Ethics in qualitative research

In this chapter, we explore a number of ethical questions and ethical dilemmas that can arise at different stages of the research process. Rather than attempting to provide an answer to these or a full overview of the ethical issues encountered by researchers, we aim to sensitize the reader to some of the complexities involved in trying to do qualitative research in an ethically sensitive manner. We see ethics not as a uniform set of rules or a formal institutional requirement but rather as an integral element of research praxis. We therefore consider a number of ethical questions that are likely to arise at different stages of the research process and alert the reader to some ethically important moments that they might encounter. We start by looking at some ethical questions linked to the research design. We then turn to discussing ethical challenges associated with negotiating access, trying to obtain informed consent from participants as well as maintaining and managing relationships with them. We conclude by discussing ethical issues in relation to data presentation

Polscy przedsiebiorcy w Dolinie Krzemowej

Purpose: This text is a review of the results of a research project on Polish entrepreneurs and Polish enterprises in Silicon Valley, conducted by the author in Silicon Valley in The United States in the years 2007–2012.Methodology: 81 participants took part in the research (members of 13 different companies and several government and third sector organizations). Among the organizations represented in the project there were companies established in the Valley by Poles, Polish companies present in the Valley, as well as institutions that are active in promotion and support of Polish business presence in the United States, especially in Silicon Valley.Findings: The research indicates that there are three main areas for improvement in Poland, if it is to be home to companies characterized by a potential for rapid growth (as the ones that Silicon Valley is famous for). The first one concerns cultural aspects associated with low tolerance of risk and social censure of those who fail in business. The second includes financing, in particular limited access to venture capital and business angels networks. The third one refers to business education of entrepreneurs, for whom gaining practical experiences in world-class centers of entrepreneurship, such as Silicon Valley, is of utmost importance

Collaboration and Trust-building in Open Innovation Community

Growing popularity of open innovation communities poses various challenges for business practice. One of them is trust, which facilitates social interaction, provides basis for risk-taking and strengthens cooperation. In virtual environment traditional mechanisms of its development are unavailable. However, in many companies using virtual teams trust is created, maintained and capitalized, which provides indication that it may be developed in other ways. In this paper, the authors present a study of work within testing community in computer game industry based on two-year qualitative fieldwork, which may serve as an example of trust emergence in virtual environment. (original abstract

Image-building as an element of the IT specialist's social role

Celem artykułu jest analiza badań terenowych przeprowadzonych wśród informatyków oraz klientów firm IT, dotyczących budowania wizerunku swojej profesji przez informatyków. Zaprezentowane wyniki pokazują, że informatycy jako szczególna grupa profesjonalna pozornie nie przywiązują dużej wagi do swojego wizerunku. Skupiając się na pracy i zadaniach, wysyłają konkretny sygnał do otoczenia, sugerujący, że własna wiedza i codzienne wyzwania w ramach projektów są dla nich najcenniejszym źródłem satysfakcji zawodowej. Szczególny jest stosunek informatyków do klientów, często traktowanych z pobłażaniem. W artykule staramy się pokazać złożoność relacji z klientem jako element roli ogólnospołecznej informatyków, jak również rolę profesjonalną, która pokazuje wartości wyznawane i odzwierciedlane w ramach swojego środowiska zawodowego.The aim of this paper is to analyse and present conclusions of two field studies regarding the creation of image of the IT specialists' profession. Our research shows that IT professionals seem not to attach much importance to their image. Instead, they prefer to focus on everyday work and tasks, sending a specific signal to the environment, saying that the knowledge and daily challenges are the most valuable source of professional satisfaction for them. The relation between employees of IT companies and their customers is particularly interesting. In this article we try to show the complexity of this relationship as part of the societal role of IT specialist, as well as the professional role, which shows the values shared and reflected as part of their professional environment

TRUST AND DISTRUST IN DECISON-MAKING PROCESSES

Trust has been one of the most discussed topics in research on decision-making processes in organizations since early 1990s. the notion of distrust, however, has been rarely investigated. Authors of this text analyze existing literature looking for possible conceptualizations of both trust and distrust and they highlight possible sources of this imbalance in the debate. They also argue, basing on some empirical research, that distrust should be positioned as an autonomous research problem and that its dominant concept - as a mirrorimage of trust – should be finally questioned

Zaufanie i nieufność w podejmowaniu decyzji

Trust has been one of the most discussed topics in research ondecision-making processes in organizations since early 1990s. the notion ofdistrust, however, has been rarely investigated. Authors of this text analyzeexisting literature looking for possible conceptualizations of both trust anddistrust and they highlight possible sources of this imbalance in the debate. They also argue, basing on some empirical research, that distrust should be positioned as an autonomous research problem and that its dominant concept - as a mirrorimage of trust – should be finally questioned.Od lat 90. w badaniach nad podejmowaniem decyzji w organizacjach zaufanie jest jednym z najchętniej podejmowanych zagadnień w badaniach empirycznych i analitycznych. Brakuje jednak podobnych badań nad pojęciem nieufności. Autorzy tekstu omawiają oba pojęcia w świetle istniejącej literatury i wskazują na możliwe przyczyny tej nierównowagi. Wykazują także, opierając się na istniejących badaniach empirycznych, że nieufność zasługuje na odrębną problematyzację i zerwanie z dotychczasowym jej rozumieniem – jako prostego przeciwieństwa zaufania

Strategic crisis management in the European Union: Evidence Review Report

The evidence review report from SAPEA presents the latest scientific evidence on the subject of crisis management, and evidence-based policy options for action.The European Union is confronted with an increasing number of crises with growing complexity. Their effects can cascade and ripple to all parts of society, the economy, and the environment. The effects of such crises are not limited to specific geographical regions or sectors of society, and many crises continue indefinitely. Because they last, they overlap and amplify each other.Decisions made during crises are not only urgent, but have long-lasting consequences. Therefore, strategic crisis management needs to be aligned with broader policy objectives. Using digital tools, guidance and standards can be set for strategic foresight and risk monitoring, to ensure that a longer-term perspective is integrated. Better data preparedness can ensure that information can be shared effectively while respecting privacy and security when a crisis hits. To address the growing complexity of crises, we need a vision that integrates both risk management and crisis management. Different activities and organisations also need to coordinate: responses on multiple geographical and temporal scales need to be aligned, rather than aiming at the one ‘right’ level. Here, the EU could play an important coordinating role. The EU can also play a role in training decision- and policy-makers to coordinate and manage crises.Crises amplify existing inequalities, hitting the most vulnerable the hardest — and this can erode trust across society at exactly the time when trust is most needed. New technologies and forms of communication offer ways for citizens to be engaged and empowered. Involving civil society can bring many advantages, producing a better informed, tailored, and localised response