Interpretive Research Research Articles

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.

Effectiveness of Environmental Leadership Indicators Based on Local Wisdom in Development Horticultural Agriculture in Ngada - Indonesia

This research delves into the pivotal role of farmer groups in driving the development of horticultural agriculture in Ngada Regency, Flores, Indonesia, under the leadership of their respective group chairmen who adopt an environmental leadership approach rooted in local wisdom, recognizing its significance in fostering effective agricultural development. Employing an interpretive phenomenological qualitative research approach, the study unravels the intricate dynamics of environmental leadership by delving into the lived experiences and perceptions of participants. Data collection involves diverse methods including observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGD) within horticultural farmer groups, highlighting nuances of their organizational structure and practices. Findings elucidate a spectrum of indicators emblematic of effective environmental leadership within the context of agricultural development, such as possessing an ecological vision, adeptness in motivating others, exemplifying leadership through personal conduct, effective communication skills, and a steadfast commitment to goal attainment, underscoring the interconnectedness between local wisdom, ecological stewardship, and leadership efficacy.

Governmental student funding systems for higher education: an international perspective

The worldwide surge in demand for higher education (HE) aligns with an increasing need for effective student funding systems, particularly in countries where poverty poses a significant barrier to accessing HE. An international perspective on governmental student funding systems allows us to examine how other governments have implemented these systems to benefit their citizens. The aim of this article is thus to provide a global view of the functioning and challenges pertaining to student funding systems and to shed light on the policies in place in the international landscape. The realist systematic literature review methodology was deemed the most suitable for this study as various scholars have previously studied different facets of the topic. This study aligns with the interpretive research paradigm and qualitative methods. The desired information therefore already exists within the body of knowledge, although it has not yet been analyzed through this particular method. It is evident that both developing and developed countries experience challenges regarding student funding, both in the purpose thereof as well as in the implementation. This is a universal issue, and an in-depth literature review confirmed this phenomenon.

Simplification for Efficiency: Development of Schema-Based Chinese-English Interpretation Training Programs

Due to the development of international trade and intercultural communication, interpretation is widely used as a necessary tool in some business occasions. The high demand for Chinese-English interpretation has also increased accordingly in recent years. Interpretation research has been built on the basis of multidisciplinary research, involving linguistics, psychology and sociology. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of the application of schema theory in teaching C-E interpretation. This study provides some evidence and interpreting examples of application of schema theory in terms of language schemas, formal schemas, and content schemas, as well as a three-stage workshop, namely preparation, training programs, and post-training enhancement, so as to shed light on some practical implications for interpreters, teachers and students. Effectively implementing of schema theory in C-E interpretation not only promotes oral output accuracy through words and information parsing, but also restructure information into an easier-perceived format, to solve the problem of vague oral expression. Therefore it is necessary for interpreters to clarify the content and characteristics of schema theory, receive systematic training, and proactively establish as well as activate as many schemas as possible to improve the efficiency and quality of C-E interpretation.

Curriculum Making Across Sites of Activity in Upper Secondary School Vocational Education and Training: A Review of the Research in Sweden

Purpose: This paper presents a qualitative systematic review of Swedish research on vocational education and training (VET) at the upper secondary school level over the past 20 years. The review is based on a theoretical model on curriculum making as social practice that may serve as model for comparative studies between countries. By introducing the model, the ambition is to open for new perspectives on VET curriculum in policy and practice. Questions regarding key themes and the interplay of discourses and processes across multiple sites in the education system have not been addressed in previous systematic reviews of Swedish VET research. Methods: The methodological approach in the present paper is a qualitative systematic research review with an integrative and interpretative purpose and research design. The qualitative review is based on the conceptual model of curriculum making as social practice, seeking to capture the inherent complexity and porous boundaries of education systems and movements of ideas, discourses and actors between sites of activity. The model is used for mapping the research, and a content analysis for identifying main themes and emphases and exploring and discussing the potential gaps that may inform future international research studies. Findings: The results show that the research is focused on the micro and nano sites of curriculum making, with connections to macro site activities of national curriculum policy enactment. Research focusing on the macro site of activity has an emphasis on national policy and policymaking regarding the relationship between academic and vocational knowledge/programmes and apprenticeship and employability. In the micro and nano sites of activity – which comprise the majority of the research – the main themes are vocational knowing and identity, teaching, learning and assessment practices and work-based learning. Conclusion: An observation is the absence of principals and middle leaders as actors and informants in the studies. There is little evidence of actors moving between sites of activity and the meso site of activity only comprise a very small part of the research. In this respect, there is a potential gap to be explored, not least regarding how local curricula and syllabi are made and shaped in terms of the influence of representatives from local authorities, companies, trade unions, employer associations, universities and regional agencies. Curriculum making as social practice has the potential to be used for comparative international studies and as a framework that takes national differences in VET education systems into account.

Understanding consumer behavior in phygital environments: an interpretivist methodological framework

Purpose Due to rapid digitalization, the emergence of the “phygital” environment, which blends physical and digital experiences, creates unique challenges for researchers. This paper aims to introduce an interpretivist methodological framework designed to understand consumer behavior in phygital environments. The framework enables an in-depth exploration of the contextual factors, subjective experiences, personal emotions and social networks that influence consumer behavior in this space. Design/methodology/approach The framework was developed after a thorough literature review of the phygital environment and interpretivist research landscape. Consistent with the phygital transformation theory, this approach allows researchers to go beyond the limitations of purely quantitative methods, gaining a deeper understanding of consumer behavior in phygital environments. The framework is organized into four meticulously designed pillars, each focusing on specific aspects of research and using distinct data collection and analysis approaches. Findings The systematic framework facilitates exploration of various dimensions of consumer experiences in phygital settings through qualitative research techniques. Uncovering the richness of contextual factors, subjective meanings, consumer experiences and social interactions within the phygital environment yields meaningful insights into consumer decision-making and preferences. These insights help marketers craft better phygital marketing strategies. Originality/value This interpretivist framework presents a unique approach for researchers hoping to investigate consumer behavior in phygital environments. It offers deep insights and understanding of this largely unexplored space, contributing to the evolving body of knowledge in phygital studies.

Identifying Relevant Research Questions: A Tentative Framework for Inquiry in Interpretation Research

Identifying Relevant Research Questions: A Tentative Framework for Inquiry in Interpretation Research

Adaptation of Migrated Upper Mustangi People in Pokhara, Nepal

The adaptation process of migrant people from the Upper Mustang to Pokhara found a social issue. The trend of permanent and seasonal shifting was prominently observed in this study. The individual and community-level adaptation process of the in-migrants in Pokhara, and multi-ethnic societal adjustment were considerable. This research concentrated on specific ethnics of the Himalaya region of Mustang district who migrated to Pokhara and adapted in hilly ecology. The study was trying to seek the pattern of migration from the Upper Mustang their circumstance and their adaptation in Pokhara. The study area of this research was covered the migrant population in Pokhara from Lomanthang and Lo Ghekar Damodar Kunda Rural Municipalities of Upper Mustang. This study was based on a qualitative research design with interpretative research paradigm. Six informants residing in Pokhara seasonally or permanently both rural municipalities were selected representatively. For the qualitative information in-depth interview was taken with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire. Due to the climatic vulnerability, people from Upper Mustang were shifting in Pokhara permanently or seasonally for survival. The extreme cold, occasional summer rainfall, soil erosion and glacier outburst are major threats of the life security of migrants. Whereas, the common destination of migrants found Pokhara becaue favorable climate, life survival opportunities and historical legacy of socio-economic connection.

Study of International Relations students’ motivation: Assessing the effectiveness of educational process management via Action Research strategy

Introduction. The article raises the problem of increasing motivation among university students in learning their major. Despite the fact that a large number of research articles are devoted to the problem of motivation, the issue of assessing the effectiveness of educational process management as one of the key factors in creating a motivating educational environment, remains insufficiently studied. The aim of this study is to determine and describe an effective strategy of intervention and external support for students majoring in “International Relations” in order to increase motivation in learning their academic major via Action Research. Materials and Methods. The methodology is based on Activity theory, person-oriented approach, educational environment assessment, literature review, project-based learning, role-plays and Action Research, as well as on quantitative, qualitative and interpretive research. An analytical review has been carried out in order to identify methods and technologies that can be used to increase motivation to educational activities. Quantitative and qualitative methods include two surveys with subsequent interpretation of the results obtained and provide the basis for developing and testing the strategy of assessing the effectiveness of educational process management. Results. The results of the surveys and their interpretation analysis have demonstrated a high level of student interest in English as a foreign language yet with an insufficient level of motivation for their major, as well as the students’ assessment of professional role-playing games as an effective and emotionally comfortable form of education. Based on Action Research and project-based learning the authors developed an action strategy, substantiated the principles of its implementation, the degree of intervention and external support while maintaining psychological comfort and the level of student autonomy. The authors found that increased involvement is also determined by the freedom to choose the focus of the project, a meaningful professional context, successful team work and effective management of the educational process. The results of the intervention helped the authors to develop recommendations for replicating and scaling up the experience gained. Conclusions. In conclusion, inferences are made about the importance of effective external management for increasing motivation among the students. It has been proven that a sufficient level of intervention in the educational process and external support allow for higher degree of engagement and motivation in learning majors. Conclusions are also made about the Action Research method as a basis for effective management of the educational process, solving didactic problems, adjusting teaching interventions and assessing the results obtained.

Pushed or Pulled? Becoming Gig Workers in Sri Lanka

The gig economy is expanding with more workers joining digital labour platforms globally. Gig work has become popular in Sri Lanka as well, especially during the recent past. Since the gig economy is still a relatively new concept in Sri Lanka, the area is understudied. Hence, the objective of this research is to examine what motivates Sri Lankans to become digital workers. We use push-pull theory as the theoretical lens of the study. Based on qualitative research methodology under the interpretive research paradigm, 22 digital workers from various backgrounds were interviewed in person to identify their motives and experiences with web- based digital labour platforms. This study found four important reasons for Sri Lankans to choose digital work, 1) pursuit of passion 2) pursuit of money (earning in foreign currency, gaining financial independence and an additional source of income), 3) pursuit of agency and 4) pursuit of developmental opportunities. While the motivation for participants to join gig work was mainly identified as pull motivation, in some instances it was identified that the participants were also pushed to join gig work.

Giving voice by doing with not doing through: Collaborating with tactile sign language interpreters in interpretative phenomenological analysis research involving older deafblind people

There is a dearth of qualitative research into deafblind people’s experiences, impoverishing our understanding of the phenomenon and contributing to deafblind people’s social exclusion. As an approach which seeks to amplify the perspectives of participants from so called ‘vulnerable groups’, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) appears ideally suited to qualitative research exploring the experiences of the deafblind population. However, one strategy for facilitating the inclusion of deafblind people in qualitative research is the involvement of tactile sign language interpreters, and some have argued that phenomenological methods, such as IPA, be avoided where interpreters are involved. Nevertheless, those promoting IPA encourage flexibility and creativity in its use. Using the example of a UK based study exploring vulnerability among older deafblind people, this paper illustrates how tactile sign language interpreters were involved in IPA research. The criteria for evaluating the management of interpreters in qualitative research devised by Squires are used to frame critical reflection on the necessary adaptation of IPA, and the authors contend that IPA study involving tactile sign language interpreters can successfully give voice to older deafblind people when careful attention is paid to the interpreters’ credentials, role, and positionality, and it is acknowledged that IPA research is completed with not through the interpreters.

Making Sense of Cyberbullying: Stories of Men and Women at Work

This article explores how women and men appraise and interpret their experiences of cyberbullying at work and how they respond to such behaviours within a gendered cultural space, using the theory of sensemaking. Within the interpretive research paradigm, data was collected through in-depth, in-person interviews from 10 male and 25 female employees who had experienced cyberbullying. The findings indicated the similar and different ways that sense was made by men and women employees about their cyberbullying experiences. While making sense of cyberbullying experiences has been a very social endeavour for women, it has been a relatively private and individual process for men. Further, women had been more assertive and had relentlessly attempted to clear their image and regain their fractured identities as respectable women, while men mainly had been passive in trying to protect their fractured identities as good performers. Further, gender role stereotypes and gender scripts appeared to have influenced the sensemaking process and the participants’ reactions. This article contributes to the limited literature on cyberbullying at work and develops existing understandings of how men and women understand and react to cyberbullying experiences in a gendered cultural context.

Micro Entrepreneurs’ Leadership Skills and Employee Productivity: A Structural Equation Model Approach

The study of significant differences, relationships, and structural equation models evaluates the correlations between leadership skills and employee productivity of those in the food industry under the microenterprise category in Bulacan, Philippines. The research utilized the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test to determine the significant difference in leadership skills and employee productivity when grouped according to the profile of respondents. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was utilized to analyze the relationship between leadership skills and employee productivity. Moreover, the research utilized structural equation modeling techniques to analyze the correlations among the indicators of leadership skis and employee productivity. Research instrument with rating scales and a random sampling method was applied. The model fit, reliability, and validity were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. The result showed that there is a strong level of correlation between leadership skills and employee productivity. Finally, Technical Skills, Work Unit Effectiveness, and Work Quality are among the indicators of technical skills and employee productivity that are correlated as analyzed structural model and path analysis. Future research should be qualitative or mixed method to delve deeper into for a richer qualitative interpretation, and cohort or longitudinal research should be done in order to study this relationship in the long run.

Habits of healthy living in adults former athletes of federated competition in the modality of volleyball in the province of Jaen

The main objective of this research is to know the healthy lifestyle habits of people who participated in federated competitions in volleyball in the province of Jaén once their competitive stage has ended. Therefore, to investigate whether people who in their adolescence and youth practiced a federated competitive sport in volleyball, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, referring to diet, quality of sleep, level of physical activity practice and their physical condition, in their stage of adulthood and seniority. This research has been carried out though a descriptive, cross-sectional, single measurement (Ato et al., 2013), and interpretive research; in which former athletes responded to a questionnaire about their daily habits related to health; In addition, to know the information through self-completed surveys by those who were captains and technicians of the volleyball clubs, in order to better understand their current healthy habits. The total number of subjects studied was 199 people, of which 18 were captains and 21 were coaches. When asking people about their eating habits, the majority values correspond to the response option “good”, both in women (61.5%) and in men (48.8%). The different groups of participants in the research state that they attach great importance to eating habits, nutrition, and diet quality in their daily lives. 84.6% of women and 91.9% of men consider that their current level of physical fitness is based on the sports practice of their youth. Physical-sports practice as a healthy lifestyle habit is incorporated as a healthy lifestyle habit mostly in the former athletes and sports technicians participating in this research.

Exploring Healthcare Providers' and Women's Perspectives of Labor Companionship during Childbirth: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study.

A labor companion of choice during childbirth is crucial for improving women's birth experience and confidence to give birth. Labor companions provide various benefits, including enhanced communication, emotional support, non-pharmacological pain relief, and better healthcare. However, little is known about the supportive actions of labor companions with respect to women's needs during labor and birth, as well as healthcare providers' perceptions of labor companions. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the perceptions of healthcare providers and women regarding labor companions. The study utilized an interpretative phenomenology research design. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. The sample consisted of mothers, physicians, and nurses, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted for data analysis. Five themes were identified: (a) impact of companionship, (b) benefits for healthcare providers, (c) companion roles, (d) loneliness and alienation of mothers, and (e) challenges of implementation. The findings indicated that the presence of a companion reduces the need for unnecessary medical interventions and eases the workload of healthcare providers. Without a companion, mothers often feel lonely and disconnected during the birthing process. The presence of companions is often hindered by space limitations in delivery rooms, the absence of clear policies, and lack of childbirth education programs for companions. Clear policies, education programs, and adequate space are essential for implementing and promoting labor companionship during childbirth.

Emotions in the Frontline. Notes on Interpretive Research in Conflict Areas

Emotions in the Frontline. Notes on Interpretive Research in Conflict Areas

Urban comfort and adaptive capacity: an exploratory study of urban life and climate responses in Aachen, Germany

ABSTRACT In outdoor spaces, people can adapt to urban microclimates even if they are outside comfortable standards. This adaptation needs to be triggered by external motivators – enjoying the city, seeing people, meeting friends, and so forth – and these motivators are culture and place dependent. Relationships between socio-cultural values and adaptation to urban microclimate can inform design to promote adaptive capacity, enhance liveability, and improve climate change adaptation. We use the urban comfort concept, which considers human comfort in open spaces as a result of regional identity and local culture; lifestyle, liveability, and urbanity; and adaptation to microclimate. This study adds to the body of emerging case studies by exploring the local meaning of urban comfort in Aachen (Germany), a multi-cultural city. A mixed-method interpretive research design enhances the understanding of meaning and context. Results suggest that urban comfort is associated with (1) regional identity related to local physical and social landscapes; (2) urban lifestyles, liveability and urbanity concepts associated with compact urban living, public green areas, building design and diversity; (3) adaptive strategies associated with mobility, clothing, and company. We argue that the role these preferences play in place-based adaptation is fundamental for urban sustainability and climate change.

Negative Capability in Keats’s “Ode to Autumn”

This paper examines and analyzes the ideations of negative capability postulated by Keats in his “Ode to Autumn”. His negative capability embraces uncertainty, doubt, and ambiguity in poetry, without seeking to impose rational explanations or resolutions. He employs the third- person narration, depersonalized imagery, universal themes, and avoids using personal pronouns in writing the odes. These aspects expose his fundamental concept of negative capability because he desires to remain in doubt, uncertainty, and mysteries by the process of depersonalization of the authorship. He explicates the true nature of beauty in his “Ode to Autumn”. He embraces the mystery and complexity of the ripening of fruits like grapes, apples, gourd and hazelnuts. The bee-hives are filled with honey. The season embodies the contrasting qualities with their harmonious coexistence. Keats explores the occupations of autumn. The season performs various activities in the form of a reaper, a winnower, a gleaner and a cider –presser. Keats juxtaposes the activities of life as well as the passivity/ death in these occupations. He introduces the songs of autumn. The mournful sounds of the gnats, the bleating of the lambs, the singing of the crickets, the whistling of the redbreast and the twittering of the swallows offer the music of autumn. The ambiguities of the abundance and the decline in these songs reflect the cyclical nature of the autumn season. This paper applies the dynamics of the qualitative approach, with an interpretive research design to unveil the beauty of the autumn season.

Reimagining our futures together: An early bird's‐eye view of inclusive organizational behavior

SummaryThe world has witnessed high‐intensity and low‐occurrence crises such as the COVID‐19 pandemic that have radically changed not only the discourses of health and safety but also permanently changed the realities of the workplace. The COVID‐19 pandemic‐related new normal has resulted in the exponential increase in the acceptance of “homeplace” or “work from home” in work‐related domains. With this sudden dramatic shift in the way the present and future work is being conceptualized, there is every reason to believe that employees struggle with a plethora of intertwined thoughts and emotions, particularly a heightened sense of social isolation and exclusion from their work environment. The present study is an attempt to address this concern in the broader ambit of inclusive organizational behavior. Using an interpretivist research approach, we dwell on the genesis of organizational behavior in changing times, particularly digitalization and social isolation. We employ inductive analysis of the employee data generated over two waves and use grounded theory to explain how inclusive behavior could be fostered within organizations. Our study provides an early conceptualization of inclusive organizational behavior by identifying four factors, namely, inclusive support, inclusive work design, inclusive culture, and inclusive mindset. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study, a three‐tier model of inclusive organizational behavior is proposed that links individual, group, and system‐level dynamics in the organizations.

Child-centred approach to shared parenting: Children’s experiences of bird’s nest parenting arrangements

While shared parenting is considered the best model for meeting children’s needs, we still lack knowledge about the impact of different custody arrangements on child well-being, including potential effects on children’s health and stability of a lifestyle that involves travelling between households. Employing an interpretive phenomenological research design and the ‘responsibility to needs’ approach, this study explored children’s experiences in a bird’s nest parenting (hereafter, nesting) arrangement, where children reside permanently in one home with both parents rotating. A 2022 qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with seven children from four nesting families. The findings revealed how nesting eases the transition to separated family life by preserving the lifestyle to which children are accustomed. Children emphasised both the emotional and practical benefits of nesting, linking physical stability to emotional well-being. Nesting made children feel independent and autonomous as they enjoyed managing their time according to their own needs. The opportunity to grow up as a family with siblings at a permanent home was greatly valued. While a positive relationship between parents was considered helpful, the findings indicate that nesting can be feasible even in cases of parental tension. The children’s experiences indicated that their parents’ overall satisfaction with the arrangement was more crucial to successful nesting.