Noreen Byrne

Money-Lending and Financial Exclusion

This article focuses on money-lending and financial exclusion in Ireland. Borrowing from money-lenders is seen in the academic literature as an indicator of exclusion from more affordable sources of credit. However, Ireland has a widespread credit union movement which provides access to affordable credit. The authors investigated whether this has an impact on the use of money-lending in Ireland. They found that a significant number of people who borrow from moneylenders also borrow from mainstream sources of credit. The borrower and moneylender relationship is complex and is not centred on access alone. The authors explain why new policy is needed which must not only focus on access to financial services but equally on financial education and regulation.

Value proposition preferences of credit union members and patronage activity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the technical and relational value proposition preferences of credit union members and to examine the relationship between their preference and patronage activity. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 800 members of credit unions were surveyed. Exploratory factor analysis was used and four factors were extracted incorporating technical and relational dimensions of the credit union service. Member value proposition preferences are examined and the relationship to patronage activity of the credit union was explored. Findings – The majority of members express a higher or equal preference for a relational rather than a technical value proposition. Those that express a greater or equal preference for relational value are more likely to have a higher level of patronage activity. Research limitations/implications – Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions and hence the study is context dependent. Credit unions are member-owned financial instituti...

Exploring the role of citizen journalism in slum improvement: the case of ‘Voice of Kibera’

This paper explores the role of citizen journalism in the improvement of slums through the Voice of Kibera (VoK) case study. To meet the research objectives, both qualitative and quantitative methods are applied. The study used content analysis, a survey and interview techniques. It concluded that citizen journalism in the VoK uses a participatory, bottom-up approach, with the residents taking a lead role in the production and consumption of news, and that it plays its part in improving the lives of people in Kibera, contributing to governance and processes of democracy. The core development values of participation and empowerment are central to this study, which examines how these values are being impacted on by information technology interventions in the communications area. The research also concludes that citizen journalism may be sustainable if it is financed, promoted, resourced with professional journalists, equipped with new technologies and citizens continue to participate. Lack of cooperation from the audience, finance both for the running of the project, salary and technical problems were cited as the major challenges of citizen journalism.

Exploring the role of citizen journalism in slum improvement: The case of voice of Kibera

Abstract This paper explores the role of citizen journalism in the improvement of slums through the Voice of Kibera (VOK) case study. To meet the research objectives, both qualitative and quantitative methods are applied. The study used content analysis, survey, and interview techniques. It concluded that citizen journalism in the VoK uses a participatory, bottom up approach, with the residents taking a lead role in the production and consumption of news, and that it plays its part in improving the lives of people in Kibera, contributing to governance and processes of democracy. The research also concludes that citizen journalism may be sustainable if it is, financed, promoted, resourced with professional journalists, equipped with new technologies and citizens continue to participate. Lack of cooperation from the audience, finance both for the running of the project and salary and technical problems were cited as the major challenges of citizen journalism.