Interpretive Approach Research Articles

The commercialisation of microfinance: deploying management control to address institutional complexity

PurposeThe study aimed to examine the transformation of a non-profit microfinance institution (MFI) into a hybrid social enterprise, and the role of formal and informal controls in reconciling the discordance between the two conflicting (social and commercial) objectives that emerged due to the transformation.Design/methodology/approachA case study of a non-governmental MFI located in Southeast Asian country was conducted. This case study drew on the institutional logics perspective as an analytical tool to understand the complexity of change and the mobilisation of management control practices to align two conflicting goals at the core of the MFI’s organisational strategies. This study adopted the interpretive approach and relied on multiple data sources, including semi-structured interviews and documentary evidence.FindingsThe application of commercial principles in the operations of the MFI occurred in several phases. First, the MFI changed from a non-profit business model to a hybrid social enterprise, which pursued a double bottom-line strategy. The informal control practices inherent in the organisation’s culture created a high level of social awareness embedded within a social logic. In contrast, the formal control practices were directly linked to the new commercial logic. The synergy between the two logics was optimised by reinforcing formal and informal control practices.Originality/valueThis study offers insights into the role of control systems in reconciling the discordance between competing social and financial objectives within a non-governmental MFI that enjoys substantial financial and nonfinancial support from the government.

A knowledge-based perspective on SME foreign market entry mode choices and changes

PurposeDespite the importance of foreign market entry mode (FMEM) decisions for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there is insufficient understanding of the knowledge types and sources necessary for such decisions. This study addresses this issue by investigating the knowledge configurations that underpin FMEM initial choices and subsequent changes in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted an interpretive approach and analysed empirical data from 37 in-depth interviews with decision-makers in internationalised SMEs from the United Kingdom.FindingsThe findings reveal that different knowledge configurations drive FMEM decisions in SMEs. Based on the analysis conducted for this study, initial FMEM choices draw on prior experiential knowledge combined with knowledge from desk research and knowledge acquired from peers, competitors and international partners. However, unlike many previous contributions, this research shows that foreign market experiential knowledge does not influence mode changes. Within-mode changes rely mainly on mode-specific knowledge and on knowledge about exploiting the benefits of the internet and digital platform ecosystems. Conversely, between-mode changes draw on diverse knowledge that is frequently created in interaction with international stakeholders or acquired externally.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the SME internationalisation literature by highlighting the knowledge configurations that inform not only initial choices but also between- and within-mode changes. Moreover, it reveals the importance of distinct types of digital technology-based knowledge for facilitating mode changes. It also adds to the knowledge-based perspective by underscoring that dynamic and heterogenous knowledge configurations, often created in interaction with international stakeholders, promote firm internationalisation.

Referral pathways to early intervention services for psychosis and their influence on perceptions of care: An interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Most young adults experiencing psychosis enter early intervention services (EIS) via inpatient and emergency departments. These experiences are suggested to negatively impact their views of treatment and engagement in EIS. However, limited research has examined the impact of young adults' prior help-seeking experiences on these outcomes. The present study aimed to explore how young adults engaged in EIS have experienced initial help-seeking and make sense of these experiences in the context of their current treatment. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 young adults (mean age = 24.83) within their first 3-12 months of treatment in EIS. Interviews aimed to examine their experiences of help-seeking and referral to EIS as well as the impact of these experiences on their subsequent perception of, and engagement with EIS. 3 superordinate themes emerged: (1) Navigating the Maze of Healthcare (2) Dignity and (3) Impact of Help-Seeking and Referral Experiences. Participants with referral pathways involving urgent care services described more adversity during their referral pathway and tended to describe help-seeking experiences as contributing to negative views towards EIS and diminished engagement in treatment. The impact of early negative experiences with healthcare on views towards EIS and engagement is evident in participants' accounts. Sense making was further contextualized by participants' illness insight, degree of recovery, and social support throughout experiences. Emergent themes highlight the need for psychiatric services to emphasize service users' dignity and for EIS to provide opportunities for patients to process past negative mental healthcare experiences to strengthen engagement.

Magnitude and determinants of road traffic accidents in North Gondar Zone; Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Background: Home-based rehabilitation exercise following Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) shows similar outcomes compared to supervised outpatient rehabilitation exercise. Little is known about patients’ experiences with home-based rehabilitation, and this study aimed to investigate patient-perceived facilitators and barriers to home-based rehabilitation exercise and general physical activity after THA. Methods: Semi-structured interviews of qualitative design were conducted with 22 patients who had undergone THA and who had performed home-based rehabilitation exercise. The study took place in a regional hospital in Denmark between January 2018 and May 2019. Data was analyzed using an interpretive thematic analysis approach, with theoretical underpinning from the concept ‘conduct of everyday life’. The study is embedded within the Pragmatic Home-Based Exercise Therapy after Total Hip Arthroplasty-Silkeborg trial (PHETHAS-1), which aims to quantitatively investigate recovery outcomes after a home-based rehabilitation exercise program. Results: The main theme, ‘wishing to return to the well-known everyday life’, and the subtheme ‘general physical activity versus rehabilitation exercise’ were identified. Generally, participants found the home-based rehabilitation exercise boring but were motivated by the goal of returning to their habitual conduct of everyday life and performing their usual general physical activities. Participants enrolled in the PHETHAS-1 study used the enrollment as part of their motivation for doing the exercises. Both pain and the absence of pain were identified as barriers for doing home-based rehabilitation exercise. Pain could cause insecurity about possible medical complications, while the absence of pain could lead to the rehabilitation exercise being perceived as pointless. Conclusions: The overall goal for the THA patients was to return to their habitual everyday life. This goal served as a facilitator for undertaking home-based rehabilitation exercise. Being able to perform usual activities paradoxically became a barrier for some participants, as they were more motivated to engage in general physical activity than the rehabilitation exercise.

Trustworthy Precision Medicine: An Interpretable Approach to Detecting Anomalous Behavior of IoT Devices.

The growing integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology within the healthcare sector has revolutionized healthcare delivery, enabling advanced personalized care and precise treatments. However, this raises significant challenges, demanding robust, intelligible, and effective monitoring mechanisms. We propose an interpretable machine-learning approach to the trustworthy and effective detection of behavioral anomalies within the realm of medical IoT. The discovered anomalies serve as indicators of potential system failures and security threats. Essentially, the detection of anomalies is accomplished by learning a classifier from the operational data generated by smart devices. The learning problem is dealt with in predictive association modeling, whose expressiveness and intelligibility enforce trustworthiness to offer a comprehensive, fully interpretable, and effective monitoring solution for the medical IoT ecosystem. Preliminary results show the effectiveness of our approach.

English Language Education as a Social Divider: A Case Study

This study explores how English language teachers and their students in Nepal have experienced about using English as a medium of instruction in their classroom. A case study was conducted at a public school in Sunsari district in Nepal where English language has been taught to the students in English medium classes and Nepali medium classes separately for some years. Class observation and in-depth interviews with the participants were devised as tools for collecting the data. Interpretive phenomenological approach helped the researcher to conclude that EMI has created a social division between the English language teachers and their students who use it and who do not in their classroom.

Exploring the factors influencing evidence-based approaches to advanced chronic kidney disease: a qualitative study involving nurses and physicians

BackgroundAdvanced chronic kidney disease (ACKD) is associated with a high risk of adverse cardiovascular and renal events and has a significant impact on quality of life and life expectancy. Several studies have identified areas for improvement in their management in primary care. Some professional and environmental factors can act as key barriers to appropriate care.ObjectiveTo analyse attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control among primary care professionals related to the implementation of an evidence-based approach for individuals with ACKD in primary care.MethodologyThis was a qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological approach based on the theory of planned behaviour. Two aspects of the evidence-based approach were explored: the implementation of clinical practice guidelines and the utilisation of electronic kidney disease records within the scope of this study. Primary care nurses and physicians participated in a previous pilot interview and five focus groups. Subsequently, a thematic analysis of the gathered data was conducted.FindingsThirty-three primary care professionals participated. The emerging themes included: experiences in the management of ACKD (highlighting a distinct profile of older, frail patients with comorbidities masking CKD and a CKD follow-up primarily focused on analytical monitoring and drug adjustment); factors in the professional environment influencing the use of scientific evidence (such as time constraints, excessive electronic health records, and unfamiliar reference guidelines); attitudes towards the application of recommendations on ACKD (recognising limitations of computer systems despite considering them as guidance); and capacities to implement evidence-based recommendations (acknowledging formative needs and challenges in coordinating care with nephrology services).ConclusionsSeveral psychological elements identified through the TBP hinder the adequate implementation of an evidence-based approach for individuals with CKD. Attitudes have been identified as factors modulating the use of standardised electronic records. Instead, subjective norms (influences from the professional environment) and perceived behavioral control (perception of capabilities) acted as barriers to the proper application of clinical practice guidelines and standardised records.Implications for practiceStrategies aimed at optimising the management of people with ACKD should focus not only on training but also on improving attitudes, organisational structures, IT systems and coordination between primary care and nephrology.

Effects of the built environment on travel distance in bus-oriented, medium-sized cities in China

The impact of the built environment and weather conditions on travel behavior has been widely studied. However, limited studies have focused on better understanding such effects in medium-sized cities with bus-oriented transit systems, particularly from a separate perspective of travelers’ origins and destinations. We took Weinan, China, as a representative of second-tier cities in developing countries that concentrate on bus-oriented development strategies. New evidence of feature importance and nonlinear effects of crucial factors were revealed by an interpretable machine learning-based approach combining XGBoost and Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) with multi-source data. Most key factors were critical at both origins and destinations, such as the density of residential and commercial facilities. However, several important factors, such as road density and boarding time, had strong imbalanced effects on travel behavior. These findings provide novel insights and empirical implications to support urban planning strategies in medium-sized cities.

Semantic network analysis in consumer and marketing research: application areas in phygital contexts

Purpose Large-scale text-based data increasingly poses methodological challenges due to its size, scope and nature, requiring sophisticated methods for managing, visualizing, analyzing and interpreting such data. This paper aims to propose semantic network analysis (SemNA) as one possible solution to these challenges, showcasing its potential for consumer and marketing researchers through three application areas in phygital contexts. Design/methodology/approach This paper outlines three general application areas for SemNA in phygital contexts and presents specific use cases, data collection methodologies, analyses, findings and discussions for each application area. Findings The paper uncovers three application areas and use cases where SemNA holds promise for providing valuable insights and driving further adoption of the method: (1) Investigating phygital experiences and consumption phenomena; (2) Exploring phygital consumer and market discourse, trends and practices; and (3) Capturing phygital social constructs. Research limitations/implications The limitations section highlights the specific challenges of the qualitative, interpretivist approach to SemNA, along with general methodological constraints. Practical implications Practical implications highlight SemNA as a pragmatic tool for managers to analyze and visualize company-/brand-related data, supporting strategic decision-making in physical, digital and phygital spaces. Originality/value This paper contributes to the expanding body of computational, tool-based methods by providing an overview of application areas for the qualitative, interpretivist approach to SemNA in consumer and marketing research. It emphasizes the diversity of research contexts and data, where the boundaries between physical and digital spaces have become increasingly intertwined with physical and digital elements closely integrated – a phenomenon known as phygital.

General practitioner workforce sustainability to maximise effective and equitable patient care: a realist review protocol

IntroductionThere are not enough general practitioners (GPs) in the UK National Health Service. This problem is worse in areas of the country where poverty and underinvestment in health and social...

University lecturers’ lived experiences of teaching critical thinking in Australian university: a hermeneutic phenomenological research

AbstractThe study explores insights into the phenomenon of Australian lecturers’ lived experiences of teaching standalone critical thinking units within associate degree courses at one university in Victoria, Melbourne, Australia. The study makes an original contribution by focusing upon the experiences of teaching staff in Australian universities in relation to teaching critical thinking, particularly from a Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological and Gadamerian hermeneutic theoretical and conceptual framework. At present, there are no unified methods, frameworks, or models of teaching critical thinking in Australian higher education. This problem for lecturers is an important aspect of a university education that is not well understood. This is a global educational issue and is a matter of teaching and learning concern worldwide in tertiary education (e.g. United States of America, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK). Although, several studies have been conducted on teaching critical thinking from the perspective of university lecturers. There is limited research that focus on teaching staff in Australian universities’ experience with teaching critical thinking that has used Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenology and Gadamer’s hermeneutic circle, interpretive approach in gathering data. Using interviews, data is conducted with three first-year undergraduate Australian university Ph.D. lecturers. During the analysis of the empirical data, three themes were significant in revealing the key findings: (a) Dwelling; (b) Sorge, and (c) Concern. The comprehensive understanding of the results was that the challenges university lecturers faced in developing students to thinking critically provided new pedagogical curriculum insights for the teaching and learning of a standalone critical thinking unit within the associate degree course.

Interpretable Deep Learning Approach for Production Forecasting of Fractured Horizontal Wells

Interpretable Deep Learning Approach for Production Forecasting of Fractured Horizontal Wells

Analysis of Barriers to the Successful Implementation of Digitalization in South Africa Using the Interpretive Structural Modelling Approach

Many digitalization programmes fail in the implementation phase due to unforeseen obstacles. This study examines the barriers that affect the successful implementation of digitalization using the interpretive structural model and also evaluates the interrelationships among the barriers in the implementation of digitalization. Previous articles in the discipline of digitalization were used in the literature to mainly draw barriers found during the implementation phase of digitalization. Interpretive Structural Modelling results helped to find different levels of barriers and their influence on the system. The high cost of digital technologies and political instability were identified as the leading barriers affecting the successful implementation of digital systems in South Africa. The findings will aid in decision-making for problem-solving to eliminate the most critical barriers to improve the implementation process.

Comparing evidence use in parliaments: the interplay of beliefs, traditions, and practices in the UK and Germany

Abstract This article draws on rich qualitative data from two national parliaments—the UK House of Commons and the German Bundestag—to examine knowledge practices in political institutions. This is an important topic, not only because parliaments play a significant role in democratic decision-making, but because it sheds light on debates about how such decision-making is based on and interacts with knowledge and evidence. By adopting an interpretive analytical approach, I analyze the ways in which those practices are shaped by the beliefs and values of parliamentary actors. Indeed, in better understanding everyday practices, beliefs, and ideational traditions, it also contributes to better explaining how components of political and parliamentary cultures contribute to knowledge use more broadly. In the House of Commons, MPs draw on a highly trusted and independent parliamentary administration; meanwhile, committees have become fruitful avenues for MPs to develop policy expertise and engage with knowledge and evidence in a non-partisan way. In the German Bundestag, MPs also develop policy expertise—in fact, they interpret their role as specialists in a “working” parliament—but their knowledge practices are more openly partisan through the structuring role of parliamentary party groups and the skepticism of “neutral” advice from research services. Consequently, committees tend to be sites of political bargaining and conflict, rather than evidence-gathering. In both cases, parliaments’ knowledge practices are shaped by wider webs of beliefs about the role of MPs within the institutions. This suggests that knowledge use in political and policy settings is shaped by broader cultural factors.

Specificity of Artemii Vedel’s Performing Interpretation of Liturgical Works on the Example of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom’s (C-Dur) Artistic Presentation

The purpose of the research is to highlight the peculiarities of the artistic interpretation of A. Wedel’s liturgical works, on the example of the artistic presentation of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (C-dur). The research methodology is based on the universal methods of scientific knowledge: induction, deduction, synthesis, structural and comparative analysis, cultural reconstruction, principles of objectivity and historicism. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the formation of a clear idea of artistic and interpretive approaches to the performance presentation of A. Vedel’s liturgical works and the specifics of the use of the composer’s liturgical works in modern liturgical and concert practice. The article is the first to propose an original artistic concept of a concert and performance interpretation of Artemius Vedel’s Liturgy in C-dur. Conclusions. The research has revealed that sacred musical liturgical imagery was for A. Vedel a source of reflection of his religious sentiments and at the same time a means of expressing an individual attitude to real-life events, actualised through various compositional vocal and choral means. The publication proves the following points: A. Vedel’s liturgical works are based on the traditional principles of Orthodox liturgical practice and are an organic part of the composer’s church music heritage; the interpretive and performing algorithm of choirmaster’s work on A. Vedel’s liturgical works, and in particular, the C-dur liturgy. Vedel’s liturgical works, especially the C-dur liturgy, should aim to reveal semantic subtexts and associations in the composer’s creative intentions, characterising the composer’s psychological personality and clarifying the religious and philosophical content inherent in the score.

Neonatal healthcare professionals’ experiences of intact cord resuscitation in the mother´s bed- an interview study

BackgroundIntact cord resuscitation in the first three minutes of life improves oxygenation and Apgar scores. The practise of intact cord resuscitation implies the umbilical cord still being connected to the placenta for at least one minute while providing temperature control and equipment for resuscitation. Healthcare professionals described practical challenges in providing intact cord resuscitation. This study aimed to explore neonatal healthcare professionals’ experiences of providing intact cord resuscitation in the mother’s bed.MethodAn interview study with an inductive, interpretative approach was chosen and analysed according to reflexive thematic analysis by Braun & Clarke. An open interview guide was used and 20 individual interviews with neonatal healthcare professionals were performed. The study was conducted at five level I-III neonatal care units. In Sweden, resuscitation is performed either in or outside the labour room.ResultsThe results contributed insight into the participants’ experiences of prerequisites for providing neonatal care in intact cord resuscitation. The sense of the mother’s vulnerability was noticeable, as the participants reported reducing the risk of exposure to protect and preserve the mother’s integrity. The practical challenges in the environment involved working in a limited space. The desire for multi-professional team training comprised education and training as well as debriefing to manage intact cord resuscitation.ConclusionThe result of the present study highlights the fact that neonatal healthcare professionals’ experiences of providing ICR in the mother’s bed were positive and had significant benefits for the neonate, namely zero separation between the neonate and parents and better physical recovery for the neonate. However, the fact that ICR in the mother’s bed can be challenging in several ways, such as emotionally, managing environmental circumstances and ensuring effective team collaboration. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that healthcare professionals are given the opportunity to reflect and train together as a team. Future recommendations are to summarize evidence-based knowledge to design guidelines for ICR situation.

Accounting as a social and moral practice: bridging cultures, balancing indigenous factors, and fostering social accountability

Purpose This study aims to investigate accounting practices within a non-Western (indigenous) context and provide insights into alternative accounting approaches and perspectives. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts an interpretive research approach to gain an in-depth insight into the functioning of accounting in Solomon Islands’ unique cultural and social-political context. In-depth interviews were conducted to gain insights into the perceptions and meanings held by participants concerning Western accounting practices and their limitations. Findings The findings provide unique insights into different interpretations of accounting and accountability through two distinct cultural lenses – Western and non-Western. The complimentary and rival explanations on what accounting and accountability are doing and what accounting and accountability should be doing will help close the gap in knowledge and contribute to shaping a better world for indigenous people. Practical implications Implications for practice involve fostering collaborative efforts among individuals, communities, leaders and institutions to harness cultural strengths through accounting. Additionally, continuous capacity building and education are essential to develop accounting skills, enhance financial literacy, promote professional expertise and build a pool of skilled accountants with local knowledge to support indigenous communities. Originality/value This study is original and provides novel insights supporting the need for accounting to recognise the importance of indigenous perspectives, adapt to cultural sensitivity and integrate cultural norms and values into accounting practices to make an impact and achieve greater social and moral accountability.

Sociotechnical perspectives of digital technologies in sustainable mining

This paper adopts an interpretive case study approach to understand the role of digital technologies in addressing seemingly contradictory sustainability goals in mining. The sociotechnical model of information systems was used as a framework to guide the analysis of twenty-five in-depth interviews with globally dispersed digital technology experts working collaboratively at an industry-leading hi-tech mining solutions company. The sociotechnical-led thematic analysis findings highlight the trade-offs experts face in balancing narrow technological imperatives and economic outcomes with broader sustainability goals. The analysis moves beyond the technological and economic to a harmonious perspective of social, human, environmental, and technological interactions. A visual thematic map is presented to aid practitioners in designing and optimally implementing digital technologies to simultaneously address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while prioritising business sustainability. We conclude by drawing from the proposed sociotechnical perspectives approach for digital sustainability to provide scholars with possible pathways for future responsible information systems research.

‘Tomorrowland’: identity construction and expression through flags and costumes in a music festival

ABSTRACT Tomorrowland is a unique electronic music festival where most attendees are showing up with flags, accessories, and costumes. This research investigates consumers’ identity construction and expression through the experience of such a festival, focusing on the material possessions that are used there. Through a naturalistic interpretive approach, using interviews, observations and projective material and following a grounded theory analysis, we propose a typology of seven profiles of festivalgoers based on their external appearance and behaviours. We also describe seven functions fulfiled by the material possessions of festivalgoers. Finally, we discuss our findings along four interpretive dimensions related to the (re)creation and expression of private and collective selves and we provide some implications for festival and event managers.

Using Project ECHO to deliver a tele-mentoring and teaching program on palliative care in South Asia: Interpretive description of participants' experiences with a community of practice for learning.

To explore the learning experiences of participants (learners and teachers), in a yearlong tele-teaching and mentoring program on pediatric palliative care, which was conducted using the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model and consisted of 27 teaching and clinical case discussion sessions for palliative medicine residents in India and Bangladesh. The goal of the study is to explore how participation and learning is motivated and sustained for both residents and teachers, including the motivators and challenges to participation and learning in a novel online format. Qualitative interviews with ECHO participants, including learners and teachers were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis of interview data was conducted within an interpretive description approach. Eleven physicians (6 residents, 5 teachers) participated in interviews. Key elements of the ECHO program which participants identified as supporting learning and participation include small group discussions, a flipped classroom, and asynchronous interactions through social media. Individual learner characteristics including effective self-reflection and personal circumstances impact learning. Providing opportunities for a diverse group of learners and teachers, to interact in communities of practice (COP) enhances learning. Three major themes and 6 subthemes describing learning processes were identified. Themes included (1) ECHO program structure, (2) learner characteristics, and (3) COP. Subthemes included flipped classroom, breakout rooms, learning resources, personal circumstances, self-awareness of learning needs, and community interactions. Project ECHO suggests a novel model to train health providers, which is effective in low- and middle-income countries. Online learning programs can lead to learning through community of practice when learners and teachers are able to interact and engage in peer support and reflective practice. Educators should consider incorporating small group discussions, a flipped classroom design, and opportunities for asynchronous interactions to enhance learning for participants in online learning programs.