Informal Information Networks Research Articles

Assessment of Extension Delivery Methods to Farmers in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Information plays a very important role in agriculture in particular and life in general. Agriculture has become information-intensive; information is required for livestock and crop production. It empowers farmers to respond to market incentives, risks, and competition. Farmers access information from a variety of sources. These sources can be divided into formal and informal information networks. The study assessed extension delivery methods to farmers in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting 125 respondents through survey. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that males were 74.2%, the respondents 49% were between 26 and 35 years, 61.7% were married, 52% had farm size of 6 hectares and above. About 34% earned an estimated annual income of between ₦100,000.0 and ₦500,000.0, 83.3% acquired land through inheritance and 47.5% obtained information from extension services using radio. About 50% of identified characteristics of the effectiveness of extension delivery methods used were helped solve problems and 86% of constraints to the effectiveness of extension delivery methods used were poor infrastructure. It is recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should provide infrastructure, organize adult education for farmers and organize training to update knowledge of extension workers.

Changes in Social Network Structure in Response to Exposure to Formal Credit Markets

Formal financial institutions can have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on informal lending and information networks. We first study 75 villages in Karnataka, 43 of which were exposed to microfinance after we first collected detailed network data. Networks shrink more in exposed villages. Links between households that were unlikely to ever borrow from microfinance are at least as likely to disappear as links involving likely borrowers. We replicate these surprising findings in the context of a randomized controlled trial in Hyderabad, where a microfinance institution randomly selected neighborhoods to enter first. Four years after all neighborhoods were treated, households in early-entry neighborhoods had credit access longer and had larger loans. We again find fewer social relationships between households in early-entry neighborhoods, even among those ex-ante unlikely to borrow. Because the results suggest global spillovers, which are inconsistent with standard models of network formation, we develop a new dynamic model of network formation that emphasizes chance meetings, where efforts to socialize generate a global network-level externality. Finally, we analyze informal borrowing and the sensitivity of consumption to income fluctuations. Households unlikely to take up microcredit suffer the greatest loss of informal borrowing and risk sharing, underscoring the global nature of the externality.

Doctoral student experiences in biological sciences laboratory rotations

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the experience of selecting and engaging in biological sciences laboratory rotations from the perspective of doctoral students.Design/methodology/approachWithin the socialization framework, this study uses a qualitative approach whereby 42 biological sciences students enrolled at highly selective US universities were interviewed in the first and second year of doctoral training about laboratory rotation experiences.FindingsThe study revealed how doctoral students used formal and informal information networks, explored research topics, struggled with funding concerns and learned about the social aspect of the laboratories in which they rotated.Originality/valueWhile rotations are considered a signature pedagogy in the laboratory sciences, students’ experiences within them are understudied. This study offers new knowledge about what doctoral students experience while rotating that can be used to inform and improve rotation processes for both students and universities.

Changes in Social Network Structure in Response to Exposure to Formal Credit Markets

Formal financial institutions can have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on informal lending and information networks. We first study 75 villages in Karnataka, 43 of which were exposed to microfinance after we first collected detailed network data. Networks shrink more in exposed villages. Links between households that were unlikely to ever borrow from microfinance are at least as likely to disappear as links involving likely borrowers. We replicate these surprising findings in the context of a randomized controlled trial in Hyderabad, where a microfinance institution randomly selected neighborhoods to enter first. Four years after all neighborhoods were treated, households in early-entry neighborhoods had credit access longer and had larger loans. We again find fewer social relationships between households in early-entry neighborhoods, even among those ex-ante unlikely to borrow. Because the results suggest global spillovers, which are inconsistent with standard models of network formation, we develop a new dynamic model of network formation that emphasizes chance meetings, where efforts to socialize generate a global network-level externality. Finally, we analyze informal borrowing and the sensitivity of consumption to income fluctuations. Households unlikely to take up microcredit suffer the greatest loss of informal borrowing and risk sharing, underscoring the global nature of the externality.

Are seminars on export promotion effective? Evidence from a randomised controlled trial

AbstractThis paper investigates the impacts of informational and motivational seminars on export promotion targeting small and medium enterprises in the traditional apparel and textile clusters in Vietnam. To control for biases due to self‐selection, we conducted a randomised controlled trial and invited randomly selected firms to participate in 1‐day seminars. Because only some of the invited firms participated in the seminars, we employ an instrumental variable approach in which the dummy variable for a random invitation is used as an instrument for quantifying the effects of participation. We find that seminar participants were more likely to sense the difficulties of the export procedures and were, on average, unlikely to start exporting in the short run. However, the seminars encouraged large firms, which possibly embody higher productivity and absorptive capacity, to start exporting shortly after the seminars. This effect was not sustained in the long term without additional stimuli. We have also identified spillover effects of participants on non‐participants through informal information networks within the cluster. Overall, the results suggest that the provision of information about export is useful only to adequately productive larger firms with a sufficient absorptive capacity.

The Information Practices of the Fishermen in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

AbstractUtilizing de Certeau’s concepts of “tactics” and “strategies,” and Chatman’s “information poverty,” this study examines the information practices of the fishermen in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Using faceto- face surveys, this study gathers data from 102 fishermen in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. The findings of the study reveal that the majority of fishermen (“fisher folks”) studied regularly need information on weather, fish buying and selling prices, daily consumable products, entertainment, and religion. Fisher folks in this study heavily rely on their informal information networks (e.g., family and friends) to meet their diverse information needs. The study also reports various information challenges faced by the participants. It is evident in this study that fisher folks, due to unwelcoming information environment of strategic institutions (e.g., various government agencies), tactically avoid services and information provided by them. A call for radical change in “information service culture” (i.e., offering information to only educated, the dominant group of the society) has been emphasized by the author of the paper. The study also highlights the importance of offering appropriate, need-based, welcoming information services to rural communities by various government information agencies including public libraries. It is expected that this study will help researchers design studies aimed at exploring the “tactical information practices” of various unprivileged groups such as victims of domestic violence, ready-made garments worker, sex workers, etc., who have diverse socioeconomic and political backgrounds.

Migrant Workers in Kerala: A Study on Their Socio-Economic Conditions

This paper examines the socio-economic condition of the migrant workers in Kerala. We analyse the income, consumption and savings pattern, and nature of work of the migrant workers in the Trivandrum district, based on data from a sample of 166 migrant workers. While existing studies provide evidences for short distance migration to Kerala from nearby states like Tamil Nadu andKarnataka, we find evidence for long distance migration from states like West Bengal and Assam in recent years. We find that informal information networks through migrant workers from native place plays important role in migration of workers to Kerala. Poor economic conditions in the native place and high wage rate and better employment opportunities in Kerala have been identified as the main reasons of migration to Kerala. Though there is barely any change in the nature of employment of the migrants even after migration, there has been a shift from the low-income brackets before migration to high-income brackets after migration. Notwithstanding the improved income level the living condition for most of migrant workers is deplorable, most of them live together in either poor rented houses or work sites with one room shared by many, without proper provision of hygienic sanitation.

Learning Regions in Australia - The Case for Collaborative Infrastructure Outside Metropolitan Centres - The Pilbara Region as a Possible Case Study

There are many areas in Australia where access to services and economic activities are limited by the sheer geography of the country. Delivery of basic services such as health, education, welfare is constrained by the distances involved. Economic activity is limited by low population density, distance from major urban areas and policy frameworks that favor metropolitan outcomes. The usual informal information and knowledge networks that link industry, government and communities together in urban areas are absent or fragmented. Such regions are hampered in their development by generations of decisions that always create sub-optimal solutions for the region — expectations are lowered, and this starts a vicious cycle of decline and neglect. People ‘make do’ rather than ‘think big’.However, there are examples around the world of regional strategies that have supported local networks to enhance regional development, job creation and industry growth. They are regions created through high levels of innovative thinking, and are not limited by established views on how to do things. They are also highly successful.It is possible to envisage similar learning regions in Australia. It requires four integrated approaches to policy and planning: adoption of a regional innovation policy framework that is quite different to the traditional policy frameworks applied by government agencies; creation of ‘knowledge policies’ that gain synergy from government service agencies, workforce development, community activities, and industry development and innovation strategies; adoption of an ‘action learning’ framework for policy development that engages communities, companies and government agencies; and, application of governance principles that reflect ‘collaborative planning’ values between all the key stakeholders in the region.The Pilbara Region in Western Australia provides us with a current case study in this regard. The WA Government under its Pilbara Cities initiative has invested significant time and effort in developing strategies for regional economic and social development. Using contemporary material, the Paper examines the direction and purpose of the initiative, and maps it against the idea of a ‘learning region’.

Citizens' Response Patterns to Warning Messages

This paper elaborates the concept of citizens' crisis‐coping strategies, using data from a qualitative study of people who have experienced a real crisis plus discussions of simulated warning messages. The analysis results suggest that, to emotionally cope with a crisis, citizens may need more than institutionally framed warnings. They may either seek information from informal information networks or simply take their own response action. The paper concludes that the use of alternative sources and channels of warning messages would help people to cope, emotionally and cognitively, with crises. These alternatives would increase the efficacy of institutional crisis communication plans and consequently the public's response to crisis messages.

Economic Conditions of the In-Migrant Workers in Kerala: A Case Study in the Trivandrum District

The major objective of the paper is to examine the economic conditions of the in-migrant workers in Kerala. This has been done by analysing their savings, income and consumption pattern and nature of work before and after migration. The analysis is based on data from a sample of 166 in-migrants workers in the Trivandrum district, which has been collected through a primary survey during September-October, 2008. While existing studies provide evidences for short distance migration from nearby states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to Kerala, our study observed that long distance migration from states like West Bengal and Assam dominated the inflow of migrant workers in recent years. Informal information networks through acquaintances that have already migrated plays important role in migration of workers to Kerala. Poor economic conditions along with several other overlapping factors have been identified as the reason of migration. There has not been any change in the nature of employment of the migrants even after migration. However, there has been a shift from the low-income brackets before migration to high-income brackets after migration. We observed positive relationship of skill level and instance of migration with income level. Notwithstanding the improved income level the living condition for most of them is deplorable, most of them live together in either poor rented houses or work sites with one room shared by many and no provision of hygienic sanitation. The amount and pattern of food expenditure is found to be more or less same for all the migrants, whereas that of non-food expenditure varies from person to person. The savings and investment habit among the migrants is found to be very poor.

Analysis of attributes creating customer value and loyalty in hospitality industry

This study aims at examining the consumer attributes that play significant role towards decision making in choosing a hotel chain, as well as identifying the main attributes that build brand loyalty. The analysis of data is based on a survey conducted among potential hospitality customers to identify the critical factors involved in deriving the preference for a hotel, and developing loyalty in reference to informal information networks (word of mouth).

Use of the out-of-hours emergency dental service at two south-east London hospitals

BackgroundPrior to the introduction of the 2006 NHS dental contract in England and Wales, general dental practitioners (GDPs) were responsible for the provision of out-of-hours (OOH) emergency dental services (EDS); however there was great national variation in service provision. Under the contractual arrangements introduced 1st April 2006, local commissioning agencies became formally responsible for the provision of out-of-hours emergency dental services. This study aimed to examine patients' use of an out-of-hours emergency dental service and to determine whether the introduction of the 2006 national NHS dental contract had resulted in a change in service use, with a view to informing future planning and commissioning of care.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to people attending the out-of-hours emergency dental service at two inner city London hospitals over two time periods; four weeks before and six months after the introduction of the dental contract in April 2006. The questionnaire explored: reasons for attending; dental registration status and attendance; method of access; knowledge and use of NHS Direct; satisfaction with the service; future preferences for access and use of out-of-hours dental services. Data were compared to determine any impact of the new contract on how and why people accessed the emergency dental service.ResultsThe response rate was 73% of attendees with 981 respondents for the first time period and 546 for the second. There were no significant differences between the two time periods in the gender, age, ethnic distribution or main language of service users accessing the service. Overall, the main dental problem was toothache (72%) and the main reason for choosing this service was due to the inability to access another emergency dental service (42%). Significantly fewer service users attended the out-of-hours emergency dental service during the second period because they could not get an appointment with their own dentist (p = 0.002 from 28% to 20%) and significantly more service users in the second period felt the emergency dental service was easier to get to than their own dentist (P = 0.003 from 8% to 14%). Service users found out about the service from multiple sources, of which family and friends were the most common source (30%). In the second period fewer service users were obtaining information about the service from dental receptionists (P = 0.002 from 14% to 9%) and increased use of NHS Direct for a dental problem was reported (P = 0.002 from 16% to 22%) along with more service users being referred to the service by NHS Direct (P = 0.02 from 19% to 24%). The most common preference for future emergency dental care was face-to-face with a dentist (79%).ConclusionThis study has provided an insight into how and why people use an out-of-hours emergency dental service and has helped to guide future commissioning of these services. Overall, the service was being used in much the same way both before and after the 2006 dental contract. Significantly more use was being made of NHS Direct after April 2006; however, informal information networks such as friends and family remain an important source of information about accessing emergency dental services.

Networks of Production and Dissemination of Information on Education in Latin America and the Caribbean: Their Usefulness for Decision Makers

This article presents the results of a study that explored the formal and informal information networks operating in Latin America and the Caribbean, and estimated their utility for educational policymaking processes. To achieve this goal the following procedures were undertaken: first, a search for information networks in the region was conducted; second, an analysis matrix for information networks intended to reveal their main characteristics (origin, members, information resources provided, types of information offered and topics for which information is provided, among others) was made; and third, interviews to key informants about the utility of these networks to design educational policies in the region were conducted. The main conclusions of the study were: a) most of the information related to educational policy that circulates through information networks in Latin America and the Caribbean is not useful for policymaking processes; b) the networks that offer analytic abstracts of research and policy experiences, and propose policy solutions for policy problems in a non-technical language increase the possibility of information use by policymakers; c) informal networks, where consultants, advisors, or colleagues communicate orally to policymakers relevant information about the characteristics of successful policy initiatives in specific contexts, seem to have more impact than formal networks on policy development; and d) the utility of information networks for educational policy decisions is related to their ability to communicate, in a clear and straightforward way, the main results of policy researches and experiences.

Whose reality counts? Factors affecting the perception of volcanic risk

Understanding how people perceive risk has become increasingly important for improving risk communication and reducing risk associated conflicts. This paper builds upon findings, methodologies and lessons learned from other fields to help understand differences between scientists, authorities and the public. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse underlying attitudes and judgements during an ongoing volcanic crisis on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat. Specific differences between the public, authorities and scientists were found to have been responsible for misunderstandings and misinterpretations of information and roles, resulting in differing perceptions of acceptable risk. Difficulties in the articulation and understanding of uncertainties pertaining to the volcanic risk led to a situation in which the roles of hazard monitoring, risk communication and public protection became confused. In addition, social, economic and political forces were found to have distorted risk messages, leading to a public reliance upon informal information networks. The implications of these findings for volcanic risk management and communication are discussed.

Diffusion and Adoption of Organic Farming in the Southern Spanish Olive Groves

ABSTRACT In this article, relevant mechanisms that have conditioned the diffusion/adoption process of organic farming (OF) in the main organic olive-growing zones of Andalusia, the world's leading olive-producing region located in the south of Spain, have been analyzed mainly within the framework of the Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory. Results point out that the current diffusion model has been exhausted and, therefore, should be revised, if this form of sustainable agriculture is to spread any further. After the first stage of official promotion of organic techniques in a concrete zone of Andalusia, an important intra-regional “contagion” among farmers has been detected, whereas external to the agricultural systems influences–administration, scientists, extensionists, and so on–seem not be very important up to the present time. The more determined involvement of these agents in the development and promotion of OF would supplement and reinforce the underlying mechanisms of diffusion and would probably strengthen the spreading of OF in the near future. When new policies are being drawn up in this sector, it is crucial to bear in mind that the process of diffusion/adoption of OF in the olive groves of Andalusia has many characteristics in common with other innovations but also many peculiarities. Moreover, the moment of adoption of OF, in general, is fundamentally related to the region the farms and farmers belong to and to a lesser degree to the characteristics of the farmers and farms. In this sense, early adopters have similar socioeconomic characteristics to late adopters. However, some differences between early and late adopters have been detected: the first ones have less risk aversion, have more contact with informal sources of information, have a more favorable opinion about organic agriculture and, curiously enough, are more dependent and with less experience on agriculture. One important peculiarity of OF is related to its environmental nature: especially for early adopters, the possible economic advantages and risks of OF are not as important for them as other “externalities” associated with OF, such as respecting the environment and obtaining healthy products. Another specificity is the special characteristics of the olive-growing social systems: organic agriculture has spread most up to now in the most marginal and underprivileged zones, with older individuals as potential adopters who have limited contact with traditional sources of information, are fairly uncosmopolitan and have little education, are more motivated by environmental than economic reasons, and compared with the farmers of the other zones are more guided by their own practical experience and contact with informal information networks.

Japanese Multinational Enterprises: The Paradox of High Efficiency and Low Profitability

The fundamental characteristic of Japanese MNEs is revealed in the paradox between their high-performance operational efficiency, as reflected in quality control and inventory management, on the one hand, and their low-performance profitability, on the other. The key to unraveling this paradox lies in the organizational features of those Japanese corporations that emphasize the accumulation and utilization of managerial resources to increase operational efficiency. The paradox and the type of business management are characteristics that Japanese corporations at home and abroad share. Moreover, features that have come to be considered characteristic of Japanese MNEs, such as the high ratio of Japanese expatriates, a home country-oriented style of management, and the importance of informal information networks, have a common root with the paradox. These features can be explained by the endeavors of Japanese MNEs to compensate for the insufficient transfer of their organizational characteristics which are preconditions for high operational efficiency.

Strategies of upward influence: A cross-national comparison of Hong Kong and American managers

This study compares American and Hong Kong Chinese strategies for advancing in organisations. Evaluated are the likelihood of using a particular strategy, the perceived risk associated with each strategy, and the ethical appropriateness of the strategy. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine overall differences. Univariate analysis of variance identified the particular strategies that differentiated the American and Hong Kong respondents. For example, the Hong Kong Chinese were more likely to use informal information networks. The Americans were more likely to employ more individual strategies, such as image management, in order to differentiate themselves from the competition in their organisation.

Business information and regional economic development: some conceptual observations

This paper examines problems associated with the provision and absorption of business information on which business decisions are (or should be) based. With the aid of relevant literature, arguments are developed to consider the encouragement of informal business information networks in depressed industrial regions where ‘best practice’ industrial knowledge may be scarce.

Literacy and long‐term unemployment: options for adult guidance, support and training

Abstract This paper addresses recent government policy concerning basic skills training and long‐term unemployed people and the notion of developing a ‘training culture’ amongst adult workers. We report on a qualitative interview study with 100 long‐term unemployed people which explores their perceptions of their basic skills needs, the barriers they face in getting jobs and the guidance and training opportunities currently available to them. We use this evidence to argue that the attitudes, perceptions and priorities of long‐term unemployed people do not fit closely with those of policy makers. They rely strongly on informal support and information networks, their main goals are to obtain financial and job security and they are uninterested in low quality training programmes that do not lead to employment. Their past experience has not led them to think of themselves positively as learners. The views of long‐term unemployed people need to be taken into account in designing effective systems for guidance,...

The Informal Information Network in an Age of Advanced Telecommunications

Modern telecommunications certainly provides unprecedented capability to transfer information, and just as certainly functions by means of information networks. There are, however, other sorts of information network which pre-date advanced telecommunications and which continue to play a role in the transfer of information. It is argued here that informal information networks which allow information exchange among individuals are still important and, in fact, make little use of advanced telecommunications. The value of information exchange by such means has long been recognised in high-technology industries. Evidence from those involved with cement admixture technology in the United Kingdom suggests that informal information networks are not confined to such information-intensive sectors.