D.E. Sherlin and L.K. Bjelland
In this paper, reproduced by permission of the Institute of Printed Circuits (USA), the authors discuss the problem of corner cracking in multilayer boards in relation to the…
Abstract
In this paper, reproduced by permission of the Institute of Printed Circuits (USA), the authors discuss the problem of corner cracking in multilayer boards in relation to the electrodeposition of copper from the pyrophosphate electrolyte.
Suzanie Adina Mat Saat, Mark Hepworth and Tom Jackson
The purpose of this paper is to explore the Malay children’s information needs from their experience with parental cancer using information behaviour techniques to elicit…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the Malay children’s information needs from their experience with parental cancer using information behaviour techniques to elicit sensitive information that provided an indication of what children were thinking.
Design/methodology/approach
Data collection adapted the participatory action research method and used participatory-based techniques that included drawings, essays and interviews. Data explication used an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Social constructionism, learning theory and cognitive theory were used to analyse the data. In total, 32 participants took part, ten mothers with breast cancer at different stages of their cancer journey, and 32 children between 6 and 18 years old.
Findings
There are shortcomings in the provision of cancer information for Malay children. Unlike verbose and difficult to digest medical definitions and descriptions about cancer and its treatment, the Malay children defined cancer as having components made from their experiences and observations about how cancer affected their parent. The findings explain the relationship between children participants’ reaction to a health situation and the subsequent processes they undergo to resolve their state of information need.
Originality/value
It highlights the importance of determining information needs and the combined methods used to gain and interpret the experience children face with a parental cancer diagnosis. The findings about ethnic-based information problems, needs and provision for dependent children of cancer patients are one of the original contributions of this research. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is believed to be the first in-depth qualitative and highly participative study of the implications of cancer for dependent children of Malay cancer patients.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a theory that applies Miller et al.’s (1960) Test-Operate-Test-Exit (TOTE) concept to the psychophysiology involved in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a theory that applies Miller et al.’s (1960) Test-Operate-Test-Exit (TOTE) concept to the psychophysiology involved in electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback (BFB).
Design/methodology/approach
Six components are presented, namely, the teleological brain, attractors as the “test” in TOTEs, EEG production, positive and negative feedback, synaptogenesis and designated actor, and then integrated into a theoretical structure. Comparisons with the previous conceptualizations are discussed, and finally, suggestions for practical application and needed research are offered.
Findings
Previous theories neglected significant variables and promoted unverified conceptualizations. These issues are redressed with a psychophysiological, cybernetic theory.
Research limitations/implications
The pursuit of substantive research needed to verify the theory would improve the scientific foundations for EEG BFB.
Practical implications
This theory shifts the designated actor in BFB to the participant’s brain, away from the BFB provider. EEG BFB is thus viewed as a means for neuronominalization driven by the brain’s attractor systems instead of as an intrusive intervention.
Social implications
The theory proposes a much more participant-centric process than previous modes, which also promotes self-determination. The research validation needed for the theory could produce wider EEG BFB acceptance and application.
Originality/value
The theory is a complete departure from previous conceptualizations. It is the first instance of TOTE application to psychophysiological processes, and it is the first fully cybernetic conceptualization of EEG BFB.
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Javad Rajabalizadeh and Hannu Schadewitz
This study aims to investigate the impact of audit partners’ narcissism on the readability of audit reports for companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). It examines…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of audit partners’ narcissism on the readability of audit reports for companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). It examines the effects of narcissism among both lead and review audit partners on the clarity of audit reports, considering the regulatory requirements and auditing practices within the Iranian financial reporting context.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyzed 2,691 firm-year observations from TSE-listed companies spanning 2011–2023, using ordinary least squares regression. Readability of audit reports was assessed using the FOG index, with the size of partners’ signatures serving as a proxy for narcissism.
Findings
The findings indicate a significant negative relationship between increased narcissism and audit report readability; higher levels of narcissism correspond with elevated FOG index scores. Narcissism in lead partners notably diminishes readability more than that of review partners. This pattern holds across various robustness checks, including alternative readability metrics, variations in auditor engagement complexity, auditor specialization, subsets of qualified audit reports and considerations for endogeneity. Audit reports for economically significant clients tend to be clearer, suggesting a preference for reputation management over yielding to client pressure. Although no direct link was established between partners’ quality and readability, a positive relationship exists between audit firm rank and partners’ narcissism. Furthermore, interactions between auditor and CEO narcissism increase report complexity, especially in contentious negotiation scenarios. Despite regulatory advancements such as International Auditing Standard 701, its moderating effects were found to be inconsequential, highlighting the persistent influence of narcissism on audit report outcomes.
Originality/value
This research expands the understanding of how auditor personality traits, particularly narcissism, affect audit outcomes. By exploring the influence of narcissism on report readability within the Iranian context, this study fills a notable gap in the literature on emerging markets and non-Western reporting environments, providing valuable insights into global audit practices.
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Rizqa Anita, Rahma Widya, Muhammad Rasyid Abdillah, Hadiyati Hadiyati and Nor Balkish Zakaria
This study investigates the intricate relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance, focusing on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the intricate relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance, focusing on the Indonesian business context. Leveraging upper-echelons theory, the research posits that CEO narcissism significantly predicts both CSR initiatives and firms' financial performance. Additionally, it explores CSR as a potential mediator in the link between CEO narcissism and financial performance, with particular focus on the CEO’s involvement in recommending CSR activities.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 644 observations was analyzed, revealing that narcissistic CEOs tend to lead firms with higher CSR engagement, which in turn is positively related to financial performance as measured by Tobin’s Q.
Findings
Regression models indicate that while CEO narcissism directly related to firm performance, the inclusion of CSR as a variable significantly strengthens this relationship. The indirect association analysis further confirms that CSR mediates the relationship between CEO narcissism on firm performance.
Originality/value
These findings contribute to the literature by elucidating the dual relationship of CEO narcissism on organizational outcomes and by highlighting the role of CSR in enhancing financial performance. This study also underscores the importance of considering cultural and institutional contexts in understanding the dynamics between executive personality traits and corporate strategies.