Ryan P. Jacobson, Kathryn J.L. Jacobson and Robert G. DelCampo
Although Hispanics represent a large and growing proportion of the US workforce, little is known regarding the possible effects of their somewhat unique cultural values, beliefs…
Abstract
Purpose
Although Hispanics represent a large and growing proportion of the US workforce, little is known regarding the possible effects of their somewhat unique cultural values, beliefs, and practices on their experiences of work-family conflict or job satisfaction. This research tested theoretically derived hypotheses regarding the protective effect of a component of familism values, family as a source of social support, on these outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
A moderated mediation model was tested using survey data from Hispanic professionals (N = 103).
Findings
As predicted, family support was negatively related to work interfering with family (WIF) and positively related to job satisfaction. WIF mediated the relationship between family support and job satisfaction. Additionally, gender moderated this mediated relationship such that the effects were stronger for Hispanic women than men.
Research limitations/implications
Generalizability of the results should be explored by employing larger samples that include longer tenured workers, employees with higher degrees of management experience, and additional Hispanic subgroups. Results contribute to a growing body of research demonstrating beneficial effects of familism values for Hispanics.
Practical implications
Results suggest that organizations may benefit from taking active steps to support familism values among Hispanic workers.
Originality/value
This is the first empirical study to explore the possible benefits of family support values on workplace outcomes.
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Innocent Chigozie Osuizugbo, Olalekan Shamsideen Oshodi, Patricia Omega Kukoyi, Hosea Shemang Yohanna and Uche Emmanuel Edike
The construction industry in Nigeria has a complex environment, comprising several combinations of consulting professions, clients, contractual arrangement and investors, with…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry in Nigeria has a complex environment, comprising several combinations of consulting professions, clients, contractual arrangement and investors, with longer working hours than other industries. Work–life balance (WLB) strategies are used to balance professional life and personal life. This study aims to assess the extent of implementation of WLB strategies among construction companies in Lagos, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a survey research technique. Snowball sampling technique was adopted to identify the targeted respondents for the administration of questionnaire. A total of 156 questionnaires were distributed and a response rate of 66% (103 questionnaires were completely filled and returned) was attained. Data elicited were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
Results from this study provides evidence that the level of implementation of WLB strategies among construction companies in Lagos state, Nigeria is on the average. The results also revealed organisational understanding, paternity/maternity leave and flexible working arrangement as the top most three WLB strategies implemented among the construction companies in Lagos, Nigeria.
Originality/value
This study contributed to more effective WLB studies by identifying new information on the extent of usage of WLB practices in the Nigerian construction sector as well as offers a fresh perspective on the usage of WLB in a developing country. An understanding of these strategies is significant for companies’ stakeholders, such as management personnel, top construction professionals and policymakers, and for facilitating the adoption and implementation of WLB strategies among construction organisations.
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Alaa Abu Attallah, Fatimah Tarawneh and Latefa Dardas
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a resilience-building program in reducing social anxiety among victimized adolescents and examining the mediating role of resilience…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a resilience-building program in reducing social anxiety among victimized adolescents and examining the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety.
Design/methodology/approach
A nonequivalent control group pre-post quasi-experimental design was used, with participants divided into an intervention group receiving resilience training and a wait-list control group. This study involved Jordanian adolescents who had experienced peer victimization and reported elevated social anxiety symptoms. The intervention utilized the Youth Resilience Program, a nonclinical psychosocial method.
Findings
A total of 137 participants completed the study, with no significant baseline differences between the intervention and control groups in resilience, social anxiety or peer victimization scores. The intervention group showed significant improvements in resilience and reductions in social anxiety and peer victimization compared to the control group. Resilience partially mediated the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety, indicating that higher resilience reduced the impact of victimization on social anxiety, although victimization still had a direct effect on social anxiety.
Research limitations/implications
The resilience-building program was effective in enhancing resilience and reducing social anxiety among victimized adolescents. However, while resilience reduced the impact of victimization, it did not entirely eliminate the anxiety associated with victimization, indicating the need for comprehensive interventions that address both resilience and other factors contributing to social anxiety. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between peer victimization, social anxiety and resilience in Arab adolescents and underscores the importance of culturally sensitive interventions in promoting adolescent mental health.
Originality/value
Within the Arab Jordanian context, the intricate relationship between social anxiety and peer victimization is profoundly influenced by the unique sociocultural factors and family dynamics of the Arab societies, which often place a strong emphasis on collectivism and conformity (Obeidat et al., 2012). Arab families often expect their children to adhere to societal norms and maintain harmonious relationships within the family and community. This emphasis on conformity can intensify social anxiety among adolescents, as the fear of deviating from the expected norms and bringing shame to the family can be overwhelming. However, the scenarios are grounded in hypotheses derived from prior Arab research examining various related variables. It is important to note that existing evidence regarding the role of adolescent resilience in shaping the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety primarily stems from Western literature, using Western samples. No studies have yet investigated how these factors interact and influence one another among Arab adolescents.
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Mazlum Celik, Mehmet Duzgun and Emre Demir
This paper aims to explore the mechanisms that explain the effects of physicians who feel supported by their co-workers on their professional outcome expectations and their…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the mechanisms that explain the effects of physicians who feel supported by their co-workers on their professional outcome expectations and their ability to be more successful in their chosen career, in the context of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT).
Design/methodology/approach
The population of the study is physicians working in hospitals in Ankara. There are 37 hospitals under the Ministry of Health in the province. A total of 5,092 physicians work in these hospitals. In this study in which questionnaire technique was used, data were collected from 400 physicians by convenience sampling method. The data obtained were analysed by means of AMOS 22.0 and SPSS 26.0 package programs.
Findings
As a result of the regression analyses, it was determined that physicians’ professional outcome expectancy had a positive and significant effect on career regret. In addition, it was determined that the perceived co-worker support variable did not have a moderating role effect in the relationship between physicians’ professional outcome expectancy and career regret.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, the moderating role of co-worker support in the effect of physicians’ professional outcome expectations on career regrets is examined. Therefore, the sampling frame is limited to physicians.
Practical implications
Based on the fact that professional outcome expectation and co-worker support are very important variables for individuals with career regret, it emphasises that management activities carried out in health institutions should be carried out in a way that supports the career development of employees.
Originality/value
The tasks that physicians perform include many challenging elements. Therefore, the support they receive from their co-workers is critically important.
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Maria Menshikova, Isabella Bonacci, Danila Scarozza and Maria Zifaro
Over the past few years, scholars have examined new ways of working from various perspectives, with a significant increase in studies during the pandemic period, when remote work…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past few years, scholars have examined new ways of working from various perspectives, with a significant increase in studies during the pandemic period, when remote work – supported by digital technologies and platforms – became imperative for many companies to protect the health of both the local community and employees. It also served as a solution for businesses to maintain operations and continue delivering products and services to customers. In the post-pandemic period, the new working reality has evolved into a complex concept grounded in variables such as work flexibility, digitisation, innovation, sustainability, collaboration, social inclusion and the equitable treatment of all categories of employees. The purpose of this paper is to identify the elements that can impact employees’ satisfaction with the new normal in working arrangements, as well as to understand whether workers’ socio-demographic characteristics and the organisational context influence their level of satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodological approach is based on cluster analysis with random sampling. Initially, a tool for assessing workers’ satisfaction with the new way of working was developed based on a literature review, identifying eight key areas of influencing factors. This tool was subsequently updated and refined through focus groups, expert evaluation and a pre-test. Based on participants’ responses, satisfaction scores were analysed using a Likert scale in relation to various variables. According to the scores obtained, a cluster analysis was conducted to identify different segments of workers within the sample.
Findings
The study’s findings reveal six distinct clusters of employees, each exhibiting different levels of satisfaction with new normal work arrangements. These clusters offer a detailed perspective on how various groups experience and perceive flexible work models, reflecting a spectrum of needs and preferences within the workforce. Key sources of dissatisfaction include inadequate digital tools and physical workspace options, as well as some difficulties in maintaining work–life balance. By addressing these specific issues through targeted interventions, organisations can significantly enhance overall satisfaction and engagement. These insights are particularly valuable for HR professionals seeking to optimise employee well-being and productivity in hybrid or remote work environments.
Research limitations/implications
The research presents certain limitations, primarily due to its focus on a single country – Italy. This constraint may limit the generalisability of the findings to other national contexts. Future research could explore the impact of different contexts – such as national, regional and organisational factors – on employee satisfaction with new ways of working. In addition, it would be valuable to examine the significance of each identified factor affecting worker satisfaction, as well as to investigate variations in the importance of these factors among employees of different genders, ages and job positions. Such studies would provide deeper insights into how diverse demographic and geographic factors shape workers’ experiences and perceptions of remote and flexible work arrangements in the new normal.
Practical implications
The findings of the study can be useful for HRM when implementing new ways of working to achieve maximum satisfaction and better performance of employees.
Originality/value
At the time the research began, no tools validated in Italy for measuring workers’ satisfaction with the new normal work arrangements were available.
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Muhammad Ayat, Mehran Ullah, Zeeshan Pervez, Jonathan Lawrence, Chang Wook Kang and Azmat Ullah
The study aims to examine the impact of key variables on the success of solicited and unsolicited private participation in infrastructure (PPI) projects using machine learning…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine the impact of key variables on the success of solicited and unsolicited private participation in infrastructure (PPI) projects using machine learning techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
The data has information on 8,674 PPI projects primarily derived from the World Bank database. In the study, a machine learning framework has been used to highlight the variables important for solicited and unsolicited projects. The framework addresses the data-related challenges using imputation, oversampling and standardization techniques. Further, it uses Random forest, Artificial neural network and Logistics regression for classification and a group of diverse metrics for assessing the performances of these classifiers.
Findings
The results show that around half of the variables similarly impact both solicited and unsolicited projects. However, some other important variables, particularly, institutional factors, have different levels of impact on both projects, which have been previously ignored. This may explain the reason for higher failure rates of unsolicited projects.
Practical implications
This study provides specific inputs to investors, policymakers and practitioners related to the impacts of several variables on solicited and unsolicited projects separately, which will help them in project planning and implementation.
Originality/value
The study highlights the differential impact of variables for solicited and unsolicited projects, challenging the previously assumed uniformity of impact of the given set of variables including institutional factors.
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This study aims to investigate the “dark side” of scan and go (S&G) apps as part of the shopping journey, and the subsequent impacts on consumer behavior.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the “dark side” of scan and go (S&G) apps as part of the shopping journey, and the subsequent impacts on consumer behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a phenomenological approach. Data were collected from online reviews, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to explore the negaffordance of using in-store S&G apps. Thematic analysis was employed to develop a conceptual model of the customer journey.
Findings
The conceptual model highlights the complex interplay between technology, and the consumer and digital retail environment across three stages include Navigating the Nexus, Empowered Expeditions and Digital Diaspora of the shopping journey. The findings contribute to both theoretical and practical knowledge and offer insights into how S&G technology influences customer experiences.
Originality/value
Theoretically, this research expands the concept of negative affordances in the digital retail context by introducing “negaffordance” as a critical aspect of technology that hinders rather than facilitates the achievement of customer goals. Practically, it suggests enhancements in the design of apps to mitigate negaffordance, and it highlights suggestions made by consumers such as the introduction of a community-centric approach to customer issues. This research underscores the urgent need for retailers to align technological consistency with consumer goals to mitigate the challenges posed by S&G technology.
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This study investigates the significance of trade credit (TC) as an alternative source of funding in financing the growth of financially dependent firms.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the significance of trade credit (TC) as an alternative source of funding in financing the growth of financially dependent firms.
Design/methodology/approach
Panel data analysis using the difference generalized method of moments (GMM) and fixed-effects ordinary least squares (FE-OLS) is conducted on annual data from publicly listed firms across a number of developing economies. The data cover the period from 2003 to 2019.
Findings
The findings indicate that financially dependent firms rely on TC to manage their growth, especially when they have exhausted their debt capacity. This dependence on TC displays a cyclical pattern. As firms enhance their financial position, they tend to scale back their dependence. Nevertheless, firms with significant growth opportunities continue utilizing TC for at least two years after their initial identification as financially dependent.
Practical implications
The author's conclusion highlights that TC can be a valuable and accessible source of funding, especially in developing economies where the real sector may require alternative financing channels. Hence, TC has the potential to play a very significant role in financing corporate growth in these economies.
Originality/value
The current study adds to the existing body of literature by revealing that access to alternative sources of finance is also critical for firms that are dependent on external sources and for firms that have exhausted their financial debt capacity.
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Mohammad Feghhi Kashani and Zahra Ziyaee
Implications of ambiguity for the dynamics of asset prices and wealth distribution are the chief concern of this study.
Abstract
Purpose
Implications of ambiguity for the dynamics of asset prices and wealth distribution are the chief concern of this study.
Design/methodology/approach
In a continuous-time stochastic macro setting characterized by heterogeneous agents and financial friction with perfect “skin-in-the-game” for productive agents, we derive analytically and then illustrate numerically how ambiguity aversion would impinge on the agents’ consumption share and precautionary motives, sowing the seeds for asset price misalignment and thereby calling for appropriate policy response.
Findings
The agents’ ambiguity-aversion triggers a low real risk-free rate, fewer consumption shares, higher precautionary savings and wealth redistribution, inducing misalignment in asset prices. The distortion entails welfare loss for all agents, making a case for conventional monetary and fiscal policy design and analysis. For a given degree of ambiguity aversion, the dividend and capital value taxations could mitigate the asset price misalignment though causing a welfare loss as they are distortionary in turn. However, conventional monetary policy could lessen the asset price distortion and improve the welfare of at least a subset of agents if it is fine-tuned well.
Originality/value
Characterizations of ambiguity-driven asset price misalignments along with redistributive implications of ambiguity and their reflections for asset price volatility, leverage, welfare and fiscal and monetary policy conduct and analysis are the key contributions of this study.
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Katherine Allen, Aneela Khan, Miranda A.H. Horvath and Kari Davies
This paper aims to evaluate how five Operation Soteria Bluestone (OSB) participating forces integrated principles of procedural justice and proactive disruption of offending into…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate how five Operation Soteria Bluestone (OSB) participating forces integrated principles of procedural justice and proactive disruption of offending into their investigations, specifically during the closing stages of a case when considering exit strategy and longer-term prevention.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-methods approach was taken, including 32 semi-structured interviews with officers and 59 case reviews of recent rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO). Data analysis methods included qualitative thematic analysis of interviews, while data from reviewed case logs was extracted and analysed using a bespoke case review tool.
Findings
Increased workloads, preparation of evidence and relational/communication difficulties with the crown prosecution service (CPS) were identified as barriers to implementing long-term disruption options. Dedicated resourcing, training and support are needed to promote suspect-focused investigative strategy and wider uptake of long-term disruption methods. Early investigative approach was also found to have “snowball” effects on suspect exit strategy, with initial lack of suspect focus and preoccupation with victim credibility, impeding consideration of long-term disruption and safeguarding options. Findings also point to a disparity between promising practice in relation to procedural justice for victims and (a relative lack of) proactive policing of repeat suspects.
Originality/value
The study represents a novel contribution to research on policing RASSO, illustrating the scale and nature of the obstacles to changing how these offences are investigated, even when under intense scrutiny from policy makers. It also highlights how increased organisational investment and support is linked to positive changes in practice in some forces.