Competitive Mindset Research Articles

Social Values and Students Holistic Education among Selected Secondary Schools in Mbale District, Uganda

In many of the secondary schools today, much attention is put on achieving grades and numbers in the schools. There is little attention put to in the building of value-based learners and the environments that are materialistic and place a high value on the material world has taken precedence over the humanistic world. There is little emphasis on the advancement of children's ethical and spiritual growth, favoring individualism that stresses egoism, worldly success, and the pursuit of pleasure via lifestyle. This has led to the dehumanization process, in which material qualities are exalted while human values—such as moral, ethical, and religious—are diminished and abandoned. Unconsciously, educators give up on moral and spiritual principles since they are seen as antiquated, outmoded, not modern, and unsatisfactory. Instead, they are supplanted by the dominance of materialistic principles, which are ranked higher. Contrary to those views, a good and comprehensive education system creates the necessary human capital and knowledgeable workers to take our societies to greater heights. Holistic education focuses on representing core ideals for a more just world for people and other living things. It offers a means of advancing the discussion of resource distribution beyond the financial to include the philosophical significance of love in creating a more just society. It draws attention to the need for and change toward a more spiritual and holistic strategy for developing empathy and kindness. It offers forums for conversations about eschewing the competitive mindset fostering an inward journey of learning, kindness, compassion, and empathy. These days, the focus of the educational system is mostly on gaining a lot of knowledge, passing tests, and getting credentials for jobs in the future. A comprehensive education program is essential in the educational system to give students the human values and the hard and soft skills they need. This essay examines the types of values that serve as a potent stimulant for excellent teaching practices and, consequently, support learning that is holistic. It examines rationalizations and describes how values can be used to strengthen beneficial student outcomes in all 1 RODRIGUES, Zuleide Blanco. Education: A study based on the UNESCO report on the four pillars of knowledge domains of growth on all levels—intellectual, moral, social, emotional, and spiritual. The research design for the study was mixed methods, utilizing combines quantitative and qualitative methods. We as well utilized Questionnaires for collection views plus statistics from head teachers, facilitators (teachers), parents and other school stakeholders. Literature of published and unpublished works on social values and students’ holistic learning in Uganda and other countries was reviewed. In data analysis, both both numerical and qualitative data analysis methods were applied. The investigation drew upon collected superior data which focused on individual discourses regarding Students are taught moral and religious principles as part of the process of developing their character in school and how these values influenced them for social transformation into individuals with the ability to face obstacles in life with morality and direction. It was framed in the 4 foundations of learning according towards UNESCO's Knowledge: Jacques Delors in the Delors Commission Report (1966), wherein this report, Education is viewed as one of the main tools available to promote a deeper and more harmonious form of human development and, in turn, to lessen poverty, exclusion, ignorance, oppression, and war, rather than as a miraculous remedy or a magic formula that will open the door to a world in which all ideals will be realized. This lifelong education is built on the following principles: Learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be1

Exploring the Influence of Sports on Student-Athletes’ Competitive Mindsets during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Sports aim to enhance an individual’s formation through organized physical and mental involvement. As sports participation promotes teamwork and dedication, athletes develop sportsmanship, mindfulness, and mental toughness, which brings out their confidence. While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused distress and tested the resilience of people, the effects of the situation on student-athlete mindset and competitiveness remain unresolved. With Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory as its foreshadowing theory, this qualitative study focused on the experiences of 10 high school to collegiate student-athletes from a private university in Manila who were asked about their mindsets during the COVID-19 pandemic. After analyzing the data from the transcribed interviews through thematic analysis and the use of the Tracy Coding Matrix, findings revealed the effects of Bandura’s sources of self-efficacy expectations that influenced the student-athletes’ will to win, particularly performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal. The researchers found that sports affect student-athletes’ competitive mindsets by developing their traits, such as self-confidence, motivation, self-assurance, self-reformation, and wellness. Although sports participation also caused feelings of insecurity and pressure among the participants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, student-athletes were able to adapt, particularly through being supported by their environment. With this, some of the findings suggest that a social circle's presence may ignite student-athletes' drive for victory but may also demotivate them. Finally, the findings of the study may be used to understand student-athlete behavior and strategies such as positive reinforcement and goal-setting may be used to improve their mentalities.

Benchmarking for organisational competitiveness: a resource-based view perspective

PurposeThe paper tries to investigate the impact of applications of the resource-based view (RBV) theory in the management field to improve the firm’s profitability. Global firms are innovating and adopting new technology, paving the way to improve their performance.Design/methodology/approachWe have adopted RBV in management practices such as marketing, strategy, finance, and human resources.FindingsRBV has gained researchers' attention with the growing competitive world and new challenges to retaining customers and achieving their pre-defined targets. We attempt to identify the issues related to the usage of RBV in management.Originality/valueUsing RBV in management may help researchers create a competitive mindset and be prepared for uncertain challenges in the business world.

“There is only one motive … fun.” Perspectives of participants and providers of physical exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease

Purpose To explore the perspectives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and exercise providers regarding facilitating factors, barriers, needs, and demands relating to physical exercise for people with PD. Materials and Methods Focus group discussions or telephone interviews of 30 people with PD (with or without an active sports history) and 13 providers were conducted and analyzed using structuring content analysis. Results Factors facilitating participation in physical exercise included motivation-enhancing elements (enjoyment, group training environment) and providers with sufficient qualifications in PD-specific training demands. Identified barriers were lack of motivation, physical limitations, poor service accessibility, and inadequate matching of intervention groups based on capability or age. Providers found it difficult to design and conduct group trainings for people with PD with varying physical limitations. Having an active sports history before PD-onset was described as generally beneficial, though a competitive mindset could lead to frustration. People with PD reported needing their physicians to provide better education regarding physical exercise. Conclusion Enjoyment of physical exercise is a key aspect of maintaining physical activity engagement, which should be considered more in research and clinical practice. Developing qualifications for providers could help to broaden and enhance the dissemination of PD-specific exercise approaches. Physicians should be trained to encourage physical exercise. Implications for rehabilitation Physicians should highlight the benefits and be knowledgeable regarding the availability of physical exercise interventions for people with PD. Additional physical exercise providers should become qualified to work with people with PD. The joyfulness of physical exercise interventions is a key aspect of maintaining physical activity engagement for people with PD.

Developing an understanding of the labour market: the value of social, cultural and identity capital according to first- and continuing-generation graduates

ABSTRACT This study examines graduates’ understanding of the labour market and its association with structural and agentic factors in the transition from higher education to work. Research has shown that besides possessing and exerting different forms of capital, it is foremost important for graduates to be aware and understand which forms and expressions of capital are valued within their working field. By comparing first-generation and continuing-generation graduates, the research recognises the role of background characteristics on outcomes and highlights potential differences in their perceptions of the labour market. Using a sequential mixed methods approach, including a survey for purposive sampling and interviews (n = 35), this study aims to provide insights into graduates’ understanding of the value of social, cultural, and identity capital and identify patterns accounting for socio-economic status and career self-management. The results demonstrate that career self-management has a more significant influence on graduates’ narratives of the value of social and identity capital compared to their social background. Conversely, when it comes to understanding the value of cultural capital, social background has a greater impact. Further, the findings show that continuing-generation graduates often maintain an advantage in the labour market by displaying a more competitive mindset.

Cognitive Gender Differences in Comments to Gender-Related Hot Topics on Chinese Social Media

In contemporary society, issues of women’s rights and gender equality have always been a focus of attention. Despite some progress made over the past few decades, gender inequality persists across various fields, sparking a series of feminist movements and actions. In China, a unique gender equality concern—the “bride price”—has garnered significant attention. As part of traditional Chinese wedding customs, the bride price symbolizes the groom’s respect for the bride. Nevertheless, in modern society, the escalating bride price amounts have led to differences in perceptions and competitive mindsets, making it a significant point of conflict within marriages. This paper analyses the commentary content on topics such as childbirth, the workplace, sexual assault, and the bride price on China’s social media platform, Weibo. Using textual analysis, it examines the emotional differences and content variations in comments between genders. The research reveals that female bloggers (67%) are more engaged in discussions related to gender issues than males (33%). Word frequency analysis shows similar concerns across topics, but men tend to prioritize material and financial aspects,” when discussing bride price. Women, on the other hand, express dissatisfaction through personal experiences, while men tend to consider the issue from their own perspectives.

Changes in mental health of Indian students due to online classes during COVID-19 pandemic

This study examines the influence of online classes on the mental stress of Indian students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 428 respondents, spanning from class 10 to research scholars, was collected via a Google Form questionnaire. Parameters like excitement for online classes, class time gaps, teacher-centric lecture, competitive mindset, disruption of normal life, and health related issues were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings offer insights into the potential causes of mental stress among students during online classes, with implications for improving mental health through screening strategies. These findings may also apply to offline classes.

Sports and epilepsy: A comprehensive review in the Japanese context

Abstract: Introduction: Epilepsy, affecting 1% of the global population, is a neuropsychiatric disease often co-occurring with psychiatric disorders. It is characterized by recurrent “epileptic seizures” caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which poses risks during exercise and damages athletic identity. In Japan, psychiatrists perform essential roles in the treatment of patients with epilepsy. Methods: This review examines and addresses the challenges and opportunities for individuals with epilepsy in athletic endeavors. Results: Historically, misconceptions regarding seizure triggers, societal stigma, and overprotective attitudes have limited physical activity among individuals with epilepsy, resulting in obesity and reduced wellbeing. However, exercise does not typically induce seizures. Recent research suggests that exercise benefits seizure control, quality of life, and comorbidities among individuals with epilepsy. Sports participation risks were categorized into three groups using tailored guidelines provided by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Water-based sports require controlled environments, monitoring, and distinctive attire due to the risk of drowning. In contact sports, precautions are required to address seizures prior to physical contact. Guidelines for children with epilepsy in school events emphasize inclusion, as restrictions may lead to social and developmental challenges. Few prominent athletes who openly disclosed their epilepsy diagnoses. Conclusion: Physical activity offers benefits to individuals with epilepsy, necessitating a re-evaluation of exercise restrictions. Guidelines and seizure type considerations are essential. Athletes’ openness about epilepsy enhances awareness and support, contributing to the overall well-being of this population. Dipruption of epilepsy on competitive mindset might extend to Athletic Identity (AI).

Who wins and who loses in global SDGs rankings? Clarifying the influence of the North‐South divide and foreign direct investment on spillover effects

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Report (SDR) provides comprehensive global rankings based on countries’ performance and efforts toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the spillover effects reflecting how one country’s actions influence others remain underexplored, especially regarding their interplay with SDGs performance. This paper delves into the cross‐border adverse impacts on the environment and society arising from these spillovers, examining their correlation with SDGs rankings within the context of the North‐South divide and foreign direct investment (FDI). The analysis reveals a pronounced association between higher SDGs scores and amplified negative spillover effects. While this trend is predominant among advanced Northern countries, certain developing Southern nations also exhibit similar tendencies, potentially obstructing the SDGs of more vulnerable states. This paper argues that many countries achieve their SDGs by exploiting the ecological and social resources of others, suggesting a deviation from genuine sustainability and the core ethos of the 2030 Agenda: “Leave No One Behind.” To provide a clearer perspective on countries’ developmental trajectories, this paper proposes conceptual metrics and utilizes data visualization to re‐assess sustainability progression over time. It also introduces four developmental tendencies: exploitative, degraded, waning, and sustainable development. The findings emphasize that countries aiming to transition from exploitative or degraded development to sustainability must address consumerism, prioritize SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and counteract the degradation of SDG 13 (Climate Action). Crucially, a competitive mindset and a lack of international collaboration will hinder SDGs, underscoring the pressing need for collective action on environmental and social justice and equity.

Motivation and attitudes of college varsity players towards community-based sports initiatives: Precursor to grassroots sports program

The Philippine sports culture is embedded in its communities as they are aggressively engaging in sports initiatives involving the youth from grade school to college levels capturing the passion of the sport’s participants at the grassroots level. Varsity players were exposed to such passion which shaped their competence in sports and physical activity later in life. This research analyzed the motivation and attitudes of the varsity athletes in higher education who have been participating in community sports in their growing years. Ninety (n = 90) varsity players from three state universities and colleges in Zamboanga City, Philippines participated in a Likert-scale survey to determine their level of motivation and attitudes towards community sports initiatives in relation to their athletic participation in the university. Findings revealed that the level of motivation among varsity students for the benefits of sports was very high and their gender and years of being a varsity player. Attitude indicators also revealed that varsity players pursue sports because it develops their competence and social skills. Community sports initiatives promoted a competitive mindset, as well as boosted confidence as players were able to prepare for competitions. This study is important for government and universities to consider the role of community sports initiatives in developing their long-term grassroots sports programs.

Membudayakan Praktik Jual-Beli Sejak Dini dalam Upaya Membentuk Jiwa Kewirausahaan Santri di Dayah Tradisional Aceh

This article discusses the importance of introducing students to buying and selling practices in traditional Acehnese dayah at an early age in order to foster their entrepreneurial spirit. The significance of developing the entrepreneurial spirit of students in traditional Acehnese Islamic boarding schools as a means of enhancing future economic security. The research methodology then employs a descriptive-qualitative approach and the technique of purposive sampling. The findings indicate that entrepreneurship in dayah contributes significantly to the spiritual, academic, and social development of students. Buying and selling is an integral part of the curriculum and daily routine at the Islamic boarding school, allowing students to develop entrepreneurial skills and a competitive mindset. In addition, the practice of buying and selling helps students comprehend ethical principles and business responsibilities. This practice also strengthens the dayah's role as a center for entrepreneurship education, where students can develop business ideas, share knowledge, and work together to overcome obstacles. In conclusion, the practice of buying and selling at an Early childhood child in traditional Acehnese dayah has the potential to increase the entrepreneurial spirit of santri and encourage their participation in community development and regional economic growth. Implementing this practice in traditional Acehnese dayah is an important step in preparing students to face future challenges in the business world with greater preparedness.

Bring it on! Package shape signaling dominant male body promotes healthy food consumption for male consumers

AbstractAlthough the effects of product packaging on food healthiness and product/brand anthropomorphism on consumer response have been extensively studied, there has been little attention paid to how anthropomorphizing the package could potentially bias consumers' perception of food healthiness and subsequent consumption. Drawing on theory from evolutionary psychology, the current paper proposes that package signaling a dominant male body (vs. nondominant package) promoted healthy food consumption among males rather than female consumers. In a field study (Study 1), preliminary real‐world evidence was collected that showed that both genders perceived food as healthier when it was packaged in a dominant (vs. nondominant) package. However, in terms of food content satisfaction, only males reported more satisfaction when exposed to the dominant (vs. nondominant) package, and this effect was not observed for unhealthy food. Next, two lab experiments directly assessed the impact of package dominance on male consumers' purchase intention of healthy food products and found that intrasexual competition underlies such effect (Studies 2 and 3). These findings were contingent on individual differences in competitive mindset (Study 4); competitive (vs. cooperative) consumers were more inclined to pay a premium for healthy food within dominant package. Our work adds to the growing body of literature on anthropomorphic package by highlighting the influential role of package dominance on healthy food consumption. Marketers selling healthy food may adopt a dominant (i.e., V‐shaped package) to communicate the product's healthiness and promote consumption for male consumers.

Collaboration-competition dilemma in flattening the COVID-19 curve.

Testing for COVID‐19 is a key intervention that supports tracking and isolation to prevent further infections. However, diagnostic tests are a scarce and finite resource, so abundance in one country can quickly lead to shortages in others, creating a competitive landscape. Countries experience peaks in infections at different times, meaning that the need for diagnostic tests also peaks at different moments. This phase lag implies opportunities for a more collaborative approach, although countries might also worry about the risks of future shortages if they help others by reallocating their excess inventory of diagnostic tests. This article features a simulation model that connects three subsystems: COVID‐19 transmission, the diagnostic test supply chain, and public policy interventions aimed at flattening the infection curve. This integrated system approach clarifies that, for public policies, there is a time to be risk‐averse and a time for risk‐taking, reflecting the different phases of the pandemic (contagion vs. recovery) and the dominant dynamic behavior that occurs in these phases (reinforcing vs. balancing). In the contagion phase, policymakers cannot afford to reject extra diagnostic tests and should take what they can get, in line with a competitive mindset. In the recovery phase, policymakers can afford to give away excess inventory to other countries in need (one‐sided collaboration). When a country switches between taking and giving, in a form of two‐sided collaboration, it can flatten the curve, not only for itself but also for others.

Partners or Opponents? How Mindset Shapes Consumers’ Attitude Toward Anthropomorphic Artificial Intelligence Service Robots

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) service robots is on the rise. With service frontlines gradually shifting to human–robot interactions, the question of whether the anthropomorphism of robots facilitates or constrains consumers’ experiences has emerged. This article focuses on the individual factor “consumer mindset” (competition vs collaboration) and investigates how it impacts consumers’ attitudes toward anthropomorphic AI robots during service delivery. Across three studies, we confirm our main prediction that competitive mindset consumers respond less favorably to anthropomorphic (vs. non-anthropomorphic) AI robots, whereas collaborative mindset consumers respond more favorably to anthropomorphic (vs. non-anthropomorphic) AI robots. We test the mediating role of perceived psychological closeness and the moderating role of interaction distance to explain the underlying mechanism. Our findings provide theoretical insights into the mixed results of previous studies of service robot anthropomorphism and have practical implications for service agencies using frontline robots.

The 'conflict paradox': humanitarian access, localisation, and (dis)empowerment in Myanmar, Somalia, and Somaliland.

Since the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016, debates about the localisation of humanitarian aid have intensified. Dominant discourse focuses on reform, although calls for the broader decolonisation of aid are mounting. This paper examines the impact of neoliberal-inspired competition that incentivises institutional expansion and clashes with localisation. It introduces the concept of the 'conflict paradox' to illustrate how armed conflict and restricted humanitarian access for international actors can both empower and disempower local and national humanitarian actors (LNHAs). These themes are then demonstrated using case studies of Myanmar, Somalia, and Somaliland, revealing the potential for LNHAs to demand humanitarian system change, as well as the challenges to doing so. The paper concludes that for localisation to progress towards decolonisation, fundamental ideological shifts away from the neoliberal competitive mindset are essential. Notably, there is a need to move from low-quality localisation (subcontracting) to high-quality localisation grounded in solidarity and an emancipatory agenda.

Farmers’ Attitudes toward the Future of Direct Payments: An Empirical Study from Germany

The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform has met with large-scale protests from farmers throughout Europe, intending to change one of the most controversial components: direct payments. We analyze German farmers' attitudes and understanding of direct payments. The study employs a survey of 435 farmers collected from January to February 2021. Using cluster analysis and quantitative content analysis, we identified three distinct groups: (1) The “Independents” (43.7%) are entrepreneurs and have a competitive mindset. They would prefer to abolish direct payments associated with more freedom from policy conditions. (2) The “Conservatives” (27.0%) advocate an income policy based on direct payments, and they reject higher environmental standards. (3) The “Environmentalists” (30.3%) emphasize a pronounced environmental awareness, fa-voring an environmentally performance-based approach. The results show that policies are often perceived differently than they are intentionally designed. Improving the effectiveness of the policy measure requires sufficient information about the CAP's objectives for farmers, focusing on more transparent communication strategies. From a policy perspective, a more differentiated design of policy instruments and longer transformation periods are needed to engage farmers in policy change.

Strategy for the Development of Islamic Education Institutions in the Academic Sectors

Realising the development of educational institutions that will produce competitive graduates, have good morals and impact increasing the quality of Islamic education that can compete and be competitive with other educational institutions by trying to focus on handling institutional management so that it is better by focusing on development in the academic sector. This study aims to identify and analyse institutional development strategies in the academic sector at MA Mambaul Ulum Jember. Qualitative research by looking at the problems and research objectives to be achieved. This research uses a type of phenomenological research. Data collection techniques include interviews, observation and documentation. Data analysis by condensing data, presenting data and drawing conclusions/verification. The results of his research: Institutional development in the academic field is carried out by changing views on education, complying with Ministry of National Education policies, creating a good institutional culture, and changing the learning process. The institutional development strategy in the Academic Sector at MA Mambaul Ulum Jember is implemented by adjusting: The strategy for developing Islamic education institutions at MA Mambaul Ulum Jember is implemented by: 1) Forming students' competitive mindset through rewards, 2) Developing teacher creativity in the teaching and learning process, 3) Innovation in learning services, 4) curriculum innovation. In implementing education, the quality of academic services must be carried out in a directed, disciplined manner and guarantees the realisation of good quality education.

Imagining a future for psychotherapy in Aotearoa

This paper discusses Donna Orange’s idea that Levinas’s philosophical position of radical ethics, when combined with the psychoanalytic concept of intersubjectivity, could unravel blindness to the climate crisis. Genocidal colonisation by Europeans across the world is a disavowed history that has been ruinous not only for the colonised, but also for the internal worlds of the colonisers. We remain in the grip of a destructive competitive mindset, driven by the forces of shame, shame anxiety, and envy. Psychotherapists could play a part in a better future by articulating the emotional defences at play in ecocide and strengthening our own workforce and those who are fighting against the climate crisis, with group work.

Fenwick and Corsi in Army Hockey, Incorporating “Shot-Zones” and Rebounds into Weighted Shots

Competitive mindsets and incentives for winning within our society generate an environment that forces athletes and organizations to continuously seek new opportunities to gain a competitive advantage. The Moneyball strategy is a great example of team’s thinking outside the box to improve their chances of winning. This strategy is when teams utilize analytics to determine which players hold the most value. In other words, which player will perform the best while also being minimally expensive to acquire. Building upon the Moneyball strategy, teams across sports today are using statistical data and metrics to analyze all facets of their respective sports in hopes of acquiring this edge. First implemented in baseball, other sports such as basketball and hockey are following in their footsteps while attempting to overcome the obstacle of having less data. The growth of analytics in hockey shows that these strategies are finding their way into the hockey environment.

The Effect of Sports Experience and Competitive Orientation on Entrepreneurial Priorities, Attitudes, and Decision Making.

This paper poses a few questions about the link between athletic experience and entrepreneurial behavior. Does athletic experience affect entrepreneurial attitudes, decisions, and, therefore, outcomes? If so, is it specifically their competitive orientation that drives these differences? This paper uses survey data to observe differences in attitudes, decisions, leadership, and strategy between athletes and non-athletes. This paper also implements an experiment, which randomly assigns half of the participants to be primed by recalling a competitive situation to test whether differences in behavior between athletes and non-athletes can be attributed to a competitive mindset. The survey undertaken for this purpose received 100 responses.
 In this research, I also specifically examine the role that a competitive mindset, which is frequently developed through sports, plays in entrepreneurial attitudes, priorities, and strategies. This paper tests if athletes and non-athletes make different decisions in the face of entrepreneurial challenges. It also examines whether any of those differences can be attributed to the competitive orientation of people with athletic experience.