Theory Building Research Articles

Leybl as Tusovka

As in other peripheral music economies, hip-hop music-makers in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, self-organise their artistic labour in a context of “lack” of institutions and public support. This article takes a closer look at Bishkek’s hip-hop leybly, musical collectives that emerged around 2010. In order to highlight the particularities of these social formations and analyse their inner workings, I use the concept of tusovka – a slang term widely used in everyday Russian-speaking cultural communities. Building on previous conceptualisations of this term as a form of meeting-based, organic sociality, and drawing on two examples of hip-hop leybly in Bishkek I argue that the tusovka can make a theoretical contribution to the wider field of popular music studies in an attempt at “ex-centric” theory building.

Participatory data analysis in social change work: empowering, practical, or both?

Participatory work with marginalized groups claims to bridge a divide between researchers or project implementers (outsiders) and those with whom they are working to create social change (insiders). A debate within this field is whether participation's primary function is to support participants taking ownership over social change in their communities (an empowerment approach) or to garner feedback, particularly during the evaluation stage, in order for implementers to more efficiently assess project goals and adjust project design (a so-called ‘practical’ approach). This paper makes the claim that a greater focus on theory building through participatory data analysis can help bridge the divide between the empowerment and practicality camps. It does so by simultaneously embracing the assumptions behind empowerment ideologies (that community members hold the key to understanding and changing policies and systems) and behind more ‘practical’ approaches (that participation is immensely useful and practical for creating and improving interventions). I discuss a participatory evaluation of a US intimate partner violence intervention in order to demonstrate how participation supports theory building, including the crucial findings that emerged which the researcher, as an outsider, had missed. I offer raw excerpt analysis as a method to support these goals, and I discuss best practices for those using the method.

Ethical climate and turnover intention among nurses: A scoping review.

Nursing shortages and turnover pose significant challenges for health organizations worldwide, driven by various organizational and individual factors. Ethical climate has emerged as a critical aspect influencing nurses' well-being and retention within healthcare settings, reflecting organizational practices with moral implications. Understanding the relationship between ethical climate and turnover intention among nurses is paramount for practitioners, managers, and policymakers. This review aimed to examine evidence and synthesize findings from prior studies on the association between ethical climate and turnover intention among nurses and identify key variables influencing its dynamics. A scoping review methodology was employed, encompassing studies retrieved up to February 2024 from major scientific databases, including PUBMED/MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS, and SCIENCE DIRECT. This study was conducted following ethical considerations and sound scientific guidelines. Sixteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Overall, a significant association between ethical climate and turnover intention was observed, with theoretical underpinnings demonstrated. Key variables frequently linked to both ethical climate and turnover intention included organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and moral distress, while organizational commitment, organizational cynicism, and organizational trust emerged as mediators. Despite demonstrating a clear association, results underscore the necessity for replication studies, qualitative and longitudinal approaches, and standardized measurement. Enhancing the ethical climate through regular assessments, education, and interprofessional collaboration can improve retention. Future research should focus on theory building, ethical management and leadership, associated factors analysis, and intervention studies to develop comprehensive models and effective strategies for improving the ethical climate and reducing nurse turnover.

Mitigating not-invented-here syndrome in consultant knowledge transfer by developing appropriate implementation guidelines

Purpose This study aims to propose a framework for the development of implementation guidelines (IGs) that can help consultants mitigate not-invented-here (NIH) syndrome during a consultant intervention as a specific type of knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopted a design science research approach for proposing an NIH-mitigating IG development framework. Inspired by findings and rich primary data from two consultant interventions, the authors, through theory building, ground five core principles in the general theory of NIH attitude functions. Finally, the authors revisit two consultant interventions to identify and describe mechanisms that led to the enactment of the principles. Findings The proposed framework provides five principles for developing NIH-mitigating IGs. The present research proposes that successful knowledge transfer and the mitigation of NIH syndrome as a prerequisite for this success are conditioned by adequately developed IGs. Originality/value The originality and value of the present research lie in the proposed NIH-mitigating IG development framework containing a set of principles for IG development as a proactive rather than reactive approach to NIH mitigation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to address the problematics of mitigating NIH syndrome in consultant knowledge transfer by focusing on developing appropriate IGs. By developing and implementing IGs based on the proposed framework, a more successful transfer of knowledge from consultants to clients should take place, thus, increasing the value that clients receive from consultancy.

Germany’s approach to the functioning of NATO standing force groups in the mid-2010s and early 2020s

Western democracies have endowed NATO with the functions of “containment” of Russia and influential non-Western powers in general. This process is accompanied by a spasmodic growth of the Alliance’s military capabilities and changes in its internal structure. The principal responsibility for the implementation of the aforementioned measures falls upon the European member states, particularly those which have been members of the Alliance for a considerable length of time. Of these, Germany has demonstrated the most considerable commitment. Although some studies have examined the evolution of the Alliance’s military structures, there is a dearth of literature on Germany’s role in the Alliance within the field of Russian historiography. Nevertheless, an analysis of this topic is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Berlin’s strategic intentions. The objective of this article is to examine the role of the FRG in relation to the functioning of permanent NATO troops. In order to achieve this, the author employs two distinct theoretical frameworks, namely those of alliance theory and military capability building, in combination with a comparative analysis approach. The author illustrates the distinctive features of the evolution of permanent NATO force groups and elucidates the challenges, including a shortage of military personnel, and opportunities, including limited activity by other NATO member states, that have influenced the utilisation of the Bundeswehr in the functioning of the groups. In light of the aforementioned conceptual and operational documents, which serve as the foundation for Germany’s foreign policy, the article posits that the Federal Republic of Germany is prepared to assume a leading role within the European NATO member state contingent with regard to the operationalisation of multilateral troop groupings.

Flood Incidence and Sustainable Development Planning Implications in Santchou, Cameroon

While studies on the incidence of flooding exist in several parts of Cameroon, very little empirical evidence has been reported for highly dynamic and urbanizing landscapes in Cameroon. Yet, micro level evidence on flooding and their development planning implications are required to advance theory building in the frame of development planning and hazard mitigation in rapidly urbanizing contexts. This paper bridges the knowledge gap by using the case of Santchou, a highly dynamic landscape, to: (a) analyse the spatio-temporal variations in flood incidence, (b) determine the drivers of flood occurrence, and (c) examine their sustainable development planning implications. To achieve these objectives, a representative sample of 141 households was conducted in five communities within the study area. This was complemented by key informant interviews (n=8) and field observations. Data was collected using the Kobo Collect tool. The collected data was analysed descriptively and presented as tables and bar charts, with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Cartographic data was analysed spatially and presented using maps. Based on the findings, the following conclusions were derived: Firstly, flood occurrence vary spatially in terms of severity, with very high intensity in the south east; this decreases towards the north west and western sections of the study area. Flood occurrence also vary over time with the peak of occurrence observed in the month of July and August which corresponds to the peak of the rainy season. Secondly, the most significant effects of floods include; the destruction of physical installations such as houses, household items. Floods equally affect human activities through the destruction of crops, livestock and the disruption of transport circulation. Furthermore, flood effects are less severe in Santchou Ville and Albatross neighborhoods compared to neighborhoods such as; Madagascar, Bessouck and Kassala Farm. Thirdly, while planning approaches exist at household, neighborhood and municipality levels, the most effective involves the use of sandbags and the cleaning of water channels. This study recommends that, sustainable development planning measures currently implemented at the household, neighborhood and municipal levels should be encouraged by the state and civil society organizations such as NGOs. Additionally, sustainable development planning measures should be implemented alongside proactive measures such as; flood alert signals, and the resettlement of inhabitants to safer areas. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of flood management approaches in the study area.

10.Y.2. Unlocking innovation: trustworthy co-creation for tackling complex public health challenges

Abstract Background Public health interventions often have limited effects, with few achieving large-scale implementation. Moreover, these interventions frequently fail to replicate their effects in real-world settings, possibly due to an overemphasis on generating universal knowledge through theory building and testing in controlled conditions. An alternative approach involves developing interventions within specific contexts, fostering collaborative knowledge generation, and establishing equitable partnerships. Co-creation offers a transformative strategy for addressing complex public health issues by generating real-world solutions. However, utilizing co-creation in public health presents challenges, including a lack of guidance on implementation and evaluation in public health settings. This underscores the need to integrate real-world co-creation with rigorous research to establish a reliable methodology grounded in both scientific evidence and participatory principles. Workshop This Pecha Kucha-style workshop will explore the essence of an evidence-based co-creation methodology developed through rigorous research by the European-funded H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network, Health CASCADE, and its partners. Emphasizing the significance of fostering innovative solutions to public health challenges, the workshop will provide key considerations for designing co-creation projects. It will also examine the role of enabling technologies in optimizing hybrid intelligence for effective co-creation, highlighting their contribution to collaboration enhancement. Perspectives from co-creators will be presented to offer unique insights into their experience of the co-creation process. Additionally, the workshop will elucidate the adaptation of co-creation processes within the Danish context, exploring collaborative efforts across sectors and shedding light on cross-sectoral cooperation intricacies. A moderated panel discussion will conclude the workshop, facilitating deeper engagement with the presented topics. Delegates will gain insight into applying co-creation in health promotion and behaviour change research, navigating prevalent challenges through Health CASCADE’s systematic approach, and discovering strategies for fostering effective and inclusive co-creation. They will also acquire strategies and resources to overcome potential obstacles, fostering more effective and inclusive approaches to complex public health challenges. Key messages • Co-creation presents a powerful approach to addressing complex public health challenges by fostering collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity across diverse stakeholders and communities. • Effective and trustworthy implementation of co-creation requires an understanding of its principles and methods, enabling technologies, and strong partnerships across sectors and institutions.

Purpose: A potential catalyst and anchor for optimal work–family balance and well‐being

AbstractWorking parents often report difficulties in establishing optimal work–family balance, and such difficulties tend to yield poorer parent well‐being, parenting quality, and child well‐being. Despite advances in understanding of the long‐lasting and multifaceted benefits of purpose in life, up to this point, scant attention has been given to the concept of purpose as a practical means for promoting better parent well‐being and parenting quality, which also has far‐reaching impacts on child well‐being and trajectories. The goal of this paper is to discuss purpose as a potential catalyst and anchor for work–family balance and its associated outcomes of parenting well‐being, parenting quality, and child well‐being. Drawing from ecological systems, family systems, life course, and family resilience theories, this paper presents a conceptual model that depicts these relationships. Recommendations for advancing future research that supports theory building from this work as well as practice are provided.

Promises betrayed? Ideological commitments and revolutionary outcomes

An enduring puzzle in the study of revolutions is why some produce dictatorship and others democracy. Selectorate theory offers a parsimonious answer arguing that the incentives leaders face in the struggle for political survival shape the decisions they make on postrevolutionary institutional forms. The theory contends that only the scale of victory and its attribution help us understand revolutionary outcomes. However, we argue that ideology, specified as a consistent and explicit vision for a future polity, has been improperly discounted. Ideological commitments by revolutionary challengers made prior to the onset of a revolutionary situation influence the formation of challenger coalitions, increase the odds of victory, and subsequently constrain the range of choices available to winners by limiting plausible coalition partners, informing allocation decisions, and defining the acceptable scale and attribution of victory. We use historical case studies for theory building, allowing us to illustrate mechanisms and assess the theory's internal validity. The cases demonstrate why ideological commitments have been crucial factors not only affecting the political survival of political leaders, but also the institutions that developed out of revolutions.

A Thematic Study of Nyaya Philosophy with Research Methodology

This thematic study explores the intricate components of Nyaya philosophy and its methodological implications for educational research. This review examines the conceptual distinctions in ontological and epistemological perspectives currently employed within the theoretical framework of educational research. Nyaya philosophy, rooted in the universal truths of Hindu philosophy, serves as a foundation for developing research methodologies. Its sixteen divisions of Padarthas support four primary modes of knowledge acquisition: perception, inference, comparison, and testimony. Nyaya subtly steers researchers towards theoretical generalization in research design, emphasizing the importance of incorporating inductive and deductive procedures in the theoretical processes of educational research. Nyāya philosophy enhances research rigor through its ontological and epistemological principles. By using Nyāya’s categories of existence, substance, quality, and action—research questions are clearly defined. Nyāya’s logical rigor in data analysis ensures valid, consistent conclusions, aiding critical evaluation. Theory building is strengthened by its causation principles and categories, leading to comprehensive theories. Nyāya’s principles also improve the critical evaluation of literature, helping researchers assess and build upon existing knowledge systematically, achieving greater clarity and validity in their studies.

Strategy Experiments in Nonexperimental Settings: Challenges of Theory, Inference, and Persuasion in Business Strategy

We introduce two dimensions that help situate the approach to strategy as an exercise of theory building and experimentation. First, we consider whether a given experiment is repeatable or nonrepeatable: the extent to which the very undertaking of a given experiment will change how the world—consumers, competitors, ecosystem partners—will react to future experiments, even if identical to the original. Second, we consider whether a given experiment can be undertaken by a single actor or requires the joint effort and buy-in of other actors in the internal or external ecosystem of the firm, and, in turn, the extent to which persuasion becomes a critical role of theory. We show how these two properties—nonrepeatability and joint action—impact the nature of inference from strategic actions and the ability to benefit from learning. Further, these properties suggest a more deliberative calculus regarding the cost of experimentation and highlight the role of theory as a basis for both prediction and persuasion in the service of choosing how to initiate and learn from strategic acts in nonexperimental settings.

Honest incompetence: exploring the dark side of social entrepreneurship

PurposeThis paper explores the often overlooked and novel academic concept of honest incompetence as a potential “dark” side of social entrepreneurship, where well-intentioned but inadequately skilled agents hinder the effectiveness and sustainability of positive social change initiatives.Design/methodology/approachWe have adopted a multiparadigm approach to theory building, known as metatriangulation. We draw upon agency theory and behavioral decision theory to undergird a framework consisting of antecedents, processes, outcomes and moderators of honest incompetence in social entrepreneurship.FindingsWe introduce a detailed framework for understanding honest incompetence in social entrepreneurship. This framework identifies antecedents such as knowledge gaps, examines mechanisms like misguided interventions and explores consequences, including group vilification. Additionally, it investigates moderating factors, emphasizing the disadvantages of outcome-based compensation and the difficulties in evaluating outcomes.Originality/valueThis article investigates factors that engender honest incompetence in social entrepreneurship, revealing how even well-intentioned efforts can inadvertently hinder goals. Despite their sincere motives, social entrepreneurs might make choices that conflict with their objectives. Addressing this issue necessitates a customized approach, which includes engaging actively with the community and fostering robust social connections.

Student-to-student communication: examining and extending our conceptualization and measurement of instructional dissent

ABSTRACT Instructional dissent has been studied for over a decade. Expressive dissent, a subset of instructional dissent, focuses specifically on when students are complaining to one or more other students. This article lays out instructional dissent’s origins in organizational psychology and organizational communication. From there, the article homes in specifically on the predictors and correlates of expressive dissent, which focuses attention on student–student communication. Within this section, student, instructor, and class characteristics are addressed, concluding with a call for testing the full Instructional Beliefs Model to (1) assess the interconnections of these three components and (2) find a combination of factors that explains expressive dissent across a variety of learners and situations. Research implications call for methodological strategies, such as better reporting and validity testing, as well as theory building to achieve stronger results that can be turned into practical implications for both students and instructors.

Conceptualizing Global Trends

Numerous publications contain high-quality descriptions of causes, processes, and effects of global trends. However, very few of these publications are theoretically guided or aim at theory building. This is a handicap preventing most publications on global trends from developing high-quality explanations and prognostications. This article contains an attempt at developing a conceptual framework for resolving the issue. The attempt is based on the paradigm of social interaction and includes arguments in favor of four global trends: upgrading the rationality of organizations, individualization, spread of instrumental activism, and homogenization of culture. The decomposition of the trends makes it possible to identify their structures and dynamics. The analyzed examples usually refer to constructive processes and effects. In reality, the global trends are internally controversial and bring about both constructive and destructive processes and effects. The most challenging task for future studies concerns the interplay of the internal dynamics of each global trend with the dynamics of the configuration of global trends. The conceptualization of the dynamic configuration of interacting global trends is the core of the diagnosis of the global situation.

Examining Multiculturals’ and Multilinguals’ Paradoxical Bridging Behaviors in Overcoming Cultural and Language Barriers in Organizations

Research has identified the usefulness of multicultural and multilingual employees in overcoming cultural and language barriers in international work contexts, but still needs to clarify why and how these employees engage in bridging behavior. Based on in-depth analyses of 154 interviews, we inductively develop a comprehensive model of bridging behaviors with novel and counterintuitive insights. We show that bridging behaviors are not only based on individual strengths, which multiculturals and multilinguals possess, but also—paradoxically—on their weaknesses. Multiculturals’ and multilinguals’ strengths and experience with weaknesses result in different determinants and enactments of bridging. Grounded in our inductive theory building, we propose four bridging behaviors: cultural teaching, language teaching, cultural facilitating, and language facilitating. Multiculturals and multilinguals cycle between these bridging behaviors depending on their capabilities and motivations in specific situations. We provide theoretical and practical implications of our findings.

Construct Clarity in Physician-Hospital Alignment: The Need for Precision in Definition, Measurement, and Management Comment on "Alignment in the Hospital-Physician Relationship: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study of Medical Specialist Enterprises in the Netherlands"

The study by Ubels and van Raaij highlights the importance of alignment in hospital-physician relationships and the challenges in understanding, measuring, and managing it. Despite extensive research on alignment, drawing precise conclusions about its nature, drivers, and outcomes is difficult due to construct clarity and construct validity issues. This commentary focuses on clarifying these issues and the problems they create for hospitals attempting to manage alignment, as well as for scientific inquiry in this area. These issues involve the need to specify more clearly the essential nature of alignment and how it is distinct from other constructs such as engagement. It also involves demarcating alignment from the structures, arrangements, or processes intended to foster it, as well as from its outcomes. Improved precision in these areas will enable the development of more reliable and valid measures, thereby supporting hypothesis testing, theory building, and the identification of best practices.

Behavior intention in coping cloud adaptation

This study investigates the indirect impact of perceived technology complexity on the adoption of cloud platforms by data scientists in Brazil. Specifically, it examines the mediating role of perceived work-related opportunities and behavioral intentions, as well as the use of exploration-to-innovate coping strategies. The research employs an online questionnaire survey and uses Confirmatory Factor Analysis, SEM, and OLS to analyze the data. The findings suggest that a serial mediation effect focused on behavioral aspects can better explain the adoption of cloud computing technology. The study identifies the need for further investigation into the potential moderating effects of voluntariness and self-efficacy on the relationship between perceived technology complexity and cloud platform adaptation. Moreover, incorporating other exogenous constructs such as new adaptation strategies, job outcomes, and job satisfaction may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing technology adoption in the context of data science. The study highlights that reducing technology complexity can lead to increased adoption, better user experience, better retention rates, more innovation possibilities, and better competition position. However, additional training and support requirements for data scientists can increase the cost and time required for onboarding and maintenance. A cloud platform that is easy to use can enable remote work and collaboration, opening up opportunities for job growth and flexible work arrangements. This can be particularly beneficial for Brazilian professionals who have strong innovation skills but limited training and support. By transcending geographic barriers and infrastructure limitations, a user-friendly cloud platform can help bridge the digital divide. On the other hand, a complex cloud platform can widen the digital divide, particularly in developing countries, exacerbating existing inequalities. The research contributes to theory building by providing a serial mediation framework that better explains technology adaptation phenomena by combining coping theory and technology acceptance model.

Developing Grounded Theory Systematic Approach for Logistics and Supply Chain Management Research

ABSTRACTThe emergence of the supply chain management (SCM) discipline and its integration with other research fields, such as logistics, has sparked research that aims to combine scientific rigor with business utility. Calls for increased theory‐building and practically relevant research have driven the discipline's development. This article advocates the wider use of grounded theory methodology, providing practical guidance to ensure reliable theoretical contributions. The study employs a multi‐method approach (bibliometric analysis, mapping review, and state‐of‐the‐art analysis) to quantitatively review existing grounded theory research on logistics and SCM issues, investigate its methodological attributes, and outline its strengths and weaknesses. Based on these findings, guidelines are proposed for methodologically sound grounded theory building in the discipline. Derived from empirically grounded theory studies, these guidelines address issues that hinder the effective use of the method, such as misunderstanding its fundamentals, improper use of literature, coding challenges, inadequate research design, and difficulties in transitioning from analysis to theorizing. By adding an empirical perspective to supplement existing guidelines, the study aims to enhance the quality of SCM research. While grounded theory is not the only solution for advancing the discipline, its judicious use is advocated to bring rigorous, theory‐driven, and practice‐oriented contributions to logistics and SCM research.

The links between sustainability dimensions and green campus initiatives in mountain universities

Sustainability and green campus initiatives are widely examined in developed countries but less attention has been paid in developing countries such as Pakistan. Therefore, this study intends to examine the links between sustainability dimensions and green campus initiatives by mediating role of teachers and students’ involvement. Green campus or sustainable campus or environment friendly campus is based on the principles of environmental sustainability, incorporating social, and economic and environmental dimensions. Questionnaire for assessment of sustainability was adopted and 529 responses were received from the faculty, management and servicing staff of the seven Mountain Universities of the Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Northern Pakistan. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PL-SEM) was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that energy conservation, water conservation, green transport, sustainable waste management have enhanced campus green initiatives. Teachers and students’ involvement partially mediate the relationship between green transport strategies, sustainable waste management and green campuses initiatives. While on another hand, teachers and students’ involvement have not mediated the links between energy conservation, water conservation and green campus initiatives. The study contributes to theory building in the area of green and environment friendly campus initiatives by enriching the understanding of the processes carrying the effect of sustainability dimensions and both teachers and students’ involvement.

Playing in Time: A Discussion of Smadar Steinbock’s “A Look at Chapter Four of Winnicott’s Playing and Reality Through the Prism of its Modalities of Temporality”

ABSTRACT Winnicott’s paper, “Playing, Creativity, and the Search for the Self,” Chapter 4 of Playing and Reality is the second leg of Winnicott’s two-part opus on play. It is the focus of Smadar Steinbock’s essay on temporality in the work of Winnicott and Loewald. Winnicott’s is a paper fundamentally about play. I suggest that for Winnicott, play always involves time, specifically the actual or feared loss of time or object, namely what I have referred to as the play of mourning. For Winnicott, temporality is inextricably bound with his notion of place. And they are both contained in the analytic setting. This is a setting that allows for the emergence of play and creative experiences of self, in time in general and for the time being. Like so many phenomena in Winnicott’s theory building, time involves both actual or real time and time as incorporated psychically into the realm of illusion. Chapter 4 puts forward the ways that patient and analyst hold the paradox of time as actual and as incorporated into the realm of psychic illusion in order for the patient to be found.