Social value creation through digital activism in an online health community

2021 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 8

Authors: Chamakiotis, Petros; Petrakaki, Dimitra; Panteli, Niki

Abstract: The study explores how online health communities produce social value by uniting ... Expand

Abstract: The study explores how online health communities produce social value by uniting individuals under a common purpose, to advance healthcare in post-conflict states. We selected MedicineAfrica – a digital platform known for creating social value by providing medical education in regions with under-resourced healthcare systems – and drew on multiple data collection methods. We found that it is through a unique form of digital health activism that social value is created in this context. Drawing on a sociological understanding of digital health activism, we make the following contributions: First, we identify three types of non-economic, social value: cognitive, professional and epistemic. Second, we indicate that social value creation is enabled by three emergent forms of digital health activism (ie, philanthropic, moral and reciprocal activity). Third, we elicit three enabling mechanisms explaining how these forms of activism are technically and socially afforded through the platform's connective capacity and emerging collective practices in tandem with its members' growing commitment. Our article contributes to the growing IS literature on digital activism by offering a framework that elucidates how digital health activism relates to social value creation. The article provides practical implications as to how platforms can enable sustainable online (health) communities. Collapse

Topics: health information system value creation digital platform online community IT career

Methods: qualitative interview case study literature study qualitative content analysis theoretical contribution

Theories: theory of affordance

Power Distribution in the Networks of Terrorist Groups: 2001–2018

2020 | Group Decision and Negotiation | Citations: 0

Authors: Aleskerov, Fuad; Gavrilenkova, Irina; Shvydun, Sergey; Yakuba, Vyacheslav

Abstract: Since 9/11, terrorism has become a global issue of the twenty-first century. Ter ... Expand

Abstract: Since 9/11, terrorism has become a global issue of the twenty-first century. Terrorist organizations become important actors of world politics as they gain influence on political process and decision-making. Some organizations compete with each other in order to gain more power and influence. We study the distribution of power among terrorist groups using network approach and applying classic and new centrality indices (Short-Range (SRIC) and Long-Range interactions indices (LRIC)). These indices allow to identify terrorist groups with direct and indirect influence on the terrorist network. Collapse

Topics: terrorist incident database system individual characteristic armed conflict

Generating Social Value through Online Communities: The Case of MedicineAfrica

2017 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Chamakiotis, Petros; Panteli, Niki

Abstract: Online communities have seen exponential growth over the last few years, and hav ... Expand

Abstract: Online communities have seen exponential growth over the last few years, and have thus attracted crossdisciplinary scholarly and practitioner attention. We extend literature on online communities by presenting them as social value creation entities. We use the case of MedicineAfrica—an online healthcare initiative that promotes knowledge sharing and learning to poorly resourced countries. Our approach is qualitative and draws primarily on interviews with different projects and groups of participants involved in MedicineAfrica. So far, our preliminary analysis begins to explain what social value creation means for the different stakeholders involved in MedicineAfrica. Thus, understanding the motives of the voluntary members is important for the sustainability of these communities. We also find that social value is created through the emergence of human and social capital which substantially benefits both those in the remote and fragile areas, as well as those giving up their time to share their knowledge and expertise. Collapse

Topics: value creation online community video conference knowledge sharing website

Methods: qualitative interview case study personal interview

Conflict Evolution: Tracking the Middle East Conflict with Drama Theory

2014 | Group Decision and Negotiation | Citations: 0

Authors: Bryant, Jim

Abstract: The situation in the Middle East has developed through an episodic process in wh ... Expand

Abstract: The situation in the Middle East has developed through an episodic process in which the protagonists have periodically changed the ‘game’ that they are playing by inventing new options, seeking to eliminate the options available to others, or by raising or eliminating doubts in the minds of others about their intentions. Such conflict evolution is readily captured by the framework of drama theory which goes some way to explaining the pressures motivating such actions. This paper traces the recent development of relations between the Israelis and the Palestinians through a succession of drama theoretic models. The importance of taking note of interactions at several levels is highlighted: stalemate at one level may be dislodged by actions taken in others. It is concluded that any resolution of the confrontations in the Middle East is likely to require the active involvement of the international community but may be destabilised by pressure from internal factions within the key parties. Collapse

Occupational Culture and Commitment in the IT Profession: A Multi-Country Perspective

2006 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Guzman, Indira; Sharif, Raed; Kwiatkowska, Agnieszka; Li, Qing

Abstract: Studies about Information Technology (IT) professionals have shown that occupati ... Expand

Abstract: Studies about Information Technology (IT) professionals have shown that occupational commitment can be influenced by several factors. However, there is little empirical evidence about the relationship between the adaptation of the cultural features of the IT occupation and the level of commitment to this occupation. In a previous research study conducted by Guzman, Stanton and associates (2006), a survey instrument was developed and initially tested on the sample of American college students in IT-related majors. In this study, the same instrument was adapted and tested on a sample of IT professionals in an international setting - Bolivia, Palestine, China, Colombia and Poland. The reliability of survey instrument turned out to be very consistent with the previous results and the adaptation to the features of the IT occupational culture (i.e. stereotyping, jargon language, unusual demands, need for continuous updating, and pervasiveness) were demonstrated to be good predictors of the commitment to the occupation. Furthermore, we also found interesting differences across countries, especially in terms of the nature and level of commitment. Collapse

Topics: IT workforce IT job job satisfaction electronic mail

Methods: survey design survey regression analysis method ANOVA parametric test