Cultural Context Research Articles

Using the RedList of Ecosystems andthe Nature-based Solutions Global Standard as an integrated process for climate change adaptation inthe Andean high mountains.

Under anthropogenic pressures and climate change, most ecosystems are showing signs of reduced resilience. Unfortunately, some are more at risk of collapse and, without interventions, they may lose biodiversity, ecological integrity and ecosystem services. Here, we describe two tools that were developed under the auspices of the International Union for Conservation of Nature,the RedList of Ecosystems and the Nature-based Solutions Global Standard, and their capacity to first identify the ecosystems at risk of collapse in a nation and then develop solutions based on nature to improve their resilience. Nature-based solutions include, for example ecosystem-based adaptation, where solutions are developed to meet the needs of the local people while protecting nature to ensure greater resilience of the social-ecological system, not only the natural ecosystem. We discuss through a case study in the Andean high mountains and páramo social-ecological system how these approaches have been used in Colombia. We then discuss lessons learned and challenges that may reduce the capacity of a community to initiate such interventions, such as national policies and funding restrictions. We also discuss through another early case in Ecuador the importance to adapt these types of interventions to the geographical and cultural context of the social-ecological systems. This article is part of the theme issue 'Bringing nature into decision-making'.

The mediated and moderated effects of IEO on international performance: An investigation of emerging market SMEs

Mixed and inconsistent research results linking International Entrepreneurial Orientation (IEO) to international performance have led to controversies about the value of IEO as a determinant of international performance. Our research proposes a new model that considers international dynamic capabilities (IDCs) as a mediator between IEO and international performance. Cultural and institutional distance are considered as boundary conditions. Using multi-country, multi-informant, and multi-source data collected from 303 SMEs in China and Tunisia, we find that IDCs mediate the effect of SMEs' IEO on international performance, but the impacts of three IEO dimensions on IDCs vary under different institutional and cultural contexts.

Translating perceived affective quality attributes of soundscape from English into Korean

The primary goal of ISO 12913 series is to foster a wide-ranging international consensus and establish a universal framework for interdisciplinary and professional communication about soundscapes. However, a critical challenge arises in non-English speaking countries regarding translating Perceived Affective Qualities (PAQs) from English. This translation issue is pivotal in accurately evaluating soundscapes according to the guidelines set by ISO/TS 12913–2, as it directly affects the reliability and consistency of soundscape assessments across different linguistic and cultural contexts. To address this, the Soundscape Attributes Translation Project (SATP) was initiated, focusing on the translation and validation of soundscape PAQs across various languages, with this study specifically aiming to be translated into Korean. This study aims to translate the soundscape PAQs suggested in ISO/TS 12913–2 Method A into Korean and examine the differences in soundscape evaluation between Korean and English. The study is divided into three phases. In Phase I, we gathered a wide range of possible Korean translations for the soundscape attributes and narrowed this down to twenty-four attributes. Phase II involved a quantitative evaluation of these 24 attributes to derive the most appropriate Korean attributes for the translation of soundscape PAQ. Finally, in Phase III, a listening test was conducted to discern the differences in soundscape evaluations between Korea and the UK. This comprehensive approach led to the identification of eight Korean soundscape attributes. With these attributes, twenty-seven different soundscapes were evaluated, revealing notable differences, particularly in the interpretation of the attribute ’monotonous’ between English and Korean evaluations. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the standardization of soundscape evaluation in Korea and lay a foundation for future soundscape research and assessment in the Korean context.

The Polish-Lithuanian legacy of Sir Thomas More in the rediscovered plays and playbills of the eighteenth century

The life and execution of Sir Thomas More, humanist writer and Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII Tudor, has captured the imagination of both Elizabethan and Continental playwrights. The article discusses the cultural context as well as the form and structure of a 1736 playbill, Messis immortalium trophaeorum ex triumphalibus palmis, Thomae Mori cancellarii Angliae (Wrocław Ossolineum Library, XVIII – 15241. IV), originally from Zamoyski Academy; and a newly discovered 1765 manuscript play, Morus Angliae Cancellarius tragedia (Vilnius University Library, MS F3-1118), from the Jesuit College in Lwów, both from the early modern Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The article argues that specific representations of More’s life and martyrdom in the Jesuit theatre of Poland-Lithuania can be explained and analyzed in the light of the political traditions and multi-denominational religious life of the Commonwealth up to its partitions in the second half of the eighteenth century. They raise interesting questions regarding the balance of spiritual and secular concerns, and creatively link Thomas More’s story with the Commonwealth’s political culture to offer moral and ethical exemplars for the young.

Interaction Between Automation and Humans in Supply Chain Planning

Automation is transforming supply chain planning (SCP) processes, replacing human tasks with technological solutions. While automation offers efficiency gains, the interaction between humans and automated systems presents behavioral challenges. This study investigates how decision-makers in SCP processes learn to correct errors when interacting with automated demand forecasting systems versus human planners. Drawing from psychology and behavioral theories, we examine the effects of interaction type (automated system vs. human) on learning, operationalized as performance improvement over time. Further, we analyze whether this relationship is moderated by cognitive psychological traits (positive attitude towards technology, technology anxiety/dependence) and socio-psychological traits (social influence based on subjective norms, social influence based on image) of the human decision-maker. Our article contributes to supply chain management research by introducing automation-human interaction, providing a temporal learning perspective on performance, and integrating cognitive and socio-psychological moderators. Insights are offered on how to facilitate effective human-automation collaboration by managing socio-psychological influences. Limitations and future research opportunities, including cultural contexts and artificial intelligence, are discussed.

Cross-cultural competence in global HRD: Strategies for developing an inclusive and diverse workforce

In today's interconnected world, where businesses operate globally, Cross-Cultural Competence (CCC) in Human Resource Development (HRD) has become indispensable. This review explores the significance of CCC in fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, focusing on strategies for its development. Cross-cultural competence refers to the ability of individuals and organizations to navigate and interact across different cultural contexts effectively. In the realm of HRD, cultivating CCC is essential for creating inclusive workplaces that embrace diversity, promote understanding, and harness the potential of all employees. One of the critical strategies for developing CCC in HRD is cultural awareness training. It involves educating employees about cultural norms, values, and communication styles, fostering empathy, and understanding. Organizations can minimize misunderstandings and conflicts by equipping employees with cultural knowledge, leading to enhanced collaboration and productivity. Another crucial aspect is the promotion of cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness within the organizational culture. HRD initiatives should emphasize the value of diversity and inclusion, encouraging employees to appreciate and respect differences. This can be achieved through policies celebrating diversity, such as diversity training programs, affinity groups, and inclusive leadership development. Effective communication is fundamental to CCC in HRD. Organizations must facilitate transparent and open communication channels accommodating diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Encouraging multilingualism, providing translation services, and utilizing cross-cultural communication training can bridge language barriers and facilitate meaningful staff interactions.

Understanding Municipal Green Initiatives and Citizen Habits in Four Baltic Sea Region Countries: Survey Results

The need to reach climate neutrality is addressed in this study by highlighting activities including boosting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and putting laws and incentives in place for the adoption of low-emission technology. Importantly, it is recognized that there is another important key factor in determining the success of sustainability projects which is an individual's willingness to change their behavior and accept new guidelines. This cross-cultural research examines the everyday routines of people from Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland and how these residents evaluate their municipalities. The research investigates the connections between citizens' behaviors in waste management, energy conservation, and transportation by considering the inhabitants' age, location of residence, and personal views. This study aims to collect the necessary data for creating focused, culturally appropriate sustainability projects. The study promotes international cooperation on environmental issues, supports sustainable practices adapted to various cultural settings, and gives policymakers useful information. Using a survey, this study takes a thorough approach to comprehending and resolving sustainability issues. The findings demonstrate that interventions need to be tailored to specific characteristics and cultural contexts to effectively encourage durable behaviors. All things considered, this study adds to the current conversation on sustainability by providing information and suggestions for encouraging environmentally friendly behavior in a variety of cultural contexts.

Quality of Life and its sociodemographic determinants: a population-based study from rural Punjab, India

BackgroundQuality of Life (QoL) is an individual’s subjective perception of well-being within their cultural context. While most QoL studies focus on individuals with certain health conditions, factors such as sex, marital status, education, and family structure can influence QoL beyond age and health conditions. Considering the limited studies on QoL in the general Indian population, especially from rural areas, the present study aims to explore the QoL and sociodemographic factors affecting QoL among community-dwelling adults in rural Punjab.MethodsThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 931 individuals of both sexes (59.6% female) aged 20–75 years residing in rural areas of Mansa, Punjab, India. Sociodemographic data were collected using an interview schedule, and QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF.ResultsThe overall mean QoL score was found to be 67.44 ± 14.7. The most affected QoL was in the physical domain (mean = 60.203 ± 13.49), followed by psychological (mean = 65.67 ± 18.3), social-relationship (mean = 69.88 ± 26.43), and environmental domains (mean = 74.05 ± 20.58). Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed female sex, advanced age (age group ≥ 60 years), illiteracy, and unmarried status to be positively associated and family size of 6–10 members to be negatively associated with poor QoL.ConclusionThe study suggests that females, elderlies, illiterates, and unmarried individuals may be at a higher risk of poor QoL. Further, education and a bigger family size appear to increase subjective well-being among participants.

A Mediating Effect of Work-Family on the Relationship between Idiosyncratics Deals and Employees’ Job Satisfaction of Knowledge-Based Employees New Generation in Jiangxi Province of China

This study investigates the intricate dynamics between idiosyncratic deals, work-family interface, and job satisfaction among knowledge-based employees of the new generation in Jiangxi Province, China. Idiosyncratic deals, characterized by personalized arrangements between employees and their organizations, have gained prominence as mechanisms for addressing individual needs and preferences. However, the extent to which these deals influence job satisfaction among knowledge-based employees remains underexplored, particularly within the unique cultural and organizational context of Jiangxi Province. Drawing upon social exchange theory and the conservation of resources theory, this research proposes a conceptual framework to examine the mediating role of the work-family interface in the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and job satisfaction. The work-family interface serves as a crucial mechanism through which idiosyncratic deals may impact employees' job satisfaction, as it reflects the balance and integration of work and family roles, responsibilities, and resources. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data will be collected from a sample of knowledge-based employees from various industries in Jiangxi Province. Quantitative data will be obtained through structured surveys measuring idiosyncratic deals, work-family interface, and job satisfaction, while qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews to provide nuanced insights into the experiences and perceptions of participants. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to both theoretical and practical domains. Theoretically, it will advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and job satisfaction, shedding light on the mediating role of the work-family interface. Practically, the findings will offer valuable implications for organizational leaders and policymakers in Jiangxi Province, providing guidance on how to optimize idiosyncratic deal structures and support mechanisms to enhance the job satisfaction and well-being of knowledge-based employees, thereby fostering sustainable organizational success in the region.

Popularity in Chinese Early Adolescents: A Focus Group Analysis

Popularity is of great developmental significance to early adolescents for its implications on behavioral and adjustment outcomes. Although extensive research on popularity has been conducted in Western cultures, little is known about Chinese adolescents’ indigenous understanding of popularity. The current study examined Chinese early adolescents’ understanding of popularity using focus group interviews to explore the characteristics of popularity and unpopularity, as well as popularity determinants for boys and girls. We conducted interviews on six focus groups comprising 37 Chinese fifth and sixth graders (18 boys, 19 girls). Transcriptions were coded and analyzed through developing coding schemes that included emerged codes and categories. The results showed both cross-cultural similarities and culturally specific findings in adolescents’ perceptions of popularity characteristics and determinants. Specifically, sociability, academic performance, and prosocial behaviors served as major characteristics of popularity, whereas aggressive and disruptive behaviors were regarded as typical attributes of unpopularity. More importantly, culturally unique aspects of popularity characteristics were reported by Chinese adolescents, such as a strong sense of collective honor. When responding what would make a peer popular, Chinese early adolescents reported various behavioral, social, and cultural factors. Findings of this study underscore the importance of examining perceptions of popularity in consideration of the cultural context.

Emotional Intelligence and Culture Boost Accounting Understanding in Indonesia

This study investigates the impact of learning behavior, interest in learning, emotional intelligence, and culture on the understanding of financial accounting. Despite extensive research on factors influencing academic performance, there remains a gap in understanding how these specific variables affect accounting students' comprehension. The research employs a quantitative approach, analyzing data from 77 accounting students from the 2018 and 2019 cohorts at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo. Data were collected via questionnaires distributed through Google Forms and analyzed using multiple regression analysis with SPSS. Results indicate that while learning behavior and interest in learning do not significantly influence financial accounting understanding, emotional intelligence and culture do. These findings suggest that emotional intelligence and cultural context play crucial roles in academic performance, highlighting the need for educational strategies that enhance these aspects to improve accounting education. Future research should explore the mechanisms through which emotional intelligence and culture affect learning outcomes in different educational settings. Highlight: Emotional intelligence and culture significantly influence accounting understanding. Learning behavior and interest do not affect financial accounting comprehension. Enhancing emotional intelligence and cultural awareness can improve academic performance. Keywoard: Learning Behavior, Interest in Learning, Emotional Intelligence, Culture, Financial Accounting Understanding

The Power of Norms: Gender Equality Reforms in the Parliaments of Fiji and Samoa

Parliaments are increasingly defined as “gendered institutions,” with rules, norms, and practices that are often stubbornly resistant to gender equality initiatives. The gender sensitive parliaments’ global agenda has made substantial progress in both drawing attention to the gendered nature of parliaments and in spearheading gender equality reform. While a positive trend, there remains a significant disconnect between the (global) normative framework that sets out this agenda and the realization of gender equality in national (local) parliaments. In this article, we build on previous work that begins to unpack and test the process of global norm localization through “contextualization” and “contestation.” We select new sites to test these processes—Fiji and Samoa—where specific gender equality reforms have been implemented in the past 10 years, one a gender mainstreaming mandate for parliamentary committees and the other a parliamentary gender quota. The Pacific Islands region presents an important cultural context worthy of exploration: Parliaments are not only overwhelmingly male-dominated, but many are also derivative of hegemonic masculinist cultures evident in the Westminster tradition, albeit hybridized with local political traditions. We compare and contrast the process by which these reforms were developed and implemented in each country and examine the extent to which they can be considered effective mechanisms for addressing gender inequalities. We find that the extent to which these reforms are sustainable and transformative depends on local contexts, local actors, and locally derived solutions. Specifically, the culturally relevant process of contesting the gender quota in Samoa constitutionally, electorally, and through the courts has localised and thereby legitimised this globally endorsed reform. By contrast, gender mainstreaming in Fiji’s parliamentary committees has been little more than a “tick-a-box” exercise, having had limited engagement from the political elite under a relatively autocratic regime.

Rural tourism in India and pro-tourism behavior

Purpose This paper aims to understand tourist behavior in Indian rural tourism by integrating the stimuli-organism-response (SOR) framework, service quality model (SERVQUAL) model and theory of planned behavior. It investigates the role of positive tourist-host interactions, destination image, trust and attitude in shaping pro-tourism intentions. Additionally, it explores the moderating effect of Indian traditionality on these relationships. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from 15 respondents with quantitative analysis involving 580 tourists engaged in Indian rural tourism. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling are used to examine relationships among tourist-host interactions, destination image, trust, attitude and pro-tourism intentions. Findings The study reveals that positive interactions and a positive destination image play crucial roles in building trust and shaping favorable attitudes toward rural tourism. Trust and attitude, in turn, significantly drive pro-tourism intentions. Furthermore, tourist attitude partially mediates the relationship between trust and intentions. The study introduces the novel concept of Indian traditionality as a moderator, highlighting its impact on trust, attitude and pro-tourism intentions. Research limitations/implications Limitations include the focus on Indian rural tourism, which may limit generalizability, and potential response bias due to self-reported data. Future research could explore other cultural contexts and use diverse data collection methods. Practical implications This research offers practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive tourist–host interactions and cultivating a positive destination image to enhance the overall tourist experience and promote sustainable rural tourism practices. Originality/value This study’s innovation lies in harmonizing theoretical frameworks to shed light on Indian rural tourism’s multifaceted aspects. It introduces Indian traditionality as a cultural moderator, enriching understanding of tourist behavior. The research contributes to academia and industry by guiding the development of sustainable tourism practices and improving the tourist experience.

Preface. Multisensuality in Historical and Cultural Contexts

This section contains four original articles addressing the matters of interaction, coexistence and representation of the human senses in various historical and cultural contexts. The multisensory experience of the world in relations to the past, the present and the future constitutes the main theme of the selected articles. The authors analyze how, in various cultural texts and historical moments, human experience was depicted through the prism of sensory perception, sometimes combined with sensory memory and the powerfulness/powerlessness of the (non)human corporeality. The authors analyze a variety of historical and cultural sources to answer the question of the impact of multisensory experience on our view of the world: in the past, the present and the future. Nina C. Rastinger in her article “Capturing Extraordinary Multisensory Experiences in Writing: Reports on Natural Disasters in an 18th Century Newspaper Corpus” deals with written representations of natural disasters, which constitute extraordinary multisensory experiences, in historical newspaper texts. Natalia Giza in her study “Multisensuality in the Satirical Prints of the Georgian Era in England” shows how sensory perception enhanced visual humor in the satirical prints of Georgian England, examining how English caricaturists used various sensory elements such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Jules Sebastian Skutta in his paper “Tactile Vision and Othering: Ethnographic Engagements and Racial Differentiations in 19th Century Travelogues” demonstrates on the basis of ethnographic travelogues from German East Africa and from the time of German colonial rule that the transmission, emergence, and dissemination of features of racial differentiation are based on the interplay of different sensory perceptions. Finally, Bartosz Mroczkowski, in the article entitled “Designing the Future Through Touch” focuses on the sense of touch in the process of designing the future. The aforementioned articles illustrate that multisensuality is a multidimensional concept that requires a thorough analysis from different academic perspectives and with the use of various methodological approaches.

The Great War in the Middle East from a Poetic Bedouin Perspective: A Close Reading of Two Poems about the Sinai Campaign and the Battles in the Negev During World War I

ABSTRACT Through a close reading of two Bedouin poems about the World War I era, this article examines how Bedouin in northern Sinai and Palestine’s southern coastal plain perceived the moment at which the Ottomans lost their hold over this region. By anchoring symbolic expressions from each poem in their historical, cultural, and poetic contexts, this inquiry sheds some light on the feelings and outlooks of ordinary people in response to the war’s massive transformation of the area in which they lived.

The mediating role of science intrinsic motivation: effects of homework on science achievement in Western and Asian regions

ABSTRACT This study investigated cross-cultural differences in the relationships between science intrinsic motivation, teacher-perceived and student-perceived homework practices, and science achievement in Asian (Chinese Taipei, Japan, South Korean, and Singapore) and Western (Australia, US, England, and Ireland) top-performing regions according to ranking of science achievement in TIMSS. Multilevel confirmatory factor analysis and multilevel structural equation modelling were conducted using data from 45,448 eighth graders in the 2019 TIMSS study. In Western regions, the teacher control of homework was significantly negatively associated with whole-class science achievement and positively associated with whole-class intrinsic motivation. A higher student-perceived frequency of homework is negatively related to their individual intrinsic motivation and science achievement. However, in Asian regions, teacher-perceived frequency and time spent on homework positively predicted the whole-class intrinsic motivation and science achievement, while in contrast, a higher student-perceived frequency of homework was positively associated with their individual intrinsic motivation and a longer time spent on homework was negatively associated with their intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation in science plays a significant mediating role between students’ and teachers’ homework practices and science achievement at individual and whole-class levels in Asian top performers. There, we discuss at the end that the cultural contexts might influence how teachers and students can use homework best to promote science intrinsic motivation and hence their science achievement.

Informação, memória e sociedade

This abstract presents the countercultural movement in Cariri in the 1970s and outlines the artistic-cultural productions developed by modern marginalized youth. It identifies that such productions are configured as cultural artifacts endowed with information, as well as understood in the dimension of memory records for the Cariri region. It employs the concept of information within the context of culture and memory through the perspective of memory records, under the prism of Information Science, understanding memory collectively. The methodology is constituted as bibliographical, as well as exploratory, and utilizes the Information Regime as an analytical tool for contextual frameworks and artistic productions of youths from the 1970s in the city of Crato, in the Cariri region of Ceará. It considers that the cultural artifacts developed by these youths stem from the cultural order, endowed with information and memory, recorded in various typological artistic-cultural forms. Keywords: cultural information; memory records; counterculture in Cariri in the 1970s.

Community Inclusion Experiences While Establishing Community Mental Health Clubhouses in Taiwan: Perspectives from Mental Health Professionals

Community inclusion is a human right for all people, including people with mental illness. It is also an important part of individualized support to enable people experiencing mental illness to live in their preferred communities and to recover. In Taiwan, no study has investigated the social experiences of healthcare professionals. To fill this knowledge gap and inform ongoing mental health system strengthening, this study examined the not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) phenomenon observed while establishing community mental health clubhouses in Taiwan and corresponding experiences of community inclusion. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of 16 purposively sampled frontline healthcare professionals from Taiwanese mental health clubhouses. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Two themes were identified: “NIMBY phenomenon: Community residents’ resistance to clubhouses” and “Measures adopted by the clubhouse for community inclusion”. Two categories with eleven subcategories emerged. The findings demonstrate the following conclusions. First, the NIMBY phenomenon is related to the stigmatization and discrimination faced by individuals with mental disorders in society. Second, in Asian societies, mental disorders are associated with a particular social and cultural context. Third, the fear and rejection of individuals with mental disorders deepen their social exclusion. Forth, community mental health clubhouse models employ seven strategic approaches to community inclusion, listed as follows: capacity building for individuals, direct interaction with the public through community activities, provision of community services, life skills training, repairing and managing neighborhood relationships, assisting individuals in obtaining community employment, and conducting social education for community residents. Clearly, we need to combat social exclusion of people with mental illness and promote inclusive and accessible services and systems across sectors.

The Impact of Project Managers Traits on Project Success

Project management is an indispensable aspect of business that depends heavily on the capabilities and characteristics of the project managers, with his/her personality traits playing an essential role in leading their project to its goals. This paper explores the critical role of the project manager's personality traits and cultural background in the success of project management and emphasizes its influence on team dynamics, stakeholder engagement, and overall project environments. The Big Five personality traits provide a framework for understanding these influences. The paper also delves into how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) impacts project management approaches, specifically the Extraversion/Introversion and Judgment/Perception dimensions. In addition, the paper examines the impact of global and cultural differences on project manager traits and management styles, emphasizing the need for project managers to adapt to different cultural contexts in a world where understanding and leveraging cultural differences is critical to project success and the achievement of broader strategic goals. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into the multidimensional role of project managers within today's highly dynamic global project management environment.

Three Early Linguistic Layers in Haredi Hebrew

Abstract A close examination of contemporary Hebrew as spoken by Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, communities in Israel reveals linguistic layers from several historical and cultural contexts. This article looks at elements from three of these layers: Jewish religious literature, the Yiddish language and outdated Israeli Hebrew. An analysis of these elements sheds light on how Haredi Hebrew differs from ‘general’ Israeli Hebrew and how these differences reflect linguistic perceptions and socio-cultural values that distinguish Haredim from the broader Israeli population. In addition to demonstrating the intricate interplay between language and society, analysis offers insight into the dynamic nature of Hebrew language evolution.