The aim of this paper is to shed light on the characteristics and impact of different institutional environments in non-profit welfare provision in Denmark. Based on an analytical framework inspired by the policy fields approach (Stone and Sandfort 2009), the paper argues that to understand the non-profit sector, it is necessary to take a closer look at the differences and similarities not only across welfare fields, but also across non-profit providers and their public counterparts within the same field. Based on data from case studies on primary schools and nursing homes in two Danish municipalities, a number of explanatory factors are identified and analyzed: Regulative rules, funding issues, norms and expectations, and the degree of competition. Results show important differences in the institutional environment of the two welfare fields, and that these differences have an actual impact on outcomes: Both collaborative activities of welfare providers and organizational commitment among leaders, employees, and users are highly influenced by characteristics of the institutional environment. It is argued that the applied analytical framework can help understand and explain the large variations in non-profit welfare provision across fields, within countries.

The use of multimethod research is becoming increasingly widespread in the social sciences, including political science, and it is part of a broader movement that has moved beyond the single focus on either qualitative or quantitative studies. In Multimethod Research, Causal Mechanisms, and Case Studies: An Integrated Approach, Gary Goertz lays out a comprehensive approach to multimethod research and to the use of case studies. The aim is to integrate qualitative and quantitative research—for instance through case studies—and to show the advantages of combining the two. Goertz does so by bringing together causal mechanisms, cross-case causal inference and within-case causal inference into what he calls the research triad of this integrated approach to social science research. In their reviews of Goertz’ book, David Waldner, Jennifer Cyr and Kendra Koivu take issues with particular aspects of Goertz’ case for multimethod and case study research, while also addressing larger methodological issues surrounding political science research.

New Public Management (NPM) and follow-up reforms have extended the external accountability duties of nonprofit organizations (NPOs). They are increasingly obliged to demonstrate performance in terms of efficiency and effectiveness and to introduce performance measurement systems (PM systems) for this purpose. This is also the case in Austria, a country with a strong (neo-)corporatist tradition. In the field of social services, nonprofit–government relations are now commonly regulated by performance-based contracts (PBCs) entailing specific accountability obligations. We assume that these externally imposed performance accountability demands affect both NPOs’ strategic focus and their relationships to important stakeholders including state authorities, and thereby influence the system of societal governance. Thus, we investigate NPOs’ stakeholder focus, (power) relations between NPOs and public funders and explore to what extent the latter exert influence on PM system development and how nonprofit executives assess the cost–benefit ratio of PM systems imposed on them.

Building on a Lakatosian approach that sees Social Science as an endeavour that confronts rival theories with systematic empirical observations, this article responds to probing questions that have been raised about the appropriate ways in which to conduct systematic process analysis and comparative enquiry. It explores varieties of process tracing, the role of interpretation in case studies, and the relationship between process tracing and comparative historical analysis.

The questions address the ontological and epistemological implications of taking the ‘mechanismic’ view of causal mechanisms seriously, suggesting that they are more than events or series of intervening variables. Peter Hall is asked his views on the nature of causal mechanisms, and the logics of inference that we can use to study them in within-case analysis.

A fit between theory and method is essential in theory – guided empirical research. Achieving such a fit in process tracing is less straightforward than it may seem at first glance. There are two different types of processes that one can theorise and, consequently, two varieties of process tracing. The two varieties are introduced by empirical examples and distinguished with respect to four characteristics. Failure to determine the form of process tracing at hand may lead to invalid causal inferences.

This study aims to examine the question around how small- and medium-scale hybrid social enterprises within the context of the Middle East and North Africa manage paradoxical tensions they face in their everyday decision-making. By placing a lens on the unique hybrid processes facing organizational members rooted in traditional social and economic rationales, we seek to better understand the breadth of strategies adopted and their relevance to the specific contextual considerations of the study. Through analyzing five in-depth case studies from the region, the study aims to add insights on the practice of managing organizational paradoxes to maintain social-economic hybridity. We also introduce practical implications for managers and supporters of small- and medium-scale social enterprises.

Photovoltaic (PV) has proved to be one of the most compact, durable and economic power generating systems developed by mankind. The potential of solar energy is being used for sustainable development and to meet the increasing power demand. Floating solar photovoltaic (FSPV) is a comparatively newer concept of installing the PV system on the surface of water bodies. Despite its several advantages, it is found that FSPV systems in the sea need to be restricted, and multiple islanded structures should be preferred to reduce the side effects in aquatic ecosystems. The most preferred site for installing FSPV is in the reservoir of hydro plant as integration with the grid and hydro system becomes easy. The USA, the European Union and Southern and Eastern Asia mainly Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and India have very long coastline which can be effectively used for FSPV installation and meeting the load demand through clean and renewable sources without exhausting the land. In India, over 5000 dams are already functional with a total reservoir area of 14855.57 square kilometers. Only 2% covering the reservoirs can add a total of 89.1 TWh of energy to the grid annually during 8 h of sunlight at conversion efficiency of 25% with an underestimate of only 5 months of proper sunlight. It can be achieved with minimum installation costs and maintenance costs. Sustainable development ensures that energy production must also have minimal or nil harmful impact on nature and humankind. This paper lays emphasis on all the technical aspects of the FSPV system and reliable ways to prevent and overcome it efficiently. Moreover, the integration of FSPV with other different non-conventional sources to boost energy production is also analyzed.

Quantitative research has established a strong association between ethnopolitical exclusion and civil war onset, but direct investigation of the proposed causal pathway has been limited. This article applies large-N qualitative analysis (LNQA) to 15 post–Cold War cases to trace how exclusion may generate grievances, mobilization, and conflict escalation. In nine cases, grievance-based mobilization preceded civil war, and escalation followed governments’ reliance on indiscriminate repression or on inconsistent mixes of rejection and accommodation. In six cases, however, conflict itself produced exclusion, revealing recursive dynamics rather than a one-way sequence. These findings refine grievance theory by showing that escalation is shaped by patterns of state response and that exclusion may also emerge as a result of violence. More broadly, the study demonstrates how systematic qualitative analysis across multiple cases can trace mechanisms, address concerns about endogeneity and measurement validity, and still support cautious generalization.

Conduct disorder is a psychological condition marked by persistent patterns of rule-breaking, aggression and disregard for societal norms. As pornography consumption becomes increasingly prevalent among young adults, concerns have emerged regarding its potential psychological and social implications. This study explores how pornography consumption may contribute to conduct disorder symptoms among young adults through an in-depth qualitative analysis. Using a case-study approach, four individuals with a history of frequent pornography consumption and behavioural issues linked to conduct disorder were selected. Data were collected through detailed interviews, focusing on their experiences, behavioural patterns and psychological effects. The analysis revealed that prolonged exposure to certain types of pornography was associated with increased impulsivity, aggression and rule-breaking tendencies. Participants also reported social and emotional challenges, further reinforcing conduct disorder symptoms. This study suggests that specific patterns of pornography consumption may play a role in the development or worsening of conduct disorder symptoms. Recognizing these behavioural links is crucial for creating effective prevention and intervention strategies, especially for young adults at risk of engaging in deviant or criminal behaviour.