title: Engaging Corrupt Somalia

authors: Leslie, Mathew

subjects: Corruption

abstract: This thesis addresses a fundamental question, which is particularly relevant in the Somali context; why has corruption remained endemic in international aid programmes in Somalia? In researching and analysing this question this thesis examined the characteristics of the aid systems in Somalia, which provide an enabling environment for corruption against the application of a consociationalist democratic model. Indicators of success for international interventions in Somalia surround expenditure, presence, influence, geo-political interest and security, and have not included the promotion of Somali-centric models for good governance, transparency and accountability – key actions necessary to help mitigate corrupt practices. Consequently, this thesis examines corruption in Somalia, and its presence in international aid based upon three key factors - adverse clan self-interest, international geo-political self-interest, and lack of effective state building support. While consociationalist theory provides an opportunity for Somalia to address such gaps, this will require a comprehensive and holistic approach and a commitment by the clans in Somalia to collaborate rather than continue to engage in corrupt, self-interested and opportunistic behaviours.

text: Engaging Corrupt Somalia This thesis addresses a fundamental question, which is particularly relevant in the Somali context; why has corruption remained endemic in international aid programmes in Somalia? In researching and analysing this question this thesis examined the characteristics of the aid systems in Somalia, which provide an enabling environment for corruption against the application of a consociationalist democratic model. Indicators of success for international interventions in Somalia surround expenditure, presence, influence, geo-political interest and security, and have not included the promotion of Somali-centric models for good governance, transparency and accountability – key actions necessary to help mitigate corrupt practices. Consequently, this thesis examines corruption in Somalia, and its presence in international aid based upon three key factors - adverse clan self-interest, international geo-political self-interest, and lack of effective state building support. While consociationalist theory provides an opportunity for Somalia to address such gaps, this will require a comprehensive and holistic approach and a commitment by the clans in Somalia to collaborate rather than continue to engage in corrupt, self-interested and opportunistic behaviours.

year: 2014

title: Narratives of online collaborative experiences: Leaders and lurkers

authors: Janson, Annick

abstract: The purpose of this research was to unpack the reasons why people engage in varying levels of online collaboration in a self selected group. The research investigated (I) the role of online interaction platforms, (2) participants' perceived constraints on, and enablers of online collaboration in order to answer the main research question on (3) how leaders and lurkers deconstructed the online experiences underlying their differing participation levels. 
An action research methodology was adopted to study how a virtual group evolved. Four iterations of the action research cycle, each building on previous learning, describe the online group's activities "following the actors" through the emergence and establishment of the online actor-network. 
Participants adopted a distributed email listserve to support initial online group collaboration and a web-based discussion forum to grow the actor-network. Thematic analysis of postings outlined seven main themes, translated as either constraining (time and trust), or enabling online collaboration (beliefs on the value of networking, success aspirations, community belonging, communication channels, storytelling and online trust building). 
A narrative framework was developed to collect and analyse participants' stories and motives. Self-selected leaders and lurkers constructed different online practice. In narrative terms, leaders experienced most 'unique outcomes' by experiencing and storying online communication skills previously unknown to them. Additionally, leaders emphasised 'social entrepreneurship' motivation to contribute towards their country's growth and proposed 'temporal virtual consultations' as an alternative to conventional conceptions of online groups. 
Lurkers, on the other hand, were divided about the value of 'virtual networking' in extending business networks. A novel lurking experience was coined 'silent commitment' describing reluctance to participate online contrasting with high face to face involvement. 
A 'virtual leadership' model was developed integrating the findings to illustrate the contribution of individual self-selected virtual leaders in building social capital. This model illustrates how virtual leaders built online collective capacity constructing an 'archetypal' online narrative.

text: Narratives of online collaborative experiences: Leaders and lurkers The purpose of this research was to unpack the reasons why people engage in varying levels of online collaboration in a self selected group. The research investigated (I) the role of online interaction platforms, (2) participants' perceived constraints on, and enablers of online collaboration in order to answer the main research question on (3) how leaders and lurkers deconstructed the online experiences underlying their differing participation levels. 
An action research methodology was adopted to study how a virtual group evolved. Four iterations of the action research cycle, each building on previous learning, describe the online group's activities "following the actors" through the emergence and establishment of the online actor-network. 
Participants adopted a distributed email listserve to support initial online group collaboration and a web-based discussion forum to grow the actor-network. Thematic analysis of postings outlined seven main themes, translated as either constraining (time and trust), or enabling online collaboration (beliefs on the value of networking, success aspirations, community belonging, communication channels, storytelling and online trust building). 
A narrative framework was developed to collect and analyse participants' stories and motives. Self-selected leaders and lurkers constructed different online practice. In narrative terms, leaders experienced most 'unique outcomes' by experiencing and storying online communication skills previously unknown to them. Additionally, leaders emphasised 'social entrepreneurship' motivation to contribute towards their country's growth and proposed 'temporal virtual consultations' as an alternative to conventional conceptions of online groups. 
Lurkers, on the other hand, were divided about the value of 'virtual networking' in extending business networks. A novel lurking experience was coined 'silent commitment' describing reluctance to participate online contrasting with high face to face involvement. 
A 'virtual leadership' model was developed integrating the findings to illustrate the contribution of individual self-selected virtual leaders in building social capital. This model illustrates how virtual leaders built online collective capacity constructing an 'archetypal' online narrative.

year: 2005

title: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2007

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Maori and Psychology Research Unit

abstract: Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2007. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

text: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2007 Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2007. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

year: 2008