The model of the citizens' jury is used here to examine whether the promise that deliberative democracy can enable transformations of preference among citizens is valid. Supporters of the citizens' jury go so far as to claim that it can encourage the habit of active citizenship. Deliberation has become central to academic work on the future of democracy and much of this work alludes to a relationship between deliberation and learning. So far however, the learning processes that are seen as central to it have not been fully investigated. This thesis explores the impact of participation in a deliberative process by presenting a predominantly qualitative analysis ofthe way the citizens' jury experience changes participants' preferences. The changes experienced by the jurors are presented as a juror journey but not all jurors embark on this journey in the same way, nor do they all travel at the same pace. Some of those interviewed for this study claim that their journey only ended some time after the jury itself came to an end and for some it is clearly ongoing. Addressing the juror journey as a learning process highlights the changes in the discursive strategies employed by the jurors as they come to understand the ethical components of discourse. By dividing the process into its constituent parts of thinking, willing and judging the procedural requirements of deliberation are highlighted. The results of the fieldwork show that the majority of respondents in this study of former citizens' jurors develop a heightened sense of efficacy that enables them to assert a sense of themselves as citizens. Most describe a new awareness that their actions affect others on whose behalf they are deliberating. This now occurs for many of them alongside a new sense of trust in others to make decisions on their behalf. The research concludes that if practitioners of deliberation want to continue to make claims about transformation of preference they need to use the principles of discourse ethics to examine the legitimacy of deliberative forums that are in use and to make recommendations about how to improve their validity in the eyes of the public.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Carleton University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 201-206). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Cooperativismo é uma doutrina socioeconômica, que significa união de forças para uma necessidade, buscando um benefício comum. É um movimento capaz de unir desenvolvimento econômico e bem-estar social, tendo como referenciais fundamentais a participação democrática, a solidariedade, a independência e a autonomia. Assim, a participação dos associados na cooperativa é fundamental para o bom andamento nas decisões, para que ocorram de forma conjunta. A modernização da cooperação assume formas empresariais distintas, o que torna necessário que as cooperativas busquem alternativas e estratégias de gestão para a sociedade cooperativa como um todo, sendo uma dela a incorporação. Essa estratégia busca a automação das atividades, aliando-se a tecnologias que lhes permitam agilidade, dinamismo, garantia nas decisões estratégicas e competitividade. Nesse sentido, o objetivo desse trabalho é analisar o processo da incorporação das cinco cooperativas que formaram a Cooperativa Agroindustrial Nova Aliança LTDA., sob o ponto de vista do associado. Para tanto, realizouse uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa (survey) que permitiu verificar e apresentar um diagnóstico da real visão dos associados em relação à Cooperativa Agroindustrial Nova Aliança Ltda., por meio de 248 questionário válidos. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o programa SPSS™ (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Realizando, assim, os testes de estatística descritiva, análise de regressão, análise fatorial e análise cruzada dos dados. Os resultados mostram as percepções gerais dos associados em relação à aspectos sobre gestão, atendimento, infraestrutura e assistência técnica. Através da análise descritiva dos dados, verificou-se que a questão relacionada ao atendimento que o associado tem na cooperativa obteve a melhor média, 4,67, em relação a todos os entrevistados e independente a cooperativa de origem. Ao avaliar a análise de regressão pode-se observar que a variável dependente refere-se a satisfação do associado com a cooperativa, assim, afirmando que todas as demais variáveis independentes estão diretamente ligadas a satisfação. A análise cruzada dos dados possibilitou entender como os procedimentos e aspectos da gestão afetam diferentemente cada uma das cooperativas analisadas. De modo geral, os resultados mostram que há um percentual maior em relação a concordância para todas as Cooperativas analisadas. Os associados da Cooperativa São Victor conforme a análise cruzada, são os mais favoráveis, em relação a todas as questões abordadas. Para as Cooperativa, Aliança, Linha Jacinto, Santo Antônio e São Pedro, os associados posicionaram-se diferentemente para cada questão. Afirmando que há visões, opiniões e interesses diferentes sobre o processo de incorporação, independente a cooperativa de origem. / Cooperativism is a socioeconomic doctrine, which means union of forces for a need, seeking a common benefit. It is a movement capable of uniting economic development and social welfare, with democratic participation, solidarity, independence and autonomy. Thus, the participation of the members in the cooperative is fundamental for the good progress in the decisions, so that they occur jointly. The modernization of cooperation takes different forms of business, which makes it necessary for cooperatives to seek alternatives and management strategies for the cooperative society as a whole, one of them being the incorporation. This strategy seeks the automation of activities, combining technologies that allow them agility, dynamism, guarantee in strategic decisions and competitiveness. In this sense, the objective of this work is to analyze the incorporation process of the five cooperatives that formed Cooperativa Agroindustrial Nova Aliança LTDA., under the associate's point of view. For that, For that, a descriptive research with quantitative approach (survey) that allowed to verify and present a diagnosis of the real vision of the associates in relation to the Cooperativa Agroindustrial Nova Aliança Ltda., by means of a valid 248 questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the SPSS ™ program (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Thus, the tests of descriptive statistics, factorial analysis, regression analysis and cross-analysis of the data. The results show the general perceptions of the associates regarding the aspects on management, service, infrastructure and technical assistance. Through the descriptive analysis of the data, it was verified that the question related to the attendance that the associate has in the cooperative obtained the best average, 4.67, in relation to all interviewed and independent the cooperative of origin. When evaluating the regression analysis it can be observed that the dependent variable refers to the satisfaction of the associated with the cooperative, thus, stating that all other independent variables are directly linked to satisfaction. The cross-analysis of the data made it possible to understand how the procedures and management aspects affect each of the cooperatives analyzed differently. In general, the results show that there is a higher percentage in relation to the agreement for all Cooperatives analyzed. The associates of the Cooperativa São Victor according to the cross-analysis, are the most favorable, in relation to all the issues addressed. For the Cooperative, Aliança, Linha Jacinto, Santo Antônio and São Pedro, the associates positioned themselves differently for each question. Affirming that there are different views, opinions and interests on the incorporation process, regardless of the origin cooperative.

A need for more transparency and accountability of police misconduct was obvious from citizen' complaints and media coverage of inhumane actions of law enforcement offers unequipped with body-worn cameras (BWCs). With the fatalities of citizens by law enforcement on the rise, it was incumbent upon the officials in two communities to deliver measures to improve citizens' perceptions of police officers' use of BWCs and how much trust the citizens have in the use of these instruments, as a whole. The purpose of this study was to explore citizens' confidence levels, sense of safety, and perception of civility when police officers use body cameras. The two research questions asked how has being made aware of the usage of BWCs by law enforcement impacted the perception of rural area citizens, and what is the perception of law enforcement officers' usage of BWCs among rural area citizens? The theoretical framework for this study was the self-awareness theory. Data were collected via interviews The data were collected and coded for analysis. Coded data were generated from responses in face to face interviews of participants. Themes were developed from key words in the context and word repetition. Seven main themes were created. The findings of the research show that the usage of body-worn cameras is wanted by citizens in small rural cities and the citizens have a positive perception of officers who utilize body-worn cameras. The results of the study have substantial implication for social change and suggest the people are calling for the use of BWC's by law enforcement officers to aid in increased transparency and trust in police officers on patrol. By carrying out this research, I was able to validate the perception of the citizens.

Bakalauro darbe tiriami pagyvenusių žmonių mitybos įpročiai ir įpročių kaita. Tyrimo objektas – pagyvenusių žmonių mitybos įpročiai ir įpročių kaita. Tyrimo tikslas buvo išsiaiškinti pagyvenusių žmonių mitybos įpročius ir įpročių kaitą. Suformuluoti tokie uždaviniai: mokslinės literatūros analizė, išsiaiškinti mitybos įpročių galimų pasikeitimų priežastis ir ištirti mitybos įpročių kaitą iki pensijos ir išėjus į pensiją. Tyrime naudota mokslinės literatūros analizė ir kiekybinis tyrimas. Tyrime dalyvavo 102 Šiaulių ir Mažeikių miestų bei jų apskričių pagyvenę žmonės, kurie buvo pasirinkti remiantis atsitiktinės atrankos metodu. Tyrimas vyko 2014 metais vasario, kovo mėnesiais. Tyrimui naudota pusiau uždaro tipo anketa, kuri buvo sudaryta mokslinės literatūros analizės pagrindu, taip pat remiantis Šiaulių miesto suaugusių žmonių gyvensenos tyrimu (2011), bei suaugusiųjų Lietuvos žmonių gyvensenos tyrimu (2013). Anketos buvo išplatintos mokytojų pensininkų klubo „Šviesa“, Šiaulių širdininkų klubo, klubo „Artis“, choro „Šarma“, choro sajungos „Bočiai“ nariams, taip pat trečiojo amžiaus universiteto nariams, socialinų paslaugų centro lankytojams ir pavieniams pensinio amžiaus asmenims. Tyrimu nustatyta, kad pagyvenusių žmonių mitybos įpročiai daugiausiai keitėsi dėl sveikatos ir finansinės padėties pablogėjimo. Dauguma respondentų nežino kokie yra sveikos mitybos piramidės principai. Taip pat nustatyta, kad renkantis maisto produktus pagyvenusiems žmonėms yra svarbūs šie... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Bachelor of science at work examined older people's eating habits and habits change. The subject matter – the elderly eating habits and habits change. Aim of the study was to find out the elderly people's eating habits and habits change. To formulate the following challenges: analysis of scientific literature, to find out the cause of possible changes in dietary habits and investigate eating habits change to pensions and retirement. The study used in the analysis of the scientific literature and quantitative study. The study involved 102 Šiauliai and Mažeikiai districts of cities and their counties seniors who were selected based on a random selection method. The investigation took place in the months of February, March 2014. The investigation used a closed-ended questionnaire, which was established on the basis of the analysis of the scientific literature, as well as on the basis of a study of adult people’s lifestyles in the city of Šiauliai (2011), and adult study of the Lithuanian people's lifestyles (2013). Questionnaires were distributed to teachers, pensioners Club "The light", from the „širdininkų“ Club, Club "Artis" Choral "Hoarfrost", Choral Union "Bočiai" members as well as members of the University of the third age, the Social Service Center for visitors and individuals of retirement age. The research has found that older people's eating habits have evolved mainly on health and the deterioration of the financial situation. The majority of respondents do not know... [to full text]

A Citizen's Police Academy allows citizens to attend the police academy to learn more about police departments and police work. While increasing in popularity, very little research has focused on participant impact. This study examines the impact of the Johnson City CPA on participants' attitudes and beliefs about police work. Surveys were analyzed to discover differences in age, education levels, gender and prior interest in police work concerning satisfaction, importance of training, and behavior change. Older respondents reported the most benefit from participation, while younger respondents were more likely to change their behaviors. Those with mid level educations gained the most insight from the program. Females responded more positively about the academy than did males. Prior interest in police work had no significant impact on participants' opinions. While exploratory in nature, this study lays the groundwork for further examination of the impact of CPAs on participants' attitudes and behaviors.

At the time of the founding of the field of public administration, government was in a condition of some degree of failure. Since elitist and corrupt politics were the predominant mode of government at the time, the cause of this failure was seen as insufficient rationality, and coinciding with this, a lack of scientific information and technical expertise. Also, a popular involvement in government was perceived to be a need. This created a demand for a scientific rational government, run by technocratic experts that was, at the same time, open to popular access. In principle, this idea is consistent with Dewey's thought, but what developed is a form of government that saw science, or the process of bringing knowledge to bear on problems that made interest groups the key mode of access to policy making. This solution appeared to meet the needs of the time, while in fact it was far off the mark. In all of this, Dewey's true and more appropriate alternative was lost. These conditions still exist. The American government is a seemingly, ailing government; but the only thing that is suggested is to have more science and give groups more "participative" access. In essence, virtual gridlock has resulted. One solution is to rediscover and accurately understand Dewey, who can help us rethink science and the knowledge process in government and the possibilities for citizen involvement in government. / Ph. D.

Despite the importance of citizens’ trust toward the successful adoption of e-government, the majority of the extant research focuses only on two dimensions to investigate the role of citizens’ trust in e-government which are, trust in technology and trust in government. Hence, there is an absence of research into the multi-dimensional nature of trust and in particular how demographic aspects such as citizens’ personality, culture, gender, experience, education level, beliefs and value systems influence citizens’ trust in e-government. This research particularly aims to investigate and analyse the critical factors influencing citizens' trust in e-government from different aspects including: technology, government agency, risk and citizens' perspective. To achieve this aim, this research undertook a comprehensive review of the e-government and trust literatures, followed by a systematic review of relevant academic articles to identify the factors influencing trust in e-government. The existing literature considered technical factors, government agencies, risk and citizens' aspects. Thereby, a conceptual framework was developed by extending the updated DeLone and McLean’ IS Success Model. To validate the framework, empirical research was preformed, followed by the distribution of a questionnaire to participants who have a past experience in using e-government services, within three ministries in Saudi Arabia. Of 1076 completed survey responses received, 912 were considered valid to use in this study. This study has applied structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed research framework using SmartPLS 3.0. The final developed framework was then refined and presented along with the findings regarding the significant factors influencing citizens’ trust in e-government. The findings of study revealed that while technical factors and disposition to trust have a positive influence on trust in e-government, factors related to government agencies and risk have negative impacts on citizens' trust. With regard to the citizens' aspects, the findings reveal that the female respondents demonstrate a more positive evaluation of online services as compared to the male respondents, with the female group reporting more significant and positive influences of the technical aspects on trust in e-government as compared to the male group. Interestingly, this study found that old people display greater trust in e-government as compared to levels of trust reported by younger people. The findings also highlight that internet experience has a positive influence on citizens' trust, as increased levels of Internet experience increased the level of trust in e-government. Finally, the study found non-significant support of the influence of education level in terms of trust in e-government. Lastly, the strategies that governments use to build and develop citizens' trust were identified based on the findings of the study. The originality of this study is that it tries to provide new insights on the subject of citizens’ trust in e-government in Saudi Arabia, as limited studies investigate and analyse how citizens’ differences in gender, age, education level and internet experience can influence their trust in e-government. This study attempts to provide a validated conceptual framework that integrates different antecedents of trust in e-government. Also, the impact of additional factors such as citizens’ satisfaction, intention to continue use e-government and the moderating effect of different demographic factors (gender, age, education and internet experience) are considered in this research, complementing and enhancing the existing literature on trust in e-government. Also, this research offers several implications to practitioners (decision maker) and stakeholders who are involved in e-government initiatives by providing new insights into e-government adoption from a citizens’ perspective.

This thesis examines the Utah Nippo, its messages to Salt Lake City's Nikkei population, and draws out the paper's editorial themes intended for resident Utah Nikkei. The Utah Nippo was one of three Japanese-language newspapers that published during World War II and it was a voice for community leaders and editors who urged Salt Lake Nikkei to behave in certain ways that (they believed) would prove a certain loyal American identity. Such an identity was comprised of prescribed behaviors: supporting the government and war effort, attending patriotic activities, keeping a low social profile, and quietly enduring the fear and discrimination directed at them as Nikkei in the midst of a national war against Japan. The Utah Nippo painted the model minority stereotype during World War II, although scholars view it as a postwar concept imposed on Asian Americans. Although not entirely dictated by the Japanese American Citizens League, the newspaper content was influenced by the League's wartime campaigns for working with the U.S. government and behaving loyally. Nikkei in community leadership roles actively encouraged this image because it meant safety by assurance of Americanism. Individuals and editorials highlighted behaviors that helped or hurt the group image. The newspaper also focused on ending racism in the U.S. within Nikkei communities and as they resettled throughout the nation. While the Utah Nippo printed such sentiments, not all residents necessarily agreed with or did as the newspaper suggested, yet the articles indicated the identity that editors and leaders hoped to create. In light of the tenuous situation that Salt Lake Nikkei felt they lived in, it made sense for individuals to outwardly conform and incorporate the paper's behavioral guidelines in order to deflect suspicions over loyalty away from the group.

This study examined the impact of tourism on the environment and Jeddah citizens’ perceptions toward tourism in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The sample consisted of citizens who reside in the city of Jeddah. The variables analyzed included the following: cleanliness of the city, crowding, access to facilities, availability of water, and the quality of air and sea. An explanatory research design was utilized to generate the study, and purposive sampling was employed to gather the analysis. A total of 115 participants participated in the study. The study results suggested that cleanliness of the city, crowding, access to facilities, availability of water, and the quality of air and sea affect the perception of Jeddah citizens toward tourism. Particularly, both crowding and quality of air and sea were significant predictors of perceptions toward tourism.