There is a general lack of in-depth research into what it means (and takes) to be a member of a small group. Firstly, research is often focused on leadership rather than on membership and, secondly, empirical research tends to focus on studying group outcomes rather than group process. The purpose of this research was to explore the forces involved in being a member of a small group and to develop a research method for doing so. A post foundational philosophical stance was adopted in terms of which the need both for discovering universal truths as well as gaining in-depth understanding within context, was pursued. A constructivist grounded theory design was adapted by developing a theoretical lens with which to facilitate the coding and analysis of the data. This theoretical lens was based on an integration of Kurt Lewin’s field theory; Wilfred Bion’s psychoanalytic group-as-a-whole approach; S.H. Foulkes’s group analytic approach and Yvonne Agazarian’s theory of living human systems. The data consisted of transcribed video material of ten 90-minute sessions conducted with a training group of 9 members; written reflections by the group members on their group experience as well as field notes taken by the researcher during the training group sessions. Through the application of the theoretical lens to the data, member behaviour was coded both deductively and inductively, thus allowing the data to speak for itself whilst maintaining a rigorous analytical structure. The result of this exploration was an emerging field theory of group membership which postulates the group member as existing within a field of forces (both pro- and anti-group) operating between the triangular ‘polarities’ of belonging, individuality and task. The theoretical and practical implications of this field theory are discussed in terms of their relevance to both grounded theory research methodology and group psychology. Finally, it is shown how this research can be used as a foundation from which to conduct a multitude of future studies into group processes from the perspective of the group member. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

Suppression of the grief process among males following bereavement, deny the males to express their pain or respond to the realities of what has happened and can be traumatic and subsequently cause death. This study was guided by a qualitative and quantitative research method, and examines loss, and grief that follow the death of loved ones. Gerkin’s Shepherding Model of caring for the individual and the community of faith and Kubler- Ross’ model on grief dynamics are employed. Expression of grief depends on a number of factors that may range from emotional closeness of the family, how the family defines grief, the role and relationship to the deceased, one’s spiritual, psychosocial strength. In most Zimbabwean cultures the grief process is complicated by the delay in the initiation of funeral and mourning rituals as a result of unfinished businesses. Conflict management is pivotal to the process of grief in most African cultures where rituals provide a structured way of affirming that death has occurred and help in reducing suppression of grief. Traditional practices are carried out in a structured way; generally the bereaved needs an authority to give permission to carry out the funeral and mourning rituals, by so doing the society reduces guilty feelings in the bereaved. In this study Chapter 2 traces the theoretical, biblical and the ex-biblical and African perspectives in the process of grief. Chapter 3 provides the methodology in carrying out the research. Chapter 4 details how 13 African males of Murewa circuit have journeyed through the grief process. Their stories indicated how: males are socialized; the expectations of the family, society, culture and church hinder the grief journey, and how male’s view of masculinity has put pressure on them during grief. In chapter 5 concluding thoughts, include the role of practical theology as a social action in helping males to grieve, the role of the community in healing through rituals and how the Church’s theology of grief should equip the Church in helping males to pass through the valleys of grief without shame and a feeling of guilt, by helping them to challenge their “predictable dishonesties of everyday Life” (Egan 2002:192). / Dissertation (MA (Research in Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Practical Theology / MA / unrestricted

This thesis describes an interpretative, qualitative study of one person centred planning, circle of support. The eight people in the circle support a person with a learning disability, to help plan the life the person would like, utilising person centred planning techniques and tools. This study uses an ontological foundation of phenomenology, existentialism, and social psychology to examine the authenticity of the process of person centred planning for the circle of support members, and the person they have all chosen to support (focused person). A variety of data collection methods are employed, particularly those utilising ethnographic characteristics, and participatory approaches. These include video of a circle of support meeting, informal interviews using a video elicitation technique with circle members, and the use of photographs of the person’s plan. The data analysis is interpretative, and uses a two stage thematic analysis. Findings focus on the key concepts of individual agency, social inclusion, rights, choice and social emancipation. In addition the study attempts to examine the individual’s “truth” of current service experiences, and of person centred planning as a method of life planning, for people with learning disabilities. This study adds to understandings of learning disability, and disability generally, by providing new insights into how people should be supported in the future. It emphasises recognising the importance of individual experience both as participants in circles of support, but also as people involved in, or using learning disability services in the United Kingdom. This includes appreciating that human experience is shaped not only by what can be observed and measured, but that individual agency, imagination, feelings and thought are just as important in how individuals view and experience their world.

Positioned within the corporate marketing domain, and adopting an explicit managerial perspective, this doctoral thesis advances knowledge in the form of a substantive and analytically generalisable theory of corporate heritage identity stewardship, which is derived from an empirical, theory-building, qualitative case study of Great Britain’s oldest brewer. In broad terms, corporate heritage identity stewardship theory articulates the particular management requirements of a corporate heritage identity in terms of two mutually constitutive dimensions namely (a) stewardship mindset and (b) enactment. Stewardship mindset refers to a shared awareness amongst management (i.e. positionality, heritage, and custodianship awareness) underpinned by specific managerial dispositions to feel, think, and act (i.e. sense of continuance, belongingness, self, heritage, responsibility, and potency). Enactment refers to the multi-modal implementation (i.e. narrating, visualising, performing, and embodying) of a corporate heritage identity and its relational positioning visà-vis stakeholders (i.e. temporal, spatial, and socio-cultural anchoring), which at once is predicated on and reinforces the stewardship mindset. The theoretical contribution of this study is significant in that it empirically confirms the existing, largely conceptual, literature in terms of the applicability and efficacy of the nascent corporate heritage identity construct per se. More importantly, it expands the extant body of literature by introducing a detailed theoretical explication of corporate heritage identity stewardship, which has important implications for future scholarly work. The study is, additionally, of instrumental relevance for corporate marketing management practice. First, it identifies different ways of implementing and anchoring a corporate heritage identity within societal environments vis-à-vis stakeholders, which can be utilised by organisations. Second, it articulates different enabling management dispositions, which help management to better understand the specific requirements of corporate heritage identity stewardship. The doctoral thesis articulates several avenues for future research (qualitative and quantitative) and provides – with the analytically generalisable corporate heritage identity stewardship theory – a new conceptual lense for future empirical and conceptual work within this nascent area of corporate marketing.

Jürgen Habermas’ The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere has been described as outdated and incompatible with 21st century democracies. Among other things, Habermas’ initial formulation excluded the state from the public sphere. Recently, a revised model of the public sphere has emerged that positions the state and other law-making bodies at its centre. Although some theorists have embraced this revised model, others continue to exclude the state or oversimplify its role. While some research has examined how parliaments fit into this revised model, no research has been published on this in a Canadian context. This thesis attempts to fill this gap by answering the research question: Does the Canadian House of Commons constitute a form of the public sphere? To answer this question, the Canadian House of Commons is explored along three dimensions of the public sphere – structure, representation, and interaction. This system of classification conforms to the essential function and institutional criteria of classical theory and also accounts for revised models of the public sphere. Ultimately, this work argues that the Canadian House of Commons satisfies the structural and representational dimensions of the public sphere. Its interactional dimension, however, is found to be inconsistent with public sphere theory due to a lack of real deliberation and the pervasiveness of party politics.

Introduction The Northwest Territories as a rural and remote region of Canada has higher colorectal cancer rates and lower uptake of colorectal cancer screening compared to the rest of the country. Understanding the complex health system processes involved in screening is necessary to develop informed solutions to improve screening access amongst marginalized populations. A systems approach to describe and understand the health care processes and system-level factors influencing colorectal cancer screening access was undertaken. Methods Semi-structured interviews with health care providers (N=29) involved in colorectal cancer screening in all health authorities within the Northwest Territories (N=8) were performed from September to December 2015. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis methods within a Collaborative Information Behaviour (CIB) and Continuity of Care framework. Exploratory models of colorectal cancer screening processes were developed and translated into quantitative parameters for simulation modelling. Results Colorectal cancer screening access was defined by patient health care interactions supported by foundational information processes. Eighteen models of colorectal cancer screening access within the territory were identified, with varying complexity in care access seen across communities. Screening access problems included screening initiation, colonoscopy scheduling, screening recall and information silos, and were influenced by multiple contextual factors including a transient health work force, social health determinants, and patient travel. Qualitative models were translated into a system dynamics (SD) design framework for development of further quantitative modeling. Conclusions Colorectal cancer screening access in the Northwest Territories is a complex process comprising patient interactions and information processes linking primary care and hospital care processes, which are influenced by challenging contextual factors in the rural and remote health care environment. In developing screening access solutions the foundational role of information support and the need for system trade-offs in restructuring health system processes are necessary considerations. Optimizing information processes through the utilization of health informatics tools such as standardized referral forms and EMRs may also support health system transformation to improve screening access across the Northwest Territories. Understanding and evaluating system trade-offs may be best achieved using a combination of qualitative and quantitative modeling through future application of SD modeling research.

Traumatic brain injury is a substantial cause of disability worldwide; recovery is a long-term, intensive process. Patients with traumatic brain injury are admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with the goal of preventing disability and the need for long-term care as well as promoting patient independence. Acknowledging that traumatic brain injury also affects the family, much of the literature focuses on the well-being of families and their needs, bringing attention to family functioning, resilience, and psychosocial well-being. Recognizing the important role of families in health care, Canadian healthcare institutions espouse family-centred philosophy. Not to mention, the resulting impairments from traumatic brain injury and the complex nature of inpatient rehabilitation can also lead to the involvement of families in this process. However, we do not yet fully understand how families are involved in adult inpatient traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Given the adoption of a family-centred philosophy as well as the potential benefits of family-centred care for patient and family outcomes, it is important to understand this involvement to guide the provision of family-centred health and rehabilitation services. This study is the first step in a program of research that is devoted to understanding family involvement in adult inpatient traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. I used an interpretive qualitative approach with a two-phased sequential design to elucidate how families were involved in the inpatient rehabilitation process. I conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with six patients with TBI, four family members, and 10 healthcare professionals followed by observations on the inpatient Acquired Brain Injury ward at a Canadian adult rehabilitation centre. In Phase 1 interviews, both the patients and family members described family involvement as family members being with and supporting the patients, informing other family members as well as the healthcare professionals and keeping themselves informed, helping the patients to make decisions, and participating in care and therapy. The healthcare professionals similarly described family members being with and supporting the patients; however, they conversely illustrated family members’ involvement as providing information to and receiving information from the healthcare professionals as well as making decisions when required or deemed necessary by them, and learning care and therapy. While the observation findings supported the patients’, family members’, and healthcare professionals’ perceptions that family members support the patients by being present and spending time with them, they highlighted the healthcare professional-led nature of the rehabilitation process in the inpatient setting in relation to information sharing, decision making, and care and therapy. They also illuminated the potential impact of the ward environment on family involvement. This study was the first to explore family involvement with this adult patient population in the inpatient rehabilitation setting from the perspectives of patients, family members, and healthcare professionals as well as through direct observation. It revealed that patients and family members had different understandings than healthcare professionals of the ways in which families were involved. Given the adoption of a family-centred philosophy, we need to understand how to operationalize it in this type of adult setting and close the gap between theory and practice.

Stroke is the primary cause of adult disability in the UK. Those who have experienced stroke have a higher risk of a subsequent stroke. Stroke recovery has physical, emotional and social dimensions and impacts on family caregivers as well as stroke survivors. Getting the right information at the right time is put forward as instrumental in supporting recovery and preventing further stroke. The research literature demonstrates persistent uncertainty about the best way to provide information to stroke survivors and carers in practice. The aim of this study was to explore the processes, motivations and perceptions of the impact of information exchange between stroke survivors, carers and health professionals. A qualitative case study strategy was utilised for the study as this provided a flexible framework to incorporate multiple perspectives upon information exchange in the practice context. A single setting in, Salford, Greater Manchester, was used to study the phenomenon of information exchange from the perspectives of stroke survivors, carers and health professionals. Data collection included interviews with participants, observations of communication and documentary analysis. Data was analysed using the Framework analysis approach in order to compare and contrast perspectives across the different respondent groups and so develop study propositions to explain the data. There was much common ground amongst respondents in the thematic categories identified from the data, but subtle differences in emphasis on different topics. The key findings from this research are in two areas. Firstly, the challenges of incorporating a self-management philosophy into information exchange post stroke are substantial. This is because patients experience a variable recovery trajectory and have insufficient contact time with the professionals who they perceive as valid information providers. Second, the research raises questions of what is meant by tailored information in practice: the timing of information was a critical issue for survivors and carers along with the desire for appropriate support to utilise information effectively. These findings suggest a need to shift the focus of research from information provision to information exchange post stroke; to examine not the best way of providing information, but rather the best way of assessing individual need, and pacing provision tailored to these specific needs. This would require debate and consensus among the stroke community about the core underlying principles of information exchange, a reassessment of key time-points for sharing information and a re-examination of professionals ongoing development needs in communication skills to underpin this.

There is an unresolved paradox concerning the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in consumer behavior. On the one hand, consumers demand more and more CSR information from corporations. On the other hand, research indicates a considerable gap between consumers' apparent interest in CSR and the limited role of CSR in purchase behavior. This paper attempts to shed light on this paradox by drawing on qualitative data from in-depth interviews. The findings show that the evaluation of CSR initiatives is a complex and hierarchically-structured process, where consumers distinguish between core, central, and peripheral factors. This paper describes these factors in detail and explains the complexity of consumers' assessment of CSR. These insights then serve as a basis for discussing the theoretical and managerial implications of the research findings. To this end, the paper contributes to a better understanding of the role of CSR in consumption decisions.

The purpose with this paper is to investigate and get deeper understanding of case studies about Swedish companies. I will focus on the way the case studies have been constructed, the purposes of the studies and how well the findings may be implemented to other contexts. I find this interesting because case studies are something that can benefit every company in other to in some way improve and streamline the business. The data used in this paper will be obtained from various case studies within the subject “Swedish companies” and therefore analyzed to draw conclusions. The findings from this study is that every case study is unique, and there is not one single, optimal way to construct a case study. One must take the purpose of the study into consideration and establish the study from this. However, there are common traits between case studies, such as the ways of obtaining data for the studies and the uniqueness of research question. How well the findings of a case study can be generalized to other contexts also depends on the uniqueness of the purpose of the study.