Unstructured Interviews Research Articles

Astronomical Review of the Pandita Board (Wong-Wong and Tike Lime) in Determining Good Days in Banyu Urip Village

The Pandita board is an ancestral heritage that has functions such as determining a good time for traveling, farming, or performing rituals. The Sasak community knows this board as Warige and is an interesting topic to discuss because the calculation results are quite accurate with modern astronomical calculations, where the calculation system refers to the movement of the Moon. This research aims to understand the system of determining good days using the Pandita Board (Wong-wong and Tike Lime), and analyze it based on the phases of the Moon. This research is field research with a qualitative approach. The data collection methods used are direct observation, unstructured interviews, and documentation using qualitative descriptive analysis methods. The results of this study are the system of determining good days using Papan Pandita seen from 3 concepts, namely, referring to the Rowot Sasak calendar which is the same as the urfi lunar calendar which has a month number of 29 or 30 days, calculating days, dates, and human characters using wong-wong and calculating time or hours using tike lime. Meanwhile, the determination of good days based on Papan Pandita is influenced by astronomical observations of the phases of the Moon. The phases of the Moon influence the determination of dates that are considered good or bad (Kalen Bulan). Kalen Bulan refers to certain phenomena such as eclipses, planetary conjunctions or positions of the Moon that are considered unfavorable.

A Cultural-Theological Reflection on “Wacha Niongee Initoke” in Light of Ephesians 4:29: Why Do People Say What They Say?

The purpose of this article is to explore a popular Kenyan apophthegm “wacha niongee, initoke”—loosely translated as “let me talk [so that] it leaves me”—in light of Ephesians 4:29: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (New Living Translation). The apophthegm proposes catharsis through speech, but this paper questions the insinuations of such speech for Christian living. Should those who follow Christ speak to relieve themselves without considering the consequences? Through observations, unstructured interviews, and real-life narratives, the study argues that God’s people, unlike the general public, should be mindful of the consequences of their words. Drawing from various sources such as the Bible, the paper challenges the church to cultivate speech that is not only authentic but also healing, constructive, and life-giving (see Prov. 18:21b; Eph. 4:15; James 3:6). The church must serve as a querencia for those who have been harmed by reckless words and as a prophetic voice characterised by veracity, mercy, and transformation.

Connecting Geometric Reasoning Skill and Self-Efficacy Perception Variables in terms of Cognitive and Perceptual Dimensions

This study aims to develop a scale to determine eighth-grade students' self-efficacy perceptions towards geometric reasoning and to evaluate and relate the variables of geometric reasoning skill and self-efficacy perception in terms of cognitive and perceptual dimensions. The research was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the validity and reliability studies of the developed scale were conducted, and its usability was demonstrated. In the second stage, geometric reasoning skill and self-efficacy perception variables were examined in terms of cognitive and perceptual dimensions. In the first phase of the study, the general survey method was used and in the second phase, relational survey method was used. The scale development phase of the study was conducted with 595 eighth grade students. In the second stage of the study, 40 students studying at the eighth-grade level were studied. As a result of this study in which Geometric Reasoning Self-Efficacy Scale, Geometric Reasoning Skill Test and Unstructured Interviews were used as data collection tools, it was seen that students' geometric reasoning self-efficacy perceptions were generally at medium level and their geometric reasoning skills were at low level. Considering the different dimensions, it was found that the mean scores of students' self-efficacy and skill scores related to the perceptual dimension were higher than the cognitive dimension. In addition, there is a positive, moderate and significant relationship between students' geometric reasoning skills and their geometric reasoning self-efficacy perceptions. Depending on the results obtained from the research, it is suggested that activities or learning environments be designed to improve students' geometric reasoning skills and that the effects of different learning environments on geometric thinking processes be investigated.

School Management Committees and the Pitfalls of Decentralized Governance in India: A Qualitative Study from Jharkhand, India

This research examines the decentralized system of educational governance and administration. The present study is a qualitative research that empirically explores the role of the decentralised system of education in the state of Jharkhand, India. The research examined the local-self-governing institutions operational at the ‘grassroot level’. Panchayats and SMCs as the local school governing bodies have been studied and analysed. Decentralization is understood as a mechanism to foster democratic participation leading to efficient delivery and management of development schemes. For the purpose of the research a primary study in the selected locality was conducted through unstructured interviews, field observation and focus group discussions. The primary data was analysed as against various policies formulated to enhance and implement decentralization across the domain of school governance. The objective of the research was to assess and examine the participation and the effectiveness of the ‘school management committees’ (SMC). While the neo-liberal conceptualization of decentralization informed the analysis of the panchayat, the SMCs were empirically studied. The empirical evidences suggest that the ‘SMCs’ witness low participation due to various socio-economic reasons of the committee members. The low participation is also due to the ‘stakeholder’ idea of participation that the management committees entail. As against this backdrop the study analyses the various facets of decentralization as a part of the larger reform in the educational landscape. Education decentralization is gaining prominence across the globe.

The Strategy of Nursing Managers in Ethical Decision-Making: A Qualitative Content Analysis

In the current health system conditions, the strategies adopted by nursing managers in their ethical decision-making can lead to different results for patients, nurses, and health systems. Therefore, the present study aimed to explain ethical decision-making strategies implemented by nursing managers. The present study was conducted using qualitative content analysis in 2022 at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. A total of 18 nursing managers were selected through purposive sampling and were interviewed using in-depth unstructured individual interviews. Data were analyzed using the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. The results revealed one main category (human-centeredness) and three subcategories (customer-centeredness, valuing employees’ dignity, and the conflict between respecting the rights of patients and employees and adhering to organizational policies). Nursing managers attempted to make their ethical decisions based on the principle of humanism by using customer-centeredness strategies, valuing employees’ dignity, and prioritizing the rights of individuals and employees over organizational rules. The results of the present study showed nursing managers make decisions in line with respecting the rights of patients and employees. However, sometimes these decisions conflict with the interests of organizations. In this regard, the existing obstacles that create the conditions for such conflicts should be identified. Increasing organizational commitment in managers can also be effective in decisions that benefit different groups of customers, personnel, and health organizations

Experiences of critical care nurses infected with COVID-19 in a Saudi Academic Hospital.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has severely impacted nursing services, with thousands of ICU nurses infected with potentially fatal respiratory infections. Saudi Arabian studies suggest psychological implications, with loneliness and social isolation linked to higher depression and anxiety levels. Pandemic preparedness should focus on workforce protection and mental well-being promotion. This study aimed to understand the experiences of critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia who contracted COVID-19, with the goal of formulating recommendations to empower them, increase resilience, and help the profession thrive post-pandemic. This study used an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual approach, conducting unstructured interviews with 11 Critical Care Unit (CCU) Registered Nurse (RN) who contracted COVID-19, and analysing the data using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Three themes emerged from the data: (1) physical isolation led to loneliness and psychological separation, lacking emotional support and freedom of choice; (2) reintegration into the work environment increased stress and loneliness and (3) Coronavirus disease 2019 exposure provided essential insight into patient care and increased awareness of adaptive skills. These themes highlight the challenges participants faced during the pandemic. This research study indicated the experiences of ICU nurses who contracted COVID-19, revealing feelings of loneliness, depression and stress. Despite reintegration into their work environment, these feelings persist.Contribution:The study indicates that nurses in social isolation or quarantine also require open communication, social interaction, personal autonomy and emotional support to boost their resilience and mental health, and to increase their job satisfaction.

Phenomenological Study: Analyzing the Role and Meaning of Sports Performance in The Lives of Wheelchair Student-Athletes

Objectives. This study aimed to analyze and understand the role and significance of sports performance in the lives of wheelchair student-athletes. It examines how sports help them navigate physical and psychological challenges, contribute to identity formation, and aid in their search for meaning in life. Materials and methods. The study employed a descriptive quantitative approach using a survey analysis method. Additionally, unstructured interviews were conducted to strengthen the research findings and support the discussion. The sample consisted of 48 wheelchair student-athletes, categorized as follows: 12 tennis players, 12 archers, 12 athletes, and 12 fencers. The sample characteristics included an average age of 17.7±8.1 years, training experience of 4.3±4.2 years, and an athletic career duration of 2.1±2.2 years. Among them, 13 athletes have competed at the national level, and 35 at the regional level. The research instrument was a questionnaire comprising 15 statements rated on a 1–4 scale, which has been tested for validity, resulting in four key indicators: (1) Improved Quality of Life, (2) Social Integration, (3) Search for Existence, and (4) Barriers to Participation. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05) to examine group differences. Results. For the Improved Quality of Life indicator, the lowest average score was observed in athletics (13.83), while the highest — in tennis (14.17). Regarding Social Integration, the lowest average score was in athletics (13.50), and the highest — in archery (13.83). For the Search for Existence indicator, the lowest average scores were observed in athletics and fencing (13.58), while the highest score was noted in archery (13.83). Regarding Barriers to Participation, the lowest average score was recorded in fencing (6.75), and the highest — in tennis (7.50). The Kruskal-Wallis value was 0.425 or p>0.05, indicating no significant differences between the four wheelchair sports groups. Conclusions. The findings indicate that wheelchair sports substantially enhance student-athletes’ quality of life across various disciplines. Tennis and fencing recorded the highest perceived quality of life and the lowest barriers to participation. This study underscores the necessity for standardized facilities, enhanced support systems, and greater governmental involvement to improve student-athletes’ experiences. These insights contribute significantly to both wheelchair sports literature and policy development.

Examining Semantic and Pragmatic Roles of Prepositions in Kinyarwanda

The article examines the roles of prepositions in Kinyarwanda language, the motivation behind the examination was that most studies on Kinyarwanda are on contentive words, and those that have touched on Kinyarwanda prepositions in passing are incomplete, thus desires investigation to fulfill this gap. The Schema and cognitive semantics theories guided the analysis under the Leipzig glossing rules’ representation. Unstructured interviews and critical document analysis were methods of data gathering from three Nyarwanda natives who were selected purposively as they are trilingual speakers of English, Kiswahili, and Kinyarwanda. The work revealed that prepositions of Kinyarwanda have socio-cultural significance and their meanings are conceptual. In other words, prepositions are vehicles for multi-communicative facts as they indicate time, dimensional, relative positions, places, instrumentality, passage, conjunctive and causation facets. The paper argues that functors including prepositions have a direct philosophical stance to native speakers, as one preposition may present different contextual semantics. From this base, storing or keeping and documenting functors in Kinyarwanda specifically preposition remain tangible phenomena in the current sphere of research.

Factors influencing academic achievement of girls in Zimbabwean rural secondary schools

Despite considerable research on gender equality in education, there is limited research on why girls in rural areas continue to lag behind their male counterparts in academic performance. This qualitative multiple case study inquiry grounded in the Liberal Feminist theory explored factors that influenced the academic achievement of girls in two selected rural secondary schools in Zimbabwe. The sample consisted of twenty-two participants, who included two school heads, four teachers, and sixteen female learners, all of whom were purposively sampled from the selected schools. Data were gathered using unstructured interviews and focus group discussions, and analysed using thematic content analysis technique. The study established factors that influenced the academic achievement of girls included sexual violence, teachers’ negative attitudes towards girls, parental negative attitudes and domestic responsibilities. The findings have far-reaching implications, given that most girls in Zimbabwe, and other developing countries, especially in Africa, attend rural secondary schools. Sexual violence, encompassing harassment, assault and abuse, has profound effect on girls’ academic achievement. Teachers’ biases and negative attitudes towards girls can perpetuate a hostile learning environment, affecting girls’ academic achievement. The study recommends continuous use of awareness campaigns through seminars, workshops, and guidance and counselling programmes in rural secondary schools. By addressing these factors, teachers, policymakers and communities can work together empowering girls to achieve their full academic potential.

Could Many Hands Make Light the Group Project Task? The Antecedents, Consequences, and Psychological Cures of Perceived Social Loafing

In modern organizations, work groups are crucial because they combine diverse skills, judgment, and experience to handle complex tasks. However, their effectiveness can be undermined when members do not fully contribute their efforts. This study aims to explore how many hands could make light the group project task, focusing on the antecedents, consequences, and cures of social loafing among the academic staff at the School of Educational Sciences, Bahir Dar University. A qualitative approach employing phenomenology as the study design was adopted. Using purposive sampling, the researchers identified 12 academic staff members as participants. Data collection used structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews, with thematic and interpretive analysis methods applied to analyze the gathered data. Group members exhibit varying personal and professional attributes, yet demonstrate inconsistencies such as punctuality issues, passive participation, absenteeism, negligence toward deadlines, procrastination, and reliance on others, all indicative of social loafing. Antecedents of social loafing encompass group dynamics, personal traits, contextual influences, and task-related factors. Social loafing is viewed as a societal ailment with detrimental effects on individuals, organizations, and broader societal structures, contributing to diminished human efficiency, productivity, and overall profitability. This research highlights the importance of addressing social loafing through specific interventions. Key recommendations include improving task clarity, implementing individual performance evaluations, fostering accountability and trust within groups, and promoting fairness in organizational justice systems.

Innovative Development of Community-Engaged Process to Increasing Capability Community Toward Sustainable Community Resources Management in the Context of Northern Thailand

The objectives of this research were 1) to analyze the community's capacity to develop community-engaged process innovation and 2) to evaluate community-engaged process innovation to enhance community capacity for sustainable community resource management in the context of Northern Thailand. This research employed Participatory Action Research (PAR). The samples used in the research were divided into two groups: 1) the information providers for the community capacity analysis, consisting of 18 individuals including religious leaders, formal leaders, and school administrators, selected using snowball sampling; and 2) the process innovation evaluators, consisting of 5 faculty members and experts, selected using purposive sampling. The total number of participants was 23. The research instruments used were 1) document analysis forms, 2) unstructured interview forms, and 3) a community-engaged process innovation assessment form to enhance community capacity. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using statistical software to present results in the form of means and standard deviations. The analysis results were then presented in a Descriptive Analysis. The research findings revealed that; 1) the guidelines for developing community capacity to foster community-engaged process innovation comprise two components: 1) Guidelines for analyzing community capacity, which include three steps: 1.1) Assessing community capacity, 1.2) Designing and developing innovation, and 1.3) Applying innovation for sustainable community resource management. And 2) Guidelines for sustainable community resource management, which include three steps: 2.1) Community empowerment, 2.2) Operational improvement system, and 2.3) Performance measurement. Moreover, the evaluation of community-engaged process innovation to enhance community capacity towards sustainable community resource management in the context of Northern Thailand revealed that the community-engaged innovation process, also known as the EDA & CIM model, was evaluated as being of the highest quality.

A phenomenological study on the views of birthing room professionals on obstetric violence.

A phenomenological study on the views of birthing room professionals on obstetric violence.

Unseen Heroes: Parental Perceived Roles in Supporting Out-of-school Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities in Zimbabwe

The study explored parental perceived roles in supporting adolescent school leavers with intellectual disabilities. Parents play a crucial role in the lives of adolescents with and without disabilities. They contribute towards social inclusion and the overall well-being of adolescents with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The paper is premised on the ecological systems theory which assumes that human development and behaviour are a contextual specific phenomenon. The study employed the qualitative methodology within the phenomenological approach. Unstructured interviews were used to collect data from 6 purposively sampled parents of adolescents with IDs. From the findings, it emerged that parents’ roles are influenced by family dynamics, community resources, societal structures, and available resources. The study revealed that parents lack the knowledge and skills and face financial constraints to support their adolescent children with IDs. The study suggests that professional support and informal training should be provided to parents and school leavers with IDs. As a recommendation, parents should be encouraged to join groups for parents of children with disabilities such as Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association.

Indications of the use of the scrum method for minimizing time-related logistics failures

Organizations are demanding more efforts from the logistics system, which can compromise operations and due to various failures. Thus, there is a need to investigate which failures occur most in logistics and whether there is any relationship between them and poor time management in operations, as well as identifying whether there are indications of the use of the agile Scrum method as a mitigating measure. This paper aimed to raise evidence of the use of the Scrum method as a tool to minimize time-related failures in logistics operations. The research design was carried out based on an exploratory qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out through unstructured interviews with open questionnaires, where data processing was performed using the content analysis technique of the propositional discourse analysis type. As a result, the identification of the main causes that lead to logistical failures was obtained, as well as it was possible to detect evidence of some Scrum elements in the logistical routines as a way of minimizing the impacts generated by these failures found. The proposed objectives were achieved, and it was also possible to find evidence of the use of Scrum elements to manage activities and teams, and it was observed that activities in which there were indications of some Scrum element showed a greater mitigating potential of failures compared to the same activity performed without the presence of Scrum elements. This study contributes to the expansion of the literature on the subject of agile methods applied to Logistics and Operations, with the objective of enriching knowledge by bringing the discussion about the practices that are applied in organizations. Likewise, it can help professionals to become aware of what their most recurrent logistical bottlenecks are and what approaches and tools can be used to minimize them.

Insecurity in Secondary School Education: A Solution to Sustainable Development in Northern Nigeria

This study aimed to identify the causes of crime that exacerbate insecurity and hinder the sustainability of secondary education among teachers, parents and school administrators in Northern Nigeria. Three leading causes of insecurity challenges were examined, including school administrators' concerns about the safety of individuals and facilities, the need for well-trained and equipped security personnel to address security issues and the lack of employment opportunities for secondary school graduates in Northern Nigeria. The research questions were developed based on these causes. In order to facilitate questioning and observation of the phenomenon under investigation, a qualitative research approach grounded in the interpretative paradigm was used to collect data. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to purposively select three states in Northcentral, Northeastern, and Northwestern Nigeria and randomly select 36 parents, teachers, and school administrators. Unstructured in-depth interviews were conducted with the 36 participants. The interview questions were structured around the three research questions, and the responses were thematically analyzed. The study's findings highlight the importance of the government leveraging modern technology, such as electric-powered fences and CCTV cameras, to address security challenges and promote sustainable development in education. This paper suggests incorporating an "Education for Sustainability" subject into the Nigerian secondary education curriculum, in addition to the current emphasis on "security management" proposed by previous researchers.

Innovative Development of Community-Engaged Process to Increasing Capability Community Toward Sustainable Community Resources Management in the Context of Northern Thailand

The objectives of this research were 1) to analyze the community's capacity to develop community-engaged process innovation and 2) to evaluate community-engaged process innovation to enhance community capacity for sustainable community resource management in the context of Northern Thailand. This research employed Participatory Action Research (PAR). The samples used in the research were divided into two groups: 1) the information providers for the community capacity analysis, consisting of 18 individuals including religious leaders, formal leaders, and school administrators, selected using snowball sampling; and 2) the process innovation evaluators, consisting of 5 faculty members and experts, selected using purposive sampling. The total number of participants was 23. The research instruments used were 1) document analysis forms, 2) unstructured interview forms, and 3) a community-engaged process innovation assessment form to enhance community capacity. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using statistical software to present results in the form of means and standard deviations. The analysis results were then presented in a Descriptive Analysis. The research findings revealed that; 1) the guidelines for developing community capacity to foster community-engaged process innovation comprise two components: 1) Guidelines for analyzing community capacity, which include three steps: 1.1) Assessing community capacity, 1.2) Designing and developing innovation, and 1.3) Applying innovation for sustainable community resource management. And 2) Guidelines for sustainable community resource management, which include three steps: 2.1) Community empowerment, 2.2) Operational improvement system, and 2.3) Performance measurement. Moreover, the evaluation of community-engaged process innovation to enhance community capacity towards sustainable community resource management in the context of Northern Thailand revealed that the community-engaged innovation process, also known as the EDA & CIM model, was evaluated as being of the highest quality.

Implementation of Authentic Assessment of Reading Skills For Grade 4 in Independent Curriculum in Elementary School 205/IV Jambi City

The curriculum changes in Indonesia, from KTSP to the Merdeka Curriculum, aim to improve the quality of education by emphasizing 21st-century skills and the Pancasila Student Profile. One of the key aspects of the Merdeka Curriculum is the implementation of authentic assessment, which encompasses affective, cognitive, and psychomotor domains. However, many teachers face difficulties in understanding and applying this, particularly in reading skills. This study aims to analyze teachers’ perceptions of the implementation of authentic assessment in reading skills at SDN 205/IV in Jambi City. The research employs a qualitative approach using a phenomenological study. Data were collected through observation, unstructured interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed inductively using thematic coding, verification, and data triangulation. The findings show that teachers’ understanding of authentic assessment varies. Five fourth-grade teachers experienced difficulties in its implementation due to time constraints, lack of training, and low student motivation in reading. Authentic assessments were carried out through observation, written tests, oral tests, and the provision of feedback to enhance students’ understanding. To overcome these challenges, teachers applied strategies such as observation journals, differentiated instruction, and reflective discussion techniques to improve the effectiveness of reading instruction.

Leading STEM Success: The Role of School Principals in Advancing Science and Mathematics Through Instructional Leadership

This study examines the roles and responsibilities of school principals in fostering effective science and mathematics instruction through the lens of Instructional Leadership. Given the critical role of quality education, particularly in science and mathematics, this research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education. It explores how school principals create opportunities for effective teaching and learning within their schools. A qualitative case study approach was employed to gain in-depth insights into leadership practices. Data were collected through unstructured interviews with thirteen participants across six Malaysian public schools. This method allowed for a detailed exploration of the ways principals facilitate instructional improvements in science and mathematics. The study reveals that school principals act as instructional leaders, subject specialists, and classroom experts, ensuring accountability for student performance. Their leadership extends beyond administrative duties, directly influencing instructional practices by supporting teachers and implementing structured leadership strategies. This highlights the pivotal role of principals in shaping educational outcomes in science and mathematics. The findings underscore the significance of Instructional Leadership in improving curriculum implementation and teaching quality in science and mathematics. School principals play a crucial role in guiding educators, fostering collaborative learning environments, and enhancing student achievement. Given the multifaceted nature of school leadership, further research is recommended to explore how principals navigate their instructional responsibilities in different educational settings. Understanding these dynamics could inform policy decisions and professional development programs aimed at strengthening Instructional Leadership in diverse school environments.

Are there key characteristics of social enterprises that foster relationships with government, universities and civil society?

Purpose This paper aims to analyze what social enterprise qualities boost the likelihood of creating interorganizational interactions with academia, governments and civil society organizations (CSOs). Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a mixed-method study for the purpose of development. The first stage was a quantitative exploratory analysis of 1,042 sustainable community businesses in Brazil, aiming to identify variables influencing the relationship between social enterprises (SEs) and Quadruple Helix players. The second stage used these quantitative results to guide unstructured interviews with five experts. Findings The authors reveal 30 variables were statistically significant, with nine diminishing the likelihood of SEs forming relationships with academia, governments and CSOs, 20 enhancing such prospects, and one attribute potentially augmenting it for one entity while diminishing it for another. Among the findings, it was noted that the participation of women in SEs is an attribute that facilitates relationships with government and academia. On the other hand, youth participation on the board fosters relationships with CSOs. Practical implications This study will hopefully clarify, firstly for SEs, which players they are most likely to relate to, depending on their characteristics. For academia, government and civil society, reflections are offered that can help develop projects, programs and support for those SEs that seek such support, thus generating a more effective relationship with better outcomes. Originality/value The findings help the advancement of knowledge in the area by investigating a problem still poorly defined, namely, the relationship between SEs and organizations from different sectors. Furthermore, there are still few studies that address the realities of developing countries. As a result, the purpose of this study was to make a theoretical contribution by providing parameters for SEs characteristics that induce relationships with organizations representing academia, government or civil society players, corroborating the need to understand the characteristics that can facilitate the construction of partnerships with social enterprise and whether these partnerships can reduce SEs challenges.

Metaverse business transformation: four companies’ virtual experiences

PurposeThe huge curiosity and the imitation effect that the metaverse generates among companies lead towards the first experiments touching all the main processes of the organization in search of new sources of value or for improving the existing value sources. However, little is known about how to drive the business transformation brought by the metaverse consciously, and this may thus hinder the adoption of this technology. This paper aims to sustain the formulation and implementation of the metaverse business transformation by illustrating a theoretical matrix and four practical approaches. Specifically, first, the matrix allows for a better understanding of the metaverse phenomenon by discussing the two main directions (the “what” as the goal of the transformation and the “why” as the focus of the transformation) that must be considered when formulating a metaverse business transformation. Second, the four actionable approaches (the “how”) illustrate different pathways for implementing the metaverse business transformation.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts an inductive research approach, leveraging a multiple case study design to address the scarcity of empirical data on metaverse business transformation. The conceptual matrix guided the selection of four European companies. In this way, each company was placed in each matrix quadrant and represented a specific approach to metaverse business transformation. Data collection included secondary sources for initial case placement within the matrix, unstructured interviews to capture nuanced insights into the approaches to metaverse business transformation and case observation and interviews with experts.FindingsThe study reveals four distinct approaches to drive metaverse-driven business transformation (the “how”): the absorptive innovation approach, the desorptive transition approach, the absorptive engagement approach and the desorptive branding approach.Practical implicationsThe paper provides actionable guidelines for companies leveraging immersive technologies and managing organizational change to incorporate the metaverse into their operations. In particular, the study highlights the need for core business units, rather than IT departments, to lead metaverse adoption.Social implicationsThe paper suggests policymakers support the metaverse business transformation through incentives, research hubs and collaboration ecosystems while stressing that cultural transformation is crucial for fully realizing the metaverse’s long-term potential.Originality/valueThe study examines the emerging context of the metaverse by investigating how organizations can effectively approach metaverse-driven business transformation. It adapts and extends a matrix initially designed for business transformation, incorporating empirical insights from case studies of companies undertaking metaverse initiatives. In this way, the paper offers four distinct approaches for navigating business transformation in the metaverse.