Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Informal networks'
To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Informal networks.
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Informal networks.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
van, der Merwe Jan Gabriel Jr. "Informal Production Networks." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/63625.
Full textAbstract:
The relationship between industry and the city is a damaged
one. However, with its existing mix of residents, industry
and commerce (albeit segregated from one-another)
Pretoria West holds the potential for a unique relationship
between industry and the citizens of Pretoria. Only by understanding
the role that these industries play within the
greater context of the city can the rich character and culture
of a place be ampli ed and solidi ed in a development
plan. Catalyzed by its heritage, development becomes
a manifestation of the character of place that will attract
further growth and simultaneously embrace the existing
stakeholders.
e existing industrial built-environment is often misshapen
and illegible and whilst it is di cult to organize
(and navigate) the seemingly disorganized site, it is possible
to resolve; through understanding historic boundaries and
development patterns that can be utilized as organizational
grids. In this case historic erf divisions and consolidations
can be utilized as an organizational tool at a large scale and
should serve as a guide to where future structures should be
erected in order to maintain a legible built environment.
When designing future additions, understanding the historic
expansion of these industrial buildings holds the key
to a harmonious relationship between old and new. With
minimal architectural intent these buildings supply little
for the architect to grapple onto, but with material spans
and structural repetition forming the underlying ordering
principle; it is possible to create a logical and ordered extension
of the past.Die verhouding tussen industrie en die stad is beskadig en as gevolg word industrië stelselmatig verwyder van die stad. Die mengsel tussen inwoners, industrie en handel in Pretoria Wes (albeit geissoleer van mekaar) gun egter die potensiaal tot ‘n unieke verbandskap tussen industrie en die inwoners van Pretoria. Slegs deur die rol te erken wat die industrië speel ten opsigte van die stad se groter konteks, kan die karakter en kultuur van so ‘n omgewing versterk en vasgevang word in ‘n ontwikkelings plan. Erfenis dien as katalisator vir ontwikkeling van die karakter van plek wat in beurt verdere nansiële groei sal aanhits. Die bestaande industriële bou-omgewing is misvorm en onvoorspelbaar. Alhoewel so ‘n omgewing nie aan die individie toeleen om weg te vind of organiseer nie, is dit moontlik deur die ontginning van historiese grense en ontwikkelings patrone wat kan dien as organiseerings mates. Historiese erf indelings en konsolodasies kan gebruik word om te dien as ‘n gids vir toekomstige toevoegings, om sodoende die nuwe argitektuur uit die bestaande te laat vloei. Die resultaat is ‘n leesbare en geordende bou-omgewing. Die ontwerp van die nuwe verbeelding steun op die morfologie van die bestaande omgewing om ‘n harmoniese verhouding tussen oud en nuut te skep. Materiale se span afstande neem die rol van die onderliggende orde stelsels aan as gevolg van die gebrek aan aansienlike argitektoniese bedoelings in die bestaande omgewing. Sodoende is ‘n leesbare en logiese uitbreiding van die verlede en na die toekoms moontlik in ‘n omgewing wat ontstaan het sonder ontwerp vir ervaring van mense.
Mini Dissertation MArch(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2017.
Architecture
MArch(Prof)
Unrestricted
2
Almas, Roslynn. "Promoting Conflict Management Competencies within Informal Structures and Informal Networks." Thesis, Pepperdine University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10829092.
Full textAbstract:
Conflict typically is associated with negative and destructive connotations within organizations. However, a shift is taking place in workplaces to view conflict through a positive frame and to consider conflict as an opportunity to establish an environment that is more creative and innovative while identifying ineffective policies, behaviors or actions. This study was developed to examine how organizations can enhance conflict management competencies to empower leaders and employees to manage conflict by employing problem-solving tactics and collaborative approaches. Furthermore, this study was designed to understand what strategies and practices leaders and specialists in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution utilize to promote conflict management skills. Additionally, the research sought to identify the challenges these individuals encountered when implementing conflict management interventions in organizations, understand how success was measured, and determine recommendations to develop conflict management competencies. Fifteen Alternative Dispute Resolution leaders and specialists participated in this phenomenological study by voluntarily responding to 12 semi-structured interview questions. Based on the participants’ responses 46 themes emerged across the four research questions. Strategic conflict management planning, engaging stakeholders in the process, consensus building, and convening and inquiry were the top strategies and practices mentioned by the participants in the study. When facing challenges during an implementation of conflict management interventions the theme commonly mentioned was lack of stakeholder engagement and how participants managed obstacles was through being agile and emphasizing positive communication. Measurements of success used by the participants that ranked highest were receiving feedback on process and outcomes, metrics on conflict/issue, and organizational performance metrics. The top theme that surfaced among all participants was how they developed conflict management competencies through a combination of experience and various formal training. The participants indicated the desire to have further conflict management training and education earlier in the career. Based on the research the following three frameworks were developed to enhance conflict management competencies in organizations (a) problem-solving culture framework, (b) conflict management intervention model, and (c) conflict manager competency paradigm.
3
McAllister, David H. "Informal networks and Saudi regime stability." Monterey, Calif. : Springfield, Va. : Naval Postgraduate School ; Available from National Technical Information Service, 1997. http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA340381.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.A. in National Security Affairs) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1997."September 1997." Thesis advisor(s): Glenn E. Robinson. Includes bibliographical references (p. 103-108). Also available online.
4
GARCIA, VIVIANI DE CÁSSIA. "ANÁLISE DAS REDES SOCIAIS INFORMAIS ENTRE PROFESSORES DE UMA UNIVERSIDADE DO GRANDE ABC." Universidade Metodista de Sao Paulo, 2017. http://tede.metodista.br/jspui/handle/tede/1666.
Full textAbstract:
Submitted by Noeme Timbo (noeme.timbo@metodista.br) on 2017-06-30T15:31:03Z
No. of bitstreams: 1
Viviani Garcia.pdf: 1585821 bytes, checksum: 11d243a99cd6678be344644a7d2864a7 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-30T15:31:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Viviani Garcia.pdf: 1585821 bytes, checksum: 11d243a99cd6678be344644a7d2864a7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-04-13
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the main elements that facilitate the formation of the informal social information network within a university and which characteristics of its members are considered to be the most potential disseminators in the informal structure. Faced with the management challenges that are increasingly present in the administration of educational institutions, in order to understand their resources and use them more effectively, it is possible to understand the social dynamics of their employees using the Network Analysis method Social Security (ARS). Personal and professional characteristics attract connections in the network and what influence of the relationship in other external institutions on the relationships within the organization researched. For this purpose, a study of perception of information sharing was applied in 28 teachers of distance learning of a private higher education institution located in the state of São Paulo in order to understand the information-seeking relations and the reasons why the most influential actors are sought. The research was initiated with a questionnaire asking each respondent to point out their co-workers who are most in demand and the reasons that directed them to those determined actors. With this material, it was possible to analyze if the most cited had a relation of "strong ties" with their colleagues mentioned and characteristics of the profile of the most requested professionals. The results showed a medium density network with potential for expansion of relations. The most mentioned item was the search for information through friendship relations, followed by work necessity. More than 65% of the actors do not have external contact with their work colleagues, limiting their interactions only in the professional environment. Interaction bonds were strengthened in the study group, since the measurement of reciprocity of the contacts was over 31% of the total of the relationships, as the respondents state that they have frequent, long term and near intimate contacts.
Este estudo pretende contribuir para a compreensão dos principais elementos que facilitam a formação da rede social informal de informação dentro de uma universidade e quais as características de seus membros que são considerados os disseminadores de maior potencial na estrutura informal. Diante dos desafios de gestão cada vez mais presentes na administração de instituições de ensino, com o objetivo de compreender seus recursos e utilizá-los de maneira mais eficaz, surge a possibilidade de compreender a dinâmica social de seus colaboradores utilizando o método de Análise de Redes Sociais (ARS). Compreendendo quais características pessoais e profissionais atraem conexões na rede e qual a influência do relacionamento em outras instituições externas sobre as relações dentro da organização pesquisada. Com este intuito, foi aplicado um estudo de percepção de compartilhamento de informações em 28 professores do ensino a distância de uma instituição de ensino superior privada, localizada no ABC paulista, para compreender as relações de busca de informações e quais os motivos pelos quais os atores mais influentes são procurados. A pesquisa foi iniciada com um questionário solicitando para cada respondente apontar seus colegas de trabalho que são mais procurados e quais os motivos que os direcionavam para aqueles determinados atores. Com este material, foi possível analisar se os mais citados tinham uma relação de “laços fortes” com seus colegas citados e características do perfil dos profissionais mais requisitados. Os resultados mostraram uma rede com média densidade, com potencial de expansão de relações. O item mais mencionado foi a busca por informações por relações de amizade, seguida por necessidade do trabalho. Mais de 65% dos atores não possuem contato externo com seus colegas de trabalho, limitando suas interações apenas no ambiente profissional. Os laços de interação se demonstraram fortalecidos no grupo estudado, pois a mensuração da reciprocidade dos contatos foi acima de 31% do total das relações, assim como os respondentes declaram ter contatos frequentes, de longo prazo e com grau próximo de intimidade.
5
Klaus, Jan Philipp. "Three Essays on the Effects of Executives' Informal Networks on Shareholder Value, Financial and Tax Reporting Outcomes." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2020. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1707258/.
Full textAbstract:
Prior literature suggests that CEOs capitalize on their position within the hierarchy of all business executives, resulting in various – both positive and negative – firm outcomes. Using a novel data set on golf outings to measure the quality of a CEO's informal (vs. formal) network, as measured by the CEO's network centrality, this study examines whether well-connected CEOs generate private gains through insider trades. Results suggest that, among golfing CEOs, CEOs with higher quality informal networks generate significantly higher insider trading profits on sales of their firms' stock, consistent with more famous, powerful, and influential CEOs possessing superior information. The paper continues by delineating a channel through which private information flow to network participants by documenting significantly different golf patterns of CEOs during the two weeks before material firm events become public while showing that CEOs generate noticeably higher insider trading profits from stock trades executed during the two weeks following these golf outings. This study highlights a setting in which shareholders are at risk of wealth transfer and illustrates the potential limitations of regulation concerning insider trading.
6
Wells-Dang, Andrew. "Informal pathbreakers : civil society networks in china and vietnam." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2011. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/1631/.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis re-conceptualises civil society as a process of cross-sectoral networking and alliance building among individual activists and organisations. Civil society networks are built on personal connections and develop into flexible, often informal structures that engage in path-breaking advocacy with authorities and elites. In the challenging political contexts of China and Vietnam, civil society networks have brought about significant social change. The findings of extensive fieldwork in both countries demonstrate a wider range of advocacy techniques and strategies than previously documented in one-party authoritarian political systems. Four in-depth qualitative case studies are presented to illustrate a range of network structures, histories and advocacy strategies: the Bright Future Group of people with disabilities (Vietnam), Women’s Network against AIDS (China), the Reunification Park public space network (Vietnam), and the China Rivers Network. Research questions concern how civil society networks form, how they operate, and what strategies they select to influence and interact with state actors and other stakeholders, as well as how network members evaluate the effectiveness of their actions. The thesis concludes with comparative evaluations of the case studies and recommendations for donors and international partners to support networks that form organically.
7
Tse, Shiu-po. "Informal social support network among Chinese families in Shenzhen." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1995. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B19470721.
Full text
8
Ngan, Man-hung Raymond, and 顔文雄. "The informal caring networks among Chinese families in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1990. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31231962.
Full text
9
Conway, Steve. "Informal boundary-spanning links and networks in successful technological innovation." Thesis, Aston University, 1994. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/10802/.
Full textAbstract:
The sources of ideas embodied within successful technological innovation has been a subject of interest in many studies since the 1950s. This research suggests that sources external to the innovating organisation account for between one and two-thirds of the inputs important to the innovation process. In addition, studies have long highlighted the important role played by the personal boundary-spanning relationships of engineers and scientists as a channel for the transference of such inputs. However, research concerning the role and nature of personal boundary-spanning links in the innovation process have either been primarily structurally orientated, seeking to map out the informal networks of scientists and engineers, or more typically, anecdotal. The objective of this research was to reveal and build upon our knowledge of the role, nature and importance of informal exchange activity in the innovation process. In order to achieve this, an empirical study was undertaken to determine the informal sources, channels and mechanisms employed in the development of thirty five award-winning innovations. Through the adoption of the network perspective, the multiple sources and pluralistic patterns of collaboration and communication in the innovation process were systematically explored. This approach provided a framework that allowed for the detailed study of both the individual dyadic links and morphology of the innovation action-sets in which these dyads were embedded. The research found, for example, that the mobilisation of boundary-spanning links and networks was an important or critical factor in nineteen (54%) of the development projects. Of these, informal boundary-spanning exchange activity was considered to be important or critical in eight (23%).
10
Jackson, David B. "Connections some implications of informal communication networks for congregational nurture /." Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN), 1995. http://www.tren.com.
Full text
11
Ustaibrisevic, Melisa. "Women and networks." Thesis, Växjö University, School of Management and Economics, 2006. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:vxu:diva-928.
Full textAbstract:
The existence of informal male networks, sometimes referred to as "old boys' networks", tends to exclude women from top jobs. More and more women have come to realize that they need professional contacts for a successful career and that they also needed each other’s support. Therfore many women are joining women-only networks or trying to create there own informal networks. The purpose is to establish useful contacts, learn new things, and be able to share their concerns with other women in the same situation. For some it gives an opportunity to find a mentor who can guide them.
The aim of this bachelor thesis is to study if women’s lacking access to male networks is an obstacle for career advancement and to give an insight into women-only networks and their effectiveness to support women leaders and managers and increase women's representation in senior positions. The empirical findigs were conducted in Växjö, Sweden; in the networks “Fröken” and “Rotary”, and one women-only network in Linz, Austria; the BPW, “Business & Professional Women”.
12
Maitland, Atherton Iain. "Migration and the informal support networks of older people in Scotland /." St Andrews, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/161.
Full text
13
Meagher, Kate. "Identity economics : informal manufacturing and social networks in south-eastern Nigeria." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2004. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.401968.
Full text
14
Atherton, Iain Maitland. "Migration and the informal support networks of older people in Scotland." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/161.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis investigates the effects of national patterns of migration on informal support for older adults in contemporary Scotland. It argues that geography matters, and develops a multi-scale conceptual framework to analyse the relationships among population mobility, contrasting local contexts in which older people live, and care and support from the intergenerational family and the community. 130 older persons from three locales with different migration patterns are recruited to the study and a mixed-method approach is adopted, using data from the census, a questionnaire survey and a set of in-depth interviews with both older people and formal service providers. The findings demonstrate significant differences between the three study locales in terms of the geography of the intergenerational family and the extent and nature of informal support received. Daughters provide more support than sons, suggesting the continuation of traditional gender norms. Local community is important, especially in the rural locale, but friends and neighbours are not providing a substitute for adult children living at a distance. It appears that non-kin respond to need where physical health is compromised but not where the older person suffers from depression. This raises serious questions about the future of family support in an increasingly mobile society with declining fertility and growing numbers of adult daughters in full-time employment. The relationships demonstrated confirm and extend many previous findings, but the discussion concludes that there are some grounds for optimism. The intergenerational family remains important to its members who can and do overcome geographical separation at times of crisis. Further, slowly changing gender norms, combined with contemporary demographic trends, may effect changes in the pattern of intergenerational support, which will, to some extent, offset the worsening older-age dependency ratios predicted for Scotland and other European countries over the next few decades.
15
Ledeneva, Alena V. "Formal institutions and informal networks in Russia : a study of blat." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.286427.
Full text
16
Phadungkiati, Lada. "Negotiating Regionalisation: Social Networks and Survival of Informal Cross-border Traders." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/12379.
Full textAbstract:
Over the past few decades, the impacts of the current wave of globalisation and regionalisation on the livelihoods of informal cross-border traders have increasingly attracted scholarly interest. One of the main areas of focus is on contradictions in state policies, which are supposed to facilitate cross-border flows but have instead proved obstructive, especially to unregistered trade. However, of interest to this research is that significant numbers of the traders continue to survive even though they are seen as victims. This study is based on the premise that ethnographic research is required for a more nuanced analysis. Exploration of small-scale informal cross-border trade has revealed that although taking different forms, borders are still there and continue to benefit the better-off. At the same time, despite being marginalised, the poor continue to survive. Interestingly, it is the existence of said borders that provides the small traders with arbitrage opportunities. This research questions how the traders utilise social networks to negotiate changes in state policies and actions. While several studies acknowledge the benefits of social networks, very few, especially in Southeast Asia, have put them at the centre of studies. Ethnographic details are particularly rare. Social networks are at the heart of this study and have proved to be very important livelihood strategies of the traders. Based upon a total of nine months of ethnographic fieldwork at a border crossing between Thailand and Lao PDR and an extended field visit to several sites in Vietnam, the research shows that social networks involving kin and non-kin actors, which are established, sustained, and strengthened through daily interactions, are vital, especially under changing border landscapes. Social networks empower the traders not only to bridge the two sides of the increasingly regulated border, but also to deal with emerging risks and constraints resulting from national and global changes.
17
Massen, Alisha J. ""It's people you know": the role social networks play in micro-informal markets." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/14075.
Full textAbstract:
Master of ArtsDepartment of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
Robert K. Schaeffer
Informal markets are prevalent all over the globe. The work done in such markets is often for the purposes of supplementary or subsistence income and it is done by men, women, and children. The purpose of my research was to understand how micro-informal markets are created by informal workers in Manhattan, Kansas. This was done through examining how informal workers used their social networks to find customers and how customers used their social networks to find informal goods and services produced by such workers, or more specifically, how micro-informal markets were created. This builds on the economic theory of embeddedness, which states social relations are an important part of the exchange process even in today's capitalistic market economy. In addition, my research also looked at why customers consumed from informal workers, why informal workers decided to go into business for themselves, how the city of Manhattan, Kansas viewed informal workers and whether city officials and affiliates encouraged informal businesses or not.
18
Hickman, James Preston. "The impact of formal and informal network linkages on firm innovation." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/29774.
Full textAbstract:
This study explore the linkages or partnerships that companies across the EU and a defend set of emerging market economies have in either a formal or informal manner. The research aims to understand the correlation of these linkages and a firm’s ability in innovate. Empirically this research is set out to determine if there are differences in a firm’s ability to innovate based on the structure of the linkage, i.e. formal or informal. The study extends to understand the impact that the economic downturn had had on these linkages and what impact, if any has filtered through to the firm’s ability to innovate.The central argument is that firms with linkages benefit but being more nimble innovators and therefore both formal and informal linkages are very good for business and an organizations ability to innovate.Chi squared and t-tests were run on the responses of the firms belonging to the export or domestic categories. The results overwhelmingly suggest that in respect of innovativeness, the domestic suppliers do not differ from those that opt to export into the developed world. However the firms belonging to the domestic group differ considerably with regards to who they collaborate with for their innovations when compared to the export group.Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
unrestricted
19
謝小寶 and Shiu-po Tse. "Informal social support network among Chinese families in Shenzhen." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1995. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31977947.
Full text
20
Lenel, Friederike. "Informal Support and Insurance." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/18446.
Full textAbstract:
In meiner Dissertation untersuche ich, inwiefern sich der Zugang zu individuellen Absicherungsmöglichkeiten auf die informellen Unterstützungsnetzwerke zwischen Haushalten auswirkt. Diese Forschungsfrage ist vor dem Hintergrund der rasanten wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung vieler vormalig einkommensschwacher Länder von besonderer Relevanz. Sowohl um Voraussagen machen zu können, wie diese Entwicklung die soziale Struktur verändert als auch um Wohlfahrtseffekte spezifizieren zu können, ist es wichtig die Beziehung zwischen dem Zugang zu individuellen Absicherungsmöglichkeiten und der Nutzung informeller Unterstützungsnetzwerke zu verstehen.
In dieser Arbeit erforsche ich diese Beziehung unter drei Gesichtspunkten. In der ersten Studie, untersuche ich die Struktur des Unterstützungsnetzwerks eines Fischerdorfes in den Philippinen. Ausgehend von einem theoretischen Netzwerkmodell, analysiere ich die Faktoren, die dazu führen, dass zwei Haushalte sich im Falle eines Schocks auf den jeweils anderen verlassen, wobei der Fokus auf dem Zugang zu alternativen Absicherungsmöglichkeiten liegt. In der zweiten Studie untersuche ich gezielt, inwieweit die Bereitschaft jemanden zu unterstützen davon beeinflusst wird, ob dieser Zugang zu individuellen Absicherungsmöglichkeiten hat. Dies wird mit Hilfe eines lab-in-the-field-Experimentes, das im ländlichen Kambodscha durchgeführt wurde, analysiert. In der dritten Studie verknüpfe ich die Unterstützungs-Entscheidungen aus dem Experiment mit dem tatsächlichen Unterstützungsnetzwerk der Experimentteilnehmer und untersuche, ob die Struktur der persönlichen sozialen Netzwerke das Verhalten im Experiment erklären kann.
Zusammengefasst zeigen die drei Studien, dass mit dem Zugang zu individuellen Absicherungsmöglichkeiten Anreize abnehmen können, in informelle Unterstützungsnetzwerke zu investieren oder altruistisch Unterstützung zu gewähren. Dies hat direkte Auswirkungen auf die lokale Sozialstruktur.In this thesis, I investigate how access to resources can affect the formation of informal support arrangements between households. This question is of particular relevance in the light of the rapid economic development that many former low-income countries recently experienced, which goes hand in hand with increasing possibilities for the population to cope with hardships individually. An understanding of the relationship between informal support and access to alternative risk management resources is crucial in order to make predictions about how this development can affect the social structure, and to specify welfare effects. In the thesis, I investigate this relationship from three different angles. First, I study the structure of mutual support arrangements in a fishing village on the Philippines (Chapter 2). Based on a model of strategic link formation I investigate which factors explain that two households engage in a mutual support arrangement with a focus on the role of households' alternative resources. In a second study, I investigate how the willingness to provide support can be affected by the availability of alternative resources, in particular individual insurance (Chapter 3). This is analyzed based on a lab-in-the-field experiment conducted in Cambodia. Different to the first study, the second study focuses on social preference motivated support. The last study conceptually links the first two studies. I relate the subjects' support decisions observed in the experiment back to the subjects' engagement in mutual support arrangements in real life and thus put the behavior in context to the social structure (Chapter 4). In summary, the studies show that with access to individual risk management options, the incentives to engage in mutual support arrangements as well as social preference motivated support can reduce, which has a direct impact on the local social structure.
21
Chattharakul, Anyarat. "Networks of Vote-Canvassers in Thai Elections: Informal Power and Money Politics." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.484906.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is an 'in-depth study of Thai electoral campaigning in the period following the 1997 constitutional reforms. Based on extensive participant observation field research, it provides a critical investigation in'to the informal vote-canvasser networks of a major political party's parliamentary candidate in a suburban constituency during the 2005 general elections. The .centraf concern of the thesis is to examine the extent to which old style vote-canvasser networks (based on local informal power and 'money) were transformed into modem political marketing in the Thaksin Shinawatra period (200J-:.2006). The' thesis problematises Anek Laothamatas' influential conception of Thailand as 'two democracies', in which Thai voters are divided into two groups with contrasting perceptions of elections and democracy: middle class, 'modem' and urban voters versus '. ' patronage-ridden, 'traditional' and rural voters. Here, a rich empirical case study demonstrates that Anek's dichotomy is unduly simplistic. Thai urban voters are shown to be more complex and diverse; and certainly not a's politically sophisticated as Anek suggests. Previous studies of Thai electoral politics have ~iewed vote-canvassers through the narrow lens of 'vote-buying', but have consistently' failed to elucidate the complexity and diversity of vote-canvasser networks. In the first ever close study of the internal mechanisms of an individual Thai election campaign, this thesis reveals that vote-canvasser networks are underpinned by long-term dyadic relationships, both hierarchical and horizontal, between the candidate, multi-level vote-canvassers, and voters. These networks continue to be the most important factor in winning elections in either rural or urban constituencies. While the techniques of modem political marketi.ng introduced by Thaksin and his Thai Rak Thai Party have attracted considerable attention~ tneir impact is less than many practitioners and academics have supposed. This thesis argues that instead of a linear shift toward a consistently 'modem' model of election campaigning, Thailand has developed, a complex and hybridised form of electioneering that effectively blends old-style vote-canvasser networks with 'certain elements ofpolitical marketing.
22
Abbott, Katherine Harris. "BLENDING RESOURCES: INFORMAL NETWORKS AND HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION BY FRAIL MALE VETERANS." online version, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=case1118329438.
Full text
23
Fay, Martha Jane. "Informal communication practices between peers in the remote work context." Columbus, Ohio : Ohio State University, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1167786840.
Full text
24
Robinson, Philip. "Young homeless people : the importance of informal support networks in their daily lives." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2006. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.432351.
Full text
25
Lourenço-Lindell, Ilda. "Walking the tight rope informal livelihoods and social networks in a West African city /." Stockholm : Almqvist & Wiksell International, 2002. http://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/49995507.html.
Full text
26
Lourenço-Lindell, Ilda. "Walking the tight rope : Informal livelihoods and social networks in a West African city." Doctoral thesis, Stockholms universitet, Kulturgeografiska institutionen, 2002. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-1385.
Full textAbstract:
Trends towards ‘informalization’ are looming large in the world today. African cities have long been characterised by the presence of an ‘informal sector’ but are now experiencing new waves of ‘informalization’. Policies of liberalisation and structural adjustment are both changing the conditions under which urban dwellers make a living and encouraging states to abdicate from responsibilities for popular welfare. In this context, urbanites increasingly rely on informal ways of income earning and of social security provisioning. This book is about processes of ‘informalization’ in the West African city of Bissau in Guinea-Bissau. It begins with a historical account of the way conditions of informality have evolved through the encounter of locally specific forms of informal relations with colonialism and the socialist era. This is followed by an analysis of how disadvantaged groups who rely on informal ways of provisioning are faring in the context of contemporary changes. The study looks at both the informal income-generating activities and the social networks that urbanites engage in to sustain their income activities and their consumption. It seeks to assess whether these groups are coping with these wider changes or are becoming marginalised from networks of assistance and from activities that provide sufficient incomes. The social relations pervading access to support and livelihood resources as well as the informal rules governing such access are in focus. Forms of regulation in the informal sphere are also discussed.This thesis won the prize of “Best doctoral thesis in the Social Sciences at Stockholm University in 2001-2002”. Författaren är numera verksam vid Nordiska Afrikainstitutet
27
Bjarnesen, Mariam. "From perpetrator to protector? : post-war rebel networks as informal security providers in Liberia." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2017. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/from-perpetrator-to-protector-postwar-rebel-networks-as-informal-security-providers-in-liberia(7534619b-6619-4592-9863-de5aeb5f23b3).html.
Full textAbstract:
The dismantling of rebel structures at the end of civil war is often considered to be one of the most important aspects of a successful transition to peace. Combatants are expected to lay down their weapons, but also to abandon their wartime networks. Yet, peace agreements and subsequent Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) processes do not automatically, or necessarily, destroy rebel networks. In Liberia such structures have lingered since the war came to an end in 2003 and networks of ex-combatants are still active, though maintained and mobilised for new purposes. The security political situation in Liberia, with weak formal security institutions and a history of predatory behaviour, has created an environment where informal initiatives for security and protection are called upon. In such an environment informal security groups have a natural platform. Based on original interview material and findings from fieldwork this thesis examines how post-war rebel networks are organised and operate in the informal security arena, while describing the rationale behind these lingering features of war. By doing so this thesis sheds light on how the adaptive capacity of former rebel soldiers is utilised by various Liberian actors, and the risks, but also possible positive outcomes, of such a development. This dissertation follows individuals, former rebel commanders in particular, in post-war rebel networks from the time of war to 2013. We will see them, and ex-combatants around them, mobilised as ‘recycled’ warriors in times of regional wars and crisis, as vigilantes and informal security providers for economic and political purposes. Yet, we will also meet them when there are no specific event ex-combatants could be mobilised to fully examine the relevance of post-war rebel networks and ex-combatant identity in contemporary Liberia. In the conclusions basic underlying aims and purposes with the processes of demobilisation and reintegration are challenged. And as this thesis finds, one might even argue that these ex-combatants have succeeded in reintegrating themselves due to, not despite, the fact that they have not been demobilised.
28
Farkas, Gergei. "Essays on Elite Networks in Sweden : Power, social integration, and informal contacts among political elites." Doctoral thesis, Stockholms universitet, Sociologiska institutionen, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-75877.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this dissertation is to present work on a number of salient characteristics of elite relations in Sweden, studied from a social network analytic perspective. Elite integration, the distribution of elite power, and the significance of elites’ informal relations represent the three main themes explored in the original studies that comprise the thesis. Studies 1-3 concern elite relations at the local, i.e. municipal level of political decision-making, while research on parliamentary political elites is reported in Study 4. Studies 1-3 draw upon original complete network data collected through personal interviews with 248 local elites (politicians, corporate leaders, civil servants, etc.) active in four mid-sized Swedish municipalities. The question of local elite integration is investigated in Study 1, while the question of women elites’ potential access to structural power is studied in Study 2. These studies conclude that local elites are well integrated around structural cores of politicians and civil servants, and that women elites are on average not structurally disadvantaged due to their sex. Research concerning the role local elites’ involvement in associations like Rotary clubs is reported in Study 3. The results suggest that membership in such semi-exclusive voluntary settings may have an optimizing impact upon the elites’ personal networks, as far as their individual level social capital is concerned. In the final study (Study 4) focus is shifted to national political elites when a social network analytic perspective is utilized to study social cohesion within multiparty opposition coalitions recently formed in the Swedish Riksdag. The study concludes that the right wing-liberal Alliance coalition formed prior to the 2006 general elections was socially better integrated and more cohesive than the socialist-environmentalist coalition formed during the subsequent parliamentary cycle.At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 1: Submitted. Paper 2: Submitted. Paper 4: Submitted.
29
Donnet, Timothy. "The governance of inter-organisational decision-making : understanding the impacts of informal networks on formal decision-making regimes in the Brisbane Airport region." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2012. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/55206/1/Timothy_Donnet_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Airports and cities inevitably recognise the value that each brings the other; however, the separation in decision-making authority for what to build, where, when and how provides a conundrum for both parties. Airports often want a say in what is developed outside of the airport fence, and cities often want a say in what is developed inside the airport fence. Defining how much of a say airports and cities have in decisions beyond their jurisdictional control is likely to be a topic that continues so long as airports and cities maintain separate formal decision-making processes for what to build, where, when and how. However, the recent Green and White Papers for a new National Aviation Policy have made early inroads to formalising relationships between Australia’s major airports and their host cities. At present, no clear indication (within practice or literature) is evident to the appropriateness of different governance arrangements for decisions to develop in situations that bring together the opposing strategic interests of airports and cities; thus leaving decisions for infrastructure development as complex decision-making spaces that hold airport and city/regional interests at stake.
The line of enquiry is motivated by a lack of empirical research on networked decision-making domains outside of the realm of institutional theorists (Agranoff & McGuire, 2001; Provan, Fish & Sydow, 2007). That is, governance literature has remained focused towards abstract conceptualisations of organisation, without focusing on the minutia of how organisation influences action in real-world applications. A recent study by Black (2008) has provided an initial foothold for governance researchers into networked decision-making domains. This study builds upon Black’s (2008) work by aiming to explore and understand the problem space of making decisions subjected to complex jurisdictional and relational interdependencies. That is, the research examines the formal and informal structures, relationships, and forums that operationalise debates and interactions between decision-making actors as they vie for influence over deciding what to build, where, when and how in airport-proximal development projects.
The research mobilises a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods to examine three embedded cases of airport-proximal development from a network governance perspective. Findings from the research provide a new understanding to the ways in which informal actor networks underpin and combine with formal decision-making networks to create new (or realigned) governance spaces that facilitate decision-making during complex phases of development planning. The research is timely, and responds well to Isett, Mergel, LeRoux, Mischen and Rethemeyer’s (2011) recent critique of limitations within current network governance literature, specifically to their noted absence of empirical studies that acknowledge and interrogate the simultaneity of formal and informal network structures within network governance arrangements (Isett et al., 2011, pp. 162-166).
The combination of social network analysis (SNA) techniques and thematic enquiry has enabled findings to document and interpret the ways in which decision-making actors organise to overcome complex problems for planning infrastructure. An innovative approach to using association networks has been used to provide insights to the importance of the different ways actors interact with one another, thus providing a simple yet valuable addition to the increasingly popular discipline of SNA. The research also identifies when and how different types of networks (i.e. formal and informal) are able to overcome currently known limitations to network governance (see McGuire & Agranoff, 2011), thus adding depth to the emerging body of network governance literature surrounding limitations to network ways of working (i.e. Rhodes, 1997a; Keast & Brown, 2002; Rethemeyer & Hatmaker, 2008; McGuire & Agranoff, 2011).
Contributions are made to practice via the provision of a timely understanding of how horizontal fora between airports and their regions are used, particularly in the context of how they reframe the governance of decision-making for airport-proximal infrastructure development. This new understanding will enable government and industry actors to better understand the structural impacts of governance arrangements before they design or adopt them, particularly for factors such as efficiency of information, oversight, and responsiveness to change.
30
Tan, Emrullah. "The impact of human capital and formal/informal networks on graduate employment in the UK." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10871/20791.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this study is to explore the important factors that affect graduate employment such as human capital, social capital and university career services. It focuses on the graduate labour market in the UK and uses mixed methods. While quantitative data derive from a survey, qualitative data come from interviews and secondary sources in a case study. The survey includes 947 university graduates and qualitative data consist of 8 interviews, internal and external reports. The findings show that the level of human capital and social capital affect the way graduates find a job and the use of social capital in job searches varies by ethnicity, age and academic level. However, gender and academic discipline do not affect the use of social capital in the UK graduate labour market. Moreover, the study shows that university career services can play an important role in job searches. Overall, however, direct application and online career services are two most widely used methods to find a job. The originality of the research is twofold. Firstly, it illustrates the relationship between two important components in graduates’ job search processes: human capital and social capital. Secondly, it examines the role of an institution: university career services and displays the importance of institutional approaches in building a bridge between students and employers.
31
何劍琪 and Kim-kay Canny Ho. "The role of formal and informal social support in the adjustment to illness among cancer patients." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1993. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31249437.
Full text
32
Iazzolino, Gianluca. "Standing on one leg : mobility, money and power in East Africa's Somali social networks." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/22925.
Full textAbstract:
My thesis examines dynamics of inclusion and exclusion within Somali social networks in East Africa. It focuses on Somali mobility patterns and financial practices to draw insights on the maintenance, reproduction, and transformation of both solidarity ties and inequalities. By examining Somali communities in Kenya, host of the largest Somali refugee population outside of Somalia, and Uganda, an increasingly important recipient of Somali refugees and migrants, this thesis seeks to understand how mechanisms of social stratification rooted in Somali socio-cultural structures are reproduced in mixed migration flows encompassing both forced and voluntary migrants. It analyses sets of relationships whose continuity and changes are regulated by the interaction of structure, agency, and institutions, and argues, on the one hand, that networks are dominated by groups who hold sway over economic and political resources, precluding others from accessing key assets that may help challenge relations of subordination. On the other, that pre-existing inequalities hinder on the capability to move across both physical and institutional categories. These inequalities can be traced back to asymmetric clan relationships shaped by Somali historical trajectories before and after the implosion of the state. However, this thesis suggests also that kin relationships only partially explain why and how bonds are sustained and forged. Instead, by observing the mechanisms that animate networks, reproducing both solidarity and marginalisation, this thesis teases out how new linkages are created and how Somalis communities accommodate to specific institutional settings, either adapting to narrowing windows of opportunity or maximising the benefits that may be yielded from their widening. The thread running throughout this thesis is the argument that mobility contributes not only to accessing and mobilising strategic resources but also to shaping processes of social stratification. By using ethnographic methods of data collection, this thesis seeks to shed light on rifts in Somali social networks often masked by the veneer of trust.
33
Gilbertson, Adam Lloyd. "The ecology of risk in an informal settlement : interpersonal conflict, social networks, and household food security." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2013. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:4d914efd-5f9b-46f1-acad-01667a2dd681.
Full textAbstract:
Kenyan informal settlements have been thoroughly depicted by previous researchers as biophysical, epidemiological, and economic risk environments in which food insecurity is recognised as one of the most persistent everyday challenges. Although unemployment and illness are key contributors to the inability to purchase sufficient food, the reasons why households experience food insecurity are more complicated and not fully understood. Part of the problem is that few previous studies have privileged socio-political contributions (e.g. gender-based power inequalities and the impacts of social networks) to household food security risk. Whilst food security researchers commonly utilise the concept of vulnerability to address household-scale risk, this concept is rarely applied to interpersonal dynamics within households. Using data gathered through participant observation, questionnaires, and 109 in-depth interviews with 67 participants, this thesis provides an ethnographic account of household food insecurity in an informal settlement which addresses three primary questions: (1) In what ways might interpersonal relationships within households contribute social and political obstacles to achieving food security? For instance, how and why might risk for food insecurity emerge from experiences of interpersonal conflict? (2) What role do extra-household social networks play in experiences of food security within households? (3) How useful is the concept of vulnerability for addressing experiences of risk which are negotiated between household members? In the informal settlement of 'Bangladesh', Mombasa, Kenya, conflict within domestic, especially conjugal, relationships represents a potential source of risk to food security for individual members or entire households. Contributing to this conflict are gender inequality, power differentials, the failure to meet marital expectations, and how people respond when presente with risk. Resulting experiences of food insecurity are shown to contribute to further conflict in the household, thereby creating a cycle of conflict and food insecurity. Those who find that they have insufficient food at home may receive assistance (food or money) from members of their social networks. However, these relationships may also contribute to experiences of conflict, and therefore insecurity, within households. Applying concepts of vulnerabilty to account for experiences of risk and their consequences (food insecurity) requires differentiating between what represents a hazard, a response, and an outcome. Within multi-person households, it is exceedingly difficult to divide lived experiences involving interpersonal conflict among these three categories. Thus, I argue that vulnerability is less useful for research concerning intra-household dynamics than it is for studies which assume households to be undifferentiated units.
34
Bouwer, Roy. "The capacity of local governments to build flood resilience in informal settlements: a social networks approach." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/24927.
Full textAbstract:
As greenhouse gas emissions drive anthropogenic climate change, flooding and flood related risk are likely to increase in frequency and intensity. The burden of these risks are expected to be concentrated in urban areas, particularly affecting highly vulnerable informal settlements. Adapting to these risks will largely fall under the responsibility of local governments. However local governments, in particular those in developing countries, often lack the capacity to implement effective adaptation strategies for long-term resilience. Drawing on social network analysis this research examines the role of social ties and social capital in facilitating knowledge sharing to improve the capacities of local governments to deal with flood-related risks. Using the case studies of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and Mossel Bay Local Municipality in South Africa, this research found that patterns of social interactions in the two local governments were largely a result of the size of structures of governance. The larger Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality network consisted of poorly connected sub-groups with poor knowledge dispersal. This led to poor adaptive and inclusive governance because poor levels of collaboration and social learning inhibited effective flood management. The smaller Mossel Bay Local Municipality network consisted of a bonded network with high knowledge transfers. These characteristics contributed to improved adaptive and inclusive governance because strong collaboration enabled informed and flexible flood management. The poor collaboration in NMBMM is likely to negatively affect the municipality's capacity to build resilience for informal settlements by negatively affecting coping, adaptive and transformative capacity. The strong collaboration in MBLM can foster coping and adaptive capacities, but may be hampering the transformative capacity of the municipality. Thus social networks have a considerable role to play in the governance of flooding, thereby influencing the ability of the two local governments to build resilience in informal settlements.
35
Wong, Yuen-ying, and 黃婉凝. "The role of informal social networks in marital conflict, violence among newly arrived wives in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2005. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31346480.
Full text
36
Miller, Faye Q. "Knowledge ecosystems of early career academics : a grounded theory of experiencing information use for learning in developmental networks." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2014. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/71395/2/Faye_Miller_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This study explored early career academics' experiences in using information to learn while building their networks for professional development. A 'knowledge ecosystem' model was developed consisting of informal learning interactions such as relating to information to create knowledge and engaging in mutually supportive relationships. Findings from this study present an alternative interpretation of information use for learning that is focused on processes manifesting as human interactions with informing entities revolving around the contexts of reciprocal human relationships.
37
Mårtensson, Bardeman Johanna, and Emelie Winroth. "It`s all about whom you know : the meaning of networks for small entrepreneurial firms." Thesis, Högskolan Kristianstad, Sektionen för hälsa och samhälle, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-12334.
Full textAbstract:
Networking among entrepreneurial firms is a widely researched and debated topic amongst academics; however, there are still research gaps. Most research is based on quantitative studies and researchers have called for more qualitative analysis to gain a deeper understanding in what impact networks have on entrepreneurial firms. The purpose with this dissertation is to explore in what way networks are important (or not) for small entrepreneurial firms, and if this changes over the firms’ development. The study has an interpretive philosophy and an exploratory research design. To collect data eight semi-structured interviews, with entrepreneurs in Kristianstad and the nearby area, were completed. The findings of this study are that networks look different for all entrepreneurial firms and the importance of different relationships changes over the firms’ life cycle. Informal relationships (family and friends) are important for the entrepreneur when it comes to encouragement and support, while formal relationships (suppliers, employees, customers and other entrepreneurs) contribute to the success of the firm by providing the entrepreneur with knowledge and advice. The conclusions, from the collected data, are that all relations are not of equal importance to all entrepreneurs. The importance depends on the entrepreneur’s personality and the industry the entrepreneur operates in. However, we found that the importance of talking to other entrepreneurs has grown and that the most important relationship seems to be with family and friends. The demarcations of this study are that only entrepreneurs in one area of one country were interviewed, also that a qualitative method was used; therefore, we cannot show any statistical proof of the findings.
38
Wong, Yuen-ying. "The role of informal social networks in marital conflict, violence among newly arrived wives in Hong Kong." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2005. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B31346480.
Full text
39
Lippy, Caroline A. "Lean on me: Informal social networks and the prevention of intimate partner violence in sexual minority communities." Digital Archive @ GSU, 2011. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/psych_diss/90.
Full textAbstract:
Research finds that intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs at comparable rates for heterosexuals and sexual minorities; however, few IPV prevention programs exist for sexual minority communities. Most programs are developed on heterosexuals and ignore the unique contexts and dynamics of IPV for sexual minorities. Community capacity IPV prevention programs aim to increase the skills and resources within informal social networks, and they represent a promising approach to IPV prevention for sexual minority communities. The current study explores the informal networks of sexual minorities in order to build knowledge that can inform the future development of community capacity IPV prevention programs for sexual minorities. The goal of the current study was to provide information on three major aspects of sexual minorities’ informal networks: network structure, network function, and the use of networks by sexual minorities experiencing IPV.
The study used a mixed method design. The quantitative component included an online survey completed by 367 sexual minorities. The survey asked with whom sexual minorities discuss their intimate relationships, and it asked the response and helpfulness of each member. These data illustrated the structure and function of informal networks. The study also included interviews with seven sexual minority women on their experiences of seeking help for IPV from their social networks. This information addressed the third aspect of informal networks.
The quantitative results revealed that sexual minorities turn to on average only three people to discuss relationship issues. Surprisingly, a substantial number were family, and almost half were heterosexual. The qualitative results illustrated that many informal networks members could benefit from receiving education on sexual minority identities and issues, IPV in sexual minority communities, and communication skills.
The findings illustrated key aspects of informal networks that can be used to inform future community capacity IPV prevention programs for sexual minorities. Specifically, the quantitative data on network structure and function can be used to inform relevant targets for future programs, and the data from the interviews can inform aspects of program curricula.
40
Wu, Su-Fang. "Formal and informal political relationships in provincial Taiwan : a case study of local election networks in context." Thesis, Anglia Ruskin University, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.287024.
Full text
41
Von, Brescius Meike. "Private enterprise and the China trade : British interlopers and their informal networks in Europe, c.1720-1750." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2016. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/86042/.
Full textAbstract:
Access to China and its wealth of manufactured goods was long sought by the European ‘monopoly Companies’, yet a direct and regular trade between Europe and the South China coast was only established around the turn of the eighteenth century. By focusing on the private trade and interloping activities of British-born China traders, this thesis shows how this branch of commerce took root and expanded within a transnational European trading arena between c.1720 to 1750. Interlopers, or free agents, I argue, played a highly integrative role for the development of European markets for Chinese goods and the networks of supply and capital that underpinned the trade. British-born Canton traders, who were operating in the smaller interloping East India Companies established close connections between Britain and the continent and between the different ‘national’ East India Companies. Private trade records, merchant letters, and East India Company materials form the large source base of this study and are used to analyse the ways in which cross-border mobility encouraged the transfer of expertise, capital, and information between different East India ventures. Methodologically, this work draws on, and builds upon the extensive scholarship on networks and the transnational. It is not biographical, yet follows a number of key individuals and their largely overlapping networks in order to shed light on the question how Canton traders (and British-born interlopers in particular) operated in the European market place – not merely as collective importers of foreign consumer goods, but as independent merchants, whose trade in Chinese goods ranged from wholesale buying and selling, brokering, smuggling, and the fulfilment of special commissions for clients across Europe.
42
McGuire, Gail M. "Race and sex stratification behind the organizational chart: An investigation of employees' informal networks in a work organization /." The Ohio State University, 1997. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487946776022929.
Full text
43
Ho, Kim-kay Canny. "The role of formal and informal social support in the adjustment to illness among cancer patients /." [Hong Kong] : University of Hong Kong, 1993. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B13744926.
Full text
44
Sundermeier, Janina. "The role of networks during internationalization processes: An analysis of accessing resources for international performance and growth." Thesis, Högskolan i Halmstad, Sektionen för ekonomi och teknik (SET), 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-23338.
Full textAbstract:
Various types of business and social networks are discussed as crucial to overcome obstacles of internationalization in order to compensate insufficient findings related to the accessibility of resources through different types of networks. This knowledge is important to generate because resources are even considered to have positive impacts on international performance and growth of companies. Overcoming obstacles of internationalization is achieved through the sharing of various resources that are beneficial for internationalization processes. A web-based survey is conducted among companies operating in the health technology industry in order to gain additional insights related to the accessibility of resources through business networks, that are either self-established or founded by a third party, and social networks. Moreover, it is evaluated what type of resources improves the outcome of international performance and growth best. It is found that self-established business networks offer sufficient access to resources whereas third-party founded business networks and social networks provide only limited access. Financial resources are not provided through any of the discussed networks. However, especially smaller companies founded after the year 2000 profit from the accessibility of resources through networks. Moreover, market, reputational, human and physical resources are identified to have the most significant impact on the outcome of a company’s international performance. The size of the research sample does not allow any analysis related to the impact of resources on international growth.Going Global - Innovative strategies for international growth
45
Campana, Giuseppe. "Professional development and social networks in digital content industry micro businesses." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2014. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/71764/1/Giuseppe_Campana_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This study explores the professional development strategies of digital content professionals in Australian micro businesses. This thesis presents the argument that as these professionals are working in cutting edge creative fields where digital technology drives ongoing change, formal education experiences may be less important than for other professionals, and that specific types of online and face-to-face socially mediated informal learning strategies may be critical to currency. This thesis documents the findings of a broad survey of industry professionals' learning needs and development strategies, in conjunction with rich data from in-depth interviews and social network analyses.
46
Ackermann, Katia. "Mercado de trabalho invisível : a articulação entre o trabalho no mercado informal, o emprego e o desemprego na trajetória de trabalhadores." Universidade de São Paulo, 2007. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/47/47134/tde-17012008-144510/.
Full textAbstract:
Esta pesquisa teve como ponto de partida o reconhecimento da existência de parcelas da população que sempre tiveram que recorrer ao mercado informal de trabalho para garantir sua sobrevivência. No Brasil, o emprego nunca foi pleno, diferentemente da Europa, onde houve, de fato, a construção de um Estado de bem-estar social. A partir da década de 1980, a reestruturação produtiva e a intensificação liberal provocaram não somente a diminuição de postos de trabalho formais, mas também crescente flexibilização das relações de trabalho e degradação das condições de trabalho. Desde então, um número cada vez maior de trabalhadores não consegue encontrar uma vaga no mercado formal de trabalho e, assim, acessar os direitos do trabalho. Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender como os trabalhadores articulam o trabalho, o emprego e o desemprego nas suas trajetórias de trabalho. As questões que se pretendeu responder foram: como as pessoas \"se viram\" diante da impossibilidade de ter acesso à proteção social garantida pelo vínculo empregatício? Que valores orientam essas trajetórias? Que lugar o emprego, enquanto símbolo e garantia de acesso aos direitos sociais, e o trabalho no mercado informal assumem na vida desses trabalhadores? Quais vantagens e desvantagens são atribuídas ao emprego e ao trabalho no mercado informal? Qual é o papel desempenhado pela rede de sociabilidade nas trajetórias de trabalho dos entrevistados? Para tanto, foram analisadas individualmente as trajetórias de sete trabalhadores de classes pobres que realizam atividades no mercado informal. As trajetórias de trabalho analisadas nesta pesquisa demonstram a complexidade e a diversidade da questão do trabalho no mercado informal. São muitas as articulações possíveis entre o emprego e o trabalho no mercado informal nos percursos dos trabalhadores. Também são muitos os arranjos encontrados para gerar renda e garantir a própria sobrevivência e a de suas famílias. Pudemos, neste trabalho, testemunhar a grande flexibilidade e inventividade com que as pessoas de classes pobres conseguem transformar as mais diversas situações em oportunidade de geração de renda, o que revela que os trabalhadores encontram formas de superar as situações de dificuldade que experimentam. As redes de sociabilidade, a dádiva e os valores da ética do trabalho e/ ou da ética do provedor constituíram-se em elementos fundamentais em nossas análises. Esses elementos aparecem de diferentes maneiras nas trajetórias de trabalho e as combinações entre eles produzem não apenas diversificadas articulações entre o trabalho no mercado informal e o emprego, mas também distintas compreensões a respeito desses conceitos por parte dos entrevistados. As narrativas dos trabalhadores mostraram que o trabalho inicialmente denominado precário e o emprego possuem outras dimensões além daquelas que usualmente os acompanham. As vantagens e desvantagens percebidas em cada uma dessas modalidades de inserção no mercado de trabalho denotaram que o trabalho no mercado informal não é percebido e vivido apenas como precariedade (trabalho precário) e também o emprego não apareceu apenas como vínculo seguro e desejável.This research was started by recognizing the existence of parts of the population who always had to turn to the informal work market in order to survive. In Brazil, employment never reached the whole population, unlike Europe, where there was in fact the constitution of welfare states. Since the 1980s, the productive restructuring, along with the intensification of the liberal economy, resulted not only in the reduction of the number of formal jobs available, but also in the increasing of the flexibility of work relations and the debasing of working conditions. Since then, a greater amount of workers cannot find jobs in the formal work market, becoming obstructed to access work rights. This study\'s goal was to understand how workers articulate work, employment and unemployment in their work trajectories. The questions intended to answer were: how do workers \"make do\" with the impossibility of having access to social protections that are guaranteed by the employment? Which values guide these work trajectories? How does employment, as a symbol and guarantee of the access to social rights, take place in these workers lives? And how does the work in the informal market take place in their lives? Which advantages and disadvantages are attributed to formal employment and to informal work market? What is the importance of the social networks in these work trajectories? In order to answer these questions, the trajectories of seven working class people, somehow involved in the informal work market, were analyzed. The work trajectories analyzed in this research show the complexity and the diversity present in the informal work market issue. There are many possible articulations between employment and informal work market in these trajectories. There are also many possible life sets to earn any income and guarantee their own surviving, as well as their families\'. It was possible, in this research, to witness the great inventivity and flexibility these workers have to transform several and different situations in opportunities to earn income. This fact reveals that workers find their ways to overcome the difficulties experienced. The social networks, the gift, the values related to the (protestant) work ethic and to the provider ethic were extremely important elements in our analysis. These elements appear in different ways in their work trajectories. The combinations between them result not only in diverse articulations between the informal work market and employment, but also in different comprehensions of the workers about these concepts. The narratives of the workers showed that the work initially called precarious and employment have other dimensions beyond those that usually go along with them. The advantages and disadvantages perceived in each of these types of insertion in the work market showed that work in the informal market is not experienced as precarious exclusively; furthermore, employment did not arrear only as a wished and safe situation.
47
Zheleva, Denitsa, and Alexandra Viklund. "Intra-firm knowledge transfer-a qualitative case study of knowledge transfer and its implications in a soft service firm." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Företagsekonomiska institutionen, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-231963.
Full textAbstract:
The following case study aims to explore the knowledge transfer and its implications in the context of a soft service firm. The complexity of knowledge itself and the knowledge transfer process in service firms brings new challenges. The phenomenon was investigated by the application of grounded theory. Interviews were conducted with employees at a company present in the Quick Service Restaurant segment. It resulted in several findings that were not reported by previous literature. Firstly, within the case company there was multiple formal networks that circulate separately, except for interconnections through the restaurant managers. Within the organization personal relationships proved to be the most important factor for knowledge sharing. Secondly, within a large franchise network, an actor might take the role of knowledge creator due to its size and influence the other franchises in the network. Thirdly, knowledge transfer, implementation and innovation are hindered when work environment is characterized by stress and high pressure to perform. Fourthly, communication improves operation efficiency and employee motivation. This study provides navigations to future research and can be used as guidance in regard to knowledge transfer for practitioners, managers or other interested.
48
Fellner, Amira. "Role of Culture in Economic Development: China Study of China and Latin America." Scholar Commons, 2008. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/236.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of my thesis is to demonstrate the economic development of China and Latin America. My reason for choosing these two regions for my study is because they are both Third World Nations. My intention on writing this thesis is to prove that culture and the informal business networks of China are the major forces of what is driving the Chinese economy ahead of Latin America.
I will explain how the definition of culture ties in with the economic society of both regions. In writing about culture, I will attempt to explain if there really is a difference between trust in each society. To better interpret this thesis, I came up with several variables of economy that will help explain each region's development. These variables are federal direct investment (FDI), labor, and funding of businesses in each region.
In my study, I present the different approaches that are taken by each region to attract FDI. In addition, I will explain how and if informal networking is beneficial to the work force and the funding of businesses in each region.
The majority of my research for this thesis consisted on reviewing past articles of scholarly journals. From these journals I drew conclusions of my own and compared them to other scholars' work. I also analyzed such websites like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and various others to be able to come up with my own findings necessary to complete my thesis.
To anticipate the conclusion, this thesis notes how important it is for each region to find its own unique way to attract FDI and how culture can impact the development of an economy. In my thesis, I am including the importance of trust in the society and the significance of the informal business networks on the Chinese economy.
49
Massey, Ruth Thokozile. "Informal settlement upgrading and the effect of governmentality on women's social networks : a case study of New Rest and Makhaza, Cape Town." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/85799.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is estimated that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s urban population resides in informal settlements. Cape Town (South Africa), in particular, has a projected 223 informal settlements within its boundaries (which house almost 136 000 households). The national government has attempted to meet housing needs through the upgrading of informal settlements. In situ upgrading has been seen as a particularly popular route to follow. This study aimed to investigate the City of Cape Town’s governmentality in the in situ upgrading of Makhaza and New Rest in Cape Town and explore the implications of this governmentality for women’s social networks in these two settlements. The study focused on the governmentality elements of rationalities, practices and techniques and counter-conduct. A review of the literature shows little attention has been paid to the various governmentalities (practice, techniques and rationalities) that exist within informal settlement upgrading. The literature has also not paid much attention to how the governmentality of those undertaking informal settlement upgrading, relates to women’s social networks (and their governmentality) within upgraded sites. The research made use of qualitatively-driven methodologies and approaches, employing the techniques of Neighbourhood Social Mapping, Social Network Assessment (SNA), semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, transect walks, observational studies and secondary data gathering. The study found, amongst other things, that the governmentality (rationalities, techniques and practices) used by the City to plan and implement the upgrading of informal settlements differs from that of the women’s social networks. The profound differences in governmentalities have meant that the settlements do not meet the needs of the women and their social networks. In response the women have redesigned their new settlement to meet the needs of their social networks. Integral Theory is used in this thesis to map and better understand the differing governmentalities and their relationship and was used to propose an Integral approach in managing differing governmentalities. The thesis suggests that, in order to understand fully and respond appropriately to the challenges faced in upgrading, those in power need to be aware of and include all perspectives and actors within their upgrading process and practice.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar word beraam dat 70% van sub-Sahara Afrika se stedelike populasie in informele nedersettings woon. Kaapstad (Suid-Afrika), spesifiek, het ‘n beraamde 223 informele nedersettings binne die grense (wat omtrent 136 000 huishoudings huisves). Die nasionale regering het onderneem om behuisings behoefte te voorsien deur die opgradering van informele nedersettings. In situ opgradering is gesien as ‘n besonder gewilde roete om te volg. Hierdie studie het gepoog om die City of Cape Town (die Stad) se governmentality te ondersoek in die opgradering van Makhaza en New Rest in Kaapstad. So ook om die implikasies van hierdie governmentality vir vroue se sosiale netwerke in hierdie nedersettings te verken. Die studie het gefokus op die governmentality (regeringsmentaliteit) beginsels van rationaliteite, praktyke en tegnieke en teen-optrede. ‘n Oorsig van die literatuur toon min aandag is geskenk aan die verskillende governmentalities wat binne opgraderingsprojekte vir informele nedersettings bestaan. Die literatuur het ook nie veel aandag gegee aan hoe die governmentality van die onderneming van die informele nedersettings met betrekking tot vroue se sosiale netwerke (en hul governmentality) binne opgradeerde terreine. Die navorsing het gebruik gemaak van kwaliteits gedrewe metodologie en benaderings, die gebruik van tegnieke van omgewing sosiale kartering, sosiale netwerk beraming, semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude, vraelyste, deursnee wandeling, waarnemings studies en sekondêre data insameling. Die studie het onder andere bevind dat die governmentality (rationaliteite, tegnieke en praktyke), soos gebruik deur die Stad om opgradering van informele nedersettings te beplan en implimenteer, verskil van die van die vroue se sosiale netwerke. Die diepgaande verskille in governmentalities het gelei daartoe dat die nedersettings nie voldoen aan die behoeftes van die vroue en hul sosiale netwerke nie. In reaksie daarop het die vroue die nuwe nedersetting herontwerp om in hul sosiale netwerk behoeftes te voorsien. Integrale Teorie is in hierdie tesis gebruik om die verskille in governmentalities en hul verwantskappe uiteen te sit en beter te kan verstaan en ook om die Integrale benadering in die hantering van verskillende governmetnalities voor te stel. Die tesis dui daarop dat in orde om ten volle te verstaan en toepaslik te reageer op die uitdagings wat gepaard gaan met opgradering moet die wat in beheer is van alle perspektiewe en akteurs binne die opgraderings proses bewus wees en dit in ag neem.
50
Nascimento, Iara Marques do. "A comunicação interna e a construção da identidade organizacional – compreendendo percepções e processos por meio da Viação Progresso e Turismo S/A." Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), 2011. https://repositorio.ufjf.br/jspui/handle/ufjf/2645.
Full textAbstract:
Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-09-08T14:02:20Z
No. of bitstreams: 1
iaramarquesdonascimento.pdf: 1878275 bytes, checksum: 03d9a85935e82490d257ad7a17cb5672 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-10-04T12:28:36Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 iaramarquesdonascimento.pdf: 1878275 bytes, checksum: 03d9a85935e82490d257ad7a17cb5672 (MD5)
Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-10-04T12:28:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 iaramarquesdonascimento.pdf: 1878275 bytes, checksum: 03d9a85935e82490d257ad7a17cb5672 (MD5)
Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-04T12:28:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 iaramarquesdonascimento.pdf: 1878275 bytes, checksum: 03d9a85935e82490d257ad7a17cb5672 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-25
CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
A proposta da dissertação é compreender a importância da comunicação interna nos processos de construção e reconstrução de sentidos e significados adequados as necessidades das organizações, levando em consideração os objetivos estratégicos da mesma. Observa-se a pertinência da hipótese de que a comunicação interna é capaz de colocar em circulação e articular sentidos que fomentam a realidade organizacional. Este processo é observado a partir da percepção dos funcionários da Viação Progresso em relação à construção da identidade organizacional. Parte-se do pressuposto teórico de que os processos comunicacionais constituem-se por meio de relacionamentos e interações, sendo percebidos enquanto fenômenos simbólicos e discursivos. Neste sentido, trabalha-se com o interacionismo simbólico, o construtivismo e o pensamento complexo, e leva-se em conta elementos como participação e cultura organizacional para a articulação dos processos. No percurso, são destacadas as redes formais de comunicação, com as interações face a face, e as redes informais, com as redes sociais de comunicação informal, mais especificamente a rádio peão. Por meio das metodologias de análise de conteúdo e da utilização de pressupostos da análise de discurso e texto, busca-se compreender a percepção dos funcionários sobre a comunicação interna e elabora-se uma possibilidade de leitura da mesma enquanto processo relacional e discursivo.
The purpose of this dissertation is to understand the importance of internal communication in the processes of construction and reconstruction of meanings appropriate to the needs of organizations, taking into account the strategic objectives of same. It is observed the relevance of the hypothesis that internal communication is able to put into circulation and articulate meanings that promotes the organizational reality. This process is seen from the perception of employees Viação Progresso relating to the construction of organizational identity. It started from the theoretical assumption that communication processes are constituted through relationships and interactions, and perceived as symbolic and discursive phenomena. In this sense, it works with symbolic interactionism, constructivism and complex thought, and takes into account factors such as participation and organizational culture to articulate the processes. On the way, is highlighted the formal networks of communication, with face to face interactions, and informal networks, with social networks of informal communication, specifically the rádio peão. Through the methodologies of content analysis and use of assumptions of discourse analysis and text, seeks to understand the perception of employees on the internal communication and prepare a chance to read the same process as relational and discursive.