Informal Interactions Research Articles

Leaked (Political) Telephone Conversation in Bangladesh: A Conversation Analysis

The paper analyses a selected number of ‘leaked’ telephone conversations by some political figures of Bangladesh. The analyses are rooted in the ideals of conversation analysis (CA), particularly in the CA of telephone interaction. Leaked conversations are politically sensitive, and thus are rarely discussed in the academia. The data for this study is, however, collected from an open source, i.e., YouTube on which the conversations were circulated. The aim of the study is to examine the organizational structure of the telephone conversations carried out by political figures, i.e., political telephone conversation (PTC). The paper explains how individual political actors conduct formal and informal interactions over telephone as they discuss different sensitive issues in relation to politics and society. The paper investigates how the politicians open and close their talk, maintain adjacency pairs, and construct topics as they legitimize their arguments within a conversation. The findings of this paper are expected to contribute to a better understanding of how we can analyze and comprehend the organization of political conversations through the mechanisms of conversation analysis, and at the same time to provide a helpful documentation for further research on this ‘highly neglected’ field.

Governing transit and irregular migration: informality and formal policies

ABSTRACT Informality has attracted significant attention in migration studies, yet a fresh look is needed given the succession of world crises over the past 15 years and the increasing use of informality to deal with them. This special issue considers informality as practices of governance that supplement, substitute, replace or operate beyond formal rules. It focuses on dissecting the governance of transit and irregular migration in the liminal space between formal policies and informal practices, and focuses on three major questions: Why and how has migration governance experienced informality’s expansion in policies and practices? What are the drivers, sites, temporalities, and implications of such an expansion? How do power relations among different stakeholders affect such governance compared to normative and institutional logics? This special issue ventures beyond existing constatations that the formal and informal are entangled. A core assertion is that informality can be a deeper structuring force, because informal interactions repeat over time, creating alternative or supplementary forms of governance beyond formal institutions. This collection of articles is original in shedding light on such governance from the perspective of world politics and political regimes, little discussed thus far in systematic ways. It is also at the forefront of theorizing on how stakeholders use mechanisms of power to govern polycentrically, that is from multiple centres related to each other but not hierarchically subordinated. This collection provides novel perspectives on socio-spatial and temporal aspects of informality’s use in such governance. Building on extensive fieldwork and data-driven secondary research, this collection covers Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, post-socialist countries in Eastern Europe, including Belarus and Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Turkey and Iraq in the Middle East, and Albania in the Balkans, as well as Thailand and Myanmar in Asia.

Enabling and constraining factors of remote informal communication: a socio-technical systems perspective

Abstract Informal interactions are vital in daily workplace communication, shaping performance, well-being, collaboration, and overall organizational functioning. However, as the ongoing trends of remote and hybrid work present significant changes and challenges to these interactions, supporting remote informal communication (RIC) becomes urgent. To address this pressing issue, we adopt a socio-technical systems perspective to gain in-depth insights into the enabling and constraining factors related to RIC. Our findings of semi-structured interviews with working adults (N=33) reveal important changes and challenges related to informal communication in the remote work context. We identify eleven interrelated socio-contextual, intrapersonal, and technological factors, culminating in a comprehensive conceptual framework of RIC. Based on our findings, we provide practical recommendations to effectively facilitate RIC in organizations and discuss future research avenues for understanding effective RIC in organizations.

Historical Study of the Use of Low Seat Dingklik In Java in the Socioeconomic Activities of the Colonial Era (1800-1900)

ABSTRACT Since the 8th century, Indian traders have brought Hindu/Buddhist practices to Java, influencing the culture of sitting low. When furniture came to Indonesia during the colonial era, the Javanese started using low-wooden benches called dingklik for work and informal interactions. Despite having a simple form and being often hidden, dingklik underwent a transformation through socioeconomic activities in Java during the colonial period. Contemporary paintings, photographs, and films were used to analyse dingklik in terms of content, visual elements, and height in socio-economic activity. From an economic perspective, the shape of dingklik was oriented towards mobility so that for carry-on traders, the dingklik had smaller and lighter legs, making it easy to carry. Meanwhile, socially, the form of dingklik was influenced by philosophical symbolism, and for Javanese nobles, it had decorative features similar to royal chairs as symbols of power. This study highlights the shift in the value of traditional Javanese sitting facilities.

Exploring urban community gardens as ‘third places’: fostering social interaction in distressed neighbourhoods of Cape Town, South Africa

ABSTRACT The process of urbanisation and the associated urban lifestyle have been linked to social isolation and negative mental health impacts. As urbanisation and mobility continue to surge in African cities, urban planners face the challenge of creating inclusive spaces that encourage social interaction among urbanites. This research utilises the conceptual lens of ‘Third places’ to assess the role of urban community gardens in cultivating spaces that mitigate the negative effects of urbanisation within distressed communities in Cape Town, South Africa. A qualitative approach, involving open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews, along with observations, was employed to achieve the research aims. Findings revealed that individuals perceive community gardens as a channel for breaking free from isolation and fostering informal interactions among neighbourhood residents. However, the effectiveness of these gardens is hindered by several factors, such as their location and land tenure insecurity, which impede their ability to bring about meaningful changes within their communities. This research urges scholars to critically reconsider established criteria for third places, advocating for a nuanced understanding that acknowledges the diverse dynamics of community gardening in global South cities, thereby enriching theoretical discourse and informing practical interventions for fostering inclusive and sustainable urban communities.

The Analysis of conversational implicature of Elon Musk A.I and Mars in English Speech

This study aims to discuss the importance of communication and conversational implicature in conveying meaning effectively. It highlights the significance of understanding the context and linguistic situation to prevent misinterpretation. The research aims to uncover and describe the types of conversational implicatures contained in Elon Musk's English public speech on A.I. and Mars, emphasizing the importance of analyzing implicatures in informal interactions. This study utilized a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze conversational implicatures in Elon Musk's discussions on A.I. and Mars in English speech. The research focused on identifying implicature types and functions in the conversations, with data collected from Elon Musk's public speeches and transcribed for analysis. The data reduction process involved constructing a data-collecting sheet, selecting relevant data, explaining and justifying the chosen facts, concluding, and verifying the accuracy of the information gathered.

Emotional and Meaningful Approach to the Group Work: Informal Interaction among Young People with ASD in the “Club” Project

Emotional and Meaningful Approach to the Group Work: Informal Interaction among Young People with ASD in the “Club” Project

Sociocultural transitions of international employees

This study explores how engagement in informal communication and communicative interactions during lunchtime is a form of language socialization that contributes to the sociocultural transitions of international employees within the workplace. I conducted in-depth interviews with three international employees who had relocated from Japan to an American branch of a global automobile manufacturer headquartered in Japan, as well as field observations, audio-recordings, field notes and clarification emails. The findings revealed the crucial role of lunchtime communication in facilitating three distinct forms of transitional experiences among the participants: lateral, collateral and encompassing. Moreover, the study identified that different aspects of informal interactions with coworkers – including reflections on prior linguistic and cultural knowledge, self-awareness of English proficiency, negotiation of different cultural aspects and conflicts, nurturing social relationships and embracing new roles as mediators and experts – were linked to the promotion or hindrance of each transition. The findings underscore the significance of informal communication in the workplace during lunchtime in shaping the identity and membership development of international employees. By shedding light on this importance, the study provides valuable insights for multicultural companies seeking to support successful transitions and adaptation of their international workforce.

The Differences Between 'Uken' and 'Toa' in the Gayo Dialect

This paper examines the distinctions between the terms 'uken' and 'toa' within the Gayo dialect, spoken in the Gayo Highlands of Aceh, Indonesia. Both terms hold significant semantic and functional roles in the Gayo language, yet they differ markedly in usage and context. 'Uken' is typically employed in formal or traditional contexts, often carrying connotations of respect or authority. In contrast, 'toa' is more frequently used in informal or everyday interactions, reflecting different aspects of social hierarchy and communication style. Through a comparative analysis of these terms, this study aims to elucidate their respective meanings, cultural significance, and the roles they play in shaping social dynamics within the Gayo-speaking community. By understanding these differences, we gain insights into the intricate ways language reflects and influences social relationships in this unique cultural setting.

Youth sport coaches' perceptions of participating in the Transformational Coaching Workshop – A qualitative evaluation

Transformational leadership in sports is generally associated with positive athlete outcomes. The Transformational Coaching Workshop was developed as a person-oriented workshop to enhance youth sport experiences. However, evidence of participants’ perceptions of the workshop and how it may be improved is lacking. This study investigated coaches' perceptions of the Transformational Coaching Workshop, its outcomes and applications, and areas for improvement. Youth handball coaches were interviewed immediately (n = 10) and 6 months (n = 5) after participating in the Transformational Coaching Workshop, and the club's sporting director was interviewed 6 months following the workshop. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Overall, the workshop was well received by the coaches, highlighting the importance of a coach development program on the interpersonal aspect of coaching, and pinpointing relevant and practical examples and interactive learning experiences as effective components of the workshop. Furthermore, the workshop made the coaches more confident in their approach to leadership and provided tools and ideas for implementing transformational leadership in their daily coaching practices. It was also perceived to lead to actual behaviour changes, including challenging the players to take more responsibilities and fostering more frequent informal interactions and counselling with them. However, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Transformational Coaching Workshop, additional follow-up activities such as seminars, colleague observations, and club involvement were recommended. In conclusion, this study contributes to the existing literature on the potential efficacy of the Transformational Coaching Workshop while identifying areas for further improvement.

System Reform: The Ever-Elusive Quest—An Australian Study of How System Middle Leaders’ Role Enactment Influences the Attainment of Policy Coherence

Within an educational context, the current aim of policy translation is to achieve policy coherence by strategically and structurally aligning components, enabling whole system reform. While acknowledging the importance of this coherence conceptualisation, the current literature perspective primarily emphasises message conveyance, and lacks a dimension that identifies policy coherence as the result of how individuals, including middle leaders, interpret and translate policy into actions, both individually and collectively. System middle leaders occupy a unique position within organisational structures, as they bridge the gap between executive system leaders and school- based leaders. To investigate how policy is interpreted and translated within their roles and the impact this has on attaining policy coherence, this study employed an interpretivist approach to exploratory case study methodology, grounded in a review of authoritative literature. The aim was twofold; first, to enhance understanding of policy coherence development at the system middle level by exploring the role enactment of system middle leaders within a large Australian government education system; and second, to examine the interconnectedness and impact of leaders’ role enactment on policy coherence for system reform. Findings suggest that achieving policy coherence is hindered by a lack of role clarity among system leaders, in relation to policy implementation, stemming from the inconsistent interpretation and translation of policy into system strategy documentation and a deficiency in formal policy interpretation and role induction practices. As a result, individual system leaders often turn to informal policy interpretations and interactions with peers to clarify roles, leading to role tensions, accountability ambiguity and partial policy implementation. As a result, this study concludes that the integration of role theory, policy implementation theory and organisational alignment theory offers an interpretivist insight into the development of policy coherence for system reform, illuminating a theoretical pathway and practical recommendations for systems to attain policy coherence.

Exploring employment (de-)routinisation, premature deindustrialisation, and informal labour interactions: Evidence from Morocco

AbstractThis paper explores the (de-)routinisation of employment structure in developing countries, through the case of Morocco. We investigate employment (de-)routinisation from an often-overlooked perspective, aiming to elucidate the interplay between the dynamics of occupational employment composition by the level of routine tasks intensity and two structural aspects: premature deindustrialisation and the prevalence of informal labour.Our findings, based on tertile analysis and regressions, do not fully support the hypothesis of employment structure de-routinisation. At the same time, we could not identify a clear process of routinisation similar to that observed in developing countries undergoing the first stage of the traditional structural transformation process. Rather, we identified an inverted U-shaped pattern in the dynamics of occupational employment, indicative of a rise in intermediate routine-intensive occupations.We emphasise two key factors, with opposite effects that have contributed to this atypical pattern: The first aspect is premature deindustrialisation, which according to our shift-share decomposition, has adversely affected highly routine-intensive jobs, contrasting with the routinisation trend observed in countries that have experienced a more traditional process of structural transformation. The influence of premature deindustrialisation in terms of de-routinisation is somewhat mitigated by the increasing prevalence of occupations demanding intermediate routine tasks, particularly within the services and construction sector. Regarding the second structural aspect – the prevalence of informal labour – our three-way interaction model indicates a lower susceptibility of informal jobs to de-routinisation compared to their formal counterparts within the same industry. Consequently, the prevalence of informal employment has slowed down the process of de-routinisation of employment structure.

Can peer mediation foster migrant students’ inclusion in mainstream classrooms? An exploratory case study

ABSTRACT The growth of migration brings new challenges to contemporary societies, especially regarding the inclusion of migrant students in the education system of the host countries. Peer mediation strategies are effective in promoting the inclusion of children with special educational needs in mainstream classrooms, but evidence about its effects on migrant students is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore teaching practices which promote the inclusion of migrant students through peer mediation. A case study was designed which involved 17 native and non-native fifth-grade students and 4 teachers. Observations and interviews were used to comprehend classroom dynamics focusing on migrant-native interactions. Teachers hold different beliefs regarding the role of peer mediation strategies as a tool to foster inclusion in the classroom. Practices, in which the teachers had the explicit aim of creating a pedagogical supportive interaction between native and migrant students, were observed, peer-mentoring schemes being the most common. It was also observed that classroom organisation, task organisation and task structure have elicited informal supportive interactions between migrant and native peers. These results suggest that peer mediation strategies may be an important resource to promote the inclusion of migrant students.

A social network analysis approach to assess COVID19-related disruption to substance use treatment and informal social interactions among people who use drugs in Scotland.

To assess the extent of Coronavirus-related disruption to health and social care treatment and social interactions among people with lived or living experience of substance use in Scotland, and explore potential reasons for variations in disruption. Cross sectional mixed methods interview, incorporating a social network 'egonet interview' approach asking about whether participants had interactions with a range of substance use, health, social care or third sector organisations, or informal social interactions. Five Alcohol and Drug Partnership Areas in Scotland. 57 (42% women) participants were involved in the study, on average 42 years old. Five-point Likert scale reporting whether interactions with a range of services and people had gotten much better, better, no different (or no change), worse, or much worse since COVID19 and lockdown. Ratings were nested within participants (Individuals provided multiple ratings) and some ratings were also nested within treatment service (services received multiple ratings). The nested structure was accounted for using cross classified ordinal logistic multilevel models. While the overall average suggested only a slight negative change in interactions (mean rating 2.93), there were substantial variations according to type of interaction, and between individuals. Reported change was more often negative for mental health services (Adjusted OR = 0.93 95% CI 0.17,0.90), and positive for pharmacies (3.03 95% CI 1.36, 5.93). The models found between-participant variation of around 10%, and negligible between-service variation of around 1% in ratings. Ratings didn't vary by individual age or gender but there was variation between areas. Substance use treatment service adaptations due to COVID19 lockdown led to both positive and negative service user experiences. Social network methods provide an effective way to describe complex system-wide interaction patterns, and to measure variations at the individual, service, and area level.

Gender and Other Inequalities in Secondary Education in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone: Exploring the Experiences and Outcomes of Girls in Schools

This study extends limited research on understanding gender and education in post-conflict contexts. The study goes beyond the descriptive analysis of equality in terms of numbers but rather focuses on the gendered processes and conditions of learning (i.e., The content of what girls learn and how they learn). It gives an account of how schooling experiences produce and reproduce inequalities in secondary education. This critical analysis utilizes the intersectionality framework to illustrate how the intersection of multiple identities such as gender, social class, sexuality, culture, and location influences girls' learning experiences and outcomes in secondary school in post-conflict Sierra Leone. I particularly draw on girls’ explanations of these issues as they negotiate and are affected by them. Therefore, a detailed qualitative ethnographic study was conducted in a secondary school from the south region of Sierra Leone to explore gendered experiences and their intersecting inequalities in everyday schooling. This is to understand the gendered institutional life of the school and as far as possible do this through the voices and perspectives of those within the school, especially the girls. What this research does is to broaden the in-school research knowledge by focusing on investigating the gendered process of learning, everyday formal and informal in-school interactions, cultures and practices and the intersection of gender with other social identities like sexuality, Socioeconomic status (SES), Location and Traditions. I also tracked how these new directions of knowledge influence girls' performance, retention, and attainment. This study adopted a qualitative research method using an ethnographic approach to examine the pupils’ and teachers' detailed secondary schooling experiences. This was achieved by using in-depth interviews to explore students’ individual personal experiences of secondary schooling. The studied participants were purposively selected based on the established parameters for this study. The findings of this study revealed a highly gendered school environment, and that the intersection of multiple identities, such as gender, social class, sexuality, culture, and location, exacerbates inequalities in secondary education and influences girls' learning experiences. Additionally, the study highlighted the impact of societal factors, such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy, on girls' educational outcomes, especially in a post-conflict context like Sierra Leone.

Social infrastructure, community organizations, and friendship formation: a scoping review

Abstract Community organizations are a unique part of the local social infrastructure that provides opportunities for social connections and community building. This contribution has been established in research on social capital and the research on social networks. Little research has looked specifically at the processes that lead to forming new relationships within community organizations. In this paper, we address this gap by looking specifically at the situational dynamics at community organizations that contribute to making new friends. We approach this question by conducting a scoping review, a systematic approach to research search and selection when conducting reviews. Our review identified 37 relevant pieces of research. The majority of the research we identify comes from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. We discuss three themes addressing situational dynamics that emerged in the analysis: (1) the importance of structured programs and activities as prompts for connection, (2) creating spaces for informal interactions, and (3) emerging mutuality based on similarities and differences. We conclude with suggestions for how community organizations purposefully create these situational dynamics in their work.

“An island on the edge of Europe”: A study on academic air travel in Finland through a combined model of practice

Although evidence about the environmental harm of air travel is growing, the goal of internationalization remains firmly built into academia. The aim of this article is to study this dilemma from both the institutional and individual levels. We seek to determine the elements of academic air travel from an online survey conducted at a Finnish research university. We utilize a combined model of practice, which merges the three-element model of practice theory and the levels of society approach. We also reflect upon the travel policies of all 14 Finnish research universities against the needs and wants of the individual academic.Our findings highlight that the core elements of academic air travel in the institution we studied are physical events, social interaction, technologies, and environmental values. Although virtual alternatives and slow travel are gaining momentum, more support is needed to replace the informal interactions associated with physical presence. In addition, the external pressure to travel, e.g., to undertake fieldwork or attend conferences, is limiting efforts toward low-carbon travel. We hypothesize that change is particularly difficult to induce with linkages between various levels of society. Our combined model of practice provides a tool to identify the elements of practice that can be influenced by the individual or require changes at the institutional or even the national levels. Finally, we note a mismatch between some forms of policy support between individuals and institutions, showing a need for more practical rather than theoretical support, especially with lowering academic expectations on the need to travel.

Kedwibahasaan Anak Sekolah Dasar dan Implikasinya terhadap Pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia di Kelas IV

This research explores bilingualism among fourth-grade students at SDN 42 Buntu Sarek, focusing on Luwu-Indonesian conversations. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive method with observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection techniques, the study reveals the complex dynamics of bilingualism within and outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, students predominantly use Indonesian for formal interactions, while outside the classroom, Luwu language dominates informal social interactions. Environmental factors, including family, peers, and media, play a significant role in shaping students' speech patterns. The use of a mixed language has a positive impact on language skills development, enriching vocabulary. However, challenges arise in deepening proficiency in one language, leading to potential identity doubts, particularly in formal Indonesian contexts. Addressing these challenges requires educational strategies supporting understanding and language skill development in both languages.

Geriatric health care in rural India: HR issues and public policy constraints

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the need for holistic geriatric health care in rural India. Many older people in Indian villages suffer from chronic ailments without any relief or intervention because of inaccessible and unaffordable health-care services. This paper explores how holistic health care can be assured for older people in Indian villages. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on reflections of the authors who have had experiences as caregivers to older persons within their respective families rooted in the Indian villages. Besides, they interacted with 30 older persons (18 males and 12 females in the age group of 60–80 years) living in the villages in three states of India, namely, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to develop a comprehensive viewpoint on the need of geriatric health care in rural India. Relevant reports, newspaper articles and research papers were also reviewed while developing viewpoints on such an important topic. Findings Geriatric health-care facilities in rural India are abysmal. The older people in the villages cannot leverage health-care facilities that are generally inaccessible, inadequate and unaffordable. Even the government support for medical treatment is minuscule. Furthermore, there is lack of trained health-care professionals at all levels, namely, doctors, nurses and paramedic personnel. Training opportunities in geriatrics are also negligible. The scenario vis-à-vis geriatric health care in rural India can be upturned by increasing public spending on health-care infrastructure, increasing numbers of health-care professionals and expanding training programmes in geriatrics. Originality/value This paper is based on the critical reflections of the authors as well as their informal interactions with some of the older people in the Indian villages.

A Study of Microsoft Challenges and Opportunities of Managing a Hybrid Workforce

The outbreak of COVID-19 generated challenges for both employers and employees over a broad spectrum of industries. People were recommended to observe social distancing and lockdowns and/or curfews for non-essential businesses were implemented. This global situation catalyzed process innovation and a transition from traditional work settings, specifically on-site work, to a remote work setting where employees use online communication requiring homes with computers and high-speed internet. thesis explores how work settings changed due to the pandemic, how different work settings affect work-related collaborations which is a cornerstone in the innovation process, but also to investigate differences amongst personality traits in various work settings. The research presented herein is based on a quantitative survey of 156 respondents from a multitude of industries including several countries. The survey was designed using the Likert scale to capture how respondents perceived various aspects of collaboration before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to respondent’s perceptions, relevant demographic information was collected. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, CFA, SEM analysis, and statistical tests. Differences between work settings were found regarding certain aspects of collaboration. The most notable was that informal collaboration was limited when working from home. The most important aspects of collaboration are to be able to trust collaborative partners and feel mutual respect. Employers need to develop digital communication tools and collaboration practices when adopting a hybrid workplace. Informal interactions are an important aspect of collaboration, and these interactions are limited when working from home.