Constructing mystery: Empirical matters in theory development

Alvesson, Mats; Kärreman, Dan

doi:10.5465/amr.2007.26586822

Cited by 963 publications

(853 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Instead of oversimplifying, it is important to consider the problem on different levels, systemically [26]. Familiarizing oneself with the context is also an important step in better utilizing the empirical material to create theories [29], and there are calls for more systemic ways of expressing and using context in theory development [30]. This paper is a step towards creating a deeper contextual understanding of the wickedness of design of e-health systems for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.…”

Section: Wicked Problemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wickedness in Design of e-Health Systems for People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

Lindberg

2017

Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing

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Abstract. With the digitisation of society, e-health systems support new contexts that are different from traditional Information Systems contexts, and therefore need to be better understood. In design for complex, new and sensitive contexts, it is not possible to apply known methods and solutions without deeper contextual understanding. The paper intends to answer how the wickedness of the design context when designing digital services for people diagnosed with schizophrenia can be understood -a context that is contradictory and complex, that is, a wicked design context. The paper presents a grounded theory analysis of stakeholder interviews and focus group interviews with people diagnosed with schizophrenia. Four wicked problems are identified: struggle of dependence, contradiction of social interaction, contradiction of trust and counteracting improvement behaviour. The paper also shows the viability of the use of grounded theory for uncovering and describing contextual wickedness.

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Section: Wicked Problemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wickedness in Design of e-Health Systems for People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

Lindberg

2017

Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing

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“…By switching between searching for patterns and searching for fragmentation without seeing the pattern as the final result, emphasis was placed on the dialogue between patterns and fragmentation. The object of study was considered as an unknown, exotic place, even as the approach in the study was not from a stranger's naive point of view (Alvesson & Kärreman, 2007). Service users were included in the analysis when earlier research indicated that they could bring unique perspectives and experiences to data interpretation (Sweeney, Greenwood, Williams, Wykes, & Rose, 2012).…”

Section: Procedures and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…From an ethical standpoint, the participants were spared from numerous observations if additional issues were raised along the way. Additionally, the participants had the opportunity to comment on their experience (Alvesson & Kärreman, 2007;Heath et al, 2010). …”

Section: Procedures and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Mentalizing and Emotional Labor Facilitate Equine-Assisted Social Work with Self-harming Adolescents

Carlsson

Ranta

Træen

2015

Child Adolesc Soc Work J

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This article explores equine-assisted social work (EASW). Horses' capacities to mirror human emotions create possibilities for authentic relationships between clients and staff. This study examines what eases or counteracts the horse's capacity to facilitate relationships perceived by humans to be authentic. Video recordings of the human-horse interactions of three staff members and four female self-harming clients aged 15-21 years in a residential treatment facility were analyzed. The findings show that if the staff gave instructions and advice similar to traditional equestrian sports in combination with viewing the horse as an object, EASW is not facilitated. EASW seems to be facilitated when the horse is perceived as a subject by both staff and clients, provided that the staff gave meaning to the horse's behavior. The staff needed to highlight empathy for the horse when the horse is not able to fulfill its task without adding depth to the client's performance, to avoid raising defense mechanisms. The essence of EASW were perceived as eased by staff members when they focus on the client's emotions and help the client understand that the horse is acting in response to the client's and the staff´s behavior through mentalizing and enacting emotional labor in regarding the horse as a subject. The results indicate the need for higher demands on staff members in order to facilitate EASW.Depending on whether the staff and the clients focus on performance or on emotions, different positive or negative outcomes on communication, self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-image will be likely to emerge.Keywords: adolescents, emotional labor, equine-assisted social work, mentalizing, self-injury MENTALIZING AND EMOTIONAL LABOR FACILITATES EASW 3Mentalizing and emotional labor facilitate equine-assisted social work with self-harming adolescents Equine Assisted Social Work (EASW) may contribute positively to the treatment of adolescents with psychiatric disorders, or those who are at risk for developing such disorders.It may be of value to develop social skills, feelings of mastery, meta-cognition and reflectivity abilities, self-confidence and self-esteem in these individuals (Bizub, Joy, & Davidson, 2003;Dell, Chalmers, Bresette, Swain, Rankin, & Hopkins, 2011;Dell, Chalmers, Dell, Sauve, & MacKinnon, 2008;Hauge, Kvalem, Pedersen, & Braastad, 2013;Holmes, Goodwin, Redhead, & Goymour, 2011;Klontz, Bivens, Leinart, & Klontz, 2007; Macauley & Guitierrez, 2004;Rothe, Vega, Torres Campos Soler, & Molina Pazos, 2005;Rothe, 2005;Smith-Osborne & Selby, 2010), as well as to contribute to the development of communication skills, emotional awareness and regulation, reduce anxiety, and provide opportunities for experiencing authentic relationships (Bizub, et al., 2003;Carlsson, Nilsson-Ranta, & Traeen, 2014;Karol, 2007). Even though not all studies point in the same positive direction (Ewing, MacDonald, Taylor, & Bowers, 2007;Greenwald, 2001), there is reason to explore how EASW may be used in the treatment of different patient ...

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“…We began our study in 2003 by becoming familiar with the research setting. We had a few interviews and discussions with management with a broad focus (Alvesson and Kärreman 2007). The overall focus was on the development of effective and efficient service provision within the organization.…”

Section: Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Specifically, we looked at the different types of services provided, iterating among in-depth analyses between the empirical material and theory (Alvesson and Kärreman 2007). Following Alvesson and Kärreman (2007), our empirical findings led to surprises and puzzles in relation to existing theory and our understanding, driving further analysis and theorizing (Agar 1996). Surprises and puzzles are important since they lead to breakdowns in current understanding when empirical findings cannot be explained by existing theory Kärreman 2007: 1270).…”

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confidence: 99%

Innovative capabilities in international professional service firms: enabling trade-offs between past, present, and future service provision

Kvålshaugen

Hydle

Brehmer

2015

Journal of Professions and Organization

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This study examines the relationship between service provision and innovation in international professional service firms (IPSFs). Through an extended study in one IPSF, we find that innovation stems from the provision of services in the past and present. Different service provisions offer different learning opportunities which influence the modification, renewal, and creation of service concepts, service processes, technologies, and relationships. In order to take advantage of the learning opportunities, certain operational and dynamics capabilities are

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Constructing mystery: Empirical matters in theory development

Cited by 963 publications

References 33 publications

Wickedness in Design of e-Health Systems for People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

Wickedness in Design of e-Health Systems for People Diagnosed with Schizophrenia

Mentalizing and Emotional Labor Facilitate Equine-Assisted Social Work with Self-harming Adolescents

Innovative capabilities in international professional service firms: enabling trade-offs between past, present, and future service provision

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