Critical Hermeneutic Approach Research Articles

Nurses' engagement with power, voice and politics amidst restructuring efforts.

Change is inevitable, and increasingly rapid and continuous in healthcare as organizations strive to adapt, improve and innovate. Organizational change challenges healthcare providers because it restructures how and when patient care delivery is provided, changing ways in which nurses must carry out their work. The aim of this doctoral study was to explore frontline nurses' experiences of living with rapid and continuous organizational change. A critical hermeneutic approach was utilized. Participants described feeling voiceless, powerless and apolitical amidst rapid and continuous organizational changes which fuelled apathy, cynicism and disengagement from the organization. However, critical analysis of the data showed that nurses actively engaged with power, voice and politics through resistant and transgressive behaviours in micro-ethical moments of practice. There is a need to reconceptualize the concepts of voice, power and politics in nursing as there is dissonance between nurses' beliefs about these concepts and what they are enacting in practice. Recognizing their enactment of power, voice and political agency at the micro-level may empower nurses. Empowerment would mitigate the high levels of reports of powerlessness experienced in practice during organizational changes.

How can studying abroad nurture nurse students’ intelligent kindness?

International student exchange in higher education has substantial impact on students' personal and professional lives. Using a critical hermeneutic approach, this case study explores how undertaking international practice modules abroad might even enhance nurse students' abilities as carers, which is an essential element of nursing practice. The context is a nurse education programme in Norway from 2005 to 2017.The empirical material were analysed with a directed content analysis applying elements of the virtuous circle of intelligent kindness. The findings indicate that relational characteristics like attentiveness and attunement with others are strengthened whilst abroad. The discussion explores how international practice modules influence nurse education: embarking on the nursing profession in another country and the development potential in feeling lost is opening new views of education.

A hermeneutic analysis of critical success factors for Enterprise Systems implementation by SMEs

ABSTRACT This study employs the critical hermeneutic approach to identifying current knowledge limitations and propose future research directions. Through five hermeneutic cycles of review, analysis, synthesis and interpretation of the existing literature and success stories reported by 30 small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), this study identifies critical success factors (CSFs) that are unique to SMEs, frequently cited in the literature, and influential as perceived by SMEs. The study offers contributions by providing a synthesis of CSFs for SMEs; highlighting current knowledge gaps; proposing avenues for future research; and demonstrating the suitability of the critical hermeneutic approach to studying CSFs for ES implementation.

HERMENEUTICS OF NATIONALITY FIQH: STUDY OF BAHTSUL MASAIL OF LIRBOYO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

This article analyses the text of bahtsul masail from the alumni of Lirboyo Islamic traditional boarding school focusing on the motive behind its publication, the basic concept of nationalism proposed by the text, the dominance of legal reasoning used in the text and its potential toward the readers. By employing critical hermeneutic approach, there were three stages of analysis, i.e. socio-historical analysis, text analysis and interpretation of the text. According to the analysis this research concludes that the recent phenomenon of the rising of anti-nationalism Islamic movement led by Hizbut-Tahrir and certain radical hard-line organization since 2000s has been the main motive of the publication of the text. This text also proposes the meaning of nationalism as the intention to love the nation and country and its consequences as a Moslem in Indonesian context. Moreover Qauliyah has had been used as the main legal reasoning to formulate certain concepts and this text might be less compatible for the prospective readers outside the Santri’s community. Because many arguments from Arabic resources scattered throughout the text in which still need depth explanation for the beginners.

The oil and gas industry, the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) and the management of emergencies - Changes necessary to achieve effective competence assessment of OIMs in controlling emergencies

Within the UK offshore oil and gas industry all installations require to be under the charge of a ‘competent’ installation manager in accordance with the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations (MAR) 1995. The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) is responsible for the safety of all persons onboard and within 500 m of an installation. Should an incident arise, the OIM performs one of the most critical roles within the offshore industry - management of the response to the emergency to mitigate and make safe the installation to secure a place of safety for persons onboard or organise their safe evacuation. The emergency response also includes limiting the loss of hydrocarbons to the environment.Research at the University of Aberdeen has identified 8 potential barriers to the effective competence assessment of OIMs in controlling emergencies. These underlying barriers are a consequence of current UK legislation and industry practices in the assessment of OIM competence and result from:•multiple definitions of competence,•competence assessment predominantly by observation,•lack of specific and unambiguous competence requirements for trainers and assessors,•complexity in UK legislation and complicated interpretation of terms,•lack of statutory competence requirements for OIMs in controlling emergencies,•lack of ownership of OIM competence and competence assessment,•complex interactions across multiple UK Government departments, and•lack of regulation and independent audit of the competence assessment process of OIMs in controlling emergencies.The potential barriers were identified by qualitative analysis of key documentation, including legislation, using a critical hermeneutic approach. Hermeneutics has historically been used to analyse texts within the domains of theology, business and law. It arguably, however, represents a powerful approach to the study of documents within the engineering domain and the offshore oil and gas industry.This paper discusses the identified potential barriers, research conclusions and recommendations and represents the culmination of three years of doctoral research investigating the competence assessment of OIMs in controlling emergencies within the offshore oil and gas industry. The research, in particular, is relevant to Duty Holders within the offshore industry, safety engineers and UK Government departments.

Anticipated Barriers to Implementation of Community-Based Rehabilitation in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Purpose: Disability is a global health and a global development concern. To address both issues, a community-based rehabilitation (CBR) approach is increasingly recommended to meet a spectrum of needs, especially for people with disabilities. It is first necessary to understand the perceptions of local, frontline providers, in order to design effective measures for implementing CBR programmes. This paper aimed to understand the conceptions of Primary Healthcare Providers (PHPs) - serving a sub-urban, socially-vulnerable territory in Brazil - about: 1) disability, 2) rehabilitation, and 3) the possible local implementation of a CBR strategy, including any anticipated barriers. Method: Cross-sectional, exploratory qualitative research was based on focus groups conducted between 2013 and 2016. It involved a total of 78 PHPs serving the western region of the Ribeirao Preto municipality in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Data analysis was based on Habermas’ critical hermeneutics approach. Results: PHPs understood disability mostly within the biomedical paradigm. Similarly, the predominant conception of rehabilitation was focussed on enabling individuals’ capacity, more than their environment. For local CBR implementation, the barriers that were anticipated were: 1) difficulties in managing and running action across sectors, and 2) the broader socio-political environment that hardly empowers civil society and is affected by power differentials. Conclusion and Implications: While local PHPs identified important CBR implementation barriers which are contextual in nature, the predominant conceptions of disability and rehabilitation (i.e., biomedical, impairments-based) also act as a barrier. Contextual and cognitive barriers must both be addressed when envisioning a local CBR implementation.

A critical hermeneutic reflection on the paradigm-level assumptions underlying responsible innovation

The current challenges of implementing responsible innovation (RI) can in part be traced back to the (implicit) assumptions behind the ways of thinking that ground the different pre-existing theories and approaches that are shared under the RI-umbrella. Achieving the ideals of RI, therefore not only requires a shift on an operational and systemic level but also at the paradigm-level. In order to develop a deeper understanding of this paradigm shift, this paper analyses the paradigm-level assumptions that are (implicitly) being brought forward by the different conceptualizations of RI. To this purpose it deploys (1) a pragmatic stance on paradigms that allows discerning ontological and axiological elements shared by the RI community and (2) an accompanying critical hermeneutic research approach that enables the profiling of paradigmatic beliefs and assumptions of accounts of RI. The research surfaces the distance of four salient RI accounts from the currently dominant techno-economic innovation paradigm RI seeks to shift. With this, our contribution helps to raise the self-awareness of the RI community about their presuppositions and the paradigm level barriers and enablers to reaching the RI ideal. This insight is needed for a successful transition to responsible research and innovation practices.

The Oil and Gas Industry, the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM), and the management of emergencies – Who is accountable for OIM competence?

Within the UK offshore oil and gas industry all installations require to be under the charge of a ‘competent’ installation manager in accordance with the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations (MAR), 1995. The Offshore Installation Manager (OIM), is responsible for the safety of all persons onboard and within 500 m of an installation, and prevention of pollution to the environment from it. Should an incident arise, the OIM performs one of the most critical roles within the Industry – management of the response to the emergency to mitigate and make safe the installation, including limiting the loss of hydrocarbons to the environment, or organise the safe evacuation of all persons onboard.Research at the University of Aberdeen has identified potential barriers to the effective competence assessment of OIMs in controlling emergencies (Jennings, 2016). These barriers are a consequence of current UK legislation and industry practices in the assessment of OIM competence. The research involved the qualitative analysis of key documentation, including legislation, using a critical hermeneutic approach to identify the potential barriers. Hermeneutics has historically been used to analyse texts within the domains of theology, business and law. The approach, however, also represents a powerful approach to the study of documents within the engineering domain and the offshore oil and gas industry.This paper addresses the specific question – who is accountable for OIM competence? It discusses two of the identified potential barriers which weaken ownership of both the appointment and competence assessment of OIMs. One, resulting from the Duty Holder (OSD Installation) regime that has evolved within the UK; and one resulting from the ever changing and overly complicated distribution of responsibilities across UK Government departments associated with health, safety and the environment. The paper consequently addresses those barriers associated with lack of ownership of duties both within the offshore oil and gas industry and UK Government.The research is important to Duty Holders within the offshore oil and gas industry, safety engineers and UK Government departments with respect to the effectiveness of competence assessment of appointed OIMs. It is also significant to risk engineers when considering the probable competence of an OIM in a given environment at a given point in time.

The stifling silence around scholarly creativity in doctoral education: experiences of students and supervisors in four disciplines

The demand for developing creativity among doctoral students is found in a number of educational policies all over the world. Yet, earlier studies on Swedish doctoral education suggest that doctoral students’ creativity is not always encouraged. Based on a critical hermeneutic approach and cases in four different disciplines, the aim of this study was therefore (1) to explore different shapes of doctoral students’ creativity in Swedish doctoral education and (2) to reveal and find possible explanations to some of the conditions stifling doctoral students’ scholarly creativity. Interview data was collected from 28 participants, constituting 14 dyads of students and supervisors in four disciplines. Through hermeneutic interpretative analysis of the disciplinary cases, the results show that creativity kept on playing in musical performance, was an unexpected guest in pedagogical work, was captured in frames in philosophy and put on hold in psychiatry. Across the cases, students’ scholarly creativity was essentially encapsulated in silence. This silence seemed to emanate from controlling intellectual, political and economic agendas that enabled stifling conditions of the students’ scholarly creativity, where it was as follows: restricted by scholarly traditions, embodying supervisors’ power and unrequested in practice. Based on these findings, the article ends in suggestions for preventing such conditions, holding that it is important to establish a discourse on scholarly creativity in doctoral education, to view doctoral students as capable creative agents and to actually ask for their scholarly creativity.

Interpretative speeches and deliberative practices: a methodological proposal for the formulation of public health policies in Colombia

To propose public health policies in local governance scenarios through community participation; this requires recognizing the interaction of all social actors through argumentative approaches. Considering a critical hermeneutic approach, an argumentative rhetorical method was used to conduct a political formulation from a socio-centric scenario, based on a dialogue of knowledge between the community and local institutions, which allowed to identify and understand relevant social problems in health, related with early childhood and family. A comprehensive public policy was built in accordance with existing social health programs to intervene aspects referring to early childhood, childhood, adolescence and family. Solutions and their implementation arise from a participatory nucleus that reconciles institutional political interests and social needs of the local community. The argumentative approach in public policies recognizes the dialectical nucleus of politics by bringing the community closer to government entities through active citizen participation in processes of identification, implementation and execution of social policies.

La producción científica en la Facultad de Lenguas de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

The objectives of this research were, on the one hand, to measure and to quantify the production of teachers and researchers of the School of Languages ​​of the National University of Cordoba between 2008 and 2011; and, on the other hand, to qualitatively analyse and to interpret production within a critical hermeneutical approach. The research was exploratory-descriptive, and was carried out through a mixed methodological approach, quantitative and qualitative. Among the findings, it can be mentioned that the field of the institution is in a moment of self-awareness and reflexivity, that there is a predominance of a professional university model that is in conflict with the production model of knowledge, and that scientific-academic university policies have an impact on the field of the School. There were also several observable issues, namely the academic transformation of the teaching role into teacher-researcher; the absence of a strategic policy of priority areas, the existence of a genuine place for research (infrastructural, academic, economic); the detection of closed groups as invisible colleges or scientific schools organized around insular research projects; and the personalization of the areas and lines of research according to the historical process of the field. Key words : production, publication, knowledge, National University of Cordoba, Faculty of Languages.

Toward a critical hermeneutical approach of human rights education: universal ideals, contextual realities and teachers’ difficulties

The present paper takes the approach of critical hermeneutics in human rights education (HRE) that has been developed theoretically and tries to operationalize it in pedagogical practice. In particular, a group of Greek-Cypriot teachers were trained in a series of workshops on how critical hermeneutical approach (CHA) could be taught in the context of HRE. The paper explores teachers’ difficulties with and perspectives of CHA during the training designed and offered by the authors. The findings show how, in addition to epistemological issues involved concerning the meaning and implications of the CHA, the particularities of the local context (ethnic conflict, pedagogic traditions, educational structures) influenced the uptake of this approach. The implications are discussed in relation to the need to identify the difficulties teachers have with specific pedagogical approaches of HRE as they become manifest contextually, and the need to design teacher training in which teachers have opportunities to reflect upon and engage with these difficulties through a critical interpretive lens.

Toward a Critical Hermeneutical Approach in Human Rights Education: Transformative Possibilities and the Challenges of Implementation

The present paper examines the implementation of a particular human rights education approach—known as “critical hermeneutical” approach—in the context of two Greek-Cypriot classrooms. The study investigates whether and how an intervention grounded in this approach offers transformative possibilities to students and what kind of challenges it may pose for teachers who implement it. The implications for teacher training and teacher education are discussed.

A Critical Hermeneutic Analysis of Presence in Nursing Practice

Nursing presence, although it involves action at times, is a humanitarian quality of relating to a patient that is known to have powerful and positive implications for both nurse and patient. However, this phenomenon has not been well understood. Three theories, drawn from the work of Paul Ricoeur and Hans-Georg Gadamer, served as the boundaries for both data collection and analysis. The theories were narrative identity, play and solicitude. This study follows a critical hermeneutic approach to field research and data analysis. Literature regarding nursing presence is reviewed and discussed, and in-depth conversations with eleven participants are recorded. Examining the phenomenon of nursing presence through the hermeneutic lenses of narrative identity, play and solicitude has elucidated the role of ethical orientation, creativity and connection with the human experience through exploration of self and other. This more nuanced and complex understanding adds depth to the conversation and offers new possibilities to the effort to encourage and support presence in nursing practice.

Policy, practice and practical reason: Understanding teaching in times of outcome regulation

Although there are reasons to believe that policies emphasising testing, accountability, assessments, evaluation and inspections have unintended and undesirable consequences for teaching practice, such reforms continue to be widely used in many countries in order to meet challenges in their educational systems. However, it is difficult to critically discuss how these types of policies relate to teaching practice without either losing societal, critical perspectives, or circumscribing teachers' agency in analysis. This article addresses that challenge by setting out a conceptual framework, aimed at contributing to an understanding of how these types of policies relate to teaching practice. Inspired by French philosopher Paul Ricœur, a critical hermeneutical approach is suggested. It is argued that his discussion of the concept of practical reason can be used to depict teaching as existing in a field of tension between the regulatory and reflective dimensions of the practice. Further, it is argued that critical hermeneutics can frame a study of teaching, understood as practical reasoning, and provide a critique that is grounded in a discussion on how the mechanisms and assumptions behind (for example neoliberal) policy are mirrored in practice, without losing sight of either the agency of teachers or a societal perspective on teaching.

Reciprocity Based Concept of Nonprofit Marketing

The author deconstructs the prevailing conceptualization of nonprofit marketing and concludes it rests on three principles: voluntary exchange, an open system organization, and self-interest motivation. A review of the genesis of these principles revealed that alternative principles were ignored in the social science literature. Based on a qualitative analysis and critical hermeneutic approach a revised conceptualization of nonprofit marketing was suggested which incorporated the principles of reciprocity, the features of a contingency-choice system model of formal organizations, and collectivistic interest motivation. A revised definition of nonprofit marketing is offered based on these principles.

Tesis, Antitesis, dan Sintesis Terhadap Agama

From the beginning until now, religion has always been a paradoxical term. Religion has become an ambiguous term because it has both thesis and antithesis that are closely inherent. The thesis is that religion is positive strength striving for virtue, salvation, prosperity, happiness, and peace in the reality of human society globally and locally. On the other hand, religion also appears as negative force to be the antithesis of the religion itself. Problems rise on the religion lie not in the thesis but in the antithesis because thesis and antithesis are always accompanying the dynamics of religion in society reality. So that, it needs a "third way" as a tool to harmonize, align, and reconcile the contradiction. Research used qualitative method with critical hermeneutic approach intended to evaluate the antithesis of religion and show constructive side towards a better future. Based on the results and discussion, there is one thing called synthesis of religion. The synthesis area of religion should be an element that continues to be explored and optimized in order to create peace in the contemporary world and in the future. It takes an appreciation of positivistic religion so religion really becomes a force to liberate human beings from various negative phenomena which discolour the realm of religion.

Workplace educators’ interpretations of their assessment practices: a view through a critical practice lens

In this paper, we examine workplace educators’ interpretations of their assessment practices. We draw on a critical practice lens to conceptualise assessment practice as a social, relational and situated practice that becomes critical through critique and emancipation. We conducted semi-structured interviews followed by roundtable discussions with physiotherapy clinical educators in the workplace. Employing a critical hermeneutic approach, data was scrutinised to understand relational and critical dimensions of assessment practices. Findings revealed that participants were socialised into assessment practices. They were aware of the challenges, and they grappled with the tension between their practice-based judgments and documentation of competence. Despite this tension, there was a reluctance to move their awareness of practice tensions towards emancipatory action which could relieve these tensions. We conclude that it is important to acknowledge the judgements which inform assessment practice and the tensions assessors feel between objective and subjective assessments. Assessors who deliberately engage with these tensions can emancipate their assessment practices towards a critical, wise and self-defining practice that nurtures lifelong learning in students and assessors alike.

Redistribution Based Concept of Marketing for Public Organizations

The author deconstructs the prevailing conceptualization of public sector marketing and concludes it rests on three principles: voluntary exchange, an open system organization, and self-interest motivation. A review of the genesis of these principles revealed that alternative principles were ignored in the social science literature. Based on a qualitative analysis and critical hermeneutic approach a revised conceptualization of public sector marketing was suggested which incorporated the principles of redistribution, the features of a closed system model of formal organizations, and collectivistic interest motivation. A revised definition of public sector marketing is offered based on these principles.

Higher Education in Further Education: student perceptions of the value of foundation degree qualifications

This paper seeks to illuminate the crucial and contradictory features of Higher Education (HE) in Further Education (FE) student experience as seen through students’ perceptions. The empirical study of Foundation degree (Fd) students studying in FE Colleges using a critical hermeneutics approach, raises a contrasting perspective on the HE in FE landscape. It points to the students’ emerging critical awareness of the perceived limitations of the Fd qualification within the HE landscape and offers an insight into differing critiques of widening participation and opportunities for social mobility (Ainley 2009; Osborne 2006). This is in contrast to various UK government policy statements which claim that widening participation strategies will result in a realignment of access to educational opportunities at HE level and that such widening participation students will be incorporated into a social framework that will facilitate economic prosperity for individuals and the economy.