Social Practice Research Articles

The brand-building process of B2B high-tech startups in an omni-digital environment

Purpose Through the theoretical lens of social practice theory, the aim of this research is to investigate how business-to-business (B2B) high-tech startups build their brands in an omni-digital environment, particularly by focusing on the most important digital touchpoints implemented to interact with stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative analysis was performed by conducting 36 semi-structured interviews with key informants operating in B2B high-tech startups, including founders, CEOs, managing directors, marketing managers and other actors from this sector. Findings The results reveal the enablers, inhibitors and specific objectives of startups in their brand-building processes across digital touchpoints in an omni-digital environment. Originality/value This study offers new theoretical insights into new ventures’ brand management strategies through the development of a theoretical framework in which the enablers, inhibitors and specific objectives of the brand-building process of startups are identified. Although the recent literature has addressed the topic of startup brand building, this is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, focused on the brand-building process of B2B high-tech startups in an omni-digital environment.

Female-specific perspectives in social work research in sub-Saharan Africa: literature review

ABSTRACT In this article, the focus is on social work in sub-Saharan Africa from a female-specific perspective. The article answers the following two questions: what are the most central questions around female-specific perspectives in social work research in sub-Saharan Africa and what kind of emphasis does social work have or recommend for working with women? The aim is to provide international dialogue and new openings for Nordic social work research and practice. The analysis is based on data collected by conducting an integrative literature review. The results show that the importance of women´s perspectives in sub-Saharan Africa is an issue linked to gendered poverty, inequality and gender-based violence. The included studies deal with health issues, including maternal health, sexual health and reproductive health. Social work emphasizes measures based on spirituality and communities, where a female-specific perspective is understood as part of communal structures. An analytical examination of social work in African countries can develop Nordic social work practice and the discipline so that it considers the meaning of female-specific issues as part of communal resources, spiritual practices and global inequality.

Educational Strategy of The Primary Prevention of Domestic Violence: Contributions of Curricular Practices to the Strengthening of Citizenship

At a global level, quality education is fundamental to achieve social and gender justice, stability, and sustainable development worldwide. Therefore, the current school is faced with the need to find answers to these challenges, which can manifest themselves in multiple social violences. The investment in Portugal in an education for citizenship is based on the implementation of an educational policy that introduces, in an intentional and strategical manner, into the curriculum, fracturing themes in societies with the aim of its transformation. In this regard, the construction of the curriculum, as proposed by the Critical Theory, as a social practice, can constitute an educational strategy for the study and action on the problematic issue of primary prevention of domestic violence. The aim of this research is to understand to what extent the inclusion of the issue of domestic violence in curricular practices, in the context of citizenship education, contributes to the primary prevention of this social scourge. The methodological course of the research is based on a qualitative approach of exploratory nature, using a questionnaire with four open-ended questions. The study took place in two public schools, Primary and Secondary: one in the Oporto area and the other in the Lisbon area. The former has a Prevention Project against Domestic Violence in place; the second has no similar project. The data was obtained through the Google Forms tool. Eight participants were selected, four from each school, all teachers at the end of a schooling cycle, specifically: 4th year, 6th year, 9th year and 12th year. The study revealed that, in the school in the Oporto area, because it had a Violence Prevention Plan, there were curricular practices focused on this issue. The school in the Lisbon area, on the other hand, that does not have a Plan for the Prevention of Violence, has an absence of this issue in curricular practices, there being only awareness-raising on the subject.

Формування відповідальної поведінки молоді в процесі соціалізації.

The paper analyzes the problem of the influence of surrounding environment on the formation of responsible behavior of young people. The modern challenges of the digital society and the problems of the “aging” of human resources increase scientific attention to the question of the readiness of young people to take responsibility for the future social development. Therefore, it is important to determine the external conditions which form responsible behavior of young people. General scientific methods of research were used to fulfill the task: systematic approach, statistical and graphic methods, method of analysis and synthesis, method of empirical research. A meaningful connection between the categories “responsibility”, “responsible behavior”, “readiness for responsible behavior” was established; on this basis, the importance of early formation of responsible behavior of young people at the stage of socialization was substantiated. The key spheres of youth socialization were found out: those are family, education, public activities. The author established that under the influence of these institutions, the integrated accumulation of a knowledge base, practical experience of responsible actions is carried out by young people, which develops the ability for critical thinking and collectively forms in young people the readiness for responsible behavior as a norm and an integrated value. Proactive methods of informal education and social practices promising for the formation of responsible behavior of young people were identified, the author’s model of the Summer School was presented as an example, which integrates the acquisition of basic management skills with the practical development of social projects, which contributes to the acquisition of experience. As a result, the agents of socialization were suggested to direct the key influences on young people in the following directions: educational environment — introduction of proactive methods of informal education, social practices; family environment — development of family education strategy; public environment — implementation of motivational mechanisms to involve young people in the participation in non-governmental organizations, wide use of educational collective methods.

Capturing the HIV-related social exclusion practices experienced by key populations through photovoice: an interpretative phenomenological study

BackgroundKey populations are defined as groups that are susceptible to HIV, including Men Sex with Men (MSM), Transgender (TG), Persons who Inject Drug (PID), and Female Sex Worker (FSW). These key populations groups are among the fastest-growing populations in Indonesia. These vulnerable groups are ostracized by society and health services, which makes it difficult to get treatment. This project was carried out to investigate the different experiences and perspectives of these key populations in facing and addressing social and spiritual exclusion.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological study using photovoice was carried out from July to December 2022. Key populations comprising MSM, TG, PID, and FSW were recruited from community-based peer groups in West Bandung Regency using snowball sampling. This was followed by the Photovoice stages, from workshops to focus group discussions and interviews with audio recordings. Furthermore, thematic data analysis was carried out by interpretative participant narratives and photographs supported by Atlas.ti software.ResultEighteen participants comprising four MSM, five TG, four PIDs, and five FSWs participated in this research. Among these eighteen participants, six were HIV-negative, including 3 PIDs and 3 FSWs, while the remaining were positive. The analysis of the collected data identified four main themes: 1) limited access like unequal treatment, disadvantage, and harassment, 2) social and spiritual impact, 3) coping mechanisms, and 4) self-reflection through photovoice. These results showed that social exclusion occurred in an environment where community values, beliefs, and norms dehumanised these key populations, and where removal of support and care was prominent. Despite these challenges, participant resilience was evidenced by using internal resources and peer support as coping mechanisms. The participants considered photovoice as a tool to foster self-confidence and self-awareness through a reflective process.ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight the emphasis on participants' openness in sharing their experiences, which can build empathy and promote a more inclusive community in HIV prevention efforts. This research findings can be used to inform HIV policy and practice and inclusion of these key populations in the community. We advocate making the photovoice efforts accessible to a wider audience through exhibitions and various media.

Genetic variability of Roma population in Serbia: The perspective from autosomal STR markers.

Genetic variability of Roma population was shaped by the strong influence of genetic drift and gene flow during the migrations from their ancestral homeland in Indian subcontinent towards Europe. In addition, social stigmatization in many European countries, as a consequence of different cultural heritage and social practices, induced further genetic differentiation and sub structuring within the population. Although many populations genetic studies on European Roma were carried out, the genetic structure of the Serbian Roma has not been described yet, since only the modest number of individuals from this territory was analyzed. The main aim of this study was the characterization of genetic variability of the Roma and the assessment of intrapopulation genetic differentiation based on the analysis of 21 autosomal STR loci of 259 self-identified unrelated individuals from Serbia. Intrapopulation analysis revealed divergence of Roma groups illustrating the effect of the historical events after their arrival on Balkan Peninsula and emphasizing significance of the religious affiliation on admixture with autochthonous population. Genetic distance analysis showed the greatest similarity of the studied population with the Middle Eastern populations, while South Asian and European population were more distant. Our results demonstrate that Roma groups in this region of Balkan Peninsula do not represent completely isolated, but rather admixed populations with different proportion of gene flow with other Roma and non-Roma groups.

Too hot to handle? Unthought anxiety and parallel process in social work supervision

ABSTRACT This paper explores isomorphic patterns in social work group supervision and social work practice through the lens of the psychoanalytical concept of parallel process and Bion’s theory of learning from experience. Empirical data from group supervision sessions are presented, and a link is theorised between sessions characterised by high levels of anxiety and the presence of parallel process, whereby ‘unthought’ anxiety provoking phenomena described in social workers’ practice appear to be repeated in supervision. Implications for supervision practice and social work more broadly are then discussed.

In Order to Obtain a Sense of Empowerment of College Students'

This paper expounds the value and significance of the sense of acquisition of college students' social practice activities, work ideas and paths, enhance students' sense of social responsibility and mission, better enhance the sense of acquisition of college students' ideological and political education, so as to promote the ideological and political education of college students.

The Relevance of Gandhi for Social Work Education and Practice

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophies of nonviolence (Ahimsa) and truth force (Satyagraha) offer profound insights for social work education and practice. This article explores the alignment between Gandhi’s core principles and the ethical frameworks, values, and methods in social work. It examines Gandhi’s emphasis on ethical living, community engagement, empowerment, nonviolent conflict resolution, and advocacy for social justice, highlighting their relevance to contemporary social work. By integrating Gandhi’s teachings into social work education, practitioners can enhance their ability to promote social justice, serve marginalized populations, and foster community resilience. The discussion includes practical applications and case studies, demonstrating the enduring impact of Gandhi’s legacy on social work.

Beyond discourse: The role of mundane sociomaterial practices in fluid organizing tension response

ABSTRACT Grounded in a paradox perspective, this article investigates the tensions of fluid informal organizing and, using a practice theory lens, explains how micro-level communicative practices deal with those tensions. Through interview and observational data, the study illustrates how tensions of integration/separation, inclusion/exclusion, and autonomy/control intersect with organizational efforts to maintain a public recreation space and are dealt with via social, material, and performative practices of worth signaling, consensus by validation, and social/material nudging. Findings add to theory on organizing tensions by moving beyond discursive and strategic responses to tension, which often focus on altering the meaning of tensions or rely upon conventional organizing elements, to emphasize how materiality and mundane practices are consequential for theory building on tension response.

Do Enterprises That Publish Sustainability Reports Have a Better Developed Environmental Responsibility and Are They More Transparent?

Enterprises increasingly publish sustainability reports to address concerns about their environmental and social impact. However, the voluntary nature of these reports and the lack of independent auditing often lead to skepticism regarding their authenticity, with some perceiving them as mere marketing or greenwashing tools. This study aims to investigate whether the publishing of sustainability reports truly reflects transparency and responsible behavior. The relationship between the publishing of sustainability reports, environmental responsibility policies, and transparency policies is analyzed. The research was conducted in Uruguay. A quantitative methodology was used. The sample was made up of a group of companies that evaluate their social and environmental responsibility practices. This is a non-probabilistic sample, which includes companies that publish sustainability reports and companies that do not publish them. The environmental responsibility and transparency of both groups were compared. Thirteen indicators were used to measure environmental responsibility, and eight indicators were used to measure transparency. To evaluate the relationship between the variables, different statistical techniques were used: chi-square, difference of means test, and simple correlations. Our findings reveal that: (1) enterprises publishing sustainability reports tend to have more developed environmental responsibility policies and greater transparency compared to those that do not publish, and (2) interestingly, the choice of reporting standards, particularly the Global Reporting Initiative, does not significantly impact the observed outcomes. Furthermore, the relationship among report publication, environmental responsibility, and transparency is influenced by enterprise size but remains unaffected by public trading status or capital origin (local or international). Despite its methodological limitations, this work contributes to the debate on the sincerity of companies that publish sustainability reports. Its results contribute to reducing the skepticism and distrust that exists about these reports. Also, the work contributes to the study of the relationship between environmental responsibility and the publishing of reports because it included segments of companies that are not considered in most research: medium-sized companies and private companies that are not listed on the stock market.

A Sleep Health Education Intervention Improves Sleep Knowledge in Social Work Students

Introduction: Social workers, the largest group of mental health clinicians in the United States, play a pivotal role in mental health promotion. Despite the importance of sleep for mental health, there is no empirical research on sleep education interventions for social workers. Method: We designed an online sleep health education intervention to equip social work students to promote healthy sleep practices among their clients. An interdisciplinary team of experts devised the 90 min intervention using an empirically supported behavioral change theoretical model (COM-B). The intervention discusses multi-level factors that impact sleep and emphasizes considerations for health disparities in populations commonly served by social workers (e.g., unhoused populations, clients with substance use disorders, etc.). We assessed sleep knowledge, sleep quality, and acceptability using survey and focus group data. Results: Ninety social work students (92.2% female, 38.8% non-Hispanic white) completed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in sleep health knowledge and their personal sleep quality. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed perceived usefulness for social work practice. Conclusions: A short online sleep education intervention can improve sleep health knowledge, offering a practical method to expand social workers’ understanding of healthy sleep promotion that can be readily implemented in clinical training and practice.

The Impact of Personal Satisfaction on the Environmental, Social, and Governance Practices of Chinese Accounting Managers

The accounting profession plays an important role in upholding ethical standards and environmental integrity. This study examines the impact of personal life, career, and family satisfaction on the environmental, social, and governance practices of Chinese accounting professionals in Hong Kong. Drawing on the theories of moral identity and self-determination, this study hypothesises that professional ethical behaviours, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental protection, are positively correlated with well-being in the workplace and the family and personal lives of individuals. For the research methodology, this study employs a combination of rating scales, namely, the satisfaction with life scale, the generic job satisfaction scale, the family satisfaction scale, the CSR orientation (CSRO) scale, and the environmental motive scale. The responses of 478 accounting professionals in Hong Kong were analysed. SPSS Version 26.0 was used for data analysis. Significantly positive correlations between personal satisfaction and CSRO and between personal satisfaction and motivations for environmental sustainability were detected. In contrast to family satisfaction, life and job satisfaction were more intricately correlated with enhanced CSR commitment and environmental concern. Job satisfaction was a significant predictor of both CSR commitment and environmental responsibility, although this study has limitations, including potential response biases, cultural specificity, and self-reporting inaccuracies. Ethical practices and sustainability in accounting can be significantly enhanced by improving personal well-being. Professionals in this type of work environment may enhance their ethical engagement and environmental stewardship. This study offers theoretical and practical contributions to the research on the accounting profession in Hong Kong.

The Impact of Personal Satisfaction on the Environmental, Social, and Governance Practices of Chinese Accounting Managers

The accounting profession plays an important role in upholding ethical standards and environmental integrity. This study examines the impact of personal life, career, and family satisfaction on the environmental, social, and governance practices of Chinese accounting professionals in Hong Kong. Drawing on the theories of moral identity and self-determination, this study hypothesises that professional ethical behaviours, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental protection, are positively correlated with well-being in the workplace and the family and personal lives of individuals. For the research methodology, this study employs a combination of rating scales, namely, the satisfaction with life scale, the generic job satisfaction scale, the family satisfaction scale, the CSR orientation (CSRO) scale, and the environmental motive scale. The responses of 478 accounting professionals in Hong Kong were analysed. SPSS Version 26.0 was used for data analysis. Significantly positive correlations between personal satisfaction and CSRO and between personal satisfaction and motivations for environmental sustainability were detected. In contrast to family satisfaction, life and job satisfaction were more intricately correlated with enhanced CSR commitment and environmental concern. Job satisfaction was a significant predictor of both CSR commitment and environmental responsibility, although this study has limitations, including potential response biases, cultural specificity, and self-reporting inaccuracies. Ethical practices and sustainability in accounting can be significantly enhanced by improving personal well-being. Professionals in this type of work environment may enhance their ethical engagement and environmental stewardship. This study offers theoretical and practical contributions to the research on the accounting profession in Hong Kong.

Towards Modern Laundry Practice in Urban Socialist Poland

Drawing on ethnographic data and applying practice theory, this article discusses the emergence of modern laundry practice in urban socialist Poland. We follow an “elemental” approach to social practices: practice consists of meanings, materials, and competences. We analyze the transition of laundering from modern meanings (high standards of cleanliness), through modern materials (running water, washing machine) towards modern competences (individual improvisations, finally adjusted to an effortless laundry procedure corresponding to the capabilities of automatic washing machines). We argue that relations between elements of social practice such as tension and adjustment affect the transitions of the social practice. The transitional cleanliness practices involved men, due to the physical strength necessary to balance the tension between high standards of cleanliness and the lack of domestic material infrastructure.

The "People-Oriented" Theory of Dong Zhongshu

This study uses qualitative research method to analyze Dong Zhongshu's philosophy of "people-oriented". The scholar examined relevant literature from a variety of perspectives, focusing primarily on Chunqiu Fanlu (春秋繁露) and commentary. Use images to assist examine and comprehend Yin and Yang theory. The major findings of this study demonstrate that Dong Zhongshu's people-oriented philosophy focuses on the relationship between heaven and man, reflecting deep compassion and righteousness notion. The virtue of the king and the relationship between the monarch and the people are critical in the political practice of governing a country. Dong Zhongshu inherited pre-Qin Confucianism's people-oriented perspective, built the philosophy of heaven and man for demonstration, and expanded the thought of benevolence and righteousness as the core, bringing the thought to an unprecedented height and depth. This study requires in-depth research in terms of research methodology and social governance practices. The major objective is to clarify Dong Zhongshu's "people-oriented" concept, highlight the improvement of leaders' morals and self-discipline, and give a useful reference for dealing with interpersonal relationships and better country government.

The "People-Oriented" Theory of Dong Zhongshu

This study uses qualitative research method to analyze Dong Zhongshu's philosophy of "people-oriented". The scholar examined relevant literature from a variety of perspectives, focusing primarily on Chunqiu Fanlu (春秋繁露) and commentary. Use images to assist examine and comprehend Yin and Yang theory. The major findings of this study demonstrate that Dong Zhongshu's people-oriented philosophy focuses on the relationship between heaven and man, reflecting deep compassion and righteousness notion. The virtue of the king and the relationship between the monarch and the people are critical in the political practice of governing a country. Dong Zhongshu inherited pre-Qin Confucianism's people-oriented perspective, built the philosophy of heaven and man for demonstration, and expanded the thought of benevolence and righteousness as the core, bringing the thought to an unprecedented height and depth. This study requires in-depth research in terms of research methodology and social governance practices. The major objective is to clarify Dong Zhongshu's "people-oriented" concept, highlight the improvement of leaders' morals and self-discipline, and give a useful reference for dealing with interpersonal relationships and better country government.

Social Transformation in Eastern Cape Universities, South Africa: Myth or Reality?

This paper explored whether social transformation in two Eastern Cape Universities, in South Africa is a myth or reality. The paper draws upon key insights from social transformation about democratic freedom, political, and cultural spheres of society. Taking social transformation in Higher Education institutions (HEIs) as a conceptual frame of reference, some issues affect the university’s ability to address their challenges in a transformative manner. The theory of transformation underpinned the paper, to understand that transformation is a method of change from one jurisdiction to the next which can be applied to either a person or a group and its services. The interpretivism paradigm was applied to comprehend what people mean when they act and engage with others, as well as the intentions behind their acts. A qualitative research methodology using a case study design was employed to gain information from various views from the purposely selected participants (academics, support staff, and students). Data was collected through focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews. In the data analysed similar categories and themes emerged. The findings of the study exposed a lack of social transformation practices and resistance to change in addressing the institutional processes and practices in a transformative manner. The researchers recommend that Higher Education Institutions ensure they are engaged in practising social transformation strategies to improve their approach to addressing their institutional needs. Based on the findings, a model is proposed as the new knowledge for the existing literature on the social transformation in the Eastern Cape Universities, South Africa whether it is a myth or reality. Keywords: Teaching And Learning, Society, Pedagogy, Perceptions, Democratic Transformation

Social Transformation in Eastern Cape Universities, South Africa: Myth or Reality?

This paper explored whether social transformation in two Eastern Cape Universities, in South Africa is a myth or reality. The paper draws upon key insights from social transformation about democratic freedom, political, and cultural spheres of society. Taking social transformation in Higher Education institutions (HEIs) as a conceptual frame of reference, some issues affect the university’s ability to address their challenges in a transformative manner. The theory of transformation underpinned the paper, to understand that transformation is a method of change from one jurisdiction to the next which can be applied to either a person or a group and its services. The interpretivism paradigm was applied to comprehend what people mean when they act and engage with others, as well as the intentions behind their acts. A qualitative research methodology using a case study design was employed to gain information from various views from the purposely selected participants (academics, support staff, and students). Data was collected through focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews. In the data analysed similar categories and themes emerged. The findings of the study exposed a lack of social transformation practices and resistance to change in addressing the institutional processes and practices in a transformative manner. The researchers recommend that Higher Education Institutions ensure they are engaged in practising social transformation strategies to improve their approach to addressing their institutional needs. Based on the findings, a model is proposed as the new knowledge for the existing literature on the social transformation in the Eastern Cape Universities, South Africa whether it is a myth or reality. Keywords: Teaching And Learning, Society, Pedagogy, Perceptions, Democratic Transformation

Organizational and managerial context of project-based learning development in higher school

The article is devoted to the study of the organizational and managerial context of the development of project-based learning in Russian universities. The sample of the study is represented by twelve universities of different types (federal, research, reference) Volga, Ural, Siberian and Southern Federal districts. Based on the traditional analysis of official documents posted on the official websites of universities, an assessment of key aspects of university policies in the implementation of project-based student education was carried out, reflecting the development of the organizational infrastructure of the analyzed practice and forming an environment of social interaction between students, teachers, curators, employers and representatives of educational management. The development of assessment tools was based on the methodology of systemic, organizational and managerial, process, situational and temporal approaches. The purpose of the study is to analyze the organizational and managerial context of project–based education in Russian universities. It is established that the institutional practices of implementing project-based learning in the universities under study have different resource capabilities and are implemented along different trajectories that have their own logic. The study recorded that in the information space, and accordingly in the organizational and managerial environment, diversity is represented in determining the goals and effectiveness of project training. The demarcation lines in the existing organizational and managerial models are strategic forks that ensure: the mass or selectivity of project-based education in universities; orientation towards educational and/or product results; integration of project-based learning into the educational process or the implementation of students' project activities beyond their educational activities. The dependence between the organizational design of project training and its resource provision – regulatory, personnel, and information support is revealed. The scale and intensity of managerial innovations associated with the transition of the educational process to project-based learning formats are more typical for universities included in the “Priority-2030” university development program. They determine not only serious institutional and organizational changes, but also the transformation of social interaction practices in higher education.