Pre-Conference Workshops

From Codes to Contribution: Using the Gioia Approach to Do Social Capital Research

Facilitator/s:

Yusuf Hassan, Heriot Watt University

Workshop Description:

This two-hour, hands-on workshop introduces the Gioia methodology as a clear way to build grounded theory in studies of social capital. We start with a quick overview of how Gioia helps researchers move from raw interviews, field notes, and documents to first-order codes, second-order themes, and an aggregate dimension. I will then walk through a live example so participants can see coding decisions in real time. Most of the session is practical: small groups will code short transcript excerpts, compare labels, reconcile differences, and sketch a data structure that makes sense to multiple readers. We will discuss how to maintain an audit trail, demonstrate rigour without losing the story, and write the methods and findings sections so reviewers can follow the chain of evidence. The session is software-neutral, meaning that participants can use paper, Excel, or any CAQDAS software. The session will follow this simple running order: 15 minutes for framing and fitting to social capital research, 20 minutes for a live coding demo, 35 minutes for group coding practice, 20 minutes for building the data structure and figure, 15 minutes for discussing trustworthiness and audit trails, and finally, 15 minutes for writing up and a Q&A session. Participants are encouraged to bring a page or two of anonymous transcripts or notes to use during the activities.

Objectives or Learning Outcomes:
  • Distinguish first-order codes, second-order themes and aggregate dimensions in the Gioia approach
  • Practise open coding on a short social capital dataset and reconcile codes in a small group
  • Construct a clear data structure and accompanying figure that links data to theory
  • Develop a short audit trail that documents decisions and strengthens trustworthiness
  • Identify common pitfalls in Gioia studies and ways to avoid them in proposals and papers
  • Draft the core elements of a methods paragraph and a findings subsection using Gioia language
  • Map how insights about ties, trust, norms and resources travel from data to contribution in social capital research
  • Leave with a simple template (coding sheet and figure outline) to apply in your own project
Intended Audience:

This workshop is aimed at researchers who want a disciplined, transparent way to analyse qualitative data for work on social capital. It will be useful for doctoral students, early-career scholars and experienced academics across management, HRM, sociology, public policy, education, health and sports management. Practitioners who collect interviews or field notes and need to turn them into publishable insights are also welcome. No prior experience with specific software is required, though basic familiarity with interviews or qualitative texts will help. Participants who bring a short, anonymised excerpt from their own projects will be able to test the steps during the session.

About the Facilitator/s:

I am an interdisciplinary academic and Assistant Professor of Business Management and Programme Director of MSc International Business Management (with HRM & Finance) at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, with prior appointments across the UK, USA and India. I am a qualified social worker (CDA Dubai), a chartered member of the Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD UK) and a certified business management educator (CABS UK). Trained at IIM Indore and a fellow at the Stockholm School of Economics, my research lies at the intersection of talent management, leadership and sport, particularly in marginalised contexts such as para-sports and the gig economy. I integrate qualitative (Gioia method, narrative inquiry) and quantitative methods to explore contemporary organisational issues. My work has been published in ABS/ABDC peer-reviewed journals and is complemented by editorial roles at several international journals. I am a recipient of multiple international travel grants and scholarly awards, and I have presented at leading global conferences, including EGOS, EURAM, AOM and ANZAM. My teaching is rooted in experiential design, blending simulations, Netflix-themed cases and gamified modules to drive engagement. I am also an advocate for inclusive pedagogy and ethical leadership in business education.

About the workshops

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the conference will host up to 30 half-day workshops, running in both morning and afternoon sessions, before the opening keynote presentation by Professor Robert Putnam in the evening.

These workshops will span a wide range of topics connected to social capital, offering space for hands-on practice, in-depth research exploration, applied analysis, and more. They provide an opportunity for participants to engage closely with experts, develop practical skills, and exchange insights in a more interactive format than the main conference sessions.

Workshop Signup will be available with the conference registration

Registration will open in October 2025. Even before registration opens, you can register your Expression of Interest to receive timely updates, registration reminders, and program news directly from the organisers.

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Want to facilitate a workshop?

We invite proposals for workshops to be held in conjunction with Social Capital 2026. We welcome submissions from academics, practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, and others with relevant expertise or experience.

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