title: Defying the Odds: Gifted and Talented Young People from Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds

authors: Ballam, Nadine Dawn

subjects: Gifted and talented

abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of gifted and talented New Zealand young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with an emphasis on risk and protective processes that might foster resilience.  Ninety-three young people between the ages of 17 and 27 participated in this study, each having been identified as gifted in one or more of the following areas: academic, sporting, creative arts, and leadership.  

The participants were sourced from First Foundation, an organisation that awards scholarships to gifted New Zealand secondary school students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.  At the time this research was undertaken, there were 181 past and present First Foundation scholarship recipients, and invitations to participate were extended to each of these young people. 

The qualitative methodology considered to be most appropriate for this study was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), as it allows the researcher to get an ‘inside perspective’ of how individuals make meaning of their experiences (Smith & Osborn, 2008).  This study involved an anonymous electronic survey of 93 gifted young people, and a further eight in depth interviews.  The survey and interview questions focused on broad themes related to the participants’ giftedness and personal circumstances, including: their talents and interests; their education and schooling; the influence of family and friends; the presence of role models and mentors; and their childhood experiences.

‘Identity’ was one of three key themes that emerged from this study.  One of the most significant findings was that the limitations of being gifted presented as more of a risk factor than limitations associated with personal circumstances, particularly in relation to a sense of identity.  This finding contradicts numerous other studies that focus on the relationship between giftedness and low socioeconomic status.  

Many studies of gifted individuals suggest that ‘drive’, which emerged as a second key theme, is common amongst those who achieve to significant levels.  In this study, however, the majority of participants reported that their drive was directly related to the socioeconomic challenges they had faced.  For many, their drive translated into a strong desire to use their gifts and talents to benefit others facing similar challenges.

‘Opportunities’ were also considered crucial for enabling the talent development process and many of the young people in this study indicated that relationships with other people rather than material opportunities had been most valuable.  The opportunistic natures of the participants also enabled them to recognise, seek out, and make the most of opportunities, despite the limitations of their socioeconomic circumstances. 

Little is known about how gifted New Zealanders from financially challenging backgrounds fare in terms of their talent development and this research addresses recent calls for investigation in this area.  The findings from this study contribute broadly to existing knowledge about gifted and talented learners in New Zealand, and provide specific insight into the lived experiences of those from socioeconomically challenging backgrounds.  One significant finding is the nature of risk and resilience processes operating amongst this group of young people, which may serve to extend understanding of how gifted individuals who face adversity are able to develop their talents.  There are also important implications that arise from this study for those who live and work with gifted young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

text: Defying the Odds: Gifted and Talented Young People from Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of gifted and talented New Zealand young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with an emphasis on risk and protective processes that might foster resilience.  Ninety-three young people between the ages of 17 and 27 participated in this study, each having been identified as gifted in one or more of the following areas: academic, sporting, creative arts, and leadership.  

The participants were sourced from First Foundation, an organisation that awards scholarships to gifted New Zealand secondary school students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.  At the time this research was undertaken, there were 181 past and present First Foundation scholarship recipients, and invitations to participate were extended to each of these young people. 

The qualitative methodology considered to be most appropriate for this study was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), as it allows the researcher to get an ‘inside perspective’ of how individuals make meaning of their experiences (Smith & Osborn, 2008).  This study involved an anonymous electronic survey of 93 gifted young people, and a further eight in depth interviews.  The survey and interview questions focused on broad themes related to the participants’ giftedness and personal circumstances, including: their talents and interests; their education and schooling; the influence of family and friends; the presence of role models and mentors; and their childhood experiences.

‘Identity’ was one of three key themes that emerged from this study.  One of the most significant findings was that the limitations of being gifted presented as more of a risk factor than limitations associated with personal circumstances, particularly in relation to a sense of identity.  This finding contradicts numerous other studies that focus on the relationship between giftedness and low socioeconomic status.  

Many studies of gifted individuals suggest that ‘drive’, which emerged as a second key theme, is common amongst those who achieve to significant levels.  In this study, however, the majority of participants reported that their drive was directly related to the socioeconomic challenges they had faced.  For many, their drive translated into a strong desire to use their gifts and talents to benefit others facing similar challenges.

‘Opportunities’ were also considered crucial for enabling the talent development process and many of the young people in this study indicated that relationships with other people rather than material opportunities had been most valuable.  The opportunistic natures of the participants also enabled them to recognise, seek out, and make the most of opportunities, despite the limitations of their socioeconomic circumstances. 

Little is known about how gifted New Zealanders from financially challenging backgrounds fare in terms of their talent development and this research addresses recent calls for investigation in this area.  The findings from this study contribute broadly to existing knowledge about gifted and talented learners in New Zealand, and provide specific insight into the lived experiences of those from socioeconomically challenging backgrounds.  One significant finding is the nature of risk and resilience processes operating amongst this group of young people, which may serve to extend understanding of how gifted individuals who face adversity are able to develop their talents.  There are also important implications that arise from this study for those who live and work with gifted young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

year: 2013

title: Identifying the Processes of Value Co-Creation

authors: Rashid, Yasir

subjects: Value Co-Creation

abstract: This study aimed to address the issues pertaining practicalities of value co-creation from the perspective of Service-Dominant Logic (S-D) of Marketing. Using an interpretive strategy and case study method, this study responds to the call for empirical treatment of Service-Dominant Logic conceptualization. This is done by answering the question “how does integrating resources co-create value?”. A multiple-actor framework of value co-creation is derived from empirical material interpretation incorporating the nature of value realized by actors, resources and actor classifications, nature of interactions, and stages in value co-creation. 

The outcome of this study suggests that value co-creation is a system where actors engage in dialogues with the aim of improving ‘personal situations’. This system is comprised of various processes at four stages. For instance, resources integration among actors happens at a collaboration stage that co-creates consequences. These consequences are experiences, service offerings, relationships and fluctuations in resources and skills. Resources integration is done through reciprocal co-operative dialogue among actors. These dialogues have four types: initiating, building, sharing and critiquing (IBSC). In the next stage, value is realized in the form of inter-related facets: knowledge, monetary, relationship, functional and experience value. All these value facets together increase or decrease the experience value. Once value is realized, the next stage is the appraisal of the overall experience in the form of positive word of mouth, willingness to participate in the future, innovation, and premium valuation of the service offerings. Positive appraisal results in the improved situations of actors. Improved situations are: increase in resources, actors satisfaction, long-term and sustainable partnerships, and successful service delivery. A negative appraisal recognizes in the co-destruction of value. 

This framework is significant because in addition to providing implications for marketing theory and future research, 4E’s of value co-creation matrix (Engage, Event Space, Evaluation , Encourage) which are focused on resource integrations and actors, are recommended for value co-creation practices. 4E’s of value co-creation also question the efficacy of marketing mix in framing managerial decisions. 4E’s of value co-creation presents a service dominant perspective on developing marketing strategies.

text: Identifying the Processes of Value Co-Creation This study aimed to address the issues pertaining practicalities of value co-creation from the perspective of Service-Dominant Logic (S-D) of Marketing. Using an interpretive strategy and case study method, this study responds to the call for empirical treatment of Service-Dominant Logic conceptualization. This is done by answering the question “how does integrating resources co-create value?”. A multiple-actor framework of value co-creation is derived from empirical material interpretation incorporating the nature of value realized by actors, resources and actor classifications, nature of interactions, and stages in value co-creation. 

The outcome of this study suggests that value co-creation is a system where actors engage in dialogues with the aim of improving ‘personal situations’. This system is comprised of various processes at four stages. For instance, resources integration among actors happens at a collaboration stage that co-creates consequences. These consequences are experiences, service offerings, relationships and fluctuations in resources and skills. Resources integration is done through reciprocal co-operative dialogue among actors. These dialogues have four types: initiating, building, sharing and critiquing (IBSC). In the next stage, value is realized in the form of inter-related facets: knowledge, monetary, relationship, functional and experience value. All these value facets together increase or decrease the experience value. Once value is realized, the next stage is the appraisal of the overall experience in the form of positive word of mouth, willingness to participate in the future, innovation, and premium valuation of the service offerings. Positive appraisal results in the improved situations of actors. Improved situations are: increase in resources, actors satisfaction, long-term and sustainable partnerships, and successful service delivery. A negative appraisal recognizes in the co-destruction of value. 

This framework is significant because in addition to providing implications for marketing theory and future research, 4E’s of value co-creation matrix (Engage, Event Space, Evaluation , Encourage) which are focused on resource integrations and actors, are recommended for value co-creation practices. 4E’s of value co-creation also question the efficacy of marketing mix in framing managerial decisions. 4E’s of value co-creation presents a service dominant perspective on developing marketing strategies.

year: 2015

title: Te kawa whakauru ora: Transformative pathways to flourishing whānau

authors: Raharuhi, Te Urukeiha

subjects: flourishing whānau

abstract: Flourishing is more than a combination of wellbeing factors or the absence of disease. It is a state of vitality, optimism and potential. We flourish when we feel positive about our ability to make choices to improve our lives. We flourish when we have opportunities to make valuable contributions to those we care most about, in ways that are meaningful to us. 

There is a wealth of research about whānau wellbeing. However, it is difficult to discern how it directly benefits whānau. Furthermore, deficit approaches to whānau wellbeing research publicise negative stereotypes that are alienating for Māori and detrimental to our flourishing. Te Kawa Whakauru Ora explores a process of identifying transformative pathways to flourishing whānau. It is not a generic approach that represents whānau as homogenous. Nor does it equate whānau with household or nuclear family. This research inquiry into flourishing whānau occurs within the scope of whakapapa and explores diversity within my whānau. 

This research inquiry compares whānau participation in individual wellbeing activities with participation in whānau events. Whānau events are identified by whānau as the only occasions where we experience whakapapa, whanaungatanga and aspects of flourishing that are unique to our collective wellbeing. The research inquiry then focuses on trialling a process of identifying pathways to flourishing whānau through participation in whānau events. When we participate in whānau events, we simultaneously access many aspects of flourishing to varying degrees. Te reo Māori and Māori concepts that are accessible to all whānau regardless of our level of proficiency, are tools to raise our awareness about these. When coupled with an existing research framework, a process for time series analysis of flourishing whānau is created, allowing us to document and compare the contexts of flourishing experienced at different events. 

The trial process of identifying transformative pathways to flourishing whānau is described in detail throughout this thesis to engage with whānau wanting to document the contexts within which they access flourishing. The research process recognises that the potential for pathways to be transformative increases when these are identified by each whānau. This thesis is thus different from existing research about whānau wellbeing because it demonstrates and strengthens whānau research capability.

text: Te kawa whakauru ora: Transformative pathways to flourishing whānau Flourishing is more than a combination of wellbeing factors or the absence of disease. It is a state of vitality, optimism and potential. We flourish when we feel positive about our ability to make choices to improve our lives. We flourish when we have opportunities to make valuable contributions to those we care most about, in ways that are meaningful to us. 

There is a wealth of research about whānau wellbeing. However, it is difficult to discern how it directly benefits whānau. Furthermore, deficit approaches to whānau wellbeing research publicise negative stereotypes that are alienating for Māori and detrimental to our flourishing. Te Kawa Whakauru Ora explores a process of identifying transformative pathways to flourishing whānau. It is not a generic approach that represents whānau as homogenous. Nor does it equate whānau with household or nuclear family. This research inquiry into flourishing whānau occurs within the scope of whakapapa and explores diversity within my whānau. 

This research inquiry compares whānau participation in individual wellbeing activities with participation in whānau events. Whānau events are identified by whānau as the only occasions where we experience whakapapa, whanaungatanga and aspects of flourishing that are unique to our collective wellbeing. The research inquiry then focuses on trialling a process of identifying pathways to flourishing whānau through participation in whānau events. When we participate in whānau events, we simultaneously access many aspects of flourishing to varying degrees. Te reo Māori and Māori concepts that are accessible to all whānau regardless of our level of proficiency, are tools to raise our awareness about these. When coupled with an existing research framework, a process for time series analysis of flourishing whānau is created, allowing us to document and compare the contexts of flourishing experienced at different events. 

The trial process of identifying transformative pathways to flourishing whānau is described in detail throughout this thesis to engage with whānau wanting to document the contexts within which they access flourishing. The research process recognises that the potential for pathways to be transformative increases when these are identified by each whānau. This thesis is thus different from existing research about whānau wellbeing because it demonstrates and strengthens whānau research capability.

year: 2025