Lara Carminati

Bio: Lara Carminati is an academic researcher from University of Surrey. The author has contributed to research in topics: Psychology & Qualitative research. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 6 publications receiving 74 citations. Previous affiliations of Lara Carminati include University of Twente.

Generalizability in Qualitative Research: A Tale of Two Traditions:

Abstract: Generalizability in qualitative research has been a controversial topic given that interpretivist scholars have resisted the dominant role and mandate of the positivist tradition within social sciences Aiming to find universal laws, the positivist paradigm has made generalizability a crucial criterion for evaluating the rigor of quantitative research This positivist echo has led generalizability to acquire a quantitative meaning, inappropriate for describing qualitative studies The purpose of qualitative research has thus been directed towards providing in-depth explanations and meanings rather than generalizing findings Through a critical review of empirical and theoretical studies, this commentary seeks to show that in qualitative domains generalizability is possible provided that: first, generalizability is the main objective of the study; second, due precautions concerning the philosophy and terminology selected are taken Hence, this commentary contributes to the literature on qualitative research by making suggestions for more consistent and unanimous procedures to adopt in qualitative inquiries

Between ethics and law:: TNCs’ behaviour in modern economic globalisation

Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this article is to offer a critical and broad perspective on how transnational companies (TNCs) behave in the global context, focusing its attention on the controversial issue of tax avoidance in the UK. It pursues this aim by taking into account not only economic globalisation, mobility of capital and tax havens, but also ethics and corporate social responsibility. Design/methodology/approach - This article seeks to provide an interdisciplinary viewpoint drawing not only from well-established scholarly literature but also from real cases and evidence, such as the scandals involving corporate giants, such as Starbucks, Google and Amazon in the UK. Findings - This article highlights the fundamental interplay and mutual aid of ethics and international laws, underlining the increasing importance of corporate social responsibility principles in todays’ business practices. However, it also emphasises the need of reinforcing these principles with either regional or universalistic legal approaches to tackle TNCs’ misconduct in the international arena. Practical implications - This article suggests that by establishing and enforcing international business laws, increasingly aligned with ethical principles, the gap between ethics and legislation can be consistently bridged. Hence, TNCs’ behaviour could be more efficiently controlled. Originality/value - The paper contributes to the literature on modern economic globalisation by providing a comprehensive and integrative perspective on TNCs’ behaviour, accounting for the interplay of socio-ethical, legal and business principles.

Between multiple identities and personal struggles: Healthcare professionals’ identity conflict perception and responses in challenging situations

Abstract: Due to the increasing diversity and complexity of today’s workplaces, individuals may experience identity conflict between the multiple identities they hold. Working under pressure and high uncertainty, healthcare professionals may face identity conflict between their professional and personal identities and values, especially in challenging situations. Although such conflict can significantly affect doctors and nurses’ psychological and behavioural responses and, ultimately, the quality of the healthcare system, how identity conflict emerges and unfolds remains unclear. By integrating works in organisational- management and medical literature, we thus explore healthcare professionals’ identity conflict dynamics in challenging situations, such as End-of-Life circumstances. We conducted a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews (N= 47), among healthcare professionals working for the English National Healthcare Service. We implemented both theoretical and random samplings and followed grounded theory approaches to analyse the data. Our findings show that identity conflict was perceived between different identities but also within the same identity and, surprisingly, the conflict was stimulated by perspective taking processes. Lastly, behavioural responses to identity conflict included seeking peer support and doing reflective practices, whereas its psychological consequences unexpectedly embrace identity growth and positive learning dynamics. Hence, this paper contributes to and extends newer approaches in the identity literature by, firstly, focusing on identity conflict in depth, as one of the intrapsychic relationships of multiple identities simultaneously activated; and, secondly, unravelling some of the conditions whereby identity conflict can emerge and affect healthcare professionals’ psychological and behavioural responses.

Multilevel dynamics of moral identity conflict: professional and personal values in ethically-charged situations

Abstract: Through an interdisciplinary literature review, this propositional paper explores the emergence and unfolding of professionals’ moral identity conflicts involving important but contrasting values. ...

The Paradox of Choice : Why More is Less (Mengapa Lebih Itu Justru Kurang)

Abstract: Whether we're buying a pair of jeans, ordering a cup of coffee, selecting a long-distance carrier, applying to college, choosing a doctor, or setting up a 401(k), everyday decisions-both big and small-have become increasingly complex due to the overwhelming abundance of choice with which we are presented. As Americans, we assume that more choice means better options and greater satisfaction. But beware of excessive choice: choice overload can make you question the decisions you make before you even make them, it can set you up for unrealistically high expectations, and it can make you blame yourself for any and all failures. In the long run, this can lead to decision-making paralysis, anxiety, and perpetual stress. And, in a culture that tells us that there is no excuse for falling short of perfection when your options are limitless, too much choice can lead to clinical depression. In The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz explains at what point choice-the hallmark of individual freedom and self-determination that we so cherish-becomes detrimental to our psychological and emotional well-being. In accessible, engaging, and anecdotal prose, Schwartz shows how the dramatic explosion in choice-from the mundane to the profound challenges of balancing career, family, and individual needs-has paradoxically become a problem instead of a solution. Schwartz also shows how our obsession with choice encourages us to seek that which makes us feel worse. By synthesizing current research in the social sciences, Schwartz makes the counter intuitive case that eliminating choices can greatly reduce the stress, anxiety, and busyness of our lives. He offers eleven practical steps on how to limit choices to a manageable number, have the discipline to focus on those that are important and ignore the rest, and ultimately derive greater satisfaction from the choices you have to make.

Rigor in Qualitative Methods: An Evaluation of Strategies Among Underrepresented Rural Communities.

Abstract: Achieving rigor using selected criteria to determine trustworthiness using qualitative methods has been without critical evaluation. In this article, strategies such as prolonged engagement and thick, rich description; negative case analysis; peer review or briefing; clarifying researcher bias; member checking; and, investigator triangulation and intercoder reliability are evaluated for appropriateness among an African American Appalachian rural population. Achieving rigor using qualitative methods among participants living in rural communities is time intensive requiring attention to quality versus quantity of time spent in interviews, building trusting relationships, an awareness of interviewer bias and assumptions, and appropriately evaluated strategies that enhance validity. Strategies to achieve rigor in qualitative methods should not be used as a one size fits all approach as this practice might actually diminish rigor. Among underrepresented populations, strategies should be adapted or not used at all.