title: “We’re all in this together”? The search for collective belonging in a globalised single industry town

authors: Hurd, Fiona

abstract: Purpose 
Communities of work are a phenomenon closely associated with government social and industrial policy, and can be tracked in contemporary examples globally. This research explores community identity within a town which was previously single industry, but has since experienced workforce reduction and to a large degree, industry withdrawal.  

Design/methodology/approach 
Using an inductive approach, the researchers interviewed 32 participants who had resided (past or present) within the instrumental case study town.  A thematic analytical framework, drawing on the work of Boje (2007) was employed.


Findings 
A significant theme to emerge from the participants was the public assertion of social cohesion and belonging.  However, what was interesting, was that beneath this unified exterior, lay accounts of multiple forms of demarcation. Drawing on Benedict Anderson’s (1983) notion of the imagined community, and Bauman’s (2001) identity in globalization, this contradiction is conceptualised as boundary-making moments of identification and disidentification. 

Research limitations/implications 
This research is specific to the New Zealand context, although holds many points of interest for the wider international audience.  The research provides a broad example of the layering of the collective and individual levels of identity. 

Social implications 
This research provides a voice to the wider individual, community and societal implications of managerial practices entwined with political decisions. This research encourages managers and educators in our business schools to seek to understand the relationship between the political, corporate, community and individual realms. 

Originality/value 
This research makes a significant contribution to understandings of the interconnectedness of social policy, industry, and the lived experiences of individuals.  Moreover, it contributes to the broader single industry town literature, which previously has focused on stories of decline from a North American context.

text: “We’re all in this together”? The search for collective belonging in a globalised single industry town Purpose 
Communities of work are a phenomenon closely associated with government social and industrial policy, and can be tracked in contemporary examples globally. This research explores community identity within a town which was previously single industry, but has since experienced workforce reduction and to a large degree, industry withdrawal.  

Design/methodology/approach 
Using an inductive approach, the researchers interviewed 32 participants who had resided (past or present) within the instrumental case study town.  A thematic analytical framework, drawing on the work of Boje (2007) was employed.


Findings 
A significant theme to emerge from the participants was the public assertion of social cohesion and belonging.  However, what was interesting, was that beneath this unified exterior, lay accounts of multiple forms of demarcation. Drawing on Benedict Anderson’s (1983) notion of the imagined community, and Bauman’s (2001) identity in globalization, this contradiction is conceptualised as boundary-making moments of identification and disidentification. 

Research limitations/implications 
This research is specific to the New Zealand context, although holds many points of interest for the wider international audience.  The research provides a broad example of the layering of the collective and individual levels of identity. 

Social implications 
This research provides a voice to the wider individual, community and societal implications of managerial practices entwined with political decisions. This research encourages managers and educators in our business schools to seek to understand the relationship between the political, corporate, community and individual realms. 

Originality/value 
This research makes a significant contribution to understandings of the interconnectedness of social policy, industry, and the lived experiences of individuals.  Moreover, it contributes to the broader single industry town literature, which previously has focused on stories of decline from a North American context.

year: 2017

title: Understanding Chinese international students' gambling experiences in New Zealand

authors: Li, Wendy Wen

subjects: Gambling

abstract: ABSTRACT
This research investigated Chinese international students' gambling experiences in New Zealand. It explored why some students become involved in gambling and how their gambling behaviour changes over time. Initial and follow-up interviews were conducted with nine male and three female students. Initial interviews focused on participants' gambling biographies in China and New Zealand. Cultural influences on their gambling experiences, and possible links between the development of gambling problems and their study experiences in New Zealand, were discussed. Follow-up interviews gathered further information on participants' gambling experiences, paying particular attention to their gambling activities over the six months prior to, and then after, the initial interviews. The methodology and analysis in this study were informed by a narrative approach. Findings suggest that Chinese international students rarely reported that they had problems relating to gambling in China.  However, some participants in this study presented as problem gamblers in New Zealand.  Study shock, acculturation stress, not feeling welcomed by the host society and achievement anxiety, all played a part in participants' problem gambling in New Zealand. These participants claimed that they usually started gambling recreationally, but then gradually shifted to self-reported problem gamblers. Problem gamblers were distinguished by prolonged gambling hours, wagering greater amounts of money, an augmented craving for winning money, and an inability to stop gambling at will in a single session. In this study, many participants who might have a gambling problem, had achieved some success in changing their gambling behaviour. Filial piety, acknowledgement of the importance of family, peer models, the experience of success, and financial hardship were some of the catalysts for stopping gambling. In addition, support from families, the community, professional services and exclusion programmes also assisted participants to address problems related to gambling. Successful re-rooting in New Zealand is significant in participants' post-change life. Positive post-change lifestyles involving aspects such as spirituality, music, study and work, supported Chinese international students to maintain change. This research demonstrates multiple levels of analysis, which adds to our knowledge about the socio-cultural meanings of gambling among Chinese international students. A number of recommendations are made for preventing and reducing the negative consequences of gambling for students.

text: Understanding Chinese international students' gambling experiences in New Zealand ABSTRACT
This research investigated Chinese international students' gambling experiences in New Zealand. It explored why some students become involved in gambling and how their gambling behaviour changes over time. Initial and follow-up interviews were conducted with nine male and three female students. Initial interviews focused on participants' gambling biographies in China and New Zealand. Cultural influences on their gambling experiences, and possible links between the development of gambling problems and their study experiences in New Zealand, were discussed. Follow-up interviews gathered further information on participants' gambling experiences, paying particular attention to their gambling activities over the six months prior to, and then after, the initial interviews. The methodology and analysis in this study were informed by a narrative approach. Findings suggest that Chinese international students rarely reported that they had problems relating to gambling in China.  However, some participants in this study presented as problem gamblers in New Zealand.  Study shock, acculturation stress, not feeling welcomed by the host society and achievement anxiety, all played a part in participants' problem gambling in New Zealand. These participants claimed that they usually started gambling recreationally, but then gradually shifted to self-reported problem gamblers. Problem gamblers were distinguished by prolonged gambling hours, wagering greater amounts of money, an augmented craving for winning money, and an inability to stop gambling at will in a single session. In this study, many participants who might have a gambling problem, had achieved some success in changing their gambling behaviour. Filial piety, acknowledgement of the importance of family, peer models, the experience of success, and financial hardship were some of the catalysts for stopping gambling. In addition, support from families, the community, professional services and exclusion programmes also assisted participants to address problems related to gambling. Successful re-rooting in New Zealand is significant in participants' post-change life. Positive post-change lifestyles involving aspects such as spirituality, music, study and work, supported Chinese international students to maintain change. This research demonstrates multiple levels of analysis, which adds to our knowledge about the socio-cultural meanings of gambling among Chinese international students. A number of recommendations are made for preventing and reducing the negative consequences of gambling for students.

year: 2007

title: The perspective of youth leadership through the insight of current Māori leaders

authors: Wairepo, Ngareta

abstract: Within Te Ao Māori, leadership qualities are central to Māori cultural norms and societal structures. In particular, a rich legacy of supporting intergenerational leadership exists, wherein following generations are endorsed into these leadership roles. Yet, little is documented in academic literature regarding first-hand experiences of the relationship between current Māori leader’s opinions, experiences, and perceptions for supporting the development of future and upcoming rangatahi into leadership roles. Therefore, this research project seeks to explore how leadership and the value of intergenerational indigenous wisdom can contribute to the supporting and flourishing of rangatahi into leadership roles and responsibilities in their communities to support intergenerational leadership development. 
A Kaupapa Māori approach was used for the framework to centre Indigenous ways of being and knowing. Eight semi-structured, conversational interviews were conducted with current Māori leaders to understand their perceptions, experiences, and opinions on leadership. These were then analysed using thematic analysis. Three major themes were identified; Mental strategies, Understanding the complexity of Māori leadership, and Intergenerational development. This research affirms the importance of leadership for Māori communities, and in particular, the role of intergenerational knowledge-sharing as key for supporting rangatahi to be well.

text: The perspective of youth leadership through the insight of current Māori leaders Within Te Ao Māori, leadership qualities are central to Māori cultural norms and societal structures. In particular, a rich legacy of supporting intergenerational leadership exists, wherein following generations are endorsed into these leadership roles. Yet, little is documented in academic literature regarding first-hand experiences of the relationship between current Māori leader’s opinions, experiences, and perceptions for supporting the development of future and upcoming rangatahi into leadership roles. Therefore, this research project seeks to explore how leadership and the value of intergenerational indigenous wisdom can contribute to the supporting and flourishing of rangatahi into leadership roles and responsibilities in their communities to support intergenerational leadership development. 
A Kaupapa Māori approach was used for the framework to centre Indigenous ways of being and knowing. Eight semi-structured, conversational interviews were conducted with current Māori leaders to understand their perceptions, experiences, and opinions on leadership. These were then analysed using thematic analysis. Three major themes were identified; Mental strategies, Understanding the complexity of Māori leadership, and Intergenerational development. This research affirms the importance of leadership for Māori communities, and in particular, the role of intergenerational knowledge-sharing as key for supporting rangatahi to be well.

year: 2024