Confirmatory Factor Analysis Modeling Research Articles

Green IT and BYOD: driving sustainability, job performance, and well-being in remote work

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of bring your own device (BYOD) practices on teleworkers’ job performance, work–life conflict and their implications for environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on Green IT in the post-pandemic remote work context. Drawing on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, it examines the relationships between private technology adoption, job demands, job resources, job performance and work–life conflict, while also assessing how BYOD impacts environmental outcomes such as electronic waste reduction and carbon emissions. Design/methodology/approach The study used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS version 22 to evaluate seven hypotheses among 424 full-time teleworkers from various occupational sectors in Mauritius, a developing country. Findings SEM results confirm that BYOD enhances job performance and work–life conflict through increased job autonomy, workload and work pressure. BYOD and teleworking also contribute to Green IT and environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and electronic waste, indirectly supporting broader sustainability goals through reduced corporate device demand and lower commuting-related emissions. Practical implications Organisations should leverage BYOD policies to advance Green IT practices and improve work performance in remote settings, focusing on balancing job demands with resources like work autonomy to enhance productivity and well-being. Originality/value The findings strongly support the JD-R model in the context of remote work and BYOD, particularly in developing economies with limited infrastructure, offering insights for policies that enhance both employee well-being, Green IT and environmental sustainability.

Validity of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure for Māori, Pacific, Asian & European adolescents

Abstract Background Ethnic identity is important for positive health and wellbeing outcomes, especially for Indigenous youth and adolescents from minoritised ethnic groups. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) is widely used to examine ethnic identity as a general phenomenon across ethnic groups. However, evidence regarding its validity for adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds is mainly limited to the US context. This study investigated psychometric properties of the MEIM, for the first time, within a large ethnically diverse population-based sample in New Zealand. Methods We used data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Participants were 4500 12-year-olds and included 22.4% Māori (the Indigenous people of New Zealand), 16.7% Pacific, 14.8% Asian and 51.9% European young people. 45.7% were cisgender boy, 37.4% were cisgender girl, and 16.4% were non-binary, trans or unsure. We conducted factor analysis for the 12-item MEIM. Results Confirmatory factor analysis model fit tended to be best for a solution with two factors representing two ethnic identity subcomponents of Exploration and Affirmation/Belonging. A single ‘ethnic identity’ factor showed a slightly weaker model fit. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 2-factor structure with a slightly different item composition as compared to the original MEIM subscales. The findings were largely comparable across ethnic groups. Conclusions The MEIM appears to be a valid measure for Māori, Pacific, Asian and European young people. However, nuances may exist due to unique contexts including structural factors, societal norms and challenges, opportunities and access to cultural engagement. Ethnic identity is strongly linked to health and wellbeing including quality of life, self-esteem and life satisfaction. Therefore, we recommend acknowledging nuances of ethnic identity during an important time of development within diverse cultural contexts, by applying subscales and subgroup analyses where possible. Key messages • The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure is valid and appropriate to use at age 12-years among diverse ethnic groups including Māori, Pacific, Asian and European. • Nuances of ethnic identity should be acknowledged as an important factor for health and wellbeing, especially during critical times of transition for adolescents within diverse cultural contexts.

Exploring the drivers of experience intentions to co-create value among quarantine greenhouse customers

ABSTRACT Exactly how the quarantine greenhouse creates good quality service experiences has attracted the attention of scholars and practitioners. Some scholars advocate decreasing perceived threats to increase experience intentions to co-create value. However, recent research has not examined quarantine greenhouse service, and a detailed understanding of its potential effects on the customer meal experience and their experience intentions to co-create value is needed. Consequently, this study of the effects of perceived threats on experience intentions to co-create value through post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) protective behaviors and experience relationship outcomes constructed a comprehensive framework via a literature review. A survey was carried out with respondents who had dined at one quarantine greenhouse in Amsterdam, obtaining 482 valid samples which were analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results of this study will also assist quarantine greenhouse management in developing and implementing market-oriented service strategies to decrease the dimensions of perceived threats, increase the dimensions of COVID-19 protective behaviors and experience relationship outcomes, and create experience intentions to co-create value. The theoretical and managerial implications of these results are discussed.

The blue sky of AI-assisted language assessment: autonomy, academic buoyancy, psychological well-being, and academic success are involved

Artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the educational landscape by radically changing how lessons are taught and students are evaluated. In light of these facts, it is critical to consider learners’ emotional and mental wellness as the building blocks of education. Given these facts, it is imperative to consider learners’ emotional and mental well-being as the fundamental components of education. The key goal of this investigation was to investigate the relationships between learner autonomy (LA), academic buoyancy (AB), psychological well-being (PW), and academic success (AS) in Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Assessment (ICALA). The current study was conducted on a cohort of 391 students registered in courses at private language institutions in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, who were at the intermediate proficiency level. The following instruments were administered: the Academic Buoyancy Scale, the learner autonomy instrument, the learner psychological well-being, and the academic assessment. Then, to evaluate data and quantify the interaction between LA, AB, PW, and AS, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied. The findings underscored the significance of LA and AB in achieving a balance in the PW of EFL pupils, particularly when utilizing ICALA for language acquisition. Additionally, the instructional implications of this study and potential avenues for future research are extensively investigated.

Decoding Pandemic Stress: Analysing Mental Health of Tea Workers in India

This research article aims to investigate the factors that affected the mental health of tea workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study provides essential insights into the psychological factors affecting tea workers during this critical time. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires from 532 tea workers in the north-eastern region of India. The collected data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling approaches. The study found that all the factors investigated significantly impacted employee stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, safety perception and contagion risk were found to have the strongest influence on stress, followed by unknown and information overload, social exclusion and humiliation, monetary loss and job uncertainty, and quarantine and restraint. Additionally, the study confirms that stress at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to depression among tea workers, which is also related to insomnia and relationship troubles. Investigating the various dimensions of COVID-19 stressors among tea workers is crucial for the government and management to understand the root causes of the problem. By understanding the contributing factors to mental health issues, we can develop appropriate interventions to support the well-being of tea workers, providing a blueprint for mitigating the potential adverse effects of future pandemics.

Psychometric characteristics of the Chinese version of the Pregnancy Exercise Attitudes Scale (C-PEAS)

BackgroundReasonable instruction and promotion of appropriate exercise are crucial to improving the exercise status of pregnant women and safeguarding the health of both mother and fetus. However, there is a lack of validated Pregnancy Exercise Attitude Scales with a complete evaluation system in China. This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Pregnancy Exercise Attitude Scale (C-PEAS) in Chinese to give medical professionals a reference for carrying out pregnancy care services and promoting the health of the mother and fetus.MethodsIn this study, the scale was translated, back-translated, and cross-culturally adapted using the Brislin translation model to form the C-PEAS. 528 pregnant women were conveniently selected for the questionnaire survey to evaluate the scale's reliability. The scale's content validity was assessed by the content validity index, while its structural validity was investigated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's alpha coefficient, McDonald's omega coefficient, split-half reliability, and retest reliability were used to evaluate the scale's internal consistency.ResultsThe C-PEAS contains two dimensions with 37 entries. The EFA supports a two-factor structure with a cumulative variance contribution of 62.927%. The CFA model was well fitted (χ2/df = 1.597, RMSEA = 0.048, IFI = 0.955, TLI = 0.952, and CFI = 0.955). The C- PEAS' Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.973, and the range of Cronbach's alpha values for the dimensions was 0.976, 0.944. McDonald's omega coefficient was 0.971, the half-point reliability of the scale was 0.856, and the retest reliability was 0.966.ConclusionsThe Chinese version of C-PEAS has good psychometric properties. It can be used as an effective measurement tool to evaluate the attitude of pregnant women to exercise during pregnancy.

Analysis of Determinants of Envitonmrntal Awareness Among Beef Consumers

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the determinants of environmental awareness among beef consumers in Brazil, focusing on the acceptance of the Carbon Neutral Beef label. Theoretical Framework: The literature review covers the growing consumer concern for sustainability and animal welfare. The concept of Carbon Neutral Beef, developed by EMBRAPA, is discussed as a strategy to mitigate methane emissions in livestock production. Previous studies indicate that factors such as education, income, and environmental awareness influence consumers' willingness to pay more for sustainable beef. Method: The research employed a quantitative approach, applying a survey to beef consumers in Brazil. A total of 256 completed questionnaires were analyzed, and the data were processed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The Tobit econometric model was employed to identify the determinants of consumers' environmental awareness. Results and Discussion: The results show that most consumers prefer beef with sustainability attributes, influenced by income, education, and concern for the environment. The Tobit model indicated that variables such as educational level and household income are significant determinants of environmental awareness. These consumers are willing to pay more for beef that respects the environment and animal welfare. Research Implications: The study provides insights for the beef industry on the importance of adopting sustainable production practices. Originality/Value: The study provides insights for the beef industry on the importance of adopting sustainable production practices.

Online Health Information Seeking, eHealth Literacy, and Health Behaviors Among Chinese Internet Users: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

The internet has become an increasingly vital platform for health-related information, especially in upper-middle-income countries such as China. While previous research has suggested that online health information seeking (OHIS) can significantly impact individuals' engagement in health behaviors, most research focused on patient-centered health communication. This study aims to examine how OHIS influences health behavior engagement among Chinese internet users, focusing on the role of eHealth literacy and perceived information quality in influencing relationships. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2021 among 10,000 Chinese internet users, using quota sampling based on sex, age, and urban and rural residence, in line with the 48th Statistical Report on Internet Development of China. Nonparametric tests were used to examine the differences in eHealth literacy across sociodemographic groups. Partial correlation analysis and stepwise linear regression were conducted to test the associations between key variables. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted to test the hypotheses. Our study identified significant disparities in functional and critical eHealth literacy between urban and rural residents across age groups, income levels, education backgrounds, and health conditions (all P<.001). In terms of sex and regional differences, we found higher functional literacy among female users than male users, and critical literacy varied significantly across different regions. The proposed structural model showed excellent fit (χ2404=4183.6, χ2404=10.4,P<.001; root mean square error of approximation value of 0.031, 95% CI 0.030-.031; standardized root mean square residual value of 0.029; and comparative fit index value of 0.955), highlighting reciprocal associations between 2 types of eHealth literacy and OHIS. Participants' functional eHealth literacy, critical eHealth literacy, and OHIS have positive impacts on their health behavioral engagement. Perceived information quality was found to mediate the influence of OHIS on health behavior (b=0.003, 95% CI 0.002-0.003; P<.001). The study revealed the pathways linking sociodemographic factors, eHealth literacy, OHIS, and perceived information quality and how they together influenced health outcomes. The findings underscore the significance of enhancing eHealth literacy and improving information quality to promote better health outcomes among Chinese internet users.

Blind indoor navigation app for enhancing accessible tourism in smart cities

Purpose People with visual impairments or blindness (PwVIB) are mostly excluded from tourism activities. Despite the rise of assistive technology (AT) solutions in Tourism, acceptance remains low because of the difficulty of providing the right functionality, effectiveness and usability. Arguably, it can be said that disability-oriented training can affect the latter two and, therefore, an AT solution’s acceptance. This paper aims to contribute to the theory development and conceptualization of technology acceptance of AT solutions in Tourism by studying, in the context of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the effects of training PwVIB on using AT solutions. This study presents the effects of training on the tourism behavior of PwVIB and provides valuable information to the stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire data collected from 128 PwVIB after evaluating an AT were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling followed by post-evaluation interviews. The used application, called BlindMuseumTourer, enables high-precision autonomous indoor navigation for PwVIB in tourist places like museums and places of health care. Findings The results of this study indicate the partial satisfaction of the extended model validating the importance of performance expectancy and training (the new factor) in predicting the behavioral intention of PwVIB tourists toward using ATs during their tourist activities. This suggests that practitioners have to provide performant technological solutions accompanied by special training sessions for improved engagement and satisfaction. Originality/value This study contributes to the UTAUT theory in the context of Tourism for PwVIB by adding a new factor and replacing two moderator variables. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no similar work is studying AT acceptance by PwVIB in the tourism literature. Furthermore, the validation process used a novel indoor navigation application, demonstrating its effectiveness in the Tactual Museum of Greece.

Reflecting the voices of EFL teachers in the world of Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Assessment (ICALA): an insight into teacher immunity, reflective teaching, job satisfaction, and L2-teacher grit

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Assessment (ICALA) are transforming the educational landscape by radically changing how lessons are taught and students are evaluated. As the masterminds behind the curriculum, it is critical to consider the emotional and mental health of teachers who applied ICALA as part of their language instruction. To this end, this study’s primary objective was to examine the connections between ICALA, teacher immunity, reflective teaching, job satisfaction, and l2-teacher grit. To achieve this goal, 221 English as a foreign language (EFL) university teachers from Afghanistan participated in the current research. The research outcomes identified and quantified the influences of teacher immunity and reflective teaching on job satisfaction and L2 teacher grit by data screening utilizing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). According to the results, TI and RT are vital in implementing AI into language assessment by maintaining an uninterrupted JS and L2TG. The study’s ramifications are further elaborated upon.

How can we improve AI competencies for tomorrow's leaders: Insights from multi-stakeholders’ interaction

This study investigates factors influencing artificial intelligence (AI) competencies in higher education for sustainable development using learning theories. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, it analyzes responses from 525 students and interviews with 35 faculty members from five Indian universities. The study employs confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to explore relationships between various learning approaches and AI competencies. Findings indicate that collaborative learning, problem-solving, and cognitive competence significantly contribute to AI proficiency. Human-tool collaboration and self-learning also enhance students' understanding of AI concepts, fostering strategic decision-making in business contexts. Additionally, thematic analysis from qualitative interviews identifies critical themes for developing an AI curriculum framework, including curriculum design, pedagogical strategies, ethical considerations, and global perspectives. The research provides an integrated theoretical model and offers practical recommendations for enhancing AI education, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical AI usage in management education.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) in Iranian Older Adults

Objectives: To investigate the psychometric properties of the persian version of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS-P) among older adults in Tabriz. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Participants: A representative sample of 1362 (768 females and 594 males) community-dwelling people aged≥60 participated in the current study. Outcome measures: The psychometric properties of the SWLS-P were evaluated. The standard translate/back-translate procedure was applied. Then, using an expert panel, the face and content validities were assessed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to investigate the factorial structure, and data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 and AMOS version 18. Results: Cronbach’s alpha calculated for the SWLS-P was 0.883, showing desirable internal consistency and reliability for the SWLS. Furthermore, CFA confirmed the single-factor structure of the Persian version of the scale and indicated an appropriate fit, with a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.049, a comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.997, a Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.991, and a Chi-square to degrees of freedom (DF) ratio of 4.289. Conclusions: The results supported the validity and reliability of the SWLS-P for use with Iranian older adults.

How differently do cognitive and affective country image affect brand loyalty

Purpose This paper aims to examine how differently cognitive and affective country image affects brand loyalty of smartphone brands from two developed countries in Vietnam and how product image mediates these effects. Design/methodology/approach This research used the cross-sectional design. Data was collected via questionnaires and 517 responses were left after refining. The confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were applied to analyze the collected data. Findings The effects of the cognitive country image on brand loyalty are totally transmitted through product image. The effects of affective country image on brand loyalty are divided into direct and indirect effects transmitted through product image. Research limitations/implications Affective country image and product image have complementary effects, whereas cognitive country image and product image have substituting effects on brand loyalty. Practical implications International companies from countries with unfavorable country images should concentrate more on improving their product images to improve brand loyalty in foreign markets. Originality/value The findings support previous studies, which have shown that cognitive and affective country images are distinctive dimensions of country image and affect consumer cognition and responses toward products/brands through different mechanisms.

Electronic Health (eHealth) Literacy and Self-Care Behaviors—Results from a Survey of University Students in a Developing Country

eHealth literacy (eHL) is directly linked to disease prevention, health promotion, and improved healthcare outcomes. The objectives of this study are to assess undergraduate university students’ knowledge and perceived skills of finding, appraising, and applying electronic health information to health-related problems, as well as to assess the association of eHL with physical, psychological, and emotional self-care. Methods: The measurement model, comprising four correlated factors based on the 28 valid items from two reliable and valid tests, the ‘eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS)’ and ‘the self-care assessment tool (SCAT)’, was estimated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) among a sample of 1557 undergraduate university students in Pakistan. Results: The mean value of the eHEALS ranges between 2.90 and 3.33, indicating that the majority of the respondents had moderate levels of eHL skills. Female respondents and respondents from urban areas have greater levels of perceived eHL skills compared with their male and rural counterparts. The CFA model fit indices show that the goodness of fit values are acceptable: x2 = 7.727, p = 0.000; RMSEA = 0.065; TLI = 0.930, CFI = 0.936, IFI = 0.936, GFI = 0.890, NFI = 0.928, RFI = 0.920, PGFI = 0.754. Conclusion: Electronic health (eHealth) literacy has a strong positive association with physical, psychological, and emotional self-care. However, perceived eHL skills among undergraduate university students are moderate, making them potentially susceptible to health risks. Implications: Our study has several practical implications. Its findings can be used to devise eHealth literacy programs for developing relevant skills among undergraduate university students based on their identified needs.

A tutorial on Bayesian structural equation modelling: Principles and applications.

This paper explores the utilisation of Bayesian structural equation modelling (BSEM) in psychology, highlighting its advantages over frequentist methods for handling complex models and small sample sizes. Basic concepts and fundamental issues relevant to BSEM are introduced, such as prior setting, model convergence, and model fit evaluation and so on. The paper also provides illustrative examples of commonly employed BSEMs, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models, mediation models and multigroup CFA models, accompanied by empirical data and computer codes to facilitate implementation. Our goal is to provide researchers with novel ideas for empirical research and equip them to overcome challenges inherent to traditional methods. As BSEM continues to gain traction in various fields, we anticipate its development will feature improved methods, techniques and reporting standards.

Human resources management practices and organisational performance in the Nepalese development banks: Insights from structural equation modelling

Purpose: Effective human resource management (HRM) practices are essential factors that provide organizations with a competitive edge and contribute to their overall performance. This study examines the impact of HRM practices, including recruitment and selection (RS), training and development (TD), compensation policies (CPs), and performance appraisal (PA), on the organizational performance (OP) of the Nepalese development banks (DBs). Design/methodology/approach: The study followed a causal-comparative research approach. It employed a structured questionnaire to gather the necessary data from 257 working representatives of the ten selected Nepalese DBs. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to examine the association between the variables and validate the study hypotheses. Findings: The HRM practices exhibit a significant and positive association with OP (β = 0.910; p &lt; 0.05), indicating their influence on achieving organisational success. Such findings offer a pragmatic perspective for achieving HRM excellence and organisational effectiveness in the Nepalese DBs. Research constraints/implications: Analysis of cross-sectional data from development banks cannot be extrapolated to other sectors. This study emphasises the importance of compensation, performance measurement, hiring and selection, development, and training in improving OP, confirming and expanding prior findings. These insights may benefit policymakers, HR managers, and executives in enhancing HR operations by improving employee performance and business productivity.Originality/value: This study's unique contribution is its examination of HRM dynamics and their direct impact on OP, notably in the Nepalese DBs. The DBs may optimise their HR, enhancing OP and a long-lasting competitive advantage.

Development and Psychometric Properties of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Standards Perceived by Workers, Managers, and Executives

Purpose: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benchmarks, introduced in the early 2000s as a complement to corporate social responsibility (CSR), assess the environmental sustainability, societal impact, and ethical responsibility of organizational operations. Despite the growing importance of ESG and the development of various financial metrics, there remains a shortage of empirically validated scales to measure stakeholders' perceptions of these benchmarks. This study aims to develop and validate the ESG-Perception scale, focusing on internal stakeholders such as employees, managers, and executives. Method: The study sampled employees/workers (N = 300) with a mean age of 42.44 years (SD = 13.18) and managers and executives (N = 302) with a mean age of 37.93 years (SD = 10.38). There were more female employee/worker participants (n = 163, 54.5%) than male participants (n = 136, 45.5%), while there were more male manager and executive participants (n = 163, 54.2%) than female participants (n = 138, 45.8%). The majority of employees/workers identified as White/Caucasian (61%, n = 183), similar to the majority of managers and executives, who identified as White/Caucasian (62.3%, n = 188). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using employee/worker data was conducted to examine the factor structure of ESG-Perception, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models—including single-factor, first-order, and bi-factor models—were used with manager and executive data to validate the scale’s factor structure and dimensionality. Measurement invariance across gender and race was also tested to ensure the equivalence of the factor structure. The study further assessed the scale’s convergent and discriminant validity. Results: The ESG-Perception scale effectively captured internal stakeholders' perceptions of ESG benchmarks. A multidimensional, three-factor structure was identified, which aligned with the data. The factor structure was invariant across gender and race, allowing for comparisons of latent means across these groups. Convergent validity indicated that perceptions of diversity and inclusion, personality, leadership qualities, and styles influenced endorsement of ESG standards. With the exception of the Environmental and Governance constructs in the data for managers and executives, clear discriminant validity was observed for the scale’s constructs, demonstrating their distinct conceptual boundaries. However, the absence of discriminant validity between the Environmental and Governance constructs indicated overlapping conceptual dimensions, which is particularly indicative of industries where governance practices and environmental performance are closely linked. The bifactor models demonstrated both multidimensionality and unidimensionality for the scale. Conclusions: The ESG-Perception scale contributes to the body of knowledge on sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and ethical responsibility. It supports the application of Stakeholder and Upper Echelons theories and provides valuable insights into how internal stakeholders perceive ESG principles. Knowledge derived from its use can enhance ESG advocacy and help organizations develop effective strategies for adopting, implementing, and complying with ESG frameworks. This can promote transparency, sustainability, and improve corporate practices and outcomes. Despite exhibiting both unidimensional and multidimensional characteristics, the choice of whether to treat the scale as unidimensional or multidimensional will depend on the specific research goals and context.

Experiential value and environmentally responsible behavioral intention in rock-climbing tourism: The role of place attachment and biospheric value

With increasing emphasis on environmental issues in outdoor leisure tourism, understanding the environmentally responsible behavioral intention (ERBI) of tourists is crucial to sustainable development. We explored the novel chain-mediating effect of experiential value on ERBI through place attachment and biospheric value among 300 recreational climbers in Yangshuo County, Guilin City. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM), we found that the experiential value of climbing resorts had a direct effect on place attachment and biospheric value. Experiential value and place attachment had a moderate effect on ERBI, while biospheric value had a positive effect on ERBI. However, experiential value and place attachment indirectly influenced ERBI through the mediating effect of biospheric value. Finally, experiential value indirectly affected ERBI via the chain-mediating effects of place attachment and biospheric value. These findings extend existing theoretical frameworks by elucidating previously underexplored chain-mediation relationships. Practical insights derived from this study include strategies for enhancing the management and environmental protection of rock-climbing resorts. These strategies should focus on deepening the emotional connection between recreational climbers and the environment through innovative marketing approaches that emphasize tailored environmental protection activities, community involvement, and sustainable tourism practices. Management implicationsThe findings suggest three innovative strategies, building on existing practices, to foster sustainable tourism in rock-climbing resorts by connecting tourists with the environment. First, immersive programs such as ecotourism, wildlife observation, and multimedia experiences would enhance experiential value. These programs can promote environmentally responsible behavior by actively engaging tourists in environmental education and encouraging deeper interactions with nature, fostering place attachment and biospheric values. Second, content marketing, including storytelling and environmental campaigns that emphasize the ecological significance of rock-climbing resorts could position them as advocates for environmental conservation, especially ecosystem and biodiversity preservation. Third, personalized marketing can strengthen place attachment. Tourists could share personal photos on social media and receive symbolic rewards, such as sustainable tourism certificates. These strategies will actively engage tourists in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism efforts, foster long-term participation, and enhance the unique appeal of resorts as leaders in eco-friendly tourism. Management implicationsThe findings suggest three innovative strategies, building on existing practices, to foster sustainable tourism in rock-climbing resorts by connecting tourists with the environment. First, immersive programs such as ecotourism, wildlife observation, and multimedia experiences would enhance experiential value. These programs can promote environmentally responsible behavior by actively engaging tourists in environmental education and encouraging deeper interactions with nature, fostering place attachment and biospheric values. Second, content marketing, including storytelling and environmental campaigns that emphasize the ecological significance of rock-climbing resorts could position them as advocates for environmental conservation, especially ecosystem and biodiversity preservation. Third, personalized marketing can strengthen place attachment. Tourists could share personal photos on social media and receive symbolic rewards, such as sustainable tourism certificates. These strategies will actively engage tourists in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism efforts, foster long-term participation, and enhance the unique appeal of resorts as leaders in eco-friendly tourism.

Effect of FinTech Adoption, Green Finance and Green Innovation on Sustainability Performance of Nepalese Financial Institutions

This study is aimed to investigate the impact of FinTech adoption on the sustainability performance of financial institutions of Nepal focusing the mediating role of green finance and green innovation. Employing a descriptive and causal comparative research design, the research systematically describes the characteristics of FinTech adoption among customers of financial institutions of the selected area and explores potential cause-and-effect relationships between FinTech adoption and sustainability performance. Data were collected from 180 respondents through a structured questionnaire distributed via an online survey platform, utilizing a 5-point Likert scale. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used to test the measurement model and examine the relationships between the constructs. The study confirmed that FinTech adoption positively impacts sustainability performance and green finance, although it negatively influences green innovation. Mediation analysis revealed that neither green finance nor green innovation significantly mediate the relationship between FinTech adoption and sustainability performance. The findings underscore the necessity for financial institutions to integrate both technological advancements and sustainable practices comprehensively. This study contributes to the academic literature by providing empirical evidence from Nepal and offers practical insights for policymakers and financial institutions aiming to enhance sustainability through fintech. By addressing critical research gaps, this study advances our understanding of how FinTech can be effectively aligned with sustainable financial practices in Nepal, ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Understanding military pilots’ fuel-saving intentions for supporting logistics missions

Military pilots can play important roles in saving aviation fuel by operating aircraft in an environmentally sustainable manner. Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study investigates the factors associated with cargo pilots’ fuel-saving intentions during logistics missions. We collected 108 survey responses, including 62 from the United States Air Force (USAF) and 46 from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) using the survey data show partial support for the relationships between three antecedents (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) and behavioral intention. Contrary to existing studies involving TPB, which are mostly about personal choices with some degree of freedom, the results suggest that the impact of subjective norms is greater than that of attitude in this study context, which can be explained by the rigid military culture and strict air traffic control including specific routes, altitudes, and speeds mandated by Air Combat Command. The theoretical and practical contributions of this study provide insights into how subjective norms influence intentions across different contexts, extending the applicability of TPB to industries with rigid organizational cultures and tight operational controls, such as the airline industry.