Participant Observation Research Research Articles

The labor of assetization: producing ‘hypergrowth’ inside a tech startup

Abstract Venture capitalists maximize profits not by ‘squeezing’ efficiencies out of established companies, but instead by promoting ceaseless experimentation aimed at helping startups achieve ‘hypergrowth’. To date, there is limited empirical evidence of both how startups achieve hypergrowth, and the impact of these practices on organizations and workers. This article draws on 19 months of participant-observation research inside a venture-backed startup I call AllDone to trace the links between the institution of venture capital and the organization of work. Although AllDone executives engaged in cost-cutting strategies common to other financialized firms, they also developed distinctive corporate strategies and organizational structures. Each of the company’s three work teams was organized to perform interdependent functions in support of venture capital’s imperative for rapid and exponential asset value inflation. I conclude with a discussion of the article’s implications for research on venture capital, startup work, and the relationship between financialization and work more broadly.

Cleaning up data work: Negotiating meaning, morality, and inequality in a tech startup

Data work—the routinized, information-processing operations that support artificial intelligence systems—has been portrayed as a source of both economic opportunity and exploitation. Existing research on the moral economy of data work focuses on platforms where individuals anonymously complete one-off projects for as little as one cent per task. However, data work is increasingly performed inside organizational settings to promote more consistent and accurate output. How do technologists and data workers construct and morally justify these arrangements? This article is based on 19 months of participant-observation research inside a San Francisco-based startup. Drawing on theories of relational work, I show how managers in San Francisco and contractors in the Philippines collaborated to “clean up” the morally questionable status of data work. Managers attempted to engineer interactions with data workers to emphasize fun and friendship while obscuring vast inequalities. Filipino data workers framed American managers as benevolent patrons and themselves as grateful clients to reinforce managers’ sense of responsibility for their well-being. By shifting attention from the structure of roles to the structure of relationships in organization-based data work, this article demonstrates the function of culture and meaning-making in both generating reliable and accurate data and reproducing status hierarchies in the tech industry. Additionally, this article's examination of the complex and often contradictory dynamics of organizational attachment and marginalization has implications for debates about how the conditions of data work can be improved.

The inconspicuous power of border festivals: insights from the Chad-Cameroon border

ABSTRACT Held every two years and alternating venues between Yagoua (Cameroon) and Bongor (Chad), the Tokna Massana border festival celebrates the identity and culture of the partitioned Masa peoples. This article explores how border festivals like Tokna Massana can complement and innovate the study of borders and borderlands. Building on participant observation, semi-structured interviews and archival research, we analyze how exacting cross-border festival planning and preparation in the Masa homeland and the diaspora make each new edition possible. We argue that border festivals are worth our attention because their repertoires illuminate underrepresented knowledge production and transmission choices. Moreover, the expectation of festive commemorations underlines processual and performative modes of engagement and management of identity and historical memory. They draw our attention to unexpected use, counter use, and repurposing of border spaces and infrastructures. Finally, the study of border festivals can reveal unacknowledged histories of practical governance.

Tachoni Male Circumcision Rituals: Navigating Cultural Revitalization, Heritage and Identity through Lexico-Semantic Analysis

The research explores the cultural significance of male circumcision ceremonies within the Tachoni community. Its objectives include analyzing the linguistic elements used in these rituals and their cultural implications, and examining how these rituals contribute to preserving, renewing, and adapting cultural practices and heritage among the Tachoni. Grounded in lexico-semantic theory, the study investigates the intricate relationship between language, meaning, and cultural identity in Tachoni male circumcision rituals. Conducted in Webuye East Sub-County, Bungoma County, Western Kenya, the research employed qualitative ethnographic methods during August and December 2022, and April 2023. Purposive sampling involved two Tachoni elders, custodians of circumcision knowledge, who were interviewed as key informants. Data collection methods included participant observation and library research. Through interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), findings revealed that Tachoni circumcision rituals play a central role in shaping culture and language, reinforcing heritage and identity through a nuanced vocabulary of literal and symbolic meanings. These rituals symbolize rites of passage, affirming masculinity and promoting cohesion among circumcised males. However, the trend towards hospital circumcision, influenced by westernization and Christianity, threatens the continuity of Tachoni cultural practices and their associated lexicon. Consequently, documenting Tachoni circumcision rituals and their lexicon is crucial for preserving cultural heritage.

Participant Observation and Research on Fitness “Daily Attendance” in the Context of Social Media

The "fitness fever" emerging in social media platforms has attracted a large number of users to participate in “daily attendance”. Based on participant observation, questionnaire survey and other empirical research methods, this study observes the users who participate in fitness “daily attendance” and webcast influencers who organize fitness “daily attendance”, so as to analyze their behavior characteristics in the context of social media. This paper finds that during the participation in fitness “daily attendance”, webcast influencers actively interact with users and make efforts in agenda setting, participation motivation and communication content, thus clarifying the logic behind the fitness “daily attendance”.

Traditional African festival performances as a panacea for peace and security: the Obubra urban Ababum (cassava) festival as paradigm

ABSTRACT It has been asserted that some African and Nigerian cultural festivals are incapable of equipping community members with the requisite knowledge and skills to confront contemporary socio-political, economic and security challenges that hindered development in their communities. This paper serves as a rejoinder to enlighten the public on the powers of traditional festivals to forestall peaceful co-existence among people. The study seeks to determine whether African and Nigerian community festivals can be used as avenues for building peace, reconciliation and security development among embittered community members using the Ababum (Cassava) festival in Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria, as a paradigm. The study utilized the participant observation and personal communication research methods for data collection. Data obtained from these sources were analyzed using the textual method. The findings showed that the cassava festivals were avenues where the community members in the Obubra Urban Ward dialogued and exchanged public opinions on how to attain peace and stability. Findings also showed an increase in knowledge, added awareness of the imperatives of peace, reconciliation and security consciousness among members of these communities studied.

Sustainable marketing in theory and practice. Research results

Purpose: Obtaining information (as a result of reviewing available studies and qualitative own research) on sustainable marketing in Poland, with an emphasis on specified research issues, practices in different economic sectors under the brands’ emblems, and taking into account the developed tool kit of activities in this area. Methodology: Research of secondary information sources, online studies, multiple case studies of brands from selected economic sectors focused on the tool kit of methodological actions for sustainable marketing, and participant observation in their chosen initiatives with an analysis and diagnosis of the multifaceted benefits for all involved parties, the environment, land resources and the economy. Findings: A tool kit dedicated to sustainable marketing. Diagnosis of the state of sustainable marketing development in Poland. Presentation of identified examples of tool applications by brands from various economic sectors. Research limitations: The article is based on literature research and qualitative studies using multiple case studies, participant observation and online research. It is worth analyzing the research problem on a larger number of brands. A survey of the opinions of brand community representatives is planned to obtain information on the reception of individual campaigns. Practical implications: The original author’s list of sustainable marketing instruments expands knowledge in the field of management and quality sciences and has practical applications. Diagnosing the state of sustainable marketing in Poland provides a basis for improving activities in this area and has enabled the formulation of recommendations for those interested in this marketing concept. Social implications: The research has shown that sustainable marketing activities have an impact on customer behaviours, their experiences, attitudes, engagement and changes in the methods of acquisition and consumption of products, market behaviours, practices of marketers, and as a result, on the entire society and the natural environment. Value: This is the first study of its kind (at least in the Polish market) that addresses the state of sustainable marketing, including examples of the application of its tools, considering the established set of instruments, as well as recommendations for marketers and the resulting practical implications (social, economic, environmental, business and managerial). Keywords: sustainable marketing, sustainable brand strategy, tool kit of sustainable marketing actions, sustainable practices in selected sectors in Poland, recommendations for marketers. Category of the paper: research paper

Transmission, cultural significance, and social dynamics of the Ti-Tzu Ten-Hole bamboo flute in Sichuan Province, China

This study examines the transmission, cultural significance, and social dynamics of the Ti-Tzu ten-hole bamboo flute in Sichuan Province, China. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that includes ethnomusicology, anthropology, and social science perspectives, the research explores how this traditional instrument is taught, practiced, and preserved. Data were collected through interviews, participant observation, and archival research, focusing on formal education, master-apprentice relationships, and community engagement. The findings reveal that the Ti-Tzu flute symbolizes cultural identity and heritage, deeply embedded in local narratives and communal practices. The study also highlights modernization's dual role, which presents challenges and opportunities for the tradition's revitalization. Technological integration and global engagement have expanded the reach of the Ti-Tzu tradition, attracting new audiences and practitioners. Support from family, community, and institutions is crucial for sustaining the tradition and fostering intergenerational transmission and cultural pride. This research underscores the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity, ensuring that the Ti-Tzu ten-hole bamboo flute inspires and resonates with future generations as a vibrant symbol of Chinese cultural heritage.

Prospects for Creating an AI System to Enhance Trumpet Learning

This article discusses the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to be a learning resource in musical instrument pedagogy, particularly trumpet playing. The article reviews current research in this field, highlighting the need for new learning strategies and resources to address difficulties and improve learning outcomes. The methods used in this study include documentary research, participant observation, and exploratory preliminary research through interviews with experts in musical pedagogy. The article presents some results and principles that can be applied to designing new educational resources based on AI technology.

Visualizing conviviality in the fortress of the Italian far-right: the case of Veronetta

ABSTRACT In Italy, the city of Verona is known not merely for its stunning historical scenery, but also for its reactionary environment foreshadowing the nativist turn in the wider society. Against this backdrop, the racialized neighborhood of Veronetta offers much needed insights into convivial practices with pluralist interconnections. Part of a three-year fieldwork, this research investigates possibilities of everyday conviviality and intercultural sociability in urban spaces, tracing those dynamics that allow a racialized neighborhood to strive in a hostile city. Alongside participant observation, in-depth interviews, and archival research, the visual method of photo-elicitation is utilized to draw out multidimensional aspects of conviviality, where migrant and non-migrant residents photographically narrate their everyday practices. The article argues that the juxtaposition of intentional urban encounters and accessible public spaces, alongside everyday community-building practices of grassroots actors complement each other in transforming a “no-go zone” into an anti-racist movement space that challenges exclusionary territorial identities.

Constructing Human Integrity in the Perspective of Sunda Wiwitan Religious Ethics

This paper examines human integrity from the perspective of local religion of Sunda Wiwitan in Cigugur, Kuningan, West Java, Indonesia. We collected research data using qualitative research strategies through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and literature research. The complexity of humanity is explored and internalized by various groups, including indigenous peoples. Human integrity occurs when there is unity between the physical and spiritual aspects. The physicaland spiritual aspects of a healthy and harmonious human being are a marker for humanity that is human (homo humanum) and even has a divine dimension (homo religious). The core of the construction of human integrity in the Sunda Wiwitan Religious Ethics is when there is an attitude of “silih”, or “saling”, i.e, reciprocated acts of kindness toward each other. This attitude is further described as an attitude or behavior of making each other fragrant or silih wangi. This means that humans (must) protect each other’s reputation and do well to others, and that they are motivated to eliminate each other’s weaknesses or shortcomings; humans show themutual behavior of silih asah (meaning that humans educate one another, are willing to share knowledge, understanding, and skills); humans show a mutual caring behavior or silih asuh (humans protect one another, give to each other, help each other in need and distress); humans love one another or showing the behavior of silih asih. This local wisdom related to Sunda Wiwitan humanism is increasingly relevant for today’s global society in reflecting on the meaning and essence of humanity.

Black Water Politics: Navigating Oral History, Memory, and Power Along the Rivers of the Guyanese Northwest

AbstractThis article enriches the narrative of ethno‐racial politics in Guyana by analysing the lives and histories of people who live and work in the Guyanese Northwest. It narrates how histories of escape, freedom, and fortune—along with the associated development of the Guyanese interior as an extractive space—were essential to understanding the broader forces that shaped working peoples’ mobility in the region. Using a combined method of conducting oral history, memory analysis, ethnography, participant observation, and archival research, the article demonstrates how histories of mobility (or lack of) and notions of being Black produced—and were produced through—the gendered historical politics of socio‐cultural mixture. The borderland space between the Caribbean and Amazonia, this article argues, helps deepen and recontextualise aspects of the divisive political history of Guyana.

Ecotourism, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability in the Himalayan Settlements: Study of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal

Nepal has advocated for ecotourism as a strategy to support community development vis-a-vis environmental protection in the Protected Area settlements. In this context, considering the case of settlements along the Everest trail in the Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, this paper aims to critically examine the environmental impacts of ecotourism, local community’s perceptions towards ecotourism development and its contribution towards achieving sustainability in the region. It has adopted case study as a research strategy and used qualitative approach for detailed investigation. It adopted multiple sources of data collection such as key informants interview, household’s survey, participant observation and archival research. This study concludes that current approach of tourism development and planning does not satisfy the objectives of ecotourism development. It has neither equitably benefitted local residents nor significantly reduced the use of forest resources, environmental degradation, and deterioration of cultural and built heritage. It will further continue inducing impacts on local environment, culture, and communities heading tourism and the destination towards unsustainability. A sustainable approach to ecotourism is needed that integrates local knowledge, skills and cultural values that support conservation agendas, and encourage inclusive participation of communities, stakeholders and promote sustainability.

Integrated Heritage Conservation: Exploring the Role of Community Participation in the Conservation of Thimi

The sustainability of cultural heritage resources is strongly linked to the effective participation of local communities in the conservation and management of these resources. Integrated heritage conservation is assumed to be an appropriate conservation approach specifically to promote inclusive participation of local communities and sustainable community development in the historic settlements. In this context, considering the case of historic town of Thimi, this study aims to explore the existing context and role of community participation in the planning and conservation of heritage resources and also investigate the context of integrated conservation. Multiple tools of data collection such as Key informant’s interview, household’s surveys, participant observation, informal discussion and archival research have been used. Findings demonstrate that continuous decay and destruction of cultural heritages in Thimi have threatened its unique identity and the traditionally wellsustained community is now degrading and heading towards unsustainability. The context of community participation and conservation also seems weak in promoting sustainable conservation and development in Thimi. It recommends for adopting and implementing inclusive participation of local communities and integrated approach to conservation along with preparing comprehensive policies, plans and legislations for promoting sustainable conservation and community development in the historic settlements.

Building State-controlled Volunteering in China

AbstractThe dominant role of the authoritarian state in Chinese volunteerism has been noted but little examined in the scholarly literature. This study illuminates the ways in which the Chinese state controls and administers volunteerism and volunteering through a detailed analysis of the governance of volunteering in Beijing. Drawing on participant observation, interviews and archival research, we analyse how Beijing administers volunteering and its structures through the work of its administrative authority for managing volunteering in regulation and public policy, management structure, resources, internal operations, monitoring and evaluation. We argue that Beijing has built a comprehensive apparatus to manage and control volunteering through a Party- and state-controlled, multi-layered and centralized management structure. However, this state corporatist structure carries within it the seeds for over-formal controls and conflicts between official, professional service providers and the increasing number of volunteers throughout Chinese society.

Pushing Back the Walls: The Politics of Maneuver in Women’s Drug Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT This article uses participant-observation research from the women’s floor of a residential drug-treatment program in Queens, New York City, to explore how rehabilitative institutions instantiate and extend carceral geographies, practices, and design, despite their asserted “alternative to incarceration” status. Focusing on two aspects of rehabilitation architecture – routinization/orderliness and therapeutic quarantine/containment – I show how the spatial politics of rehabilitation enforce drug use as a pathological, criminological problem of racialized–gendered deviance that must be corrected through isolation, “habilitation,” and punitive discipline. Against these violent constructions, criminalized women who use drugs experimented with ways of being for themselves and each other that moved against how the rehab attempted to contain, sever, and reorient their desires. Using the examples of sleep, bodily adornment, and bedroom decor, I argue that criminalized women intervened in, commented on, and sometimes resisted carceral spatial practices of rehabilitation.

Environmental variability and governance: The fishery of Octopus maya in Yucatan, Mexico

In the socio-ecological system of the Mayan octopus, climate change, natural variability and human decisions impact the dynamics and population structure of the octopus. Since fishing decisions have been made out of synchrony concerning the octopus’s natural response, the system’s sustainability is put at risk. Sustainability is a socially desirable, environmentally necessary, and economically viable goal; since it contributes positively to food security, ways, and lifestyles. The objective of this work is to deepen the study of the perception of the fishermen of Progreso, Yucatán regarding the interactions between the Mayan octopus, the variability in the environment, the governance system, and fishing decisions. It was developed from a qualitative and quantitative approach, and bonds of trust were created for a year adopting an ethnographic approach to deepen the use of language, feelings, and emotions. To obtain information, open and semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and documentary research were carried out. For the analysis and evaluation of perceptions and fishing decisions, a non-parametric test was used through the modeling of structural equations with Partial Least Squares (PLS). It was found that, although the quantity to be captured is strongly influenced by the market, the strong incidence of changes in the environment on capture decisions stands out among the results. The experiences and knowledge of the fishermen about the marine environment represent an opportunity to contribute to the process of evolution of the socio-ecological system of the Mayan octopus, towards the establishment of norms and agreements between the different actors and contribute to the construction of resilience and sustainability against the overexploitation and environmental variability.

Reconstructing the Procession of Nerthus

Primary data gathering for this work included participant observation research at the procession of Nerthus at Well and Tree Gathering in May of 2018 and 2019 at Raven’s Knoll, a privately-owned campground and dedicated Pagan festival site in eastern Ontario. It draws upon a larger research project on inclusive Canadian Heathen ritual practices and environmental values. Well and Tree Gathering includes Pagans of various types, but is largely run by Heathens, and prominently features the Heathen deity Nerthus. Practitioners conduct a reconstructionist revival of the procession of Nerthus based on Tacitus’ description of such events in Germania, which included human sacrifice. Contemporary Heathens revere Nerthus as a primordial power, process her veiled figure through the campground, and give her offerings in a sacred body of water. Giving these offerings operationalizes the values of inclusion and sharing, and contributes to the formation of ecological conscience through relational ontology.

Observing Uno: Practicing participant observation through a card game

In this article, I want to share and reflect upon a classroom activity that I have developed to practice participant observation skills with undergraduate students: a modified version of the card game Uno, in which some students are cast as players, while others slip into the role of observers. I have found this to be a playful but effective way of creating a shared understanding of what it takes to do participant observation research. After sketching out the aims of the exercise and describing how it practiced in our class, I will reflect on some take-away lessons and adaptations.

Customer experience management for highly demanded services in the financial market in crisis

Purpose: to provide differentiated marketing solutions for manage customer experience based on various demographics, behavioral characteristics and customer values in the process of servicing for investing in gold.Methods: the current study was based upon general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, applied methods of marketing research. The field market research and analysis of customer experience were carried out in relation to investment opportunities available in banks: physical gold and depersonalized metal accounts. A qualitative research method included “Mystery shopper” – a covert participant observation research of 8 banks in Moscow – the major players offering services for investing in gold.Results: the authors found out that investing in gold becomes in demand during the crisis time. Gold, as an investment opportunity, is a protective asset and retains its value in a long term. The target segments potentially interested in investing in gold can be determined by demographic and behavioral characteristics, desired benefits and values. The authors analyzed the customer experience journey of two segments in the process of investing in through different banking channels. The customer experience was illustrated with customer experience maps that propose management solutions for banks that desire to offer gold investment services.Conclusions and Relevance: in the context of geopolitical and economic instability, the demand for investment opportunities in gold remains high. While customers value high level of services and investment appeal banks are interested in obtaining a stable income. To provide a mutually beneficial cooperation it is important to create a level of service that would fully meet consumer demand. The basis to create a high-quality service for investing in gold include specific management strategies enabling to receive omnichannel (both digital and non-digital) customer experience in various customer segments.