Aim/objective: This study examines the value that learning community activities and interactions produce (immediate value) during the early stage of community development, contributing to... Show moreAim/objective: This study examines the value that learning community activities and interactions produce (immediate value) during the early stage of community development, contributing to scientific insights on value creation. Background: Due to the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, nurses and nursing students need to adjust their skills, knowledge and collaboration with colleagues and other disciplines. Learning communities are a promising approach to enhancing professional growth and collaboration, where members find value through participation in the community. Design: For the study, a qualitative design was used. Methods: A secondary analysis of case study data, collected during the first five sessions of a hospital learning community comprised of nurses, nursing students and a nurse lecturer, was conducted. Results: The analysis revealed immediate value related to five themes: participation, activity, engagement, interaction, and confidence/trust. Members were encouraged to participate in and be involved during activities and interactions, such as asking questions, sharing their experiences and receiving feedback. Members became more familiar and confident in later community sessions, promoting immediate value creation. This was indicated by the different members who became active, took initiative or discussed problems. Conclusions: It is concluded that the activities and interactions produce value during the early stage of community development but may also grow to include new activities and interactions associated with further community development. Show less
This contribution analyses the impacts of conversions of commercial – mainly white-owned – farms to wildlife-based production on access to land for farm workers and dwellers in South Africa. They... Show moreThis contribution analyses the impacts of conversions of commercial – mainly white-owned – farms to wildlife-based production on access to land for farm workers and dwellers in South Africa. They depended on informal arrangements with landowners for access, hence the notions of ‘abilities to access’ and ‘bundles of power’ are more appropriate concepts to analyze their access than bundles of rights. In post-apartheid South Africa, the state attempted to formalize farm dwellers’ land rights, but simultaneously deregulated the agricultural sector, which stimulated land concentration and land investments, and changed social relations on commercial farms. These contradictory interventions impact negatively on farm dwellers’ abilities to access to land on commercial farms. The paper furthermore demonstrates that conversions to wildlife-based production constitute one response by landowners to the changes in the agricultural sector, but also play a role in struggles about identity and belonging in post-apartheid South Africa. Show less
