Empirical Evidence Research Articles

Reshoring, Automation, and Labor Markets Under Trade Uncertainty

We study the implications of trade uncertainty for reshoring, automation, and U.S. labor markets. Rising trade uncertainty creates incentive for firms to reduce exposures to foreign suppliers by moving production and distribution processes to domestic producers. However, we argue that reshoring does not necessarily bring jobs back to the home country or boost domestic wages, especially when firms have access to labor-substituting technologies such as automation. Automation improves labor productivity and facilitates reshoring, but it can also displace jobs. Furthermore, automation poses a threat that weakens the bargaining power of low-skilled workers in wage negotiations, depressing their wages and raising the skill premium and wage inequality. The model predictions are in line with industry-level empirical evidence.

Social engagement and wellbeing in late life: a systematic review

Abstract Social engagement is considered a relevant modifiable factor for older adults' wellbeing. Theory and policies highlight its importance for ageing well. Empirical evidence shows that social activities are associated with positive psychological outcomes and might buffer wellbeing declines in late life. Despite growing research, social engagement lacks conceptual clarity, it is difficult to adopt standardised measures and findings are sometimes inconsistent. Previous systematic reviews either take a different approach to this topic or were published over a decade ago. Therefore, the present study aimed to review the literature systematically regarding the relationship between social engagement and wellbeing in community-dwelling older adults. Papers published from 2000 to 2021 were searched in five databases using a combination of terms. The reviewers screened the records according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After identifying eligible articles, the authors extracted data and produced a narrative synthesis covering conceptualisation, measurement and main findings. The review includes 42 papers. Despite great conceptual and methodological diversity, research supports that older adults with higher participation in social activities have improved wellbeing. Findings also suggest that these associations are stronger for individuals with disadvantages and have a cumulative nature whereby the greater the social engagement, the higher the wellbeing. Conversely, for more demanding activities, there might be optimal participation levels. Regardless of accumulating knowledge, social engagement remains diffuse and difficult to measure. This paper summarises the current state of research on this topic, showing encouraging evidence of social engagement benefits, but also questions that deserve further inquiry. Future studies should be anchored in a clear conceptual framework, use robust measures, and explore hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing. Social engagement can be an important developmental resource for social interventions and policies aimed at improving people's lives.

PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 3b and transcription factor ABF3 modulate abscisic acid-dependent drought stress response in soybean.

The circadian system plays a pivotal role in facilitating the ability of crop plants to respond and adapt to fluctuations in their immediate environment effectively. Despite the increasing comprehension of PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATORs (PRRs) and their involvement in the regulation of diverse biological processes, including circadian rhythms, photoperiodic control of flowering, and responses to abiotic stress, the transcriptional networks associated with these factors in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) remain incompletely characterized. In this study, we provide empirical evidence highlighting the significance of GmPRR3b as a crucial mediator in regulating the circadian clock, drought stress response, and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway in soybeans. A comprehensive analysis of DNA affinity purification sequencing and transcriptome data identified 795 putative target genes directly regulated by GmPRR3b. Among them, a total of 570 exhibited a significant correlation with the response to drought, and eight genes were involved in both the biosynthesis and signaling pathways of ABA. Notably, GmPRR3b played a pivotal role in the negative regulation of the drought response in soybeans by suppressing the expression of abscisic acid responsive element-binding factor 3 (GmABF3). Additionally, the overexpression of GmABF3 exhibited an increased ability to tolerate drought conditions, and it also restored the hypersensitive phenotype of the GmPRR3b overexpressor. Consistently, studies on the manipulation of GmPRR3b gene expression and genome editing in plants revealed contrasting reactions to drought stress. The findings of our study collectively provide compelling evidence that emphasizes the significant contribution of the GmPRR3b-GmABF3 module in enhancing drought tolerance in soybean plants. Moreover, the transcriptional network of GmPRR3b provides valuable insights into the intricate interactions between this gene and the fundamental biological processes associated with plant adaptation to diverse environmental conditions.

The Politics of Blame-Seeking: Strategic Antagonism, Effective Alignment and Benefitting From Backlash

Why would a politician ever want to be blamed? Under what contextual conditions might blame-seeking behaviour emerge as a rational strategy? What tactics, tools and strategies might they deploy? Where is the empirical evidence of blame-seeking in action and why does it matter? These are the questions this article engages with as it challenges the long-standing ‘self-evident truth’ within political science that blame-is-bad. We argue that a new ‘blame game’ has emerged in which blame generation is deployed not solely to taint opponents but also to demonstrate the blame-seeker’s willingness to challenge convention, break the rules, or side with the marginalized. In a broader context characterized by democratic dissatisfaction, anti-political sentiment and affective polarization, we suggest that blame-seeking assumes a powerful symbolic and performative dimension. Antagonizing certain sections of society and then harnessing the backlash provides a powerful political strategy which challenges traditional scholarly assumptions about credit and blame existing in a zero-sum relationship. We illustrate these arguments using the case of Boris Johnson’s rise to the British premiership. A focus on blame-seeking, we suggest, expands our understanding of what politicians say and do to achieve their goals in polarized political contexts.

The effects of immersive virtual reality field trips upon student academic achievement, cognitive load, and multimodal presence in a social studies educational context

AbstractThere is increasing educational interest in immersive virtual reality (IVR) applications which aid student learning and performance. However, few empirical studies have investigated the potential for implementing the technology in middle-school social studies classrooms. This study employed a quasi-experimental approach to address this issue, using pre- and post-test evaluations to measure academic achievement, and questionnaires to examine cognitive load and sense-of-presence. 48 seventh-grade students participated, split evenly between experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a systematic set of IVR-based social studies lessons via Head-Mounted Displays, while the control group covered identical content conventionally. Experimental group participants attained higher academic achievement with lower cognitive loading than control group students. The experimental group also experienced high levels of multimodal presence (physical, social, and self). This study yielded empirical evidence demonstrating the potential benefits which IVR offers social studies education. Furthermore, it provides an example for how effective, IVR-based social studies lessons can be developed.

Empirical Analysis of Fleet Commonality Strategy’s Impact on the Operating Performance of the Indian Aviation Sector

Fleet commonality and standardization strategies are recognized in the global airline industry for their operational advantages and potential to ensure sustainability in a highly competitive environment. This study focuses on the Indian airline sector, aiming to verify the pivotal role of cost efficiency, revenue management, fleet size, and characteristics in determining airline profitability, as well as the influence of fleet size and standardization on operating costs. To achieve this, we developed an empirical model to evaluate both operating profitability and cost efficiency provided by fleet commonality. To measure fleet commonality, we employed a fleet standardization index, providing a quantitative assessment of the level of fleet commonality across different airlines. Utilizing real-time data collected extensively from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India, we conducted a detailed analysis involving eight prominent airlines for 10 years spanning from 2012 to 2022. Our regression models indicate a strong positive association between fleet commonality and operating performance, underscoring the significance of fleet standardization strategies in enhancing airline profitability. This study not only contributes empirical evidence to the existing literature but also provides valuable insights for airline managers seeking to understand the benefits of fleet commonality in the context of the Indian aviation industry. This research is anticipated to aid airline executives in making informed decisions about fleet management strategies to improve their operational and financial performance in an increasingly competitive market.

The determinants of recommendation intention and student satisfaction in private higher institutions: Empirical evidence from Kazakhstan

ABSTRACT Student satisfaction and loyalty are crucial metrics for assessing the quality of education in universities. Despite their importance, these aspects have received limited attention within the private higher education sector in Kazakhstan. Our study addresses this gap by applying customer satisfaction models to identify the critical factors influencing student satisfaction at a leading Kazakhstani private university. We developed a comprehensive research framework that includes the university's institutional capabilities, the social environment, and students’ perceptions of the university's ethos. A survey conducted with 129 undergraduate students revealed that institutional capabilities and students’ perceptions of the university's ethos play a pivotal role in fostering satisfaction, which, in turn, enhances their likelihood to recommend the institution. Our research offers valuable insights and a strategic framework for private universities in Kazakhstan to improve their educational services, thereby increasing student satisfaction, loyalty, and ensuring the institution's long-term success.

Monetary Policy and Bank Risk-taking

As the process of global financial integration deepens, the relationship between bank risk-taking and monetary policy has become increasingly close. In recent years, financial markets have been highly volatile and banking risks have become increasingly prominent. Against this background, the relationship between monetary policy and bank risk-taking in China is studied through both theoretical and empirical evidence, and corresponding policy recommendations are put forward. In addition, the role mechanism of monetary policy affecting bank risk is deeply explored through the theoretical aspect of monetary policy and bank risk capacity bearing, and the theoretical basis for the formulation of related policies is provided. Therefore, it explores the impact of bank risk on the transmission mechanism of monetary policy from the theory, and further improves the theory of monetary policy transmission to enhance the effectiveness and stability of monetary policy. The article analyzes and discusses the impact of monetary policy on bank risk-taking capacity, to provide a reference for the development of the financial industry.

Brand Building in Mexican Small Business: Empirical Evidence

Brand building is a relatively recent construct in marketing literature and is considered one of the essential factors in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), which improves business results and best SMEs market performance. Furthermore, the few studies published on brand building have mostly focused on large companies, and only a few studies have focused on SMEs. Therefore, using a sample of 300 small companies and applying a questionnaire to SMEs managers during February to April 2020, and using a structural equation model, the objective of this empirical study is, in one hand, the analysis of the effects of brand building on SMEs and, on other hand, offer a guide so that SMEs in Mexico can start building their brand. The results obtained show that goals and benefits, resources, internal cooperation, and external cooperation have significant positive effects on the construction of the brand of SMEs.

Digital Finance-Fintech and it’s Impact on Financial Inclusion in India

Financial inclusion stands as a critical driver of economic empowerment and social development, ensuring that individuals across diverse socio-economic strata have access to and can effectively utilize formal financial services. In the context of India, where millions have historically been excluded from traditional banking systems, the emergence of digital finance presents a promising avenue for bridging this gap and fostering greater financial inclusion. This research paper delves into the transformative role of digital finance in driving financial inclusion in India, with a particular focus on understanding its impact on key aspects of financial access and empowerment. Central to our exploration is the definition of financial inclusion as the ability to access and effectively utilize a spectrum of formal financial services. In this context, we examine how digital tools such as credit/debit cards, internet banking, mobile banking, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) can empower individuals, particularly those who have been previously excluded from traditional banking systems. By investigating the impact of these digital instruments across ten key aspects of financial inclusion, including convenience, success rate of transactions, affordability, security, user-friendliness, timeliness, customer care support, internet connectivity, and overall usability, we aim to discern their strengths and weaknesses in promoting financial inclusion. Through a systematic analysis of each dimension, we seek to uncover the transformative potential of digital finance in bridging the financial gap in India. Our research will contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness of digital finance initiatives in fostering financial inclusion, providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and fintech companies seeking to create a more inclusive financial landscape for all segments of Indian society. This research is not merely theoretical but grounded in empirical evidence and real-world observations. By synthesizing findings from existing literature and complementing it with primary data analysis, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics shaping digital finance and financial inclusion in India. Our findings will be particularly relevant for policymakers, financial regulators, and industry stakeholders, informing strategic decision-making and shaping the future direction of digital finance initiatives in India.

Is adaptation involved in bilingual language production? A fresh look at the assumptions motivating potential bilingual-monolingual differences in adaptive control.

One of the hottest debates in psychology-whether bilingual-monolingual differences exist in cognitive control-is at a stalemate. Here we propose that the stalemate could be broken by shifting the research focus from whether those differences emerge to why they should. We offer an example of this approach by testing the assumption of current theories of language-control associations that adaptive control is involved in bilingualism, specifically language production. Unbalanced Italian-English bilinguals living in the Milan area completed a Stroop task in their L1 and a picture-naming task in their L2. Both tasks involved a manipulation of the proportion of the type of stimuli that are assumed to require control, i.e., incongruent stimuli in the Stroop task (e.g., the word RED written in blue) and pictures with noncognate names in the picture-naming task (e.g., the picture of a horse, whose Italian name, "cavallo," has a very different pronunciation). Both confirmatory and exploratory analyses showed a clear dissociation between the two tasks, with the Stroop task producing an interactive pattern indicative of adaptive-control involvement and the picture-naming task failing to produce a similar one. These results suggest that adaptive control may not be involved in bilingual language production and, therefore, may not produce bilingual-monolingual differences in cognitive control. It is hoped that this research will inspire a change in the study of language-control associations, pushing future research efforts towards grounding the assumptions for those associations in empirical evidence.

Can new urbanization pilot policies promote green technology innovation in cities: Empirical evidence from China.

The development of urbanization has brought new challenges to the ecological environment, and the promotion of green technology innovation and development is widely recognized as an essential method to achieve cities' economic benefits and environmental protection. This paper examines whether the new urbanization pilot policies (NUP) increase green technology innovation (GTI) from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. This paper examines the impact of new urbanization on GTI by analyzing data from 285 cities in China between 2010 and 2021, using the multi-period DID model with the implementation of NUP as an exogenous policy shock. The study results indicate that NUP significantly affects GTI, and the conclusion still holds after the parallel trend test, placebo test, and other robustness tests. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the NUP significantly enhances GTI in low environmental pollution, non-resource-based, Medium-sized, and Central Region cities. The test of moderating effect shows that NUP has a "linkage effect" with the government's environmental attention, financial investment in innovation, and regional talent pooling. The findings of this paper provide empirical evidence and decision-making reference for promoting NUP and sustainable development of cities.

Securitization and risk appetite: empirical evidence from US banks

AbstractI investigate the impact of securitization on the risk-taking by bank holding companies (BHCs). For 2001 to 2017, I find a negative relationship between securitization and the risk appetite of BHCs. I find a negative relationship between securitization and the risk appetite of BHCs that is consistent with the recourse hypothesis of securitization. I also discover that the equilibrium in this relationship changes from the pre-crisis to the crisis period (crisis effect). This crisis effect hampers BHCs’ ability to engage in securitization that leads them to accumulate more risky assets on their books due to the deteriorated quality of their loan portfolios. This equilibrium then reverses after the crisis (post-crisis effect) due to policy makers’ response to the excessive risk-taking that manifested during the crisis. Moreover, I find that the securitization of residential mortgages not only boosts the recourse hypothesis but also triggers the crisis effect. My findings provide novel empirical insights into the different nexuses between the securitization and risk appetite of BHCs around the financial crisis.

Board Diversity and Firm Value: Evidence From Nepalese Financial Institutions

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the relationship of board diversity of corporate board with the value of financial institutions in Nepal. The sample comprises 38 financial institutions listed in NEPSE with 380 firm-years observation for the period 2011/12 to 2020/21. Balance panel datasets were employed to investigate using multiple regression models to examine the relationship between board diversity (female and minority directors) and firm value measured by Tobin's Q and MBR. The result shows a significant positive relationship between firm value and the presence of both female and minority directors. Moreover, the evidence supports that the presence of female directors in the boardroom effect more in the firm market value than as compare to the minority directors. Furthermore, the study concludes that control variables like board size, presence of independent director and firm size have positive significant effect on firm value, but leverage has significant but negative relation with the firm market value of financial intuitions in Nepal. The study result has the practical implication for government, policy makers and regulating authorities in formation of diverse board that can increase the firm value and performance. It also provides additional insight to the corporate governance literature and helps to fill the gap on board diversity and firm value in Nepalese financial institutions.

Why I revisit a historic town in Chengdu? Roles of cognitive image, affective image and memorable tourism experiences

PurposeBuilding upon the cognition-affect-behavior (CAB) model and script theory, this research aims to enrich the existing literature on historic town tourism consumption by offering empirical evidence of how the cognitive and affective images of historic towns contributes to tourists' memorable tourism experiences (MTE) and revisit intention, while identifying the cognitive image dimensions that are relevant for evaluating historic towns.Design/methodology/approachAn on-site survey was conducted with 486 local tourists who visited the historic towns in Chengdu. partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to assess both the measurement and structural models.Findings(1) Cognitive image emerged as a significant predictor of affective image; (2) Both cognitive image and affective image had a positive influence on MTE, in which cognitive image played a more dominant role in shaping MTE; (3) MTE was found to strongly predict revisit intention among tourists; (4) MTE and affective image mediated the relationship between cognitive image and revisit intention.Research limitations/implicationsThis research highlights the value of incorporating cognitive and affective constructs in predicting MTE, and the proposed integrated framework of the CAB model and script theory exhibits superior predictive power in understanding tourists' revisit intention.Practical implicationsThis research provides empirical insights about how historic towns improve their marketing strategies as short day-trip destinations.Originality/valueThis research provides a novel insight on the applicability of an integrated model combining the CAB model and script theory in explaining the revisit behavior of local tourists within the context of historic towns.

Collaboration to Address the Challenges Faced by Smallholders in Practicing Organic Agriculture: A Case Study of the Organic Sorghum Industry in Zunyi City, China

In many developing countries, organic agriculture is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for promoting rural economic development and improving farmer welfare. It is primarily smallholders who form the foundation of organic production in these areas. However, these farmers face significant challenges in adopting organic farming methods. The aim of this paper is to investigate solutions to the challenges encountered by smallholders. This research utilizes an integrated approach and includes a case study of the organic sorghum sector in Zunyi, China. The findings indicate that (1) a robust partnership has been established between enterprises, government, and farmers in the organic sorghum industry in Zunyi. Enterprises purchase the sorghum, cover organic certification costs, and partially fund material inputs, while local government facilitates organization, coordination, and technical support, with farmers responsible for production. (2) This collaboration has catalyzed high-quality development in the industry, benefiting all stakeholders. (3) Through this collaborative model, common challenges faced by smallholders, such as obstacles in obtaining certification, income fluctuations, and unfair market conditions, have been mitigated. Consequently, smallholders secure stable and reliable income as they benefit from favorable contract prices for organic sorghum and the assumption by enterprises of most material input costs. This study offers valuable empirical evidence that can guide the expansion of organic agriculture in similar regions and countries.

The influence of transformational leadership on organizational performance and knowledge management capability

The influence of transformational leadership on organizational performance and knowledge management capability

Exploring the Theory of Employee Planned Behavior: Job Satisfaction as a Key to Organizational Performance.

This article introduces a significant advancement with the "Theory of Employee Planned Behavior" (TEPB), a novel extension of the well-established Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The TEPB uniquely positions job satisfaction as a central determinant in driving organizational performance. Using data from county-level government institutions in the United States, this research offers a nuanced exploration into how employee satisfaction influences organizational commitment and citizenship behaviors, which, in turn, substantially impact organizational performance. Our approach utilizes a significant dataset involving 372dyads across hierarchical levels in government institutions. Through the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), we rigorously validate the TEPB model. The results highlight a significant relationship where enhanced job satisfaction leads to stronger organizational commitment. This heightened commitment further fosters organizational citizenship behaviors, crucial in achieving superior organizational performance. This work notably extends the TPB model by integrating organizational performance as a consequential outcome. It also provides empirical evidence of the direct relationship between job satisfaction and organizational performance, specifically in the context of government institutions. Such findings are invaluable for organizational executives and policymakers in recognizing the paramount importance of employee satisfaction for organizational success. Overall, the TEPB model presented in this study offers a holistic and practical framework for organizations seeking to understand and effectively manage employee behavior. By focusing on job satisfaction, organizations can foster a more committed and proactive workforce, significantly improving performance and efficiency.

REACHing for divergence?-UK chemical regulation post-Brexit.

On 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom formally exited the European Union (EU; Brexit) and ceased to be subject to EU chemical regulation requirements. Before Brexit, UK chemical policy was regulated largely by the EU. With its large internal market, sophisticated regulatory capability, and stringent regulatory framework, the EU has become the world's leading regulatory state, regularly influencing global industrial decisions and practices. At the time of writing, there has been limited academic analysis of the implications of Brexit for UK chemical regulation. More than twoyears post-Brexit, we have the opportunity to assess UK chemical regulation and revisit early expectations about regulatory divergence. This article takes the EU's Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as a case study to analyze patterns of post-Brexit regulatory divergence, thereby providing one of the first analyses of the implications of Brexit on UK chemical regulation. Through the analysis and review of key documents and reports (n = 99), this article assesses the extent to which UK and EU regulatory (REACH) regimes are beginning to diverge and discusses the potential implications of any divergence for the United Kingdom. We find that the UK and EU chemical regulatory regimes are now evolving independently and provide clear, empirical evidence of an emerging divergence in regulatory decisions, ambitions, and approaches. The evidence suggests that the United Kingdom is currently unable to keep pace with EU developments, lacking the capacity, expertise, and capability of its EU counterparts, raising the prospect of further divergence in the future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-10. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Defying the odds? Multiple disadvantage as a source of entrepreneurial action

Purpose The link between entrepreneurial intention and positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship for established and nascent entrepreneurs has been well documented in the extant literature, with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) viewing entrepreneurial intention as a pre-requisite for entrepreneurial pursuit. Whilst scholars generally agree on these insights, little empirical evidence exists on how marginalised social groups can convert their intentions into action. This study aims to understand to what extent the elements of TPB, the attitudes towards entrepreneurship, self-efficacy and subjective norms, help explain the emergence of entrepreneurial activity amongst marginalised demographic groups.Design/methodology/approach This research focuses on unemployed women residing in social housing located in a deprived urban area of the United Kingdom to empirically examine how multiple layers of disadvantage faced by this group shape their motivations and intentions for entrepreneurial pursuit. A multi-source qualitative methodology was adopted, drawing upon inductive storytelling narratives and extensive fieldwork on a sample of unemployed ethnic minority women residing in social housing in a deprived urban area of the United Kingdom. Community organisation representatives and housing association employees within the social housing system were included to assess the interpretive capacity of TPB.Findings The findings display that TPB illuminates why and how marginalised groups engage in entrepreneurship. Critically, women’s entrepreneurial intentions emerge as a result of their experiences of multiple layers of disadvantage, their positionality and the specificity of few resources they can activate from their disadvantageous position for entrepreneurial activity.Originality/value By illuminating the linkages between marginalised women’s positionality and their associated access to the limited pool of resources using the TPB lens, this study contributes to emerging works on disadvantaged populations and entrepreneurial intention-action debate. This work posits that despite facing significant additional challenges through their positionality and reduced ability to mobilise resources, women in social housing can defy the odds and develop ways to overcome limited capacity and structural disadvantage.