Cross-case Synthesis Research Articles

Resilience to wildfires: Comparative insights of barriers and facilitators for spatial planning in Victoria and Chile

This paper explores the elements influencing and conditioning spatial planning processes for changing their systems based on new wildfire information. The research was approached as an inductive qualitative research, using a multiple case study strategy: the Chilean and the Victorian (Australia) spatial planning systems. The analysis considered the barriers and facilitators for change (willingness, understandings, and capacities), and the stages of processes of knowledge development for changing the spatial planning systems (identification, reframing, and implementation). Based on a cross-case synthesis of the two case studies, analytic generalizations about spatial planning's ability to change its instruments and practices for dealing with wildfires, and elements conditioning this ability, are suggested in the form of theoretical propositions: three overarching propositions, broken down into ten propositions specific to the stages of the process of knowledge development and change. These provide applied understandings of spatial planning mechanisms and processes that hinder or contribute to changing their instruments for dealing with wildfires. Furthermore, they suggest that the success of knowledge development and change processes requires the acceptance and use of the willingness, understanding, and capacity dynamics. Ultimately, this research contributes theoretical and practical insights for promoting wildfire resilience via the planning and governance of cities.

An Improved Framework for Managing Uncertainties in Vehicle Recycling: A Case Study Approach at Multiple Malaysian Automotive Treatment Facilities (ATF)

The legislation for end-of-life vehicles (ELV) is anticipated to be fully enforced, and public awareness is likely to grow over the next few years, assuring the profitability of Malaysia’s ELV recycling enterprises in the future. However, the current state of ELV recycling operations is fraught with uncertainty, which has hampered this industry’s expansion. Thus, this study aims to identify critical uncertainties and provide suitable strategies to mitigate these uncertainties. A case study of multiple automotive treatment facilities (ATFs) in Malaysia was employed to conduct this study. A structured questionnaire comprising both closed-ended and open-ended questions was provided to Malaysian ATFs, and site observations were conducted to investigate the ATFs' production settings. Cross-case synthesis was utilised to compare the cases studied. Meanwhile, the closed-ended questions are assessed on a five-point Likert scale, and the responses were analysed with ATF to conduct the descriptive analysis. As a result, a cross-case synthesis between the ATFs was presented and the uncertainties in ELV recycling operation were identified, consisting of ELV supply (M = 4.250), ELV recycling costs (M = 4.188), ATF infrastructure (M = 4.125), production planning (M = 3.875), ELV characteristics (M = 3.550), and ELV distribution network (M = 2.833). In addition, a conceptual framework for improving the ELV dismantling system in Malaysia’s ATF was proposed. The novelty of this study is a detailed analysis of existing uncertainties in ELV recycling operation in the Malaysian context and an improved framework to enhance the ELV dismantling system for ATFs in Malaysia.

Complexities of implementing Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response in crisis-affected contexts: a comparative case study

BackgroundMaternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) systems provide an opportunity for health systems to understand the determinants of maternal and perinatal deaths in order to improve quality of care and prevent future deaths from occurring. While there has been broad uptake and learning from low- and middle-income countries, little is known on how to effectively implement MPDSR within humanitarian contexts – where disruptions in health service delivery are common, infrastructural damage and insecurity impact the accessibility of care, and severe financial and human resource shortages limit the quality and capacity to provide services to the most vulnerable. This study aimed to understand how contextual factors influence facility-based MPDSR interventions within five humanitarian contexts.MethodsDescriptive case studies were conducted on the implementation of MPDSR in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps in Bangladesh, refugee settlements in Uganda, South Sudan, Palestine, and Yemen. Desk reviews of case-specific MPDSR documentation and in-depth key informant interviews with 76 stakeholders supporting or directly implementing mortality surveillance interventions were conducted between December 2021 and July 2022. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Dedoose software. Thematic content analysis was employed to understand the adoption, penetration, sustainability, and fidelity of MPDSR interventions and to facilitate cross-case synthesis of implementation complexities.ResultsImplementation of MPDSR interventions in the five humanitarian settings varied in scope, scale, and approach. Adoption of the interventions and fidelity to established protocols were influenced by availability of financial and human resources, the implementation climate (leadership engagement, health administration and provider buy-in, and community involvement), and complex humanitarian-health system dynamics. Blame culture was pervasive in all contexts, with health providers often facing punishment or criminalization for negligence, threats, and violence. Across contexts, successful implementation was driven by integrating MPDSR within quality improvement efforts, improving community involvement, and adapting programming fit-for-context.ConclusionsThe unique contextual considerations of humanitarian settings call for a customized approach to implementing MPDSR that best serves the immediate needs of the crisis, aligns with stakeholder priorities, and supports health workers and humanitarian responders in providing care to the most vulnerable populations.

Enhancing Governance Efficiency through Digital Transformation in Public Services: Lessons from Global Practices

The digital transformation of public services has emerged as a crucial imperative for governments worldwide, driven by the need for enhanced governance efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric service delivery. This study aims to investigate the impact of digital transformation initiatives on governance efficiency in public services by examining global best practices and lessons learned. Through a qualitative, multiple-case study approach, this research analyzes successful digital transformation strategies implemented by governments across various regions, encompassing both developed and developing nations. The methodological framework involves a comprehensive literature review to identify relevant case studies and best practices, complemented by semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts and stakeholders involved in digital transformation initiatives. Thematic analysis and cross-case synthesis techniques are employed to identify common themes, enablers, challenges, and contextual factors influencing the success of digital transformation efforts in the public sector. The findings of this study highlight the critical role of robust digital infrastructure, strong leadership and governance frameworks, citizen engagement and co-creation, data-driven decision-making, and capacity building in fostering effective digital transformation in public services. Key lessons learned underscore the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, adopting agile and iterative approaches, leveraging public-private partnerships, and addressing digital divide and inclusion challenges. By synthesizing global best practices and lessons learned, this research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and enablers that can enhance governance efficiency through digital transformation in public services. The insights derived from this study provide valuable guidance for policymakers, public sector leaders, and practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and unlock its potential for delivering efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric governance.

Advancing Sustainable Finance in the United States: Development, Impact and Recommendations

In the United States, there has been a noticeable shift toward sustainable finance practices in the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects into financial institutions. This change is in line with general world patterns. Green bonds, impact investing, ESG investing, and funding for renewable energy are among the increasingly well-liked sustainable finance strategies. Recent literature reviews demonstrate the complexity and breadth of sustainable finance practices, as well as the advancements in technology and law that have propelled this growth. This study aims to investigate the development, implementation, and outcomes of sustainable financial practices in the United States. It focuses on understanding how these activities contribute to financial stability, environmental sustainability, and social fairness. The study aims to identify the primary drivers behind the adoption of sustainable financing, in addition to providing helpful guidance on how governments, investors, and financial institutions may incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their financial decision-making processes. Secondary data sources, such as academic publications, reports from governmental and non-governmental organizations, trade journals, and media outlets are investigated using a qualitative technique. Using thematic analysis and cross-case synthesis, important issues, success factors, and barriers to the adoption of sustainable financing are identified. Ethical concerns have been taken into consideration during the study method. The analysis leads to the conclusion that sustainable finance practices reduce the risks associated with social unrest and environmental degradation, thereby improving financial stability. By investing in clean technology and renewable energy, they promote environmental sustainability and social justice through inclusive financial systems. However, problems like data scarcity and greenwashing persist, and need for both legislative and technological responses. Among the suggestions include strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting inclusive financing, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and leveraging technology for ESG data analytics. A long-term perspective and robust monitoring and assessment processes are necessary to fully realize the potential of sustainable finance in building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable financial system. The conclusion of the study emphasizes how sustainable finance has the power to drastically alter the trajectory of financial systems in the US and other nations while also addressing global sustainability challenges.

Implementation of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to Increase Productivity and Competitiveness in the Manufacturing Sector

Abstract: Industry 4.0's underlying digital technologies are already essential in helping manufacturing businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to adapt to the dynamics of the new normal. Manufacturing execution system (MES) serves as the factory information hub and is made possible by internet of things (IoT) ready devices that generate data and cyber physical systems that control the interconnection between equipment and computational assets for industries to achieve sustained competitiveness and address post- pandemic market volatility by utilizing real-time information. This paper focuses on the implementation for MES with the help of three case studies. Three case studies were used to empirically test the theories put out on MES to provide an overview of "How MES is efficient in loss reduction” through findings from cross-case synthesis of the data that was gathered.

Structural and relational factors for successful cross-sector collaboration in home visiting: a multiple case study

BackgroundAligning delivery and financing systems across sectors to create broader systems of care can improve the health and well-being of families experiencing adversities. We aimed to identify structural and relational factors for best practices to achieve successful cross-sector collaboration among home visiting programs in the United States.Materials and methodsWe used a multiple case study approach to identify best practices for successful cross-sector collaboration between home visitors and other community service providers. We selected five diverse exemplary cases with cross-sector collaboration with variation in implementing agency type and geographic location. Cases were selected using a positive deviance approach based on strong coordination and integration with different community service provider types identified from previous survey data. We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with home visiting staff, community providers, and clients with a total of 76 interviews conducted from 2021 to 2022. We wrote memos to synthesize themes within each case through data triangulation using interview data, documents, and site visit observations. We compared themes across the five cases to create a cross-case synthesis of best practices for successful cross-sector collaboration.ResultsAcross the five cases, relational factors including leadership from all levels, champions across sectors, and shared goals between community providers were key factors for successful collaboration. Interpersonal relationships, coupled with the desire and capacity to engage, facilitated effective coordination to address families’ needs. At the structural level, shared data systems, written agreements, and co-location enabled care coordination activities. Community Advisory Boards provided a venue for developing partnerships, relationship-building, resource-sharing, and increasing awareness of home visiting.ConclusionsWe identified key elements of successful cross-sector collaboration across five case studies where home visitors coordinate care frequently and/or are structurally integrated with a range of providers. These learnings will inform future interventions to improve home visiting collaboration with other community providers to create a system of care to enhance family well-being.

Ceremonial implementation at overseas locations: a multi-case study of a bilateral development agency

PurposePrior institutional duality research asserts that ceremonial implementation of organisational practice protects multinational corporations’ subsidiaries. However, the temporal dynamics of the safeguarding function has been under researched. Public sector organisations have also been ignored. This research aims to explore how the safeguarding function is created, maintained and disrupted using the overseas offices (OOs) of a bilateral development agency (BDA) as a case.Design/methodology/approachA multi-case study, underpinned by neo-institutionalism, was conducted. Data obtained from in-depth remote interviews with 39 informants from the BDA OOs were analysed using the “asking small and large questions” technique, four analytical techniques, cross-case synthesis and theoretical propositions.FindingsA three-phase process was identified. The first phase is the appearance of discrepancies due to institutional duality. The second is the emergence of ceremonial implementation as a solution. In the third phase, “the creation, maintenance and disruption of a safeguarding function” begins. When ceremonial implementation successfully protects the OOs, the safeguarding function is created. The OOs are likely to repeat ceremonial implementation, thus sustaining the function. Meanwhile, when conditions such as management staff change, ceremonial implementation may not take place, and the safeguarding function disappears.Research limitations/implicationsThe BDA OOs may not face strong host country regulative pressures because they are donors to aid-recipient countries. Hence, the findings may not directly apply to other public sector organisations.Practical implicationsDevelopment cooperation practitioners should understand that ceremonial implementation is not exclusively harmful.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first institutional duality research that explores the temporal dynamics of safeguarding functions targeting public sector organisations.

Instructors’ beliefs and practices regarding mathematical modelling at the periphery of STEM

This paper reports a study of 10 post-secondary STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) instructors’ beliefs about mathematical modelling and the role of mathematics in STEM coursework. The participants were selected from STEM disciplines that are atypical to the literature base (e.g. anthropology and geography), in order to extend what is known about STEM instructors’ beliefs to other disciplines. We conducted episodic narrative interviews to hypothesise the genesis of participants’ most salient beliefs. We then conducted a cross-case synthesis to reflect on the similarities between our participants’ beliefs and findings previously reported in STEM education literature. Our participants held many beliefs in common with typical STEM instructors with regards to how they define modelling, the role of modelling in STE (Science, Technology, Engineering) courses, and their views of students as learners of mathematics and modelling. Our analysis suggests participants’ commitments within these categories are interdependent and arise from lived experiences. Additionally, participants within the same field held competing beliefs about modelling, suggesting that constituting ‘major’ as an independent variable in future research may not be straightforward.

Challenges in Developing Wildfire Understanding from Wildfire Information through Spatial Planning Processes

This paper aims to explore the elements that condition and limit spatial planning processes for developing wildfire understanding from wildfire information. The central argument of this paper is that spatial planning’s ability to develop wildfire understanding from new evidence and experience is critical for improving spatial planning systems to better integrate wildfire considerations to promote settlements’ resilience to wildfires. The research involved using an inductive qualitative research approach for two case studies: Victoria (Australia) and Chile’s spatial planning processes for developing wildfire understanding from wildfire information. Based on the analysis of the case studies and cross-case synthesis, key elements that challenge planning processes were identified, and herein, they are discussed in terms of four general categories of the process of knowledge development: (a) identification; (b) ‘co-generation’; (c) reframing; and (d) implementation. The study identifies that the Victorian and Chilean spatial planning systems often fail to give spatial planning meaning to new and dynamic wildfire information due to key elements that constrain the processes of knowledge development. This implies that new wildfire information often does not translate into improvements in the planning system, which in turn entails missing the opportunity to promote settlements’ resilience to wildfires.

Influences on policy-formulation, decision-making, organisation and management for maternal, newborn and child health in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi and Uganda: The roles and legitimacy of a multi-country network.

The Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (QCN) is intended to facilitate learning, action, leadership and accountability for improving quality of care in member countries. This requires legitimacy-a network's right to exert power within national contexts. This is reflected, for example, in a government's buy-in and perceived ownership of the work of the network. During 2019-2022 we conducted iterative rounds of stakeholder interviews, observations of meetings, document review, and hospital observations in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, Uganda and at the global level. We developed a framework drawing on three models: Tallberg and Zurn which conceptualizes legitimacy of international organisations dependent on their features, the legitimation process and beliefs of audiences; Nasiritousi and Faber, which looks at legitimacy in terms of problem, purpose, procedure, and performance of institutions; Sanderink and Nasiritousi, to characterize networks in terms of political, normative and cognitive interactions. We used thematic analysis to characterize, compare and contrast institutional interactions in a cross-case synthesis to determine salient features. Political and normative interactions were favourable within and between countries and at global level since collective decisions, collaborative efforts, and commitment to QCN goals were observed at all levels. Sharing resources and common principles were not common between network countries, indicating limits of the network. Cognitive interactions-those related to information sharing and transfer of ideas-were more challenging, with the bi-directional transfer, synthesis and harmonization of concepts and methods, being largely absent among and within countries. These may be required for increasing government ownership of QCN work, the embeddedness of the network, and its legitimacy. While we find evidence supporting the legitimacy of QCN from the perspective of country governments, further work and time are required for governments to own and embed the work of QCN in routine care.

From promise to practice: A cross-institutional analysis of design trends, enablers and challenges in blockchain-enabled cash and voucher delivery

This research paper provides a cross-institutional analysis of design trends, enablers, and challenges in blockchain-enabled cash and voucher delivery in humanitarian programs. The study examines six pilot projects led by three prominent international NGOs across four countries to identify obstacles to innovation, adoption, and scalability that may arise in this context. The research applies human-centered design theory, combined with the multiple case study method, to generate a cross-case synthesis, revealing common threads, specific trends, key reflections, angles of analysis, and design approaches that can facilitate this work in the future. The findings and conclusions from this study aim to be useful and relevant to practitioners, private sector actors, and researchers. The research aims to address existing research gaps and promote a more informed, coordinated, responsible, and rigorous research agenda and community of practice for the use of blockchain applications in the humanitarian sector. Throughout the discussion, this study highlights the frictions related to variables such as context, agency, and participation. A framework for analysis, focused on four key variables: process, people, program and product, is proposed to provide a basis for comparative analysis, and eventually, a series of propositions for interested stakeholders. The study concludes that blockchain technology has the potential to address cost and time inefficiencies in cash and voucher assistance, but success of implementation is highly dependent on design, context, and stakeholder engagement. The paper recommends continued research in this area to further validate findings and expand the use of blockchain technology in humanitarian and development programs. It also emphasizes the significance of integrating these variables into novel approaches to uphold ethical and professional standards in humanitarian work.

Organizational learning and adaptation in participatory Islamic finance

PurposeIslamic banking has undergone significant adaption since its inception. This study aims to investigate why and how Islamic banks adapt their services, using participatory financing as evidence.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study is designed, using working capital financing and commodity operations financing in Pakistan as analytical units. The data for each analytical unit is analyzed using a qualitative content analysis, while the findings are synthesized using a cross-case synthesis method.FindingsFindings suggest that participatory financing has undergone extensive adaptation in the Islamic banking industry of Pakistan, in the wake of resolving constraints to participatory financing and increasing its viability. Consequently, participatory finance has emerged as an attractive and viable option in Pakistan. These findings suggest that unlike in the past, where Islamic banks used to buffer themselves from the environment and ignore the market demands, they have learned to respond effectively to the market demands and the challenges posed by the environment.Research limitations/implicationsFindings suggest that the adaptation strategy is more effective than the migration strategy, because it enables the financial service systems to reduce the underlying risks by avoiding emergent threats and eradicating the inherent weaknesses.Originality/valueThe extant literature provides a generalized view on the adaptation process that Islamic banks undergo to comply with their environment. However, it is limited in terms of conceptualizing the adaptations and innovations in their products and the underlying structural variations. The present study fills this gap.

The Lived Experiences of Anti-Semitism Encountered by Jewish Students on University Campuses: A Phenomenological Study

<i>Campus climate informs student encounters on university campuses. Research indicates that discriminatory campus experiences impact the social, emotional, professional, and academic development of students. Although many studies discuss inequity among marginalized student groups, institutional Anti-Semitism is minimally discussed in scholarship. The current qualitative phenomenological study contributes to this literature gap by providing insight into the lived experiences of Jewish students in Counseling and Couple and Family Therapy programs who encountered Anti-Semitism at a public university. The guiding research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of Jewish students who encounter Anti-Semitism on university campuses? Data collection involved online semi-structured interviews of participants and was followed by data analysis processes of thematic analysis and cross-case synthesis. Results indicated that being Jewish on campus includes four main challenges of (a)</i><i> experiences of disclosing, externalizing, or embodying Jewish identity, (b) experiences of Anti-Semitism, (c) exclusionary experiences within multicultural education and courses, and (d) exclusionary experiences within social justice advocacy and minority status. </i><i>Findings prompt future utilization of historical trauma informed instructional models and intergroup contact interventions within research and teaching in Counseling and Couple and Family Therapy programs.</i>

Decision making in reducing carbon emissions for building refurbishment: Case studies of university buildings in New Zealand

The refurbishment of existing buildings offers the greatest opportunity to maximise carbon reduction within the built environment. Although the conceptual framework of the refurbishment process incorporating various methods, tools, and systems to support decision making in reducing whole-of-life carbon emissions exists in the literature, empirical research reporting on how and why the decisions are made in current industry practice is lacking. This paper aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating the decision-making process of building refurbishment considering whole-of-life carbon reduction using three real-life case studies that incorporate decarbonisation decisions. The important findings emerged from an interactive analysis between theoretical propositions and cross-case synthesis. The study sheds a new insight into (1) the effective adoption of building rating systems, (2) the required whole-of-life carbon reduction targets, (3) the importance of establishing a dedicated financial budget for carbon-reduction refurbishment solutions, (4) the need for adaptable refurbishment designs and long-term strategies, (5) holistic design reports, (6) the promotion of early contractor involvement (ECI) approach, (7) government funding and incentives, and (8) the availability of supply chains and data. The originality of the paper is providing a new understanding of the decision-making practices and challenges faced in the refurbishment process, in which lessons learnt for improving the implementation of building refurbishment towards zero carbon are recommended. The research expands theoretical knowledge and practical experience in whole-of-life carbon analysis and performance estimation for building refurbishment. The insights gained from this study offer practitioners and researchers a streamlined interdisciplinary guide to better deliver refurbishment projects towards zero carbon.

Data-Driven Collaboration between Hospitals and Other Healthcare Organisations in Europe During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study among Mid-Level Hospital Managers.

Data and digital infrastructure drive collaboration and help develop integrated healthcare systems and services. COVID-19 induced changes to collaboration between healthcare organisations, which previously often happened in fragmented and competitive ways. New collaborative practices relied on data and were crucial in managing coordinated responses to the pandemic. In this study, we explored data-driven collaboration between European hospitals and other healthcare organisations in 2021 by identifying common themes, lessons learned and implications going forward. Study participants were recruited from an existing Europe-wide community of mid-level hospital managers. For data collection, we ran an online survey, conducted multi-case study interviews and organised webinars. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis and cross-case synthesis. Mid-level hospital managers from 18 European countries reported an increase in data exchange between healthcare organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data-driven collaborative practices were goal-oriented and focused on the optimisation of hospitals' governance functions, innovation in organisational models and improvements to data infrastructure. This was often made possible by temporarily overcoming system complexities, which would otherwise hinder collaboration and innovation. Sustainability of these developments remains a challenge. Mid-level hospital managers form a huge potential of reacting and collaborating when needed, including rapidly setting up novel partnerships and redefining established processes. Major post-COVID unmet medical needs are linked to hospital care provision, including diagnostic and therapeutic backlogs. Tackling these will require rethinking of the position of hospitals within healthcare systems, including their role in care integration. Learning from COVID-19-induced developments in data-driven collaboration between hospitals and other healthcare organisations is important to address systemic barriers, sustain resilience and further build transformative capacity to help build better integrated healthcare systems.

A Cross-Case Analysis on Filial Care Assumption among Filipino Adults

the Filial Care Theory which states that the older person’s vulnerability stimulates the caring behaviors from the family members. Methods: Through a multiple case study approach using cross-case synthesis, various situations that led five adult Filipino children into assuming filial care duties and the kinds of support involved in the said filial care interaction were explored. Results: It was determined that filial care involves sentience among family members, a desire to sustain the older person, strengthened family support, affinity, solidarity and compassion, and a commitment to return a past favor. Discussion: Filial care is a response to the older person’s needs and limitations. Apart from the older person’s vulnerability, it was deduced that filial care requires both the older persons and their adult children to be emotionally vulnerable towards one another.

Social support network for young mothers of children diagnosed with congenital syphilis.

This study of multiple cases aimed to analyze the social support network of young mothers of children diagnosed with congenital syphilis in a municipality in Ceará with six participants. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the cross-case synthesis analytical technique. The young women's social network comprised family members, people outside the family, and social facilities. We identified heterogeneous bonds and social support as essential in the gestational and postpartum periods after the diagnosis of syphilis. The vertical transmission of syphilis is permeated by subjectivities identified from understanding the context involving social networks, interpersonal relationships, and support for mothers and their children.

Rede de apoio social de jovens mães de filhos diagnosticados com sífilis congênita

Abstract This study of multiple cases aimed to analyze the social support network of young mothers of children diagnosed with congenital syphilis in a municipality in Ceará with six participants. Information was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the cross-case synthesis analytical technique. The young women’s social network comprised family members, people outside the family, and social facilities. We identified heterogeneous bonds and social support as essential in the gestational and postpartum periods after the diagnosis of syphilis. The vertical transmission of syphilis is permeated by subjectivities identified from understanding the context involving social networks, interpersonal relationships, and support for mothers and their children.

Decades of longing and effort towards a sense of community: A multiple case study on immigrants in the United States

Objectives This exploratory study aims at investigating the effort, struggle, and inner drive of immigrants towards US citizenship and higher socio-economic status (SES). Methods This is a multiple case study with a qualitative approach. With non-probability convenience sampling, we selected five cases from the Los Angeles area for in-depth interviews. A thematic method along with the four-element framework on sense of community by McMillan & Chavis (1986) were employed for data analysis. Results Although each participant’s journey towards citizenship and higher SES is unique, the cross-case data synthesis presented a clear uniformity of deep desire and willing sacrifices for a sense of community among the participants. Conclusion While citizenship and SES can be seen as enticing rewards or even "purse strings" for which immigrants are willing to work hard, what immigrants truly long for is a sense of community. It is this longing that drives immigrants to overcome adversities and rise up to build strong communities anywhere they settle. Keywords multiple case study, sense of community, immigrants, U.S. citizenship, socio-economic status