Engagement Program Research Articles

From Challenges to Solutions: Stakeholder Roles in Disaster Relief Operations

Disaster relief operations (DROs) in Malaysia require the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders to mitigate impacts and enhance community resilience. However, communication barriers, lack of coordination, and shortage of resources often present challenges that can hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of relief efforts. Thus, this study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how key stakeholders in Malaysia navigate inter-organizational difficulties during DROs. Specifically, the objective was to identify the key challenges faced and explore initiatives implemented by stakeholders to navigate these challenges to strengthen relief operations. To address these objectives, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven experienced DRO stakeholders across three disaster-prone states in Malaysia: Pahang, Selangor, and Kelantan. Data collection involved using notebooks, video recorders, and voice recorders, and the transcribed data was analyzed using Atlas.ti software for thematic analysis. The analysis revealed four main themes: communication, coordination, manpower, and equipment. The stakeholders proactively strengthened relief operations by creating training programs for disaster response teams, providing comprehensive disaster-related information to the community, developing a sensor-based early warning system, and launching a community engagement program called Kampung Siaga 221 to raise disaster awareness. These initiatives reflect a strategic approach aimed at building more resilient communities, ultimately reducing challenges faced during DROs. The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on stakeholder involvement in disaster management and offer valuable insights that can inform the development of more coordinated and holistic strategies for DROs in Malaysia. Future research could examine the long-term impact and scalability of these initiatives to other regions, as well as investigate the perspectives of disaster-affected communities to further improve DROs.

The Relationship between Employee Satisfaction and Organizational Efficiency: A Case Study of Selected Nigerian Retail Chains

This study examines the nexus between employee satisfaction and organizational efficiency, with a specific focus on Nigerian retail chains. The objectives of this study are multifaceted. It seeks to measure the influence of employee satisfaction on the operational efficiency of Nigerian retail chains, identify the distinctive factors shaping employee satisfaction within this sector, establish industry-specific performance metrics for evaluating operational efficiency, and provide practical recommendations based on empirical findings to enhance organizational efficiency through improved employee satisfaction strategies. Employing a quantitative research design, this study ensured sample representativeness through a stratified random sampling method facilitated by a structured questionnaire distributed to 109 employees within Nigerian retail chains. This study yields noteworthy findings, affirming a statistically significant positive connection between employee satisfaction and operational efficiency in Nigerian retail chains. This underscores the unique determinants of employee satisfaction within the Nigerian retail landscape and highlights the effectiveness of performance indicators tailored to the industry for evaluating organizational efficiency. Implementing recommendations grounded in empirical evidence promises substantial and measurable enhancements in the efficiency of Nigerian retail chains, emphasizing the practical applicability of this research. The study’s recommendations advocate elevating employee satisfaction through engagement programs, equitable compensation, and proficient communication. Tailoring human resource practices to local contexts, understanding employee needs, and promoting wellness programs are also encouraged. The adoption of industry-specific performance indicators is advised, aligning assessments with the distinctive dynamics of the Nigerian retail sector. Keywords: Efficiency, Employee, Performance, Retail, Satisfaction

The Impact of Experiential Learning Program for Advanced Science on the Students’ Science Career Orientation

The purpose of this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of experiential learning programs in advanced science, which were conducted as a community engagement program organized by the STAR Bridge Center (School Teacher And Research Institute) at K University. To do this, the one group pretest–posttest research was conducted to examine the science career orientation among 194 participants who agreed to take part in the research. The research findings are as follows: First, students who participated in the experiential learning program for advanced science showed an improvement in their science career orientation. Second, depending on the school level, the science career orientation has improved for the elementary and middle school students. Among the elementary school students, both boys and girls saw an increase in the science career orientation scores, while among the middle school students, the science career orientation increased for boys more. Third, within the group of the participating students, those aspiring to non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field careers, both male and female students, showed an increase in the science career orientation. Among the students with aspirations for the STEM field careers, the science career orientation scores showed specifically an improvement for the female students.

A Multi-component Living Lab on Health Engagement for Advancing Self-care Agency among Migrant Workers in South Korea: A mixed methods study

Purpose: Migrant workers battle to access health services and adapt to a new culture. Self-care agency can be essential for health self-management. This study examines the effects of a health engagement program to improve self-care agency using a living lab approach among migrant workers living in South Korea.Methods: This study used a mixed-methods design, including a non-equivalent pre-post-test control group and three focus group interviews. Participants included 42 migrant workers from nine countries recruited via flyers, posters, and internet bulletins posted by a migrant community organization. During the 12 weeks, only the intervention group participants received four workshops addressing healthy physical activity, healthy dietary habits, effective cultural adaptation, stress management, and two outdoor cultural activities. They also participated in focus group interviews after the second, third, and fourth group activities and discussed the benefits of healthy behaviors and specific ways to implement them in real life.Results: Participants in the intervention group showed an increase in self-care agency, health literacy, and acculturation after the 12- week intervention. Themes were derived based on the lessons from living lab activities, barriers to health behavior practices, and methods to overcome these.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that multi-component intervention using a living lab effectively increased migrants’ participation in health promotion activities by strengthening health in their self-care agency. The qualitative and living lab approach effectively obtained comprehensive results on strategies to enhance healthy behavior engagement.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TERRORISM PREVENTION POLICY: THE CHALLENGES OF COUNTER-RADICALIZATION PROGRAM IN EAST JAVA

Abstract
 This study examines the implementation of terrorism prevention policy through a counter-radicalization program carried out by the Coordination Forum for the Prevention of Terrorism of East Java (FKPT East Java). The theoretical framework used is the theory of implementation of public policy with street-level bureaucracy approach fronted by Michael Lipsky to see how lower-level bureaucracy such as FKPT East Java implement policies on preventing terrorism in regional case studies, and Community Engagement Program (CEP) to see how FKPT East Java build networks and collaborate with various stakeholders in East Java to implement policies agreed upon at the National Meetings (National Working Meeting/Rakernas). The research method used is qualitative. The data collection techniques were done through in-depth interviews with several FKPT East Java board members. As well as observations of the implementation of counter-radicalization programs in East Java. Discourse Analysis is used as a data analysis technique to see whether the discourse in the regulations conforms with the interpretation of each of the FKPT East Java board members that have been interviewed. This research will produce an assessment to see whether the interpretation of the interview result conforms with the implementation in the field. The findings of this study indicate that in implementing terrorism prevention policies, FKPT East Java still depends on BNPT despite the efforts to involve FKPT East Java in policy formulation, however, FKPT East Java has considerable discretion in determining cooperation networks in implementing terrorism prevention policies when directly involved on the ground.
 Keywords: Terrorism Prevention Policy, Counter-Radicalization Program, FKPT East Java

Navigating the Aftermath: The Complex Landscape of COVID-19 in Northwest Syria

In the aftermath of the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a nuanced perspective emerges, underscoring the need for vigilant and strategic healthcare responses. This article delves into the intricate landscape of COVID-19 within northwest Syria, highlighting the enduring challenges and the imperative for astute resource allocation, sustained vaccination efforts, and effective Risk Communication and Community Engagement programs. Situated within a region characterized by historical complexities and ongoing conflict, Northwest Syria remains a microcosm of persistent healthcare challenges. While the pandemic classification may shift, its lingering impact necessitates ongoing vigilance. This article explores the multifaceted dimensions of the prevailing COVID-19 scenario in Northwest Syria, emphasizing the crucial role of resource allocation, vaccination strategies, and Risk Communication and Community Engagement programs in forging resilient health systems. The imperative of vaccination, coupled with the formidable challenge of hesitancy, underscores the need for targeted and adaptable Risk Communication and Community Engagement initiatives. Drawing lessons from past shortcomings, Northwest Syria is poised to recalibrate its approach, fostering a blueprint for future crises that is attuned to community sentiments and responsive to evolving challenges. As Northwest Syria navigates the path to recovery, a comprehensive and adaptive response strategy anchored in effective Risk Communication and Community Engagement programs becomes a linchpin, guiding the region towards fortified health systems and improved public health conditions.

A Conjoint Analysis of Cooperative Savings Product Preferences Among Generation Z College Students in Davao City

Limited marketing hinders cooperatives' ability to attract and retain members, particularly younger generations like Generation Z. This study investigates the financial preferences of Gen Z students within the cooperative context, focusing on their preferred savings products. Using a conjoint analysis of 664 participants from three Davao City universities, this paper reveals insights into this demographic's financial decision-making processes. The data shows the paramount importance of promotion in influencing Gen Z's financial choices. Efficient social media campaigns emphasizing a positive and engaging cooperative identity significantly resonate with these young adults. While convenience, like proximity to public areas, is valued, it holds less weight compared to competitive interest rates and impactful promotional strategies. These findings offer actionable recommendations for cooperatives aiming to engage Gen Z. Aligning marketing strategies with their preferred channels and messages, tailoring product offerings to prioritize competitive rates and engaging social media presence, and fostering community engagement through educational partnerships are crucial steps toward success. The implications extend beyond Davao City, providing a framework for cooperatives in developing countries to effectively engage young adults. By understanding Gen Z's unique financial preferences and leveraging this knowledge to develop targeted marketing and product offerings, cooperatives can contribute to financial inclusion and position themselves as vital partners in building a financially empowered future for this generation. This study's multi-theoretical framework paves the way for future research and initiatives aimed at promoting financial literacy and community engagement programs tailored to resonate with Gen Z.

A Qualitative Inquiry On Juvenile Delinquency: Basis For Intervention

Juvenile delinquency is a nationwide concern, including in Asuncion and Davao del Norte. This study aims to understand the challenges faced by juveniles in this undertaking aimed at the reasons for their engagement, challenges experienced, and potential interventions. Utilizing a qualitative research design, specifically phenomenology, with a descriptive approach, six juvenile delinquents from Asuncion were interviewed. The findings revealed that peer pressure, socioeconomic factors like poverty, unemployment, and the prevalence of vices, as well as unfavorable home conditions, contribute to juvenile delinquency. Mental factors such as addiction to online games and overconfidence were also identified. Proposed interventions include campus security and youth engagement programs to address peer pressure, employment, and livelihood services for socio-economic factors, and educational programs and family strengthening initiatives for home conditions. Additionally, individual counseling, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and family integrative transition are suggested for mental factors. Future studies should explore the relationship between adolescents and their parents or guardians, as this was identified as a significant factor in preventing juvenile delinquency. Keywords: juvenile delinquency, interventions, peer pressure, socio-economic factors, home conditions, mental factors

Perspectives from community partnerships in three diverse higher education contexts


 
 
 Asset-based Community Development (ABCD) approaches in higher education have the potential to benefit a diversity of higher education settings and partners, but they can also present challenges and opportunities for growth in higher education institutions. Co- curricular community engagement and academic service-learning programs may struggle to balance the broader political and logistical constraints imposed by the university with equitable, long-term, community-guided relationships that reflect a genuine commitment to ABCD. Extension programs may face difficulty engaging community members and maintaining their commitment to the long-term nature of ABCD in an environment where ABCD is not universally utilised. Although these challenges may seem daunting, partners in all three contexts can draw on a wealth of ABCD tools and resources, including case studies like those anchoring this discussion, in order to answer the question: How can ABCD approaches be utilised most effectively in higher education contexts to address challenges and improve outcomes? Specifically, can an asset-based orientation help position community participants as peer ‘experts’ alongside their academic partners, share power and authority in the collaboration? If so, how? If not, why not? The authors explore these questions using a case study methodology, allowing for nuanced portraits of three different contexts depicting interactions among community and university partners seeking to ground their collaborations in the mobilisation of assets, gifts and strengths. This article also seeks to identify key lessons learned in each setting of the three participating United States universities – the public, four-year research institution, the private religious university and the land-grant college/cooperative extension in order to make recommendations on using ABCD to build and nurture academic-community partnerships that are generalisable across other contexts.
 
 

MATERIAL DEPRIVATION AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN HONG KONG

Abstract Given that poverty as a risk factor on loneliness is understudied, this study examined the relationship between material deprivation and loneliness of older adults in Hong Kong, the mediation effects of social support and social network, and the moderation effects of social support and social engagement. A two-wave data were collected from 1,696 Chinese older adults between 2015 (T1) and 2017 (T2). All Chinese older adults aged 60 years and above, with 53.9% female. Older adults were asked about their level of loneliness, how material deprived they were, social support, social network, social engagement, demographic information, and self-rated health status. The result indicated that older adults who are more materially deprived reported a significantly higher level of loneliness at T2 when controlling for demographic variables and loneliness at baseline. Furthermore, we found that social support and the number of close children were full mediator. A significant moderator was found in neighbourhood collective efficacy and community participation specifically engagement in cultural activities. Hence, our results suggest the need to strengthen the anti-poverty policy measures for materially deprived, develop interventions focusing on improving social support and social network and enhance existing social engagement programmes that promote community participation and neighbour collective efficacy for older adults in Hong Kong.

PROGRAM PENINGKATAN PEMASARAN HASIL PERTANIAN MELALUI DIGITALISASI DI DESA KRETEK, KECAMATAN TAMAN KROCOK, KABUPATEN BONDOWOSO

Kretek Village is a village where the majority of its inhabitants work as farmers. Agriculture plays a vital role in the global economy, and effective marketing is key to enhancing farmers' income and meeting the growing consumer demand. In an effort to address traditional marketing challenges and harness the potential of digital technology, a community engagement program has been implemented to enhance the marketing of agricultural products through digitalization. This program aims to empower farmers to leverage digital technology to optimize the marketing of their agricultural products. The outcomes of this program are expected to enable farmers, who typically market their products only to middlemen, to access broader markets and significantly increase sales opportunities. The success of this program underscores the positive potential of digitalization in strengthening the agricultural value chain and improving the welfare of farmers. However, challenges related to technological accessibility and infrastructure limitations also need to be considered. Therefore, sustainable measures have been recommended to ensure the continuity of this program and to expand its impact.

Fostering empowerment and building capacities of rural women through community-based agroindustry: A case study in Donowarih Village, Indonesia

Donowarih village, located in Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia, is closed to the Universitas Brawijaya’s Educational Forest (known as UB Forest). The village has various potential local commodities such as orange fruits and batik. During harvesting season, the price of orange fruits declined, and inadequate storage system has led to a rapid deterioration of orange fruits. Furthermore, various problems faced by the community, such as poverty and lack of knowledge/skills, are becoming the major challenges to be tackled. On the other hand, orange fruits and batik are potential to be diversified into high value-added products, which can be done through the introduction of post-harvesting technology and trainings for skills improvement. Furthermore, the Indonesian Government program of one village one product (OVOP) is becoming key drivers to any community engagement program in Indonesia.

Community engagement of underrepresented college students: Ultra-orthodox students in Israel as social change agents

This article aims to contribute to the emerging body of research on community engagement of college students from minority and underserved groups. It examines community engagement programs involving students from the Jewish ultra-Orthodox society in Israel, a minority group that is clearly underrepresented in the higher education system in Israel. Using qualitative methods, this article analyzes how ultra-Orthodox students experience their community engagement and perceive its effects on themselves and on their communities. The findings illuminate how the students' social interactions during their volunteer work enhance meaningful learning despite considerable challenges and dilemmas. Ultra-orthodox students constantly cross social and cultural boundaries, and their choice to enroll in higher education is often delegitimized in their communities. Their ability to contribute to their communities through collegiate community engagement programs helps justify their decision to pursue an academic education. This ability also empowers them in the challenging liminal state between the ultra-Orthodox society and academia. Hence, community engagement helps reinforce the academization of the ultra-Orthodox society. This case study proposes that student volunteers from underrepresented minority groups can bridge the gap between academic institutions and their minority communities, serving as agents of societal change.

Gamifying Public Engagement on Sustainability Issues: From Motivational Affordances to the Effectiveness of Symmetrical Public Relations

This study aims to investigate the impact of gamification as applied to public relations, specifically its ability to engage the public with social issues. Using a survey of users on a corporate-sponsored sustainability-themed gamification platform (N = 417), the study examines the effects of two gamified two-way communication strategies—feedback and value co-creation—on the public’s feeling of engagement. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of motivational experiences and perceptions of the organization-public relationship in this process. The findings provide empirical evidence that gamification can enhance corporate public engagement programs by offering motivational affordances, thus creating an encouraging environment that satisfies individual users’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Consequently, positive perceptions of the relationship with the company are strengthened, leading to increased psychological engagement. This study’s contribution to the field lies in its novel perspective on gamification research within the context of public relations, bridging the gap in empirical research regarding its effectiveness in corporate communication. It sheds light on the potential of gamification as a valuable tool for corporate public engagement.

From Lords of Corruption to Leeches of Theo-mafia: The Suffering of the People in Somalia

This paper presents comprehensive strategies for combating corruption and countering terrorism in the context of Somalia's aspiration for peace, democracy, and prosperity. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of these challenges, the strategies offer a multi-dimensional approach tailored to Somalia's unique circumstances. 
 The anti-corruption strategy focuses on strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and instigating a cultural shift away from corrupt practices. It also underscores responsible lending and the pursuit of total debt relief to enable economically productive projects.
 The counter-terrorism strategy adopts a holistic approach, combining military actions with economic incentives, ideological reorientation, and rehabilitation. It emphasizes community-centered collaborations, religious engagement, and reintegration programs for former combatants. These strategies are designed to guide policymakers, academia, and stakeholders in shaping Somalia's trajectory towards a more just, secure, and prosperous future.

Emotional geographies of an urban forest: Insights from an email‐a‐tree initiative

AbstractInternational and national policies are being used to prioritise increases in urban forest coverage and diversity, support equitable access to urban greenspaces, and advance sound environmental governance outcomes. Yet, the relationship between people’s feelings about urban trees and public policy remains under‐examined. Drawing on a unique dataset from an email‐a‐tree initiative, the objectives of this study were to identify how concern and connection for urban trees is expressed and determine how insights from the initiative might inform urban forest governance. We examined emails sent to trees using a mixed‐methods approach that included qualitative coding, VADER sentiment analysis, and statistical and spatial analyses. We identified and considered three themes based on emails sent by members of the public and municipal tree inventory data. Those themes were location, age and loss, and type. In accord with other studies, overall sentiment for urban trees was positive and underscored people’s strong connections with trees, often based on routine and repeated engagements. However, people noticed and were concerned about a limited range of trees and tree types in urban settings. Based in Melbourne, Australia, our case study shows how examining feelings for trees helps residents and researchers understand urban tree relationships and gauge how those designing public engagement programs might learn from such an initiative to create meaningful opportunities for active participation in governance.

Award Recipients’ Perceived Benefits of a PK-12 Engagement Awards Program

Faculty and staff in higher education are motivated to engage in college programs by different factors. Award programs can be a tool to engage faculty and staff in programs. This study described the perceived benefits of an engagement award that recognized faculty and staff that had excelled in outreach and program engagement. Data included quantitative scale items and qualitative open-ended response items from award recipients across the College of Agriculture. Award recipients reported benefits included increased overall perceived value of the PK-12 Engagement Program, increased recognition of their program excellence and impact, an increased dissemination of program activities and outcomes, career benefits, and networking opportunities. The funding that accompanied the award was reported to offer support for the program and development of the program. Findings of this study offer insightful information to guide the development of engagement awards for other programs.

Determinants and consequences of sustainable development goals disclosure: International evidence

The study examines the determinants and consequences of firm-level Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) disclosure using a sample of 6941 firm-year observations from 30 countries during 2016–2019. Based on 17 SDG indicators developed by the United Nations (UN), the study forms an SDG Disclosure Index. The findings reveal that approximately 48.40% of firms in the sample had active stakeholder engagement programs, 53.90% maintained a sustainability committee, and 62.60% issued standalone sustainability reports. The findings indicate that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, stakeholder engagement, and the issuance of standalone sustainability reports positively influence firm-level SDG disclosure. Moreover, the study finds a positive association between higher levels of SDG disclosure and increased firm value. Our findings are robust using a battery of robustness tests. Given the growing global focus on SDGs and the extent of SDG disclosure by firms, this study's findings hold significant implications for decision-makers and other stakeholders.

The Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) Program: A twelve week reablement intervention for people with dementia and carers

AbstractBackgroundThere is a need for integrated and effective reablement programs to promote the quality of life of people with dementia and their carers.MethodThe Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) Program is currently being evaluated in Canberra, Australia. SPICE is a multicomponent active therapeutic intervention delivered by allied health professionals over twelve weeks. The five components are: 1) cognitive stimulation therapy (CST); 2) carer education, support and capacity building; 3) physical activity; 4) Care of People with dementia in their Environments (COPE) program; and 5) dietary assessment and advice. Six people with dementia and their six carers participate in a small group twice per week for the CST, carer, and physical activity components, while COPE and dietary assessment and advice are completed as a dyad. Pre‐ and post‐intervention outcome measures on quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, cognitive function, and physical function are being collected, in addition to a program evaluation interview. After four groups have completed the protocol, the SPICE waiting‐list pilot trial will finish data collection in early 2024. Here we report on the first group to complete the program.ResultAttendance to the in‐person components of the program were 94% for people with dementia and 92% for carers. All participants completed the COPE program, and compliance with the dietary appointments was 94%. Quantitative outcome measures suggest benefits, but inferences cannot be drawn due to small sample size. Both people with dementia and carers reported high program satisfaction and perceived benefits, supporting the feasibility of the intervention. The program was rewarding for all participants, and carers felt the strategies and lessons learned had immediate benefits. The social aspects, inclusiveness, and group cohesiveness were key drivers of their satisfaction with the program.ConclusionThe results from the first group to complete the SPICE program shows that an intensive, multicomponent active therapeutic program is feasible and considered valuable for people with dementia and their carers. Findings from the pilot trial are required to confirm the results from the first group to potentially support a randomised controlled trial.

Time Together: An Intergenerational Respite, Mentorship and Training Program

AbstractPeople living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners (CP) experience physical and emotional stressors that are exacerbated by social isolation. Paying for in‐home respite care can be out of reach for many; the average cost of in‐home care is $28.00 with a three‐hour minimum. Furthermore, there is a critical gap in the dementia workforce (Weiss, 2020), leaving CP without access to affordable respite care, and PLWD without access to social engagement. The Penn Memory Center’s (PMC) Time Together (TT) and Weekly Smile (WS) programs are two low‐cost intergenerational respite and engagement programs that aim to increase social engagement for PLWD, reduce CP burden, and develop a geriatric care workforce. College students are trained to provide respite care and engagement for community‐dwelling PLWD and their CP. Families pay up to $10.00 (sliding scales offered) for up to 10 hours/week of companion/respite care. The student receives $10.00 an hour for their service. The PMC launched Time Together in 2019, delivering respite services in‐person. In 2020, the pandemic forced the program to pivot to a virtual model called WS. In January 2023 we began offering TT both in‐person and virtually to maximize accessibility and flexibility. Both the in‐person and virtual component are now called Time Together (TT).To assess the impact of the WS model we used a mixed‐methods design, using qualitative and quantitative assessments. The exploratory qualitative arm used conventional content analysis methods to describe the experiences of PLWD, CP, and student participants through semi‐structured interviews. In our findings from interviews with 3 PLWD, 3 CP, and 3 student participants, PLWD cited meaningful engagement and improved mood. CPs described the importance of protected time for self‐care. Student respite workers appreciated learning about aging and dementia and especially enjoyed developing empathy and relational practice. Participation was mutually beneficial to all and created a lasting impact.We continue to collect additional qualitative and quantitative to further evaluate findings from both the virtual and in‐person arms of Time Together for this updated abstract submission. Policy implications include recommendations for respite program structure and composition.