Inclusive Information Society Research Articles

Paradigmatic reflections on media, culture and public relations

The paper reports on some of the research results and achievements on international scientific projects: "Croatian media communication in a convergent environment" (Faculty of Graphic Arts, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia) and "Strategic Communication Management" (Alma Mater Europaea - EASA, Maribor, Slovenia). The aim of this research work is a paradigmatic presentation and publication of separately selected thematic media research paradigms in a systematic paradigmatic communication chain that affirms culture, media and public relations (Case study: "Media, Culture and Public Relations" (2012-2020)). The paper uses qualitative and quantitative paradigmatic ontological, epistemological, axiological, rhetorical and communication research methodology. Project paradigmatic research was conducted in the time limits from 2012 to 2020. The obtained research results and conducted communication analysis of the essence and form of media communication culture and public relations is a new paradigmatic scientific contribution to the culture of media communication and the advancement of the role and function of public relations in the new inclusive information society.

Education 2.0 and gender: a case study on the use of interactive whiteboards in secondary schools

The digitalization of education systems is presented as a possible way to match the concerns of a knowledge based economy with those of an inclusive information society. To meet this double challenge, education systems are asked to shift from a ‘traditional school’ to an ‘Education 2.0’ model, introducing innovative pedagogies through the use of ICT devices characterized by interactivity and multimediality. The article investigates over the presence and breadth of this shift within secondary schools of the region Sardinia, Italy, since the introduction of Interactive Whiteboards (IWB), to focus next on the gender dimension of change. Empirical evidence drawn from an evaluative research adopting a mixed method approach is presented and analysed: first, an idealtype of classroom organization after IWB introduction is offered, then the main gender dynamics emerging in reorganized classrooms are considered, focussing on interaction among its main actors’, namely teachers and students. Conclusions suggest that, although a less gendered approach to technology is observed in classroom practices enhanced by Education 2.0 models, these changes haven’t (yet) led to a reconfiguration of the symbolic representations and tacit assumptions structuring school settings, still hampering fairer educational and professional trajectories for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths).

Creating an ICT Based Environment that Supports Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Kosovo

This paper will contribute on preparatory model of creating a sustainable ICT environment for continues motivation of Intrapeneurs to support and encourage their creativity in order to lead to innovative projects inside and outside of the organizational effectiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). The research of the paper is focused on the comparative model of this managerial issue between the models in EU and Kosovo which is part of South-East European Countries (SEE). In an effort to be part of a unified information space of South East Europe, Kosovo has to innovate and invest in education and research in the field of information and communication technologies. On the way of the knowledge society it is still necessary to reduce the digital gap, expand the set of services and make central system and portal for electronic administration. Similarly, in the context of the special environment of Southeast Europe, authors have identified three key priorities: a unique information space, innovation and investment in ICT research and education and inclusive information society (information society for all). This is precondition that enables the creating an ICT based Environment that supports creativity, Innovation and Intrapreneurship. Positive samples of the paper can be useful to be implemented within SEE countries, and as an impact, the contribution of the paper will be shown as a possible model of managing and motivating an environment that supports Innovations through creativity. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n2s1p23

Towards a More Inclusive Information Society: A Case Study of a Digital Inclusion Initiative in Jalisco, Mexico

With information communication technology (ICT)´s undisputed impact on society, democratic governments are incorporating ICT reforms which attempt to increase democratic participation and improve the overall lives of the most marginalized communities within society. At the 2003 World Summit on an Information Society (WSIS), the Declaration of Principles states “that everyone can benefit from the opportunities that ICTs can offer…all stakeholders should work together to improve access to ICT infrastructure, as well as to information and knowledge.” In 2005, the Tunis Agenda reaffirmed these principles and put forth Action Lines to ensure a roadmap for how these principles will be implemented at state and local levels. In 2011, the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Frank LaRue, presented his report to the UN General Assembly, which in the introduction states, “facilitating access to the Internet for all individuals, with as little restriction to online content as possible, should be a priority for all states.” However, a research gap exists between acknowledgement of the benefits of improved access to the Internet and therefore information, and the actual empirical measurement and evaluation of the specific results these digital inclusion projects have in practical implementation. This paper is a chapter of my in-progress doctoral thesis, “Freedom of Expression’s Role in Creating Universal Access to the Global Information Society.” Six years after the WSIS Plan of Action, the project analyses the successes and challenges of the efficacy of digital inclusion initiatives at a local level, especially in achieving access to relevant information in the most marginalized populations of Jalisco, Mexico. The paper will present the results of my doctoral field research, which focused on four primary questions regarding the Digital Agenda project in Jalisco, Mexico (JDA): 1) What information is being accessed by users of local digital community centres? 2) Why is this information being accessed? 3) How has information been used in the daily activities of the users? and 4) What information is not currently being accessed that will be available in the future? In order to answer these questions, three groups of hypotheses were developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the centres in providing community access to relevant information. These hypothetical groupings were: effectiveness in addressing community needs; funding, training and capacity building; and involvement of stakeholders. The paper will discuss the results of the research, first by describing and comparing Mexico’s national digital inclusion initiatives with the JDA and its implementing partners at the macro level, and then presenting results of the field research at the meso and micro levels, providing detailed background profiles of digital centres visited, their users and administrators. It also addresses the substantive results of the study relative to the hypotheses. More broadly, the case study provides a vital link between the legally binding state commitments to access to information (notably the internet) and their implementation on the ground — providing empirical evidence of the extent of implementation of the fundamental right to access.

Rethinking determinants of ICT acceptance: Towards an integrated and comprehensive overview

In the contemporary ICT environment, we are confronted with a growing number of failing innovations. New technological innovations often fail because too much attention is still given to (technical) product-related features without taking into account the most important parameters of user acceptance. In addition, suppliers of ICT products often lack accurate insight into the distinguished profiles of their (potential) target audience. In this article theoretical considerations and empirical results on this matter are highlighted. First of all, an approach is proposed in which more traditional and often scattered vision(s) on adoption determinants are broadened into an integrated framework. The approach provides a stronger base for better targeting of (new) users of technologies. Secondly, the authors elaborate on this by rethinking these determinants with regard to later adopters. Later adopters (or even non-adopters/users) are often ignored in technology acceptance research. However, especially for policy purposes, the understanding of why people do not adopt or do not use ICT is strongly relevant in the light of the development of an inclusive information society. Both approaches are illustrated by case studies starting from a common list of nineteen ICT appropriation determinants. This framework enables to better profile both earlier and later adopters as well as it allows to formulate recommendations how to bring innovations in the market. Summarizing, this contribution offers an integrated approach on technology acceptance research by bridging the gap between a market and a policy-oriented point of view.

International Experience in e-Transformation

All countries are learning to smartly leverage the information and communication technology (ICT) revolution to enhance their competitive position, to improve governance and public services, and to build an inclusive information society. There is much to be learned, in view of the fast pace of technological change, the recent emergence of the digital economy, the uncertain payoff and publicized failures of ICT investments, the malleable nature of ICT as a general purpose technology, and the need for complementary policies and investments to realize the potential benefits of what we call e-development or e-Transformation. The literature on country experience in developing and implementing ICT strategies is scarce. With few exceptions, that literature is theoretical or prescriptive. Analytical and descriptive literature typically depends on official statements of national ICT polices and strategies, with scant attention to implementation experience, evaluation, and lessons learned. Even scarcer is the literature on cross-country or comparative experience in pursuing e-transformation and implementation challenges. The authors of this special issue draw on the in-depth observation as actors or participant-observers of the country they are reporting on. Their perspective emphasizes the process of formulating and implementing e-strategies and the underlying forces and dynamics that shape both design and implementation. Moreover, all cases follow a common conceptual framework, to facilitate cross-country comparisons of e-strategy design and implementation, without reducing country experiences into some aggregate measures of readiness or indicators of outcomes. This set of articles follow the framework of e-development or e-transformation as an integrated approach to leveraging ICT for development—pursuing coherent policies and mutually reinforcing ICT-enabled development initiatives at the national and regional levels. E-development can also be accelerated by identifying and influencing key stakeholders to help create an “ecosystem” for the information society and knowledge economy—a holistic approach that generates a shared vision, mobilizes J Knowl Econ (2011) 2:1–2 DOI 10.1007/s13132-010-0026-3

Innovations in user sensitive design, research and development

Computing is making an increasingly significant impact on modern society, underpinned by the tremendous expansion of the capacity of information and communication systems (ICT) as predicted by Moore’s Law. This has led to a profusion of functions, new tasks and new and multiple ways to perform tasks. However, this has not always resulted in improvements in the user experience. There are currently a large number of ICT systems which should not, but do, require a great deal of technological skill, knowledge and high levels of sensory, motor and cognitive abilities. They have become more and more exclusive. Too often function has won at the expense of design. An understandable enthusiasm for what software is capable of, plus current hardware innovations, has blinded designers to crucial user interface issues. Although mainstream players are paying increasing attention to the relevance and acceptability of their offerings to their intended users, many have a very narrow description of their potential user base, ignoring the characteristics, needs and wants of a significant proportion of the population—that is those people who either because of age, disability, social, educational and/or geographical considerations find the use of ICT difficult or have poor computer literacy. It is not always fully realized that these groups offer a growing, but not yet saturated, market for ICT systems. Modern developers now meet the triple challenges of (a) the burgeoning capacity of IST, (b) increasingly demanding expectations of purchasers and users and (c) the requirements for an increasingly inclusive Information Society. Responding to these challenges requires new methods for design, research and development. Although user-centred design is becoming more accepted as best practice, it often concentrates on the typical user, overlooking the atypical user referred to above. Taking into account a larger user base may be significant in market share and even mandatory under emerging legislation. If society is to benefit fully from technological advances, it is important that a greater weight is placed on atypical users. This special issue suggests a number of ways towards addressing this issue. The keystone paper by Newell, Gregor, Morgan, Pullin and Macaulay argues for greater empathy with users by developers—an empathy that should be reflected in current methods for design, research and development. They demonstrate how user-centred design can be developed into user sensitive inclusive design to include a much wider range of users. Older adults are one such ‘‘atypical’’ group of users who are becoming both more prevalent and significant. Holzinger, Searle and Wernbacher describe some new usability metrics developed on the basis of experiments made on applications for elderly people. They evaluate factors that influence the older adults’ acceptance of software products, considering the extent of their previous exposure to technology and providing short guidelines for software developers for the design and development of software for elderly people. They conclude that acceptance is related to ‘‘Previous Exposure to Technology’’ (PET). The paper provided by Dickinson, Eisma and Gregor also explores this user group, showing how non-experimental methods can contribute valuable research findings. They R. Adams (&) CIRCUA, Middlesex University, School of Engineering and Information Sciences, The Burroughs, Hendon, London NW4 4BT, UK e-mail: adams@churchillians.net

Analysis of e‐inclusion projects in Russia, Austria and Switzerland

PurposeThe issue of digital divide is widely discussed in research as well as in practice. Today, especially senior citizens are excluded from the merits of using information and communication technologies (ICT). This paper aims to study municipal projects for an inclusive information society in Russia, Austria, and Switzerland.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper 50 cities are selected from each country studied based on three variables. In each city, all age‐related e‐inclusion projects are analyzed to find commonalities and varieties.FindingsResults show that in all countries the projects share several commonalities. However, project ideas are not shared internationally.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the selection of countries and cities. Future research should compare the results of other countries.Practical implicationsDecision makers in municipalities should look for successful e‐inclusion projects in other areas, not only nationally but also internationally.Originality/valueThis paper presents a first comparative analysis of e‐inclusion projects in several European countries.

Assessing social network sites as international platforms

: In this article I assess the challenges and opportunities of using online social network services as international platforms for development and for networking global civil society. A human rights framework and information ethics approach are used to identify principles as they are transposed to the internet, to evaluate dominant trends in social network sites (SNSs) and to theorise how human rights might be embedded into the technical design of new and existing online social networks. The central research question is ‘how can SNSs affirm and uphold a “people centered, inclusive and development-oriented information society” (WSIS 2005)?’ Ideal values and outcomes of a public service social network include interoperability, privacy, transparency, autonomy, participatory design, cultural and linguistic diversity, support for oral cultures and non-technical populations, open access and the commons. Affordances and functions of existing SNSs include sociability, sharing, interaction, homophily, social capital and power, and network effects. Examining tensions between values and affordances, public and private interests, can help guide the design and implementation of SNSs for international networking and development.

Journalistic Self-Regulation in Australia

This article examines the system of journalistic accountability in Australia, evaluating its capacity to promote `the highest ethical and professional standards' seen as fundamental to achieving the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) vision for an inclusive information society. First, it outlines the approach to media and journalistic accountability adopted in Australia. It then analyses a representative sample of journalism codes of ethics and codes of practice, classifying them according to their approaches to self-regulation, the key characteristics of the codes and the approaches to dispute resolution adopted. The findings of this analysis are then compared with best practice in self-regulation criteria distilled from the Taskforce on Industry Self-Regulation to identify potential problems with the current scheme of journalistic self-regulation. These criteria are then critiqued, identifying a range of problems in relation to the scheme's capacity to promote information society objectives as articulated by the WSIS in relation to the role of traditional and new media.

The information society in demographically changing Europe

The development of an inclusive Information Society where all citizens can realise their potential is at the heart of the European policies. The rapid evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is directly impacting the lives of all Europeans. When building an information society for all, it is essential to consider not only the technological components, but also the European social objectives and the related financial and legal issues. ICT has the potential to improve the quality of life of all, but most significantly for older persons and persons with disabilities. For many years the European Commission has fostered ICT development through its support of research and technology development, and through its policy initiatives.

REVIEWS: Digital Nation: Toward an Inclusive Information Society by Anthony G. Wilhelm

REVIEWS: Digital Nation: Toward an Inclusive Information Society by Anthony G. Wilhelm

Digital nation: toward an inclusive information society

As our social institutions migrate into cyberspace, the digitally disenfranchised face increasing hardships. What happens when -- in search of quick and cheap fixes -- a government office shuts down and is replaced by a public Web site? What happens when a company accepts only online job applications? Inevitably, those most in need of the services and opportunities offered are further marginalized. In Digital Nation, Tony Wilhelm shows us how to build a more inclusive information society, offering a plan that reaps the benefits offered by the new technology while avoiding the pitfalls of social exclusion.Technology, he tells us, isn't the problem -- it's the use of technology that can empower or control, unite or divide; we need to recover the ideas of social justice and fairness that have been lost in the rush to make things faster and cheaper. In Wilhelm's vision of an inclusive digital nation, everyone can take advantage of the new technology. With everyone part of the information society, we can revolutionize the way we educate our citizens, deliver healthcare, and engage in productive work. The result will be increased efficiency and productivity that will lead to long-term savings of billions of dollars and an enhanced quality of life as technology expands choice and opportunity. We can begin to bring this about by expanding access to computers and making it easier to acquire digital literacy skills. To do nothing -- to turn a blind eye to the promise of an inclusive technology -- would cost us socially and economically. Digital Nation's call for action sets the terms for a new debate on bridging the digital divide.

Publications Received

Academy of Management ReviewVol. 30, No. 2 ArticlesPublications ReceivedPublished Online:1 Apr 2005https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2005.16387906AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsDownload CitationsAdd to favoritesTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail View articleAbstractThis section lists bibliographies of books on business, management and organization, including “The Art of Business: In the Footsteps of Giants,” by Raymond T. Yeh and Stephanie H. Yeh, “Business Success Through Service Excellence,” by Moira Clark and Susan Baker, and “Digital Nation: Toward an Inclusive Information Society,” by Anthony G. Wilhelm.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Vol. 30, No. 2 Permissions Metrics in the past 12 months History Published online 1 April 2005 Published in print 1 April 2005 Information© Academy of Management ReviewKeywordsMANAGEMENTORGANIZATIONDownload PDF

Indigenous Australians and the ‘digital divide’

As a result of their disadvantaged socioeconomic position, Indigenous Australians experience disadvantaged digital information access, both in terms of the distribution of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the skills-based capabilities required for their effective utilisation (e.g., literacy and information literacy). As social, economic, and political opportunity becomes increasingly wedded to ICT access in the information society, Indigenous digital disadvantage threatens to perpetuate or exacerbate the existing inequalities constraining access. Despite concerns such as the issue of information imperialism, Indigenous Australians have recognised the empowering potential of the Internet as an information resource, communication tool, and publishing medium. Though the policies of government and the information profession commit to maximising equity of ICT and information access, Indigenous digital disadvantage suggests the need for greater intervention and comprehensive strategies in the interests of a socially inclusive information society, of benefit to all Australians.

THE INFORMATION SOCIETY AND ITS POLICY AGENDA: TOWARDS A HUMAN RIGHTS-BASED APPROACH

This article reviews the existing broad variety of theories on the Information Society, including market or labour force-based approaches, stressing the expansion of the information sector and the increasing importance of knowledge work, technically deterministic concepts based upon the ideas of the information revolution and the computerization of society, and more comprehensive theories embracing those issues and aligning them with socio-political aspects. Against this backdrop, policy implications are evaluated, focusing on the results reached during the First Phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Although its relatively broad policy agenda, which favours an integrated approach for the coordination of Information Society issues, including areas such as health, development, education or the media, is, as such, a positive development, a coherent framework is still missing. The current paradigm remains rather technically deterministic, thus emphasizing the mainstreaming of information and communication technologies (ICTs), instead of calling attention to the underlying needs and rights that should be fostered and enhanced. It is argued that building an inclusive Information Society requires a paradigmatic shift towards a human rights-based approach.

On-line Working and Open Access Publishing

On-line Working and Open Access Publishing

Systems of the Information Society

An inclusive information society needs an infrastructure built upon systems which are in harmony with citizens. This paper discusses some of the contextual issues which need to be addressed to realise this goal. There is a need to strive continually to develop adaptive systems which satisfy the dynamic needs of people. The project management of such development activities must be sensitive to the wider social issues. The development activity must adopt a sociotechnical perspective. It must never be forgotten how vulnerable individuals and society are from insecure and inappropriate information systems. It must be recognised that the social systems that are dependant on information systems to survive can be very unpredictable in terms of the benefits gained and costs incurred by both individuals and society at large.

Is Knowledge-Based Society a Relevant Strategy for Civil Society?

Governments today tend to see the importance of knowledge, information, education and solidarity through instrumentalism. They are elements of modernity that have a selective use value. Modernization has also increasingly been reduced to technology that is supposed to change the structure of industries and to provide citizens with new means of social cohesion and participation. Both the ideas of the information society and civil society, however, aim at strengthening the competitive elements of efficiency and control, where the collective capacity for action is limited. On the political level, the knowledge-based society has been transformed into the information society, where the techno-economic paradigm is expected to function in a socially neutral and progressive way. Due to a rise of new hierarchies and exclusions it has become necessary to ask why efforts for developing a socially inclusive information society have not been successful. Due to conflicting goals between instrumentalism and democracy, the distinction between the state and civil society is unclear. The partners are also uncertain about their roles and responsibilities. To develop the information society towards an inclusive society, the concept of collective responsibility should be redefined, otherwise the danger of growing neo-exclusionism increases. Aside collective responsibility, the conditions of collective morality should also be discussed.

The human-centred movement: The British context

The cornerstone of the British human-centred tradition lies in the two notions, human machine symbiosis and socially useful technology. The contemporary tradition has its roots in the LUCAS PLAN of the 1970s and has recently been shaped by a number of European social and technological movements in Scandianvia, Germany, France, Ireland and Italy. The emergence of the information society places the human-centred debate in wider socio-economic and cultural contexts. The paper explores the shaping of the European dimension of the human-centred tradition and proposes a research agenda for social innovation for inclusive information society.