Kathryn R. Stam

Contexts and patterns of men's commercial sexual partnerships in northeastern Thailand: Implications for AIDS prevention

Results of an exploratory research project elaborating the contexts, patterns and specific scenarios of the commercial sexual activity of northeastern Thai men are reported. Data were collected using face-to-face surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews and observations in 32 northeastern villages (n = 744 men), 18 migrant labour camps housing sugarcane workers (n = 219 men), and five cattlemarkets in northeast Thailand. Fifty percent of married men and 43% of single men had visited female sex workers (FSW). Female sex worker visits occurred primarily prior to marriage, though 13% of married men had purchased sexual services within the past year. Nonmarital sexual activity was set within the socio-cultural frameworks of poverty, circular migration, a large commercial sex sector, and a belief system about mens sexuality and mens and womens gender roles. Sexual services were typically purchased as part of friendship group partying (paiy tiaow) and generally included heavy alcohol consumption. The most common scenario for visiting FSWs involved brothels, though cattlemarkets, festivals, and migrant labour situations were also scenarios for FSW contact. These each had unique characteristics that affected the likelihood that condoms would be used. The further the specifics of a scenario (as evaluated by men) diverged from those of brothel contact with an FSW, the less likely men were to identify this as having the potential for HIV transmission and the less likely they were to use a condom. AIDS prevention campaigns must be developed that are sensitive to the socio-cultural framework, contexts and specific scenarios within which nonmarital sexual contacts occur.

A qualitative study of the occupational subculture of information systems employees in organizations

Information Technology (IT) facilitates the effective functioning of most organizations. Individuals who support IT are an important facet to an organization. In the present study, we interviewed these individuals as well as other employees to identify their responsibilities, intra-group and inter-group communication. We used Trices occupational subculture framework to look at the intrinsic differences among subcultures and its members. The results of our study suggest that conflicts arise from differences within members of subcultures. Observed situations of adaptation between occupational subcultures represent an example for remedy to rectify this conflict crisis.Information Technology (IT) facilitates the effective functioning of most organizations. Individuals who support IT are an important facet to an organization. In the present study, we interviewed these individuals as well as other employees to identify their responsibilities, intra-group and inter-group communication. We used Trices occupational subculture framework to look at the intrinsic differences among subcultures and its members. The results of our study suggest that conflicts arise from differences within members of subcultures. Observed situations of adaptation between occupational subcultures represent an example for remedy to rectify this conflict crisis.

Examining the linkage between organizational commitment and information security

Several new lines of research have begun to focus on a sociotechnical approach to information security by simultaneously considering the behavioral and managerial elements of security together with the technical aspects. In this paper, we examine the influence of organizational commitment on some aspects of security behavior in organizations.

Events, emotions, and technology: examining acceptance of workplace technology changes

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to understand the relationship between emotional salience and workplace events related to technology change by using a combination of key features of two popular psychological theories – regulatory focus theory and affective events theory – to view the change process in diverse settings.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on analysis of 18 months of qualitative interview data (n=52 respondents) collected before, during and after the introduction of three different new technologies in three organizations – a hospital, a manufacturing facility, and a psychological counseling center. The mixed methods approach combined descriptive case studies and a structured coding approach derived from a synthesis of the two theories with which the transition processes at each organization were examined.Findings – Employees with a so‐called promotion‐focused orientation were more likely to accept an IT change and the events related to it. Organizational cultures and t...

RIP: the use of inoculation theory and online social networking for enhancing attractiveness of IT occupations

High school students do not have a clear understanding of the role of IT professionals in society. This research in progress investigates how online information sharing can inform young people more effectively about the real implications of working as an IT professional. Ultimately, this research is aimed at understanding whether or not such online information and knowledge sharing can influence attitude change towards IT occupations using inoculation methods to ultimately attract them to the field. In this paper, we discuss existing literature of IT occupations, their culture and functions, the online information and knowledge sharing through social networking, and attitude change using inoculation as a method of persuasion. We describe our current efforts to create online communities of potential newcomers and those who are already part of the occupation, followed by presentation of the type of information that is intended to be shared.