht. This study attempted to answer three main questions using the abductive method, namely, How do the Western and Islamic perspectives view the hadith of the Prophet? What argument was put forward by Azami for refuting the views of Goldziher? Why does Goldziher opinion continue to get stronger despite the numerous attacks

Self-Reliance in Community-Based Rural Tourism: Observing Tourism Villages (Desa Wisata) in Sleman Regency, Indonesia

Self-reliance is essential for community-based rural tourism (CBRT), ensuring effective running in the long term. However, existing studies have focused on general self-reliance conditions while overlooking details surrounding the community’s self-reliance in each activity of the CBRT value chain. This study filled this significant gap by observing community self-reliance in CBRT and considering the tourism value chain (TVC) framework. Built upon the abduction method, this study applied the systematic combining approach to observe three aspects of self-reliance, i.e., goals or objectives, rights and abilities, and owned resources, in the TVC of CBRT entities. Taking the case of CBRT in Sleman Regency, Indonesia, the data collection involved representatives of 49 community-based tourism villages (desa wisata). The results showed that observing community self-reliance in CBRT allows for the identification of multifaceted self-reliance problems in rural tourism communities. Apparently, the observed CBRT initiatives are unable to achieve complete self-sufficiency across all aspects of self-reliance. Reliance on external collaboration and support networks persists out of necessity rather than an inability to self-manage. Policy protections, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships are necessary to develop resilient and sustainable rural tourism amidst necessary dependencies. CBRT planning and policies should hence consider the abovementioned aspects of self-reliance to empower CBRT toward sustainable rural development.

One down, fifty to go: managers' perceptions of their workload and how they cope with it to maintain their psychological health.

Like many other countries, healthcare services in Canada face numerous organizational changes with the main objective of doing more with less. The approach taken within different healthcare networks has brought about a reform in healthcare facilities in Quebec, leading to several mergers and eliminating over 1,000 managerial positions. As a result, this has placed a progressively heavier workload on the shoulders of the remaining managers. Research on mental health in the workplace has mainly focused with the workforce and generally neglects managers. However, studies have shown that workload is a risk factor for managers. Therefore, the objectives of our study are to (1) better understand the elements that make up a manager's workload and the factors that influence it and (2) identify the coping strategies used by managers to deal with their workloads. Employing a qualitative approach, we analyzed 61 semistructured interviews through an abductive method, utilizing diverse frameworks for data analysis. The participants came from the same Quebec healthcare establishment. Our findings align with the notion that workload is a multifaceted phenomenon that warrants a holistic analysis. The workload mapping framework we propose for healthcare network managers enables pinpointing those factors that contribute to the burden of their workload. Ultimately, this workload can detrimentally impact the psychological wellbeing of employees. In conclusion, this study takes a comprehensive look at workload by using a holistic approach, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. It also allows for the identification of coping strategies used by managers to deal with their workloads. Finally, our results can provide valuable guidance for the interventions aimed at addressing workload issues among healthcare network managers in Quebec by utilizing the specific elements we have identified.

Meta-analysis: a tool for constructing theories or evaluating interventions or simply proving everyday assumptions?

After a brief consideration of the development of meta-analyses as a joint discussion of results from a research area across development stages 0, 1, 2, it is concluded that the present form 2.0 is unsuitable to serve as a basis for theory building. Further development of this tool into a meta-analysis 3.0 is necessary for this purpose which requires the validity of the independent variables in the primary studies, the reduction of the error variance of the dependent variables, a stability of the effects over the primary studies and a quantitative comparison between observed and predicted effects in the primary studies. In the current meta-analyses 2.0, a concrete single-case approach creates the impression that mainly everyday ideas are investigated, which one would like to generalize to a population of other conditions. Furthermore, the results of the existing meta-analyses are either homogeneous and very small or heterogeneous. Meta-analysis 2.0 searches for the instability of the measurements under a specific topic with methods of induction. The procedure of a meta-analysis 3.0 is described in general and carried out hypothetically and with an empirical example. It searches for the stability of quantitative reconstructions of data over different topics with the method of abduction. The conclusion can be summarized as that meta-analysis 3.0 is indispensable as a tool for theorizing, and theorizing presupposes meta-analysis 3.0. The link between this interdependence is abduction in contrast to induction as a research strategy.

Развитие подходов к установлению причины пожара: от начала 20 века до наших дней

Purpose. The article examines the evolution of approaches to determining the immediate cause of fires in Russia based on a retrospective analysis of scientific and methodological works from 1906 to the present. It is revealed that currently, the basis for reasoning aimed at establishing the cause of a fire is the abductive method, in which hypotheses about their probable causes are formulated based on known consequences. At the same time, a complex of organically interconnected signs of a fire manifests and changes depending on the stage of fire development; it can arise under the influence of various causes and, significantly, reflect the peculiarities of the object's reaction to the fire. In this regard, there is a need to develop more advanced approaches to forming versioning conclusions when establishing the cause of a fire during fire-technical expertise, which would minimize the limitations described above. To develop such an approach, a retrospective analysis of activities for establishing the cause of a fire was carried out, as well as the analysis and selection of logical methods for its determination. Methods. The scientific basis of the research was provided by system analysis, methods of information synthesis, and expert analysis. Findings. The analysis showed that from 1906 to 2018 in our country the main method of investigating the circumstances related to the occurrence of fires is abductive reasoning (versioning analysis). There is a database in which each specific cause of a fire is implicatively linked to a set of signs arising in a fire that occurred for this reason. Research application field. The obtained results can be used in further development of methods for identifying the cause of fires. Conclusions. The study showed that the abductive approach to proposing versions of the causes of fires in the 20th–21st centuries has proved to be productive; the probability of abductive conclusions increased in various directions (through computer modeling – scenario approach, in technical aspects – involving physico-chemical analysis, etc.). Schemes for conducting versioning research to establish the cause of a fire at the initial and modern stages have been developed. The development of methods for identifying the cause of fires may consist of expanding and detailing the theoretical basis of versions, improving mathematical models and their informational support, as well as developing algorithms for comparing theoretical and factual bases of versions to form an expert conclusion – versioning conclusion.

Shared decision making in integrated complex youth care

Introduction: Families with multiple and enduring problems receive care from various care providers. There is a focus on different areas of life, such as mental health, parenting, financial and social problems. However, due to insufficient coherence and coordination in the care process and fragmentation of services, the support provided often fails to match what a family really needs and wants (Nooteboom et al., 2021). An integrated approach in which the various family members and professionals collaboratively decide on the most adequate care on various life domains is essential to provide families with matching and coherent care. Shared decision making (SDM) can ensure a family-centered approach and family’s active involvement in decision making (Pii et al., 2020). However, the complexity of problems and multiple stakeholder involvement of youth, parents and professionals impact the SDM process, leading to specific needs and preferences in SDM. In this qualitative study we explored the perspectives of families and professionals on essential elements of SDM in integrated complex youth care.
 Method: In this participatory action research project, we worked with families and professionals from Specialist Integrated Teams (SIT). In these teams professionals from different youth and adult care services and with various areas of expertise collaboratively deliver care to families with multiple and enduring problems. Data were collected through (1) semi-structured interviews with youth, parents and professionals and (2) observations of SIT case meetings. Professionals and a parent with experiential knowledge worked as co-researchers. Through learning sessions with parents, youth, professionals and policymakers, the data collected were validated and further deepened. Makoul and Clayman's SDM model of essential elements forms the frame for data analysis (Makoul & Clayman, 2006). Using the qualitative method of abduction, we studied both the practical implementation of this model with families with multiple and enduring problems, and elements not included in the existing model that families and professionals consider essential.
 Preliminary results: Final results will be presented at the conference after further analyses. First rounds of coding shows that the essential elements of SDM are implemented adapted to families with multiple and enduring problems. Shared decisions are achieved through (1) a broad view on multiple family members and professionals, different life domains and both the short and long term of decisions, (2) matching the family’s pace and rhythm, (3) constantly balancing the professional and family roles in decision making, and (4) parallel processes of decision-making between professionals and with the family. Building trust through open and equal relationships appears to be a key element to fluent decision-making.
 Conclusion: In integrated complex youth care the known essential elements of SDM are realized at a different pace and in continuous coherence. Professionals must consider a broad view on multiple family members, life domains and care providers, a continuous and cyclical process of larger and smaller decisions, and take time to build collaborative relationships and trust with families and the care network. 
 In further analyses, we focus on facilitators and barriers in SDM with families with multiple and enduring problems.

A dialectic on validity: Explanation-focused and the many ways of being human

In line with the journal volume’s theme, this essay considers lessons from the past and visions for the future of test validity. In the first part of the essay, a description of historical trends in test validity since the early 1900s leads to the natural question of whether the discipline has progressed in its definition and description of test validity. There is no single agreed-upon definition of test validity; however, there is a marked coalescing of explanation-centered views at the meta-level. The second part of the essay focuses on the author's development of an explanation-focused view of validity theory with aligned validation methods. The confluence of ideas that motivated and influenced the development of a coherent view of test validity as the explanation for the test score variation and validation is the process of developing and testing the explanation guided by abductive methods and inference to the best explanation. This description also includes a new re-interpretation of true scores in classical test theory afforded by the author’s measure-theoretic mental test theory development—for a particular test-taker, the variation in observed test-taker scores includes measurement error and variation attributable to the different ecological testing settings, which aligns with the explanation-focused view wherein item and test performance are the object of explanatory analyses. The final main section of the essay describes several methodological innovations in explanation-focused validity that are in response to the tensions and changes in assessment in the last 25 years.

Big textual data research for operations management: topic modelling with grounded theory

PurposeThere is a growing need for methodological plurality in advancing operations management (OM), especially with the emergence of machine learning (ML) techniques for analysing extensive textual data. To bridge this knowledge gap, this paper introduces a new methodology that combines ML techniques with traditional qualitative approaches, aiming to reconstruct knowledge from existing publications.Design/methodology/approachIn this pragmatist-rooted abductive method where human-machine interactions analyse big data, the authors employ topic modelling (TM), an ML technique, to enable constructivist grounded theory (CGT). A four-step coding process (Raw coding, expert coding, focused coding and theory building) is deployed to strive for procedural and interpretive rigour. To demonstrate the approach, the authors collected data from an open-source professional project management (PM) website and illustrated their research design and data analysis leading to theory development.FindingsThe results show that TM significantly improves the ability of researchers to systematically investigate and interpret codes generated from large textual data, thus contributing to theory building.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel approach that integrates an ML-based technique with human hermeneutic methods for empirical studies in OM. Using grounded theory, this method reconstructs latent knowledge from massive textual data and uncovers management phenomena hidden from published data, offering a new way for academics to develop potential theories for business and management studies.

Особенности расчета начальных (максимальных) цен контрактов при осуществлении государственных закупок

Justification of the initial (maximum) contract price is one of the main tools used at the stage of supplier selec-tion. Establishing the marginal price of the contract has a significant impact on the quality of work performance, qualification of the supplier and, as a consequence, on the efficiency of budget financing utilization as a whole. The aim of the study is to analyze the correctness of the methods used in practice to calculate the initial (maxi-mum) prices of contracts enshrined in the regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation. Thus, the methods of analysis, synthesis, abduction and comparison of the obtained mathematical calculations were used in the work. The documentation attached to the notices published in the Unified Information System justifying the cal-culation of the marginal price of various contracts has been analyzed. In the course of the analysis, the author calculated the coefficients necessary to decide on the acceptability of the values applied by customers at the stage of supplier selection, in particular, the coefficients of variation and mean square deviation used in the method of comparable market prices. The study identified cases of incorrect application of mathematical justi-fication models in determining the amount of funding aimed at realizing the objectives of budgetary institutions. Such incorrect application of models can lead to an increase in the cost of work and, as a result, the risks of unfair behavior of participants in the contract model.

Research on an assessment method : student feedback on video-feedback on mandatory assignments

At the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway, we have a study programme called Knowledge Management. Here we have tested out video-feedback on mandatory assignments. In order to assess how students perceive this type of feedback. Previous studies show that students value feedback and supervision almost higher than lectures and other learning activities. Feedback and supervision will guide improvement and is thought to support the experienced learning outcome. However, our experiences are that students are mostly concerned whether or not the assignments are approved. Hence, providing targeted feedback may or may not be reflected upon. In order to obtain the students’ attention to the feedback provided, we have tested out video-feedback. The idea is that a video file may make it more personal and thus be perceived as more targeted to their assignment. Through our research we would like to unveil several issues; if it contributes to the students’ learning outcome, if they find it useful, and if they understand how to improve their assignments. In this paper, we will argue for an abductive method towards researching this topic as we will iterate between theory that will enlighten us as we are conducting the study. We chose to view this as a case study and as we are interested in the students’ perceptions, we argue for a qualitative study where we conduct semi-structured interviews, both individually and in groups. We will present the research method in detail as well as our discussion of the appropriateness of this qualitative method.

Companies’ Crypto wallets Identification for Auditing Purposes

The article examines the problem of identifying the crypto wallet of an audited organization, which is becoming increasingly important and relevant as crypto economy develops. Companies that conduct transactions with crypto assets are chosen as the objects of the analysis. The number of these companies is constantly growing due to the promotion of a completely new sector of the economy — crypto economy. In addition, the shares of these companies are traded on global financial markets, and the problem of auditing their crypto assets is becoming one of the most difficult within traditional auditing procedures. The aim of the study was to develop an audit methodology for the identification of business entities’ cryptocurrencies. The author of the paper presents the cases of refutation and rejection of the recognition of crypto assets along with the required list of auditor’s actions. The article raises the issue of «toxic» crypto assets, which in the near future may become a big problem for companies using them. Companies within the framework of absolutely legal activities may receive assets of illegal origin, which may subsequently not be recognized as part of the audit and not be included in the total amount of the assets of the organization. Based on such cases of rejection (denial of ownership and affiliation), criteria for the recognition of crypto assets have been developed. As a result of the study, a methodology for conducting the necessary auditing procedures is proposed, based on the auditing of assets using blockchain technology, which makes it possible to identify crypto assets operating in blockchains both with and without the presence of smart contracts. The methodology at this point in time is sufficient to carry out the procedure for the recognition of any crypto assets of the audited organization. In the course of the study, methods of synthesis, analysis, induction and abduction were used.

Necessity and linguistic rules

ABSTRACT Amie Thomasson has argued against descriptivism about modality, which starts from the idea that modal statements serve to track features of the world and that these features explain the truth-values of modal claims. Thomasson objects that descriptivists cannot satisfactorily explain how modal features fit into the naturalistic picture of the world and that they cannot account for our apparent capacity to acquire modal knowledge. On Thomasson’s alternative to descriptivism (called ‘normativism’), the function of modal claims is to facilitate communication about certain semantic rules. I argue that it is not obvious that the semantic rules that Thomasson takes to be expressed by modal truths really exist. Moreover, I defend a specific version of descriptivism – essentialism – against Thomasson’s objections. Essential truths play a central role in the best explanations of many facts about the world. That includes the explanations delivered by our best scientific theories once these theories are correctly interpreted philosophically. In this way, essences earn their keep in a naturalistic view of the world. Furthermore, the abductive methods by which we confirm our explanatory theories also support certain theses about essences. This allows essentialists to explain knowledge of essences and modal knowledge.

The role of the corporate purpose and how investor relations officers make sense of it

This article addresses the role of the corporate purpose in strategic financial communication from the perspective of investor relations officers (IROs) with particular reference to their sensemaking process. Strategic financial communication increasingly includes intangible assets that contribute to the value of the company. At the same time, more and more companies are publishing corporate purpose statements that are intended to express their relevance. The article acknowledges those trends and aims to assess how IROs make sense of the corporate purpose and how they strategically use it in investor relations communication. Eleven qualitative in-depth interviews with IROs from German DAX40 companies were conducted and analyzed with an abductive method. The results show that IROs focus on cues when making sense of the corporate purpose, especially links to intangible assets and organizational values can be identified. The corporate purpose is only partially used in communication with the financial public. Deepened reflection on the corporate purpose, fueled by discussions and cues, supports the sensemaking process of IROs which can be guided by the organization. The role of the corporate purpose turned out to be complex with – although not always explored – the potential to be used as a descriptive and normative tool in strategic financial communication.

FROM EVIDENTIAL DATA TO EVIDENCE: PRODUCTION, ADMISSION AND EVALUATION OF EVIDENTIAL DATA IN THE JUDICIAL PROCESS OF PROOF

The objective of the present study was to understand how the courts process evidence in criminal proceedings to establish disputed questions of fact. The present study, after deploying doctrinal research methodology, found that the criminal procedure code (hereinafter CrPC), Qanoon e Shahadat Order (hereinafter QSO), the police rules and the high court rules regulate the production of evidence in the courts. The study also found that the courts admit evidence by considering the relevancy of evidence, exclusionary rules of evidence and the procedural rules related to collection and recording of evidence. Moreover, the study found that the courts consider the quantity and the quality of evidence while evaluating the evidence. In addition, the study found that the courts draw inferences by using deductive, inductive, and abductive methods of drawing inferences from evidence. The study also found that generalization played a central role in all the three methods of drawing inferences. It is expected that the present study will clarify the legal framework dealing with processing of evidence in criminal cases. Keywords: Admission of Evidence, Evaluation of Evidence, Generalization, Process of Proof, Production of Evidence. Relevancy of Evidence.

Win-win strategies for firms operating in resource-abundant countries: Technological spillovers and a collaborative diversification policy

This paper responds to the growing need to be aware of the opportunities presented by technology spillovers resulting from value co-creation supported by diversification policies in resource-abundant host countries. It examines the effects of such a policy on both the local market strategies of multinational enterprises (MNEs) and on technological upgrades of local companies, where such policies require international oil and gas companies to build linkages to induce spillover. We argue that the effects of the policy with regard to spillovers can depend on the actors’ approach to collaboration. To suggest a theoretical foundation for such a collaborative approach, we integrate the value co-creation perspective with the concept of spillovers. The resulting approach is based on win-win strategies: the internationalization of the resource sector, and a shift towards the provision of service-based economy aid in an attempt to develop opportunities for sustainable operations on the part of multinationals in resource-abundant host countries. The development of local capabilities resulting from technological spillovers can enable local businesses to have access to international expertise in technology, create strategic opportunities and introduce long-term benefits for both local and international companies. This study adopts an abductive method as the basis for logical reasoning, employing an analysis of multilevel longitudinal case studies based on interviews with experts and multiple sources of industry documentation.

História de Vida de Empreendedores Socioambientais

Abstract This research aimed to analyze the influence of the antecedents of the behavior of social entrepreneurs (SE) through their life stories. For this, the dimensions of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) were used, which cover personal attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, in addition to behavioral intention. For this proposition, a basic qualitative, descriptive-exploratory research was carried out, classified as a field study. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty Brazilian social entrepreneurs, in the form of autobiographical narratives. To analyze the data, the strategies of content analysis and the abductive method were used. In both stages, the New NVivo software was adopted. Among the results obtained, a theoretical model is presented, through dimensions, which emerged from the TPB and from the field research, characterizing these dimensions as predecessors, explaining how the life story, which acts in a transversal way, influences the antecedents of the behavior of social entrepreneurs. This study enables the advancement of discussions and the display of new perspectives on socio-environmental entrepreneurship. It is noted that this investigation contributes to filling a theoretical gap, pointed out in the literature, on the identification of characteristics and trajectories of social entrepreneurs, starting from the life story narratives, from the point of view of the entrepreneur, as a person, and not at an organizational level of institutions.

A Smart Contract Architecture Framework for Successful Industrial Symbiosis Applications Using Blockchain Technology

Industrial Symbiosis (IS) involves a network of organizations that exchange energy, materials, and by-products to lower production costs, reduce environmental impact, and conserve natural resources. Despite over two decades of extensive research into IS, its benefits are well known, but implementation remains challenging. This paper proposes utilizing blockchain technology (BCT) to digitize IS, making it more secure and transparent. First, drivers and barriers of BCT implementation in IS are identified. A smart contract architecture framework using Hyperledger Fabric is then proposed using the constructed theoretical background and abductive method. Finally, the paper discusses how this framework supports the implementation of BCT in IS by addressing its drivers and attempting to overcome its barriers. It is a resource for those seeking a comprehensive grasp of the foundational elements necessary for constructing a successful IS blockchain design, which is adaptable to all types of IS network configurations.

The Conceptual Framework of Smart TOD: An Integration of Smart City and TOD

Smart City (SC) is a booming model of urban development with great potential, armed to be one of the urban development’s most powerful developing weapons. However, the development of SC is far from satisfactory. Therefore, finding new paths for SC becomes imperative. Transit Oriented Development (TOD), which often focuses on the core areas of SC, is believed to be a substantial contributor to the development of SC. Nonetheless, the relationship between SC and TOD and the effects of TOD in promoting SC are rarely studied. In this study, we proposed a conceptual framework of Smart TOD (S-TOD), which could highlight TOD 5.0 but more than that. S-TOD is an integration of SC and TOD, utilizing the deconstructive method and the abductive method. We first defined S-TOD, which integrates SC and TOD as the twin sources. Then, we employed the concept of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) to construct S-TOD in a cross-boundary path as the connection between DNA and its twin subchains can perfectly reflect the inner relationship between S-TOD and its twin sources, SC and TOD. Finally, we built up the structure of S-TOD with three layers, i.e., the cloud layer, the tactile layer, and the land zones layer. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the practical value of SC, from a perspective that has been neglected, that is, the combination with TOD, provide a new perspective for the research and practice of the integration of SC and TOD, and effectively facilitate the advantages of SC and global sustainable development.

International high-growth of early internationalizing firms: A feedback loop experience

ABSTRACT Today, the factors that influence EIF international trajectory remain underexplored. Recently a new research perspective has encouraged using the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities to better understand EIFs’ international high-growth. To respond to that research opportunity, we explored the case of 15 high-growth EIFs using an abductive method. We found the existence of two feedback loops that seem to be at the origin of EIFs’ international high-growth: one related to international commercial intensity and the other, to international expansion. Then, we propose an integrative model based on the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities to understand how some EIFs are experiencing international high-growth. Finally, we offer managers some key recommendations regarding human resources and how to manage them during EIFs’ international high-growth trajectory and for guaranteeing organizational planning and agility.