From systematic semiotic modelling to pseudointentional reference

Societies as open social systems work through semiotic modelling systems. We view their relevance for shaping primary and secondary needs, as well as metaneeds that are conditioned in social systems. Through conditioning in socialization, semiotic reality can be naturalized up to a level where we can start speaking about not only unconscious, but also unintentional semiosic activity. By that, the very realm of indexicality will be questioned. If indexicality is conjoined with unintended referentiality, then unintentional semiosis means the blurring and fusion of realities far beyond the so-called simulacral semiotic spaces. It is especially acute in the context of the development of technological availabilities where the physical, the semiotic, and the purely virtual reality merge. That quite novel phenomenon is exemplified by semiotic insularization. What follows is that it is hard to define the research object, for the subject is fading away, the real and the virtual are intermingling also in terms of their inhabitants (biological humans, computer users, avatars, virtual identities). Thus the pragmatic dimension of semiotics is gradually becoming lost. Also, the referential reality is moving farther from the informational space created and represented in “traditional” discursive flows, rather becoming based on pseudoreferential clues of meaning making

To return permanently or to return temporarily?: Explaining migrants' intentions

This paper studies migrants' intentions to return to their origin country by making the distinction between permanent return, temporary return and participation in temporary return programmes. Using survey data from first generation migrants in the Netherlands, we explore how migrants' experiences regarding both the origin and destination countries are linked to their return intentions. We show that there are significantly more people interested in temporary return than permanent return. Moreover, we demonstrate that while economic integration has no clear link with return intentions, individuals with a lower socio-cultural integration are more likely to intend to return permanently. We also find that social homeland engagement predicts intentions for all types of return. Considering the potential positive impact of (temporary) return on development through the transfer of skills, financial resources and experiences, this research provides insight into the profile of migrants who could be the target of programmes and policies on return for development

Looking into the ‘black box’:unlocking the effect of integration on acquisition performance

Extending research on the performance of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As), this paper seeks to explain how the post-acquisition integration phase affects acquisition performance. Despite extensive research efforts, there remains a scant understanding of how acquisition implementation, particularly in the post-acquisition integration phase, impacts the performance of M&As. Based on an extensive study of eight acquisitions, in this paper, a grounded model detailing the mechanisms by which the post-acquisition integration phase affects acquisition performance is developed. The model posits that integration-related factors do not bear directly upon acquisition performance. Instead, their effect is mediated by functional organizations in both firms. When focusing into these functional mediating dynamics, we observe that integration-related processual, behavioural and cultural factors affect the identified functional mediators in different ways. Going forward, we echo calls for integrated perspectives to the study of M&A and M&A performance in particular

Relationship of CEO and TMT Pre-merger Power Characteristics of Acquiring and Target Firm with Post-merger Effectiveness

Support was found that an increase in the level of power in the post-acquisition firm over that which had existed in the acquiring firm resulted in a higher level of post-merger firm performance. Also it was found there were important contingencies within the power dimensions that must be analyzed to facilitate the transfer of target executive power into the post-merger firm. These contingencies included an understanding of the power levels that existed in the pre-merger firms and the impact this may have had on the retention of target executive power. Support was also found that when the acquiring organization had a higher level of prestige power than that which existed within the target organization, that target executives were more inclined to join the post-merger firm. Other important considerations were the levels of structural power within the pre merger organizations and the willingness of the CEO of the post-merger firm to share a portion of this power. The willingness of the CEO to reduce his/her levBusiness Administration (MBA

Projeto \"machuca: somos todos um\" rede intercultural de educomunicação em ecologia e cultura da paz

O presente trabalho representa um esforço de sistematização do grande número de reflexões que surgem das experiências de educomunicação desenvolvidas por três escolas da cidade de São Paulo com realidades socioculturais significativamente diferentes: uma escola pública da periferia de São Paulo, um colégio católico particular e uma escola indígena Guarani. Estas comunidades interagiram por meio de diversas mídias na criação de diálogos e debates, e realizaram encontros com enfoque na discussão da Ecologia e Cultura da Paz. A pesquisa, portanto, pretendeu descrever os processos de integração sociocultural que estas três comunidades educacionais viveram. A noção de pobreza espiritual/existencial foi parte importante das reflexões da pesquisa uma vez que reúne uma ampla gama de idéias e representações presentes nas comunidades participantes relativas à crise cultural e de valores que afeta seu convívio. No mês de maio de 2009 foram realizadas entrevistas com crianças, jovens e adultos de cada uma das três escolas antes de realizar os encontros. No mês de dezembro de 2009 as mesmas pessoas foram entrevistadas visando verificar possíveis mudanças ao comparar suas expectativas, atitudes, imaginários e a respeito do que afirmaram sobre os fundamentos do processo de integração que as experiências interculturais permitiriam a crianças, adolescentes, pais e educadores das três escolas participantesThis work represents an effort to organize the large number of ideas that emerge from the experiences of edu-communication developed by three schools in the city of São Paulo with significantly different sociocultural realities: a public school of São Paulo, a private Catholic College and a Guarani indigenous school. These communities have interacted through various media in creating dialogues and debates, and met with a focus on discussion of ecology and culture of peace. The search, therefore, wished to describe sociocultural integration processes that these three educational communities lived. The notion of \"spiritual/existential\" poverty was important part of search reflections since gathers a wide range of ideas and participating communities attend representations concerning cultural crisis that affects our life values. In May 2009 were conducted interviews with children, teenagers and adults in each of the three schools before the meetings. In December 2009 the same people were interviewed to check potential changes to compare their imaginary expectations, attitudes, and what they said about the basics of the integration process that intercultural experiences allow children, teenagers, parents and educators of the three participating school