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1 – 10 of 45Ernest Kissi, Evans Kwesi Mireku, Musah Labaran and Barbara Simons
The construction industry presents a particularly notable and demanding setting where sexual harassment demands special consideration. With its largely male-dominated workforce…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry presents a particularly notable and demanding setting where sexual harassment demands special consideration. With its largely male-dominated workforce, intense work settings and entrenched workplace norms, the construction sector provides a unique backdrop in which the complexities of sexual harassment manifest. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between sexual harassment and employee performance in the construction industry, with a particular focus on examining the mediating roles of psychological distress and employee engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey design was utilized to collect data from 188 construction industry professionals. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing their experiences with sexual harassment, levels of psychological distress, employee engagement and self-reported performance indicators. Partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to examine the direct and mediated effects of sexual harassment on employee performance through psychological distress and employee engagement.
Findings
The findings reveal a lack of statistical significance in the negative relationship between sexual harassment and employee performance within the construction sector. Furthermore, there was a significant negative relationship between sexual harassment and employee engagement. Employee engagement emerged as a full mediator, buffering the negative effects of harassment on performance and suggesting that engaged employees may be better equipped to cope with and mitigate the impact of harassment.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s findings contribute to understanding workplace dynamics amidst sexual harassment in construction. Work engagement fully mediates the relationship, highlighting the need to prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing employee engagement, such as promoting a supportive and fostering open communication channels between management and employees, can mitigate the occurrence and negative impacts of sexual harassment on employee performance. Continuous monitoring of engagement levels is crucial for sustaining positive work environments.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature by providing quantitative evidence of the relationship between sexual harassment and employee performance in the construction industry. By examining the mediating roles of psychological distress and employee engagement, the research offers a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship. The findings underscore the importance of addressing sexual harassment and promoting employee well-being to foster a safe and productive work environment in the construction industry.
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Walter Leal Filho, Samara da Silva Neiva, Claudio Ruy Portela de Vasconcelos, Bárbara Maria Fritzen Gomes, Ayyoob Sharifi, Valerija Kozlova, Mark Mifsud, Paul Pace, Johannes (Joost) Platje, Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis, Dênis Antônio Da Cunha, Erin Ann Hopkins and Lez Rayman-Bacchus
This paper aims to emphasize the significance of integrating sustainable development (SD) content into higher education institutions (HEIs) curricula. The focus is on identifying…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to emphasize the significance of integrating sustainable development (SD) content into higher education institutions (HEIs) curricula. The focus is on identifying areas of research demand related to SD in teaching and learning programmes.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a comprehensive approach, combining bibliometric analysis and an original survey instrument tool. The research involves HEIs staff engaged in both research and teaching roles across 36 countries worldwide.
Findings
The findings of the study shed light on the challenges and gaps in incorporating SD into HEIs curricula. Insights reveal that researchers focusing on SD within teaching and learning programmes face a notable obstacle in the form of congested timetables.
Research limitations/implications
While providing valuable insights, this research acknowledges study design and methodology limitations. These limitations should be considered when interpreting the findings and planning future research endeavours in SD in HEIs.
Practical implications
The paper underscores the practical implications of the findings, emphasising the need to address congested timetables as a significant obstacle to sustainability education efforts. The practical insights aim to guide educators and institutions in enhancing the incorporation of SD content in their teaching programmes.
Social implications
The study’s social implications highlight the broader impact on society, emphasising the role of HEIs in shaping a sustainable future. Addressing the identified challenges can contribute to better preparing students for addressing real-world sustainability issues, thereby fostering positive social change.
Originality/value
This paper concludes by outlining essential measures to address identified challenges and gaps, emphasising the imperative of creating an environment that supports the integration of SD into higher education curricula. The findings provide valuable guidance for educators, policymakers and institutions seeking to enhance sustainability education efforts.
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Bárbara Viana de Sousa, Maria Bastida and Elvira Vieira
This study aims to examine the phenomenon of digital nomadism within the broader context of digital global mobility, namely through the identification and analysis of existing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the phenomenon of digital nomadism within the broader context of digital global mobility, namely through the identification and analysis of existing investigations, shedding light on the social implications and growing impacts of digital nomadism on society.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review was conducted on publications available in Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2001 to 2023, covering various disciplines such as computer science, business and economics, social sciences and more. Following defined guidelines, 1047 papers were selected for analysis.
Findings
The review reveals insights into the social implications and impacts of DN, proposing a framework based on a Bibliographic mapping, including four clusters: DN dimensions, digital nomads context, balance work–life leisure and impacts. With these findings, the paper highlights research gaps and guides future investigations at the intersection of new work models, business and society.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include the specific scope of the review and consequently limited the selection of papers. The results provide directions for a future conceptualization and investigation of several shades of DN, helping scholars improve their understanding of this field progress and reflect on it from multiple perspectives.
Practical implications
This study is beneficial for policymakers to prepare or adapt changes in labor or tax law as well as employers managing digital nomads and co-working spaces.
Social implications
DN has significant social implications, influencing work practices, societal norms and community dynamics. Understanding these implications is crucial for addressing the evolving nature of work and society.
Originality/value
This research contributes to a better understanding of DN and provides valuable insights for future studies and interventions aimed at addressing the impacts of this transformative social phenomenon. Additionally, using bibliometric analysis and science mapping tools adds originality to the study, offering a visual representation of the DN research landscape, culminating in a complete DN framework.
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Roberta Cuel, Aurelio Ravarini, Barbara Imperatori, Gilda Antonelli and Teresina Torre
This manuscript explores the evolving roles of HR professionals amidst global megatrends and organizational transitions, focusing on the Italian context, which has experienced…
Abstract
Purpose
This manuscript explores the evolving roles of HR professionals amidst global megatrends and organizational transitions, focusing on the Italian context, which has experienced disruptive adoption of new forms of work such as remote and hybrid work. In this challenging scenario, our research aims to uncover if and how HR professionals are transforming their roles or maintaining the status quo in navigating organizational changes, dealing with the upcoming working scenario, and challenging conventional perceptions of HR practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs the social-symbolic work lens, that contributes to a deeper understanding of how HR professionals work to construct organizational life, the identities of employees, and the societal norms and assumptions that provide the context for organizational action. This perspective highlights HR professionals’ personal efforts, consisting of the emotional labor entailed in steering organizational transformations and, eventually, maintenance in a context where remote work has become prevalent. Data was collected through 16 online focus groups involving 76 HR professionals from Italian organizations.
Findings
Our research offers two interrelated contributions to HR literature. First, we provide pieces of evidence on how HR practitioners act as agents of change in two emerging roles: the “Wannabe Hero” and the “Ordinary Hero”. This challenges the prevailing rhetorical discourse about the so-called HR business partner. Secondly, we delve into the persistent obstacles that hinder HR professionals from making a substantial impact in addressing radical changes. These findings will provide useful insights into effectively engaging HR practitioners as agents of change in organizational transformation, shedding light on praxis, structures, and their emotional work.
Originality/value
The paper analyzes HR professionals’ social-symbolic work, which offers an original contribution to the comprehension of the activities they carry on in practice and the emotions they have been experiencing. These influence both the way HR professionals play their role and the organizational and institutional environment.
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The purpose of this article is to introduce qualitative research in literacy that has been significant in educators understanding difference in young people’s literacy learning.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to introduce qualitative research in literacy that has been significant in educators understanding difference in young people’s literacy learning.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach has been to select influential investigations that have impacted over time and to summarise the insights provided.
Findings
This article foregrounds research that helps educators understand learner difference as positive resources and that contests approaches which perpetuate deficit discourses.
Originality/value
The article offers a distinctive and selective reading of literacy studies to highlight and remind readers of what is known about language and literacy learning that should not be ignored in designing further research nor in interpreting existing studies.
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Sophie Ghvanidze, Bárbara Franco Lucas, Thomas A. Brunner and Jon Henrich Hanf
Wine consumption is declining, while cannabis use among young adults in Germany has surged. With new laws partially legalising recreational cannabis, advocates claim it could…
Abstract
Purpose
Wine consumption is declining, while cannabis use among young adults in Germany has surged. With new laws partially legalising recreational cannabis, advocates claim it could replace alcohol, offering health benefits and cost savings. However, concerns remain that cannabis might increase alcohol consumption and associated health risks. Despite recognition of both substitute and complementary relationships between cannabis and alcohol, data on the cannabis–wine relationship is scarce. This study aims to understand the motivations behind wine and cannabis consumption, segment wine drinkers by those motives, profile wine drinkers who also consume cannabis and determine whether wine and cannabis act as substitutes or complements across distinct consumer groups.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an online survey using random sampling and used cluster analysis to identify consumer segments based on motivations for wine consumption. Exploring various variables, including consumption motives, behavioural patterns and socio-demographics, the authors also examined cannabis consumption among wine drinkers.
Findings
This study surveyed 523 German wine drinkers aged 20–60 years, including 215 cannabis users. Four consumer segments emerged: “adaptive conformists”, “expansive strategists”, “self-conscious hedonists” and “ambivalent drinkers.” Three segments preferred wine for social and enhancing effects. “Adaptive conformists”, the group with the most cannabis users, sought negative reinforcement like conformity or coping. The “adaptive conformists” and “expansive strategists” show the tendencies of a complementary cannabis–wine relationship.
Originality/value
This study pioneers the use of the Marijuana Motives Measure scales, developed by Simons et al. (1998), within the motivational framework by Cox and Klinger (1988) and Cooper et al. (2015), for wine drinkers. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also the first to categorise wine drinkers into segments based on MMM scales for both wine and cannabis and segment wine consumers using cannabis.
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Odoch Hojops, Monica Mirembe Mukoza, Barbara N. Kayondo and Rehema Namono
Higher education institutions discretionally participate in THE training of citizens for a sustainable world. Empirical evidence argues the synergetic effect of high-performance…
Abstract
Purpose
Higher education institutions discretionally participate in THE training of citizens for a sustainable world. Empirical evidence argues the synergetic effect of high-performance human resource practices (H-PHRPs) on its outcomes. Scholars have, however, questioned the appropriateness and applicability of H-PHRPs in developing economies, one of the eye-catching debates being the implicit universality of H-PHRPs. Literature has also banded the H-PHRPS and established the antecedent role of H-PHRPS on its outcomes. This study aims to examine the relative importance of H-PHRPs on discretionary work behavior (DWB) using a sample from public university employees to confirm the external validity of H-PHRPS constructs by replicating the findings in an Eastern setting and, more so, a developing nation like Uganda.
Design/methodology/approach
In the study, the authors used relative analysis to determine the role of H-PHRPs in enhancing DWB. The authors examined performance-based compensation, employee training and development, employee empowerment, competence-based performance appraisal and merit-based promotion as the H-PHRPs. The authors selected a sample of employees from Ugandan Universities used an explanatory study design to test the antecedent role of H-PHRPs on DWB.
Findings
The research results show that individual H-PHRPs significantly affect DWB. As regards the relative importance of H-PHRPs on DWB, the findings further reveal that H-PHRPs predicts DWB over and above its individual components.
Research limitations/implications
The authors gathered the data from public universities; therefore, when applied to a scenario of private universities, the conclusions might not hold up. Therefore, to confirm the results of the current study, future research can take private universities into account. Although, the study was cross-sectional, high performance human resource strategies in an organization may evolve over time. This work paves the way for future longitudinal studies in the same field of study.
Practical implications
This research presents an understanding justification for human resources management strategies. Organizations’ managers should improve the morale of their employees through various management practices by strategically devising human resource practices geared toward enhancing employee DWB. Organizational managers ought to prioritize the high-performance practices in order of relative importance in enhancing employee DWB. By prioritizing human resource practices, like training and pay for performance, universities are able to proportionately direct distinctive focus on human resource practices that enhance employee behaviors.
Originality/value
The findings of the research have both empirical and theoretical significance. This is an innovative study that aims to determine the relative relevance of H-PHRPs on DWB by using a sample taken from Ugandan public universities which is a developing nation. From a theoretical standpoint, the study enhances the practicability of the social exchange theory by establishing that employees exhibit DWB to reciprocate the organization for the H-PHRPs provided by the organization.
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Maria Korkou, Johana Evelyn Montalvan Castilla, Ari K.M. Tarigan and Barbara Maria Sageidet
This study aims to examine travel patterns and factors that explain children’s use of green space for outdoor learning. This knowledge will be valuable for urban planners and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine travel patterns and factors that explain children’s use of green space for outdoor learning. This knowledge will be valuable for urban planners and policymakers to plan, design, develop and maintain green spaces that consider children’s interests.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis consists of three steps. First, this paper performed a mapping analysis to explain the accessibility and services of green spaces in supporting children’s education. Second, using data from a survey distributed to school teachers, this paper explored factors affecting trip frequency, travel distance and walking when visiting green spaces. Third, this paper interviewed teachers and conducted observations and conversations with children to gain additional insights.
Findings
The quantitative analyses found that size, path network linkages, path length, use for nature observation, play features, path density, walking and biking may influence children’s preference for using green spaces. This study identified five factors (playing, socialising, exploring, biodiversity and accessibility) that drive children to visit green spaces.
Originality/value
There is limited knowledge of the links between green space and children’s travel patterns and factors explaining the use of green spaces. To the ebst of the authors’ knowledge, this study seems to be the first attempt to introduce a mix of methods containing mapping, qualitative and quantitative analyses to explain children’s use towards green spaces.
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Titus Ebenezer Kwofie, Michael Nii Addy, Alexander Boakye Marful, Clinton Aigbavboa, Samuel Amos-Abanyie, Barbara Simons and Samuel Owusu Afram
Creating green design capability readiness has become an emerging necessity toward increasing sustainable performance. However, the understanding of the green design readiness…
Abstract
Purpose
Creating green design capability readiness has become an emerging necessity toward increasing sustainable performance. However, the understanding of the green design readiness markers for housing delivery is lacking. The purpose of this study is to highlight a green design capability readiness model for affordable housing delivery.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the use of the self-determination theory and the Technology–Organization–Environment framework, a comprehensive review of related literature revealed 23 indicators on motivational, technological, organizational and environmental markers for green design practices capability readiness for affordable housing delivery. Adopting a deductive design, a questionnaire was developed from these markers for a survey on practitioners with knowledge and experience in green design, sustainability and housing supply chain through purposive and snowballing sampling. Mean score analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation were subsequently used to develop the capability readiness model.
Findings
This study affirmed the markers and revealed the top indicators in each of the markers. The markers subsequently accounted for 28%, 29%, 17.7% and 25.3% of green design capability readiness for affordable housing delivery. Accordingly, technological and motivational markers had the greatest contributions to green design readiness for affordable housing followed by environmental marker and organizational being the least.
Practical implications
The findings of this study will contribute to developing the right motivations, technological capability and regulatory factors for green design practices to optimize the capability readiness for affordable housing delivery in Ghana.
Originality/value
The model serves as a valuable resource that could be used to objectively align actions and gauge readiness for green design practices toward sustainability performance improvement in affordable housing delivery. It could also aid in benchmarking the readiness potential of future regulations, policies and motivations for green design practices, concepts and technologies for housing delivery.
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Delving into the captivating landscape of entrepreneurship education, digital literacy and digital transformation, this study aims to investigate their interplay with…
Abstract
Purpose
Delving into the captivating landscape of entrepreneurship education, digital literacy and digital transformation, this study aims to investigate their interplay with entrepreneurial propensity and the moderating effect of school support among Jordanian school students aged 15–17. Anchored in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the human capital theory (HCT), this work illuminates the intricate web of influences that shape students’ entrepreneurial mindset.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a quantitative approach and uses a “paper-and-pencil" translated questionnaire to collect data from a convenience sample of (n = 650) school students in Jordan. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) v28 was utilized to scrutinize the variables' direct, mediating and moderated mediated impact.
Findings
The three structural models revealed that (1) entrepreneurship education has a positive effect on students’ entrepreneurial propensity; (2) digital literacy and digital transformation mediate the interaction between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial propensity; (3) school support moderates the mediating effect of digital literacy, and digital transformation, on the link between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial propensity.
Practical implications
The results offer actionable enlightenments for educators and policymakers in Jordan to tailor entrepreneurship education, digital literacy and support frameworks, effectively nurturing students' entrepreneurial mindset and aspirations.
Originality/value
This study contributes to understanding the complex dynamics between education, technology and entrepreneurship. Our modest contribution links the findings to a real-world case of two 15-year-old students in Jordan who were inspired by the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” to start their own business.
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