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Article
Publication date: 12 November 2024

Babu George and Martha Ravola

This study uses a comprehensive literature review and analysis of recent research, policy documents and program evaluations related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program…

Abstract

Purpose

This study uses a comprehensive literature review and analysis of recent research, policy documents and program evaluations related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and policy, systems and environmental (PSE) strategies. Key sources include peer-reviewed articles, the 2025 SNAP-Ed Plan Guidance and case studies of successful PSE interventions. The Social-Ecological Model serves as a framework to organize and analyze the multilevel impacts of PSE interventions. The method involves identifying relevant information, synthesizing key themes and patterns and critically examining the potential impact of PSE strategies on nutrition security and health equity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the evolution of the SNAP-Ed from direct nutrition education to a comprehensive approach integrating PSE change strategies. It aims to analyze the rationale, implementation and potential impact of PSE approaches in SNAP-Ed on nutrition security and health equity in the USA. The study explores how these strategies address social determinants of health, promote sustainable population-level changes in nutrition environments, and their capacity to reduce health disparities in low-income communities. It seeks to identify challenges, opportunities and future research directions in implementing PSE strategies within SNAP-Ed.

Findings

The review reveals that PSE strategies in SNAP-Ed show promise in creating sustainable, population-level changes in nutrition environments and health outcomes. Successful examples, such as healthy corner store initiatives and workplace wellness programs, demonstrate the potential of PSE approaches to improve access to healthy food options and physical activity opportunities. The integration of PSE strategies has enhanced SNAP-Ed’s capacity to address social determinants of health and promote health equity. However, challenges including resource constraints, political opposition and the need for cross-sector collaboration persist. The effectiveness of PSE interventions relies heavily on community engagement, partnerships and supportive policies.

Practical implications

The findings underscore the importance of adopting comprehensive, multilevel approaches in nutrition education and obesity prevention programs. For SNAP-Ed implementers, this implies a need to develop expertise in PSE strategies, foster cross-sector partnerships and engage communities in intervention design and implementation. Policymakers should consider increasing support and resources for PSE approaches within SNAP-Ed and similar programs. Public health practitioners can use these insights to design more effective, equitable interventions that address root causes of nutrition insecurity. The study also highlights the need for improved evaluation methods to assess the long-term impact of PSE strategies on population health outcomes.

Social implications

This study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and access to healthy food options, to promote equitable health outcomes. It underscores the potential of community-driven, multilevel interventions in building a more just and equitable food system accessible to all.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the shift toward PSE strategies in SNAP-Ed, offering valuable insights into the program’s evolution and its potential to address complex public health challenges. By examining both successes and challenges, it contributes to the growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of multilevel interventions in promoting nutrition security and health equity. The study’s emphasis on the role of community engagement and partnerships in PSE implementation offers practical guidance for program planners and policymakers.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 55 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Stephen D. Risavy, Lindie H. Liang, Yilin Zhao and Elana Zur

The main data used to develop this case were remote, synchronous interviews with the three characters in the case. The authors conducted two interviews with the main character in…

Abstract

Research methodology

The main data used to develop this case were remote, synchronous interviews with the three characters in the case. The authors conducted two interviews with the main character in the case, Geoff Brown, specifically: (1) an initial 30 min interview to determine the fit and focus of the case and to help create the interview protocol for the full case interview (this initial interview was conducted on March 12, 2024); and (2) an hour-long interview to ask targeted questions to fully develop the case narrative (this interview was conducted on March 28, 2024). Geoff Brown was also involved in reviewing drafts of the case, approving the final version of the case and reviewing the assignment questions in this instructors’ manual (IM).

Case overview/synopsis

This case focuses on Geoff Brown, Executive Director at Alberta Chicken Producers (ACP), which is a not-for-profit organization in Alberta, Canada, that is responsible for representing 250 regulated chicken producers. Brown is grappling with what to do with the remote/hybrid work policy at ACP. Part of the impetus for reconsidering this policy was the comments from ACP’s long-tenured Office Manager and Executive Assistant, who had been asking Brown to bring this policy forward to a staff meeting for discussion throughout the past year. Brown now feels ready to move these discussions forward but is unsure of how to proceed and what the best practices would be to ensure that the policy in place for remote work is beneficial for work engagement, individual and organizational work performance, work–life balance, employee relationships and fairness perceptions.

Complexity academic level

The target audience for this case is undergraduate and graduate students taking a course in the disciplines of human resources management or organizational behavior. This case will be especially relevant for a human resources management course when studying the topics of employee benefits (e.g. work–life balance), health and safety (e.g. stress) and work design (e.g. telecommuting), and this case will be especially relevant for an organizational behavior course when studying the topics of motivation (e.g. fairness), communication, organizational culture and decision-making.

Details

The CASE Journal, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 1544-9106

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 October 2024

Raheem Bux Soomro, Sanam Gul Memon and Marvi Soomro

This paper is an empirical investigation of the effect of knowledge, skills and entrepreneur competencies on the performance of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs…

1029

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is an empirical investigation of the effect of knowledge, skills and entrepreneur competencies on the performance of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Upper Sindh, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from owners/managers of MSMEs operating in major cities of Upper Sindh. A total of 1,100 respondents were identified through snowball and social contacts tools. A total of 316 respondents permitted researchers to visit their firms and collecting data from them by a survey questionnaire.

Findings

The findings shows that entrepreneurial skills and networking have a positive and significant effect on entrepreneurial competency. Then, entrepreneurial skills, networking and entrepreneurial competency have a positive effect on enterprise performance. The findings show a significant mediation effect of entrepreneurial competency on the relationships between entrepreneurial skills and networking and enterprise performance.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful conclusion in understanding the entrepreneur’s characteristics and their impact on performance MSMEs, which is crucial for promoting entrepreneurial activities and for enhancing socio-economic conditions among low-income households located in Upper Sindh, Pakistan. The government must make preparation in organizing trade fairs, seminars and road shows on certain services/ products to which MSMEs’ entrepreneurs, consumers and suppliers might be invited to ease their connections.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2071-1395

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2024

Mervat Elsaied

This study aimed to investigate the impact of benevolent leadership on proactive customer service performance by creating a moderated mediation model. The model focuses on the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impact of benevolent leadership on proactive customer service performance by creating a moderated mediation model. The model focuses on the role of harmonious passion as a mediator in the relationship between benevolent leadership and proactive customer service performance as well as the moderating influence of proactive personality on this mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested using data from 339 immediate supervisor-subordinate pairs in eight five-star hotels in Egypt. Frontline service employees and their immediate supervisors completed separate questionnaires, and the responses were matched using identification numbers.

Findings

The results indicate that harmonious passion fully mediates the positive relationship between benevolent leadership and proactive customer service performance. Additionally, proactive personality was found to moderate the mediated relationship between benevolent leadership and proactive customer service performance through harmonious passion, such that the mediation was stronger for employees with higher proactive personalities.

Research limitations/implications

By testing the moderated mediation model, this study contributes to our theoretical understanding of the motivational mechanism through which benevolent leadership influences proactive customer service performance.

Originality/value

This research offers initial evidence of the mediating role of harmonious passion in the positive relationship between benevolent leadership and proactive customer service performance. The moderated mediation model extends existing findings by incorporating proactive personality as a significant moderator in explaining the impact of benevolent leadership on proactive customer service performance.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 46 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 May 2024

Asmita Asmita, Anuja Akhouri, Gurmeet Singh and Mosab I. Tabash

The review paper aims to understand the development of workplace ostracism as a field in organizational studies from 2000 to the present. The study provides a comprehensive…

Abstract

Purpose

The review paper aims to understand the development of workplace ostracism as a field in organizational studies from 2000 to the present. The study provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of the domain by exploring its antecedents, consequences, underlying mechanisms and buffering mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study analyses 134 published peer-reviewed empirical and non-empirical articles retrieved from the Scopus database. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analyses (using VOS viewer) have been used to gain insights into the development and trends within the field. Bibliometric analyses involved science mapping techniques such as co-citation analysis, co-occurrence of keywords and bibliographic coupling. Combining these three techniques, the study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the workplace ostracism research domain's historical, current and future landscape.

Findings

In the present study, through descriptive analyses, the authors uncovered publishing trends, productive journals, countries and industries that contribute to this research field. The systematic review enabled the showcasing of the current landscape of workplace ostracism. The bibliometric analyses shed light on major authors, influential articles, prominent journals and significant keywords in workplace ostracism.

Originality/value

This study enriches the existing literature by offering a comprehensive research framework for workplace ostracism. It goes beyond that by presenting significant bibliographic insights by applying bibliometric analyses. Furthermore, this study identifies and emphasizes future research directions using the theory, characteristics, construct and methodologies framework, aiming to expand the knowledge base and understanding of this topic.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 July 2024

Shimelis Kebede Kekeba, Abera Gure and Teklu Tafesse Olkaba

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using a jigsaw learning strategy integrated with computer simulation (JLSICS) on the academic achievement and attitudes…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of using a jigsaw learning strategy integrated with computer simulation (JLSICS) on the academic achievement and attitudes of students, along with exploring the relationships between them in the process of learning about acids and bases.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design used in the study was quasi-experimental, using non-equivalent comparison groups for both pre- and post-tests. A quantitative approach was used to address the research problem, with three groups involved: two experimental and one comparative group. The treatment group, which received the JLSICS intervention, consisted of two intact classes, while the comparison group included one intact class. Data collection involved achievement tests and attitude scale tests on acid and base. Various statistical analyses such as one-way analysis of variance, one-way multivariate analysis of variance, Pearson product-moment correlation, mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis.

Findings

The study’s results revealed that the incorporation of the JLSICS had a beneficial influence on the academic achievement and attitudes of grade 10 chemistry students towards acid and base topics. The JLSICS approach proved to be more successful than both conventional methods and the standalone use of the jigsaw learning strategy (JLS) in terms of both achievement and attitudes. The research demonstrated a correlation between positive attitudes towards chemistry among high school students and enhanced achievement in the subject.

Research limitations/implications

The study only focused on one specific aspect of chemistry (acid and base chemistry), which restricts the applicability of the findings to other chemistry topics or subjects. In addition, the study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest comparison group, which may introduce variables that could confound the results and restrict causal inferences.

Practical implications

This study addresses the gap in instructional interventions and provides theoretical and practical insights. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating contemporary instructional methods for policymakers, benefiting the government, society and students. By enhancing student achievement, attitudes and critical thinking skills, this approach empowers students to take charge of their learning, fostering deep understanding and analysis. Furthermore, JLSICS aids in grasping abstract chemistry concepts and has the potential to reduce costs associated with purchasing chemicals for schools. This research opens doors for similar studies in different educational settings, offering valuable insights for educators and policymakers.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this study are in its exploration of integrating the jigsaw learning strategy with computer simulations as an instructional approach in chemistry education. This research contributes to the existing literature by showing the effectiveness of JLSICS in improving students’ achievements and attitudes towards acid and base topics. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering positive attitudes towards chemistry to enhance students’ overall achievement in the subject.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Yi Ji, Fangmin Li, Waiseng Lou, Haixin Liu and Guiquan Li

This study aims to build on social comparison theory to develop a theoretical model of leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship to workplace ostracism through perceived…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to build on social comparison theory to develop a theoretical model of leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship to workplace ostracism through perceived organizational status by coworkers and envy. This study further proposes that warmth and competence may potentially moderate these two indirect effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tested the hypotheses in a battery manufacturing company located in South China by a survey of 216 employees organized in 55 work teams, using different sources. Additionally, the authors conduct two online vignette experiments to test this study’s mediation, proving the causality.

Findings

The authors found that high-level LMX leads to both envy and perceived organizational status by coworkers, which results in a mixed blessing on workplace ostracism toward the employee with high-level LMX. The focal employee’s warmth and competence moderate these indirect relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The authors use LMX to explore antecedents of workplace ostracism and explain how and when these focal employees suffer workplace ostracism from their coworkers. The authors extend the research on LMX by examining the interpersonal risk of being a focal employee. The authors discover two critical boundary conditions – warmth and competence.

Practical implications

This study suggests that it is important to balance the level of the differential LMX; appropriately endorsing other members is a good way to avoid eliciting envy and opposition. Meanwhile, person-oriented citizenship behaviors such as demonstrations of concern or help may shortly build up an employee’s warm impression on their coworkers.

Originality/value

By discovering the bright and dark sides of LMX, this paper has the potential to advance theories on LMX and workplace ostracism. Therefore, the authors believe the current research will have an important impact on relevant research in the future.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

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