Chinese Higher Education Institutions Research Articles

Examining the link between coach-athlete relationship and athlete burnout among college soccer players: the mediating role of training satisfaction

PurposeAthlete burnout is an adverse factor that usually decreases athletes' sports performance and reduces their passion for athletic career development. The present study examined the association of coach-athlete relationship, training satisfaction, and athlete burnout, and then explored the training satisfaction as a mediating role of the effect of coach-athlete relationship on athlete burnout among college soccer players.MethodsSoccer players from seven Chinese higher education institutions were recruited for the study. The participants were selected using stratified random sampling and included 218 participants. The Coach-Athlete Relationship Scale, Training Satisfaction Scale, and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire were used to collect data from the participants. Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and bootstrap method were conducted to analyze the collected data set.ResultsThe results showed that (1) there was a significant correlation between coach-athlete relationship, training satisfaction, and athlete burnout. (2) coach-athlete relationship and training satisfaction significantly negatively predicted athlete burnout (β = −0.39, p < 0.001; β = - 0.29, p < 0.001). (3) training satisfaction had a significantly mediating effect on the relationship between coach-athlete relationship and athlete burnout (β = −0.15, p < 0.001, ES = 0.28).ConclusionCoach-athlete relationship can not only directly negative impact athlete burnout but can also negatively influence athlete burnout through the mediating effect of training satisfaction. Therefore, we suggest the following to alleviate athlete burnout: on one hand, coaches can provide more communication opportunities for athletes to improve the coach-athlete relationship. On the other hand, teams can enhance training satisfaction by building team culture.

Challenges of sustainable public procurement in Chinese higher education institutions: a Delphi study

PurposeThe importance of sustainable public procurement is growing in many countries and industries, including higher education institutions (HEIs) in China. However, in China, the practice of sustainable public procurement is currently limited due to various reasons. This study aims to identify the main challenges faced by Chinese HEIs when it comes to sustainable public procurement. The identification of the challenges encountered by HEIs in sustainable public procurement practices not only has practical significance in terms of improving efficiency, sustainability, competitiveness and guiding policymaking but also has theoretical significance in terms of enriching the knowledge body, facilitating the dissemination of sustainability and supporting international comparative research. To identify these challenges, the study gathered data from a small sample of procurement supervisors, experts and commissioners in HEIs using the Delphi method. The study concludes that Chinese HEIs can address the challenges of sustainable public procurement through measures such as fundraising, technology and equipment upgrading, supply chain optimization, regulatory compliance and raising awareness and providing training.Design/methodology/approachTo pinpoint the challenges of sustainable public procurement faced by HEIs in China, this study began by obtaining data from a small sample of procurement supervisors, experts and commissioners in HEIs who are knowledgeable about the issue through the Delphi method. Secondly, the collected challenge factors were also subjected to a literature review to identify the most common challenges in recent papers published around the world. Thus, it was possible to assess the relationship between the challenges mentioned by researchers in China and other countries.FindingsThe main challenges faced by HEIs in China in implementing sustainable public procurement are the focus on economic efficiency, the experience and awareness of procurement staff, policy ambiguity as well as culture, management mechanisms and leadership attitudes in the organizations. The study concludes that Chinese HEIs can effectively overcome the challenges of implementing sustainable public procurement through a variety of measures, including fundraising, technology and equipment upgrading, supply chain optimization, regulatory compliance and awareness raising and training.Research limitations/implicationsSome limitations should be considered in this study. Judging by the sample size, it is clear that the results of the study are limited. Although the number of experts involved in the study is required, caution should be exercised when generalizing the results, as this may not be representative of the entire population. In future studies, the use of a larger sample size could be considered to overcome this problem. Related to this limitation is the uneven geographical distribution of the sample, and this study only considered the situation of HEIs in Jiangsu Province, China, which is not representative of the national region.Practical implicationsThe practical significance can be seen in two aspects. First, accurately identifying challenges can help HEIs optimize the implementation of their sustainable purchasing policies, leading to more efficient resource allocation and reduced unnecessary resource consumption. Second, by addressing these challenges, HEIs can better fulfill their social role in sustainable development, contributing to the triple bottom line of the economy, environment and society. Implementing sustainable procurement strategies not only enhances the social image of HEIs but also attracts a broader student base and financial support, ultimately improving their competitive position in the education market. A deeper understanding of these challenges provides policymakers with a basis to develop a more operational and targeted policy framework to support sustainable procurement in HEIs.Social implicationsThis study succeeded in answering two research questions that provide practical implications for public procurement practitioners, researchers and policymakers. Although HEIs in China do not practice sustainable public procurement at a high rate, however, with the spread of sustainability and environmental awareness, more and more HEIs are beginning to realize the importance of sustainability and are gradually taking it into account in their procurement.Originality/valueThe findings of the study not only significantly enrich the existing body of knowledge on sustainable public procurement, but also support the selection of challenge variables that must be addressed first to facilitate the application of sustainable procurement in China’s HEIs.

Psychological Capital as a Mediator in the Link between Organizational Socialization and Job Performance in Chinese Higher Education Teachers

This research examines the relationships between organizational socialization, psychological capital, and job performance within Chinese higher education institutions, with an emphasis on the implications for institutional sustainability. Utilizing a quantitative methodology, this study surveyed 1079 faculty members across various universities in China to assess how organizational socialization influences job performance (task, contextual, adaptive, and counterproductive dimensions) both directly and indirectly through psychological capital (self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience). Statistical analyses with the Process 4.2. Macros for SPSS 29.01 have been conducted using model 4. The analysis indicates that organizational socialization has a positive direct effect on task performance, both contextual and adaptive, but a negative effect on counterproductive performance. A significant positive relationship between organizational socialization and each of the psychological capital components has been found. The psychological capital components each played a unique role in mediating the relationship between organizational socialization and the different performance dimensions. These findings suggest that strategic socialization practices can significantly improve both the immediate and long-term performance outcomes of faculty members. This study contributes to the understanding of how targeted socialization and psychological capital development can serve as levers for optimizing job performance in the academic sector.

From vocation to profession: multiple identities of Chinese management academics

The academic landscape in China has undergone a profound transformation, shifting from a spiritually rooted vocation to a model driven by managerial efficiency, catalyzed by market reforms that dismantled the traditional, centrally planned system. This seismic shift has forced scholars to adapt to a performance-oriented environment, leading to significant transformations in their professional identities. Contemporary literature, primarily centered on Western role-theory perspectives, often fails to capture the intricate cognitive dynamics that shape academic identities under the varied influence of power dimensions. This study addresses this gap by exploring how Chinese academics’ identities are constructed amidst a complex interplay of power dynamics, external changes, and internal motivations, moving beyond simplistic group-level categorizations. Employing an intersectional approach within a multidimensional organizational power framework, this research utilizes case study methods to probe deeply into the multiple identities of academics in the Business Management discipline across various Chinese higher education institutions. The study reveals a dynamic interplay among multiple power dimensions, including American research hegemony, industrialization of academic governance, self-regulation, and rebellion against ‘academic games’. These forces collectively shape distinct identity modules among Chinese academics: fanatic convert of American research, career survivor, diligent game player, and career retreater, each responding uniquely to the evolving academic pressures. This research significantly enhances our understanding of academic identity construction by extending beyond traditional role-based analyses to encompass a broader spectrum of cognitive processes. It highlights the nuanced intersectionality of academic identities, effectively integrating structuralist perspectives with personal agency. This comprehensive examination provides critical insights into the development of Management disciplines, university governance, and professional practices within the academic community in China.

Nexus of knowledge oriented leadership and knowledge worker performance in Chinese higher education institutions: a post-pandemic behavioral analysis

PurposeIn the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak understanding the behavioral dynamics and role of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) in driving knowledge worker performance (KWP) is paramount for organizations striving to adapt and thrive in the post-pandemic era. Drawing on the path-goal theory, this study explores the impact of KOL on KWP. In addition, this study seeks to examine both the direct and indirect influences of KOL on KWP via digital orientation (DO) and digital citizenship practices (DCP), especially for higher education institutions (HEIs) located in China.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consisted of 319 academic staff from HEIs in China. The study used Smart-PLS 4.0 for analytical examination.FindingsThe results indicate that the impact of knowledge-oriented leadership on KWP is negligible. Furthermore, DCP and DO partially mediate the relationship between KOL and KWP. The findings of this research have practical implications for Chinese HEIs and organizations across industries, providing insights into how to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic work environment and effectively harness digitalization to optimize the KWP.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of this research extend beyond the HEIs, providing organizations in various industries with evidence-based strategies to promote effective leadership, foster digital skills, and cultivate a culture of digital citizenship in the post-pandemic work landscape.Originality/valueDespite the increasing significance of KOL in the higher education sector, there is a dearth of studies establishing a relationship between KOL and KWP in HEIs. The present study seeks to fill this gap by examining the association among KOL, KWP, DO, and DCP in HEIs during the post-pandemic. This research provides significant contributions to the existing literature on the topic by scientifically exploring the association between KOL and KWP by examining the intervention mechanism of both digital citizenship practices and digital orientation.

Corporate culture in Ukrainian and Chinese institutions of higher education in the context of bilateral relations

Corporate culture in Ukrainian and Chinese institutions of higher education in the context of bilateral relations

Examining the impact of sustainable leadership on green knowledge sharing and green learning: Understanding the roles of green innovation and green organisational performance

Despite the enhanced significance of leadership in the effectual transformation of universities towards sustainability, literature on the role and practices of sustainable leadership (SL) in higher education institutions (HEIs) remains scarce. To address this gap, this study investigated the direct effect of SL on teachers' green learning outcomes (green cognitive, social, self-growth, and satisfaction with university green experiences) in Chinese HEIs, guided by stakeholder theory. Green knowledge sharing was examined as a mediator between SL and green learning outcomes. The direct impact of teachers' green learning outcomes on green innovation (green speed and quality) and green organisational performance (customer green satisfaction, green curriculum development, green responsiveness, green research productivity, and green research ranking) were also analysed. This study also investigated whether green innovation fosters green performance in Chinese HEIs. A quantitative and cross-sectional research method was employed to analyse the data (N = 393). Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to execute hypothetical relationships. The results showed that SL directly and positively affected green learning outcomes; however, green knowledge sharing enacted direct-only non-mediation between SL and green learning outcomes. Additionally, green learning outcomes endorsed a direct and positive relationship between green innovation and organisational performance. Similarly, a direct and positive association was found between green innovation and green organisational performance. This study focused on abandoned research, that is, the direct effect of SL on teachers' green learning outcomes in HEIs, revealing that teachers' green knowledge sharing, learning outcomes, and innovation are vital to their green organisational learning and performance. This study examined the direct effects of SL on teachers’ green learning outcomes in HEIs, which is unique to the sector. Further, the investigation of green knowledge sharing between SL and green learning outcomes is a novel contribution. Similarly, the combination of green learning outcomes, green innovation, and green performance in HEIs is original.

Moderated Mediation Model of Student Expectation and Satisfaction in Blended Learning: Context of Mathematics Learning in Chinese Higher education institutions

With the continuous development of educational informatization, blended learning, which combines the advantages of online and offline teaching, has become a research hotspot in the field of education. This study aims to discuss the influencing factors of blended learning satisfaction. Using purposive sampling method, 529 undergraduate students majoring in mathematics from 16 higher education institutions in Guangxi were surveyed. Furthermore, validity and reliability tests, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were employed to process the data. Empirical results indicate that in blended learning, student expectation and perceived value have significant positive effects on learning satisfaction. Student expectation also have a significant positive effect on perceived value. Moreover, perceived value plays a mediating role in the relationship between student expectation and learning satisfaction. Self-efficacy moderates the relationship between student expectation and learning satisfaction. This study contributes to enhancing the quality of blended courses and improving the satisfaction of university students with blended learning.

Subjective experiences of tertiary student pianists with playing-related musculoskeletal disorder: a transcendental phenomenological analysis.

The literature suggests that the medical community needs musicians to provide an insider's perspective to understand the physical and psychological dimensions of playing an instrument, and healthcare providers need to understand musicians' experiences in order to develop coping strategies. Compared with professional pianists, student pianists are a neglected group. However, student and professional pianists both want to maintain their playing careers and have the experience of giving up playing because of playing-related musculoskeletal disorder (PRMD). There are a few studies conducted on student pianists' experiences with PRMD, but none have been conducted in the Chinese context. Given the distinctive characteristics of higher music education in China and Chinese piano students, this study aims to investigate the lived experiences of tertiary student pianists with PRMD. Phenomenology is the most suitable qualitative method for investigating lived experiences. This study employed a transcendental phenomenological approach to investigate the experiences of student pianists, collecting data through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. Since phenomenological research emphasizes the homogeneity of research subjects, all 25 participants in this study are tertiary student pianists from seven Chinese higher education institutions. Four themes and ten sub-themes were identified in this study. They are as follows: Theme one, Perceptions of PRMD, with sub-themes of body perceptions, negative thought, and emotional changes; Theme two, Complex Identity, with sub-themes of future pianists' identity, nuanced identity of student pianists, and the dual identity between student pianist and patient; Theme three, Coping Strategies, with sub-themes of self-regulation and actively seek help from social relations; Theme four, Influences and Meanings, with sub-themes of negative influences of PRMD and positive meanings of PRMD. This study explores the experiences of tertiary student pianists with PRMD, including their subjective thoughts and feelings. It also highlights the importance of understanding tertiary student pianists' experiences in developing health education and healthcare measures tailored to them.

Research on the Path of Digital Technology Empowering Teaching Reform in Japanese Majors in Chinese Universities---A Case Study of ZYU

With the rapid development of information technology, the application of digital technology in foreign language teaching is becoming increasingly widespread. Driven by the Chinese government’s policies on education digitalization, Japanese majors at Chinese higher education institutions are actively embracing digital technology to drive teaching reform. This paper, taking Zhejiang Yuexiu University (ZYU) as an example, discusses how digital technology can empower teaching reform in Japanese majors, analyzes the attempts and shortcomings of the current digitalization reform of Japanese majors, and proposes specific reform paths in conjunction with China’s national policies and the trend of educational digitalization development.

Goal Progression, Trait Changes, and Practice Paths of Artificial Intelligence Ethics Education of Professional Courses in Higher Education

Artificial Intelligence as an emerging technology in a large number of applications at the same time gradually revealed many ethical issues. Artificial Intelligence ethics education has become an important initiative and a key link in the implementation of the fundamental task of moral education in Chinese higher education institutions, however, Artificial Intelligence ethics education in professional courses often lags behind the education of course knowledge and skills, and it is difficult to achieve the integration of the three educational requirements. This paper proposes that Artificial Intelligence ethics education in professional courses should meet the requirements of the progression of course teaching objectives and adapt to the changes of educational traits from explicit and implicit to integration, and puts forward a practical path of Artificial Intelligence ethics education in professional courses that is consistent with the objectives, adapted to the traits, and constructed with multiple synergies according to the progression of the educational objectives of the professional course system and the changes of the educational traits. This paper also proposes the following suggestions for ethical education in professional courses: in order to achieve the goals of ethical teaching, it is necessary to establish connections between courses at different stages of cultivation, so that each course forms a hierarchical, collaborative, and supportive relationship. After the relationship is established, it is necessary to strengthen the collaborative participation of various subjects and corresponding practical guarantees in the specific teaching practice. This helps to form a system of Artificial Intelligence ethics education throughout the whole process, which in turn improves students' Artificial Intelligence ethics literacy.

Research on the Connotation of Teacher Ethics in Chinese Higher Educational Institutions in the New Era

Research on the Connotation of Teacher Ethics in Chinese Higher Educational Institutions in the New Era

A Gender Role Perspective on Women’s Leadership in Chinese Higher Education

This study investigated the relationship between women’s gender roles and their leadership in the context of Chinese higher education. Based on a questionnaire survey of 438 female leaders at various levels in Chinese higher education institutions, the research results show that gender-related factors such as family-role orientation and gender self-confidence have a close correlation with leadership aspiration and leadership self-efficacy. The results show that women’s family-role orientation has a negative effect on women’s leadership aspirations and leadership self-efficacy, while women’s gender self-confidence does not have a positive effect on leadership aspirations and leadership self-efficacy as hypothesized. Both family-role orientation and gender self-confidence have a close correlation with leadership aspirations. Leadership aspiration significantly mediated the effects between family-role orientation and leadership self-efficacy. These findings revealed the characteristics and changes in the relationship between gender and leadership among women leaders in Chinese higher education.

Influencing Factors of Work–Life Balance Among Female Managers in Chinese Higher Education Institutions: A Delphi Study

Abstract This research focuses on female managers and aims to explore the factors influencing work–life balance among female managers in Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs), while also ranking the importance of these factors within HEIs. The research is divided into five main sections and employs a two-round Delphi research method, utilizing expert discussions and opinions to thoroughly analyze the work–life balance challenges faced by female managers. The findings of the research reveal six primary dimensions that influence the work–life balance of female managers in Chinese HEIs. These factors, ranked in order of importance, are as follows: (1) family factors, (2) work-related factors, (3) cultural and social norms, (4) health factors, (5) self-management and personal skills, and (6) support and satisfaction. In conclusion, this research offers valuable recommendations for understanding and improving the work–life balance of female managers in Chinese HEIs, providing essential guidance for both these institutions and female managers in achieving a balanced development in their professional and personal lives.

Obzor uchebnikov russkogo yazyka v vysshih uchebnyh zavedeniyah Kitaya v 1949–1966 gg.

Textbooks are an important learning tool for using in classroom and an important resource for achieving curriculum goals, the foundation of “teaching” for teachers and “learning" for learners. This article examines the main Russian language textbooks in Chinese higher education institutions from 1949 to 1966 to provide an example of the compilation, use and adaptation of Russian language teaching materials in the new era.

Examining students’ music listening willingness and engagement to foster their musical achievement and development in higher educational institutions

Drawing upon self-determination theory, this study explores how listening music willingness (LMW) and music engagement (ME) impact musical development and achievement (MDA) via the mediating role of music aesthetic experience (MAE) and music listening behavior (MLB) among 299 university music students in Chinese higher educational institutions (HEIs). Employing structural equation modeling (SEM), the results reveal that LMW significantly influences MLB but not musical development and achievement. ME significantly affects both music aesthetic experience and MDA, with a significant correlation between MLB and MDA. Besides, the relationship between MAE and MDA is positively significant. Mediation analysis reveals that music listening behavior fully mediates the LMW–MDA relationship, while the relationship between ME and MDA is partially mediated by musical aesthetic experience. These findings offer insights for crafting music educational strategies emphasizing positive listening behavior, active engagement, and enriched aesthetic experiences to enhance effectiveness in HEIs. For policymakers particularly in China, understanding the pivotal role of MLB as a mediator between willingness and achievement suggests interventions targeting listening habits can positively influence overall MDA. Furthermore, recognizing the partial mediation by aesthetic experience in the relationship between engagement and MDA suggests programs enhancing musical aesthetic experiences could amplify the impact of music education initiatives.

Student Development Activities in Chinese Higher Education Institutions: From Assessment to An Enhancement Program

This study takes Chinese higher education institutions as an example to investigate students to investigate the student development activities from assessment to strengthening plan, and to explore the influencing factors and current situation of student development activities in Chinese higher education institutions. In addition, on the basis of investigation and analysis, the development plan to enhance students' multifaceted ability.By means of questionnaire analysis and interview, this paper collects, collates and analyzes the relevant data of student development activities in Chinese higher education institutions through a questionnaire survey of 100 teachers and 200 students. This enables local researchers to better understand students' needs and challenges, thereby providing strong support for improving students' developmental experiences and learning outcomes. At the same time, the data analysis results can provide an important basis for formulating targeted strengthening plans and improvement strategies, so as to promote the sustainable development of student development activities in China's higher education institutions.

Satisfaction with Online Chinese Learning among International Students in China: A Study Based on the fsQCA Method

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled Chinese international education to swiftly move online. Conducted in late 2021, this survey study collected self-reported data on online learning environments, student engagement, Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) learning achievement, and student satisfaction among 440 international students in Chinese higher education institutions. Based on the configuration perspective, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to explore the multiple concurrent paths of the online learning environment (the accessibility of online learning resources, student interaction, teacher support, course organization), student engagement, and learning achievement affecting international students’ online CFL learning satisfaction. The results indicate that satisfactory teacher support combined with student engagement was an important path leading to international students’ satisfaction with online CFL learning. Meanwhile, the inadequate accessibility of online learning resources combined with the absence of learning achievement was likely to trigger international students’ dissatisfaction with online CFL learning.

Business Incubation Study Programs to Promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activities in Animation Major

The aim of this study was to provide guidelines to setting up business incubation study programs in higher education for the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship activities in the field of animation. This study examined the relationship between business incubation program implementation, institutional policies, student engagement, faculty involvement, intellectual property (IP) management, and animation major relevant innovation and entrepreneurship activities to achieve its goals. Data collection was carried out from Chinese universities by using a survey questionnaire and results were obtained by using statistical tool in which Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was carried out. This study believed that incubation centers in the field of animation at higher education institutions can perform better to promote innovation and entrepreneurship success by concentrating on student engagement, faculty involvement and IP management practices along with the supportive institutional policies and proper implementation of strategy. Consequently, this study has significant importance for the policymakers to promote animation major among students by considering the results of the current study. Policymakers can promote animation major through the promotion of incubation centers in Chinese higher educational institutions.

“I deserve better grades.” Compliance-gaining perspective of dark triad traits, power distance and academic entitlement in Chinese higher education

PurposeDark triad (DT) personality traits, that is, Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy, are socially unenthusiastic and predict a range of antisocial behaviors. Academic entitlement, similarly, demonstrates the students’ rising temptation of higher grades without putting corresponding efforts. Based on coercion theory, this research investigated power distance as mediator between DT and academic entitlement (externalized responsibility and entitled expectations). Further, this study examined DT model of personality as a predictor of academic entitlement in Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachChinese HEIs were ascertained for data collection. Students (with bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees) responded to 719 questionnaires for data analysis. Hypothesized relationships were examined through partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM).FindingsThis study established positive and significant direct link between DT and academic entitlement. The indirect effect through power distance was found insignificant between the relationship of DT and academic entitlement.Originality/valueBased on coercion theory, this study extends the prevailing literature through unexplored effects of DT on academic entitlement and role of power distance in Chinese HEIs. This study validated the effect of DT on academic entitlement; however, direct-only no-mediation of power distance between the relationships is novel in Chinese HEIs. Moreover, power distance as mediator is novel between the relationships. Hence, this study provides an understanding of mentioned associations and contributes to the literature.