Junie Ong, Kinjal Doshi, Keng Hao Chew, June H.M. Tay and Jonathan Jon-Chung Foo
Teaching is a demanding profession with educators often experiencing high levels of stress, leading to burnout and associated negative outcomes such as diminished job satisfaction…
Abstract
Purpose
Teaching is a demanding profession with educators often experiencing high levels of stress, leading to burnout and associated negative outcomes such as diminished job satisfaction and compromised health. Enhancing social and emotional competence through mindfulness practices has shown promise in mitigating these effects. However, the demanding schedules of teachers often impede regular mindfulness practice. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers a novel solution by providing an immersive environment conducive to mindfulness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of VR-assisted mindfulness practices among educational professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
This study evaluated the effectiveness of VR-assisted mindfulness practices among 35 educational professionals. Participants, recruited via email, completed pre- and post-intervention surveys and engaged in a 10-min mindfulness session using an Oculus Go headset, which simulated a 360-degree forest environment accompanied by audio-guided practice.
Findings
The findings suggest that VR can be an effective tool for facilitating mindfulness among teachers, offering a more accessible and engaging way to practice. This study underscores the importance of the quality of the virtual environment and relevant audio cues in enhancing mindfulness experiences. However, limitations include the small sample size and single-session intervention. Future research should explore larger-scale studies, long-term effects and improvements in VR hardware to enhance comfort.
Originality/value
VR technology has the potential to serve as an effective adjunct to traditional mindfulness training, helping educators manage stress and prevent burnout. These insights contribute to the growing literature on VR-assisted therapies and provide a foundation for future research.
Details
Keywords
This study proposes a theoretical model to explain user intention to continue engaging with Social Commerce (SC) from a habit perspective. The research uses social impact theory…
Abstract
Purpose
This study proposes a theoretical model to explain user intention to continue engaging with Social Commerce (SC) from a habit perspective. The research uses social impact theory, user personal traits, and SC quality to explain how user habits are formed in SC, leading to continued usage.
Design/methodology/approach
The study collected data from 868 Indonesian respondents using a cross-sectional field design. SEM analysis confirmed the proposed theoretical model, calculating direct, indirect, and moderating effects.
Findings
The results showed that the social aspect is the dominant construct influencing users’ habit of using SC. Further, the outcome indicates that habit significantly predicts Continuity usage. Profoundly, subjective norms are the most significant predictors of habit, followed by self-efficacy, content quality, and herd behavior. Meanwhile, Trust and Social Support only indirectly affect Habit through self-efficacy and content quality, respectively, as mediators. Additionally, the moderating effect analysis revealed that age and gender play a role in habit formation.
Originality/value
This study specifically explores the factors affecting the development of habits in SC usage, leading to repeated behaviors. This area has not been thoroughly examined in previous research. Therefore, this study seeks to address this gap by investigating how habits are formed through social interactions on SC platforms. Understanding habit formation provides an alternative way of comprehending the continued use of SC, as it is considered a significant factor that leads to continued intention.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this research is to assess the tax stakeholders’ intention towards the adoption of blockchain technology (BT) for a transparent and effective taxing system in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to assess the tax stakeholders’ intention towards the adoption of blockchain technology (BT) for a transparent and effective taxing system in Bangladesh. It examines the factors influencing the behavioural intention of the users to adopt BT with a blended model built on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and self-determination theory (SDT). This research develops a prescriptive model to demonstrate how the stakeholders are interested in adopting BT for the taxing system.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire from the stakeholders of the taxing system, including tax policymakers, tax commissioners, tax officers, lawyers, tax consultants and the taxpayers. Statistical analyses were performed using partial least square-structural equation modelling.
Findings
Results reveal that out of the two primary TAM antecedents known as usefulness (PU) and ease of use (PEU), PU has a significant influence on the BT adoption intention. The only cognitive variable called autonomous motivation picked from SDT has a positive and significant impact on BT adoption for tax purpose as well. Finally, trust is found to be another important determinant for explaining stakeholders’ intention to adopt BT for an efficient taxing system where transparency can be ensured.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed model does not include any moderator though there might be a moderating effect in this regard. The variation described in the behavioural intention to adopt BT by the predictors is half of the total possible variations. Hence, the inclusion of variables such as social influence and controlled motivation could be interesting.
Practical implications
This study is expected to provide valuable insights into policymaking for tax administrations to enhance the tax collection net and maintain transparency and efficiency in the taxing system.
Social implications
This research has social consequences for a recently graduated developing economy such as Bangladesh, where transparency and efficiency are a matter of question. Because BT adoption can assure a convenient and favourable environment for the taxpayers upholding the principles of taxation, it can play a significant role by ensuring social justice and equity through a transparent and effective taxing system.
Originality/value
This research is among the first few studies to address the issue of implementing a modern technology such as BT for an efficient taxing system from a developing country perspective. Furthermore, it combined TAM and SDT to propose a hybrid model for explaining behavioural intention to adopt an emerging technology such as blockchain, which is a new phenomenon.