Paul T.P. Wong and Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky
The purpose of this article is to meet Professor Paul T.P. Wong, PhD, CPscyh, who is based at the Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Wong…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to meet Professor Paul T.P. Wong, PhD, CPscyh, who is based at the Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Wong represents an interesting case of how a racial/cultural minority could achieve success in a hostile environment consisting of the systemic biases of injustice, discrimination and marginalization. His life also epitomizes how one can experience the paradoxical truth of healing and flourishing in an upside-down world through the positive suffering mindset (PSM).
Design/methodology/approach
This case study is presented in two sections: a positive autoethnography written by Wong, followed by his answers to ten questions. The core methodology of positive autoethnography allows people to understand how Wong’s life experience of being a war baby in China, a constant outsider and a lone voice in Western culture, has shaped a very different vision of meaning, positive mental health and global flourishing.
Findings
Wong reveals how to live a life of meaning and happiness for all the suffering people in a difficult world. He has researched the positive psychology of suffering for 60 years, from effective coping with stress and searching for meaning to successful aging and positive death. According to Wong’s suffering hypothesis and the emerging paradigm of existential positive psychology (Wong, 2021), cultivating a PSM is essential for healing and flourishing in all seasons of life.
Research limitations/implications
An expanding literature has been developed to illustrate why the missing link in well-being research is how to transcend and transform suffering into triumph. Wong reveals how this emerging area of research is still not fully embraced by mainstream psychology dominated by the individualistic Euro-American culture, and thus why, in an adversarial milieu, existential positive psychology is limited by its inability to attract more researchers to test out Wong’s suffering hypothesis.
Practical implications
The wisdom and helpful tools presented here may enable people to achieve mature happiness and existential well-being even when they have a very painful past, a very difficult present and a bleak future.
Social implications
This autoethnographic case study offers new grounds for hope for all those who are injured by life, marginalized by systemic biases or tormented by chronic illnesses and disorders. It also provides a road map for a better world with more decent human beings who dare to stand up for justice, integrity and compassion.
Originality/value
Meaning as reflected in suffering is according to Wong the most powerful force to bring out either the worst or the best in people. The new science of suffering shows us how the authors can achieve positive transformation through cultivating a PSM, no matter how harsh one’s fate may be.
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Claude-Hélène Mayer and Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky
The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Claude-Hélène Mayer, Professor in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Claude-Hélène Mayer, Professor in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a qualitative positive autoethnographic case study. Mayer uses positive autoethnography to reflect on mental health, positive psychology and leadership across the life span. The first author also responds to ten questions.
Findings
Leadership can be developed and appreciated in others. Leadership can be a positive and transformative force that can assist and contribute to mental health and well-being. Positive leadership can be supported by developing wisdom, creativity, critical thinking and conflict and emotional management.
Research limitations/implications
Qualitative research cannot be generalised. Positive autoethnography reflects the views and experiences of the author, in this case a transdisciplinary and transcultural researcher and practitioner.
Practical implications
Readers will find a range of practical recommendations as to how to develop mental health and leadership and stay positive in challenging times. Academic literature relating to practical recommendations is also shared.
Social implications
Positive leadership has many social implications. It can be a constructive influence that impacts our lives and benefits our personal development, but also one that impacts the lives and benefits the personal development of other people.
Originality/value
In this original paper, Dr Claude-Hélène Mayer shares mental health, positive psychology and leadership experiences and recommendations. Leadership skills are of particular value in times of complex change.
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Mohd Awang Idris, Maureen F. Dollard and Anthony H. Winefield
The purpose of this paper is to examine the causes and consequences of job stress in Malaysia and make a comparison between Western and Eastern perspectives.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the causes and consequences of job stress in Malaysia and make a comparison between Western and Eastern perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
A grounded theory approach was used to develop a lay representation of Malay people's descriptions of their experiences at work, including job stress. Interviews were conducted with 48 employees in Malaysia, using six semi‐structured interview questions adopted from Kinman and Jones and translated into the Malay language, as a guide.
Findings
Although most respondents perceived that individual factors play an important role in work stress, organizational factors seemed to be the dominant factor identified that contributes to work stress. Respondents also perceived the individual as key to stress reduction rather than management interventions. A new concept emerged in this study that was related to external factors impinging on work (such as globalization).
Practical implications
Organizations should formulate strategies to prevent job stress among employees. They must also be alert to the impact of external factors that are now common in the Malay workplace.
Originality/value
Research of job stress in employees in Eastern cultures is rare. The paper provides in‐depth preliminary research which will lead to further investigations of job stress in Eastern workplace settings.
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Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…
Abstract
Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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Barrie O. Pettman and Richard Dobbins
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
Abstract
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
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The purpose of this paper is to develop and test theory-driven hypotheses on the influence of corruption and gender inequality on logistics performance.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and test theory-driven hypotheses on the influence of corruption and gender inequality on logistics performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper develops hypotheses based on a review of the literature and theory linking corruption, gender inequality and logistics performance. Testing the hypotheses draws on the following secondary data sources: the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index and the United Nations Development Programme Gender Inequality Index. Regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
A significant direct effect is evident between corruption perceptions and perceived logistics performance. Corruption is detrimental to logistics. Further, there is evidence of an indirect effect, via gender inequality. Gender inequality is also linked directly to lower logistics performance. Gross domestic product/capita enters the analysis as a control variable.
Research limitations/implications
While the analysis uses secondary data, sources are credible and their methods – while not perfect – are logical and appear to be reasonable. It is possible that excluded variables could further explain the relationships under study. This implies future research opportunities, perhaps involving case studies of specific nations.
Practical implications
The results should inspire businesses, non-governmental organizations and governments to invest in, aid, advocate for and legislate toward greater gender equality – and against corruption. Logistics educators have an important role in disseminating this message.
Social implications
Gender inequality and corruption are current, global social issues. Moving forward toward equality and away from corruption are the right moves. Such moves appear to also yield better logistics.
Originality/value
This paper is among the first linking corruption and gender inequality to logistics performance. It shows how social issues impact logistics performance at a national level.
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Xavier Ordeñana, Paul Vera-Gilces, Jack Zambrano-Vera and Adriana Amaya
The purpose of this paper revisits the effect of entrepreneurship on economic growth.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper revisits the effect of entrepreneurship on economic growth.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a cross-country panel data set of 61 countries in the period 2002–2014, this paper empirically analyzes the differences in contribution to economic growth. Particularly, using an extension of the Cobb–Douglas production function, the authors show the role of entrepreneurship in developed and developing economies. Global entrepreneurship monitor data were used to estimate the proposed types of entrepreneurship.
Findings
Results indicate that economic growth can be explained by growth-oriented entrepreneurship, including developing economies. These results remain robust to a variety of specifications that include economic, social and cultural controls, and two ways of sorting countries by stage of development.
Originality/value
The authors split the total entrepreneurial activity (TEA) according to job expectations, in order to isolate the effect of entrepreneurial activity that is growth oriented (dynamic) and not (regular). Lastly, the empirical application presented comprises a more adequate timeframe to analyze the proposed relationship, determining possible differences for developed and developing economies.
Propósito
El presente documento analiza el efecto de la actividad emprendedora sobre el crecimiento económico.
Diseño/Metodología/Enfoque
Mediante el uso de un panel de 61 países durante el periodo 2002–2014, se analizan las diferencias en contribución del emprendimiento hacia el crecimiento económico. Particularmente, con el uso de una función de producción extendida al estilo Cobb–Douglas, se muestra el rol del emprendimiento en países desarrollados y en vías de desarrollo. Por último, para la generación de las diversas medidas de emprendimiento propuestas se utilizó datos del Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).
Resultados
La evidencia proporcionada indica que el crecimiento económico podría ser explicado por el emprendimiento orientado al crecimiento. Los resultados han permanecido robustos ante varias especificaciones que incluyen variables de control de corte económico, social y cultural, así como dos maneras de dividir la muestra de países según su etapa de desarrollo.
Originalidad/valor
Los autores separan la TEA según expectativas de empleo futuro, aislando el efecto de la actividad emprendedora que está orientada hacia el alto crecimiento (dinámico) y la que no (regular). Finalmente, La aplicación empírica presentada comprende un periodo de estudio más adecuado para el análisis planteado, y a su vez permite encontrar diferencias para países desarrollados y en vías.
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Balakrishna Ballekura and Lavanya Vilvanathan
Despite the prevalence of uncivil behaviors across families and past studies attributing work stressors to suicidal ideation (SI), there is no conclusive evidence of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the prevalence of uncivil behaviors across families and past studies attributing work stressors to suicidal ideation (SI), there is no conclusive evidence of the interactive effect of family incivility (FI) aggravating SI. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the association between FI and SI through emotional exhaustion (EE) in the workplace and regulation of emotion.
Design/methodology/approach
A time lag (T1 and T2) study is applied for primary data collection using a survey questionnaire. The partial least squares–structural equational modeling algorithm tests reliability, validity and hypotheses.
Findings
Experiencing FI exacerbates SI, while the regulation of emotion and EE mediate the association between FI and SI.
Practical implications
Professionals are advised to adopt regulation of emotion that fosters desirable behavior and shields targets from FI and EE, minimizing the intensity of SI.
Originality/value
This study significantly adds to how FI and EE aggravate SI and contribute to the body of knowledge on the regulation of emotion in stress and coping mechanisms.
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Mohd Rafi Yaacob and Loong Wong
This paper aims to problematise the notions of both “corporate social responsibility” and “stakeholder theory”. In particular, it seeks to challenge the promises it claims to hold…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to problematise the notions of both “corporate social responsibility” and “stakeholder theory”. In particular, it seeks to challenge the promises it claims to hold regarding social responsibility and community engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a discussion of indigenous stakeholders’ activism in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Findings
It is shown that despite the rhetoric of corporate social responsibility and stakeholderism, there is a clear failure of the state government and corporations to actively involve local affected communities. In so doing, both the state and corporations have rendered the local indigenous peoples, a significant and legitimate stakeholder, powerless, redundant and inevitably compromised both the development and management process. The paper also suggests that community engagement can be problematic for indigenous peoples and for it and stakeholderism to be efficacious, they need to involve the discourse of rights and activism within Sarawak and Malaysia.
Originality/value
The paper offers insight into the indigenous peoples at Sarawak resistance against the state Government and corporations, Focusing on stakeholder activism.
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Examines the ninth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…
Abstract
Examines the ninth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.