High Expectations Research Articles

Lessons in Leadership

In this edition of “In the Public Interest,” Chris Brown, Chicago Public Library Commissioner, interviews Cathy Sanford, former Deputy County Librarian at Contra Costa County Library. Sanford reflects on her extensive career, including her innovative contributions at Memphis Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, and Contra Costa County Library. She shares her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of combining high expectations with robust support, fostering organizational safety, and nurturing staff development. Sanford’s approach to leadership, which includes hands-on involvement, strategic delegation, and a focus on individual strengths, has not only driven numerous award-winning initiatives but also cultivated future library leaders. The conversation also touches on current challenges in the library field, such as book banning, and Sanford’s hopes for the future of library services. This interview provides valuable insights into effective leadership and the evolving role of public libraries.

Chronic pain patients’ evaluations of consultations: A matter of high expectations or expectations unmet?

ObjectiveThis study tests two hypotheses about spine pain patients’ expectations for consultations and their negative evaluations. High expectations may be impractical or unachievable and can set patients up for disappointment. Unmet expectations are the absolute difference between expectations before the visit and perceptions of expectations actually enacted. MethodWe conducted a single-site prospective study using pre- and post-consultation surveys. Patients (N = 200) were English-speaking individuals aged 18–75 presenting for an initial consultation for musculoskeletal pain. Analyses were conducted in SPSS v. 28.0 using mixed modeling to account for interdependence among cases. ResultsContrary to initial predictions, higher pre-consultation expectations for shared decision-making were positively linked to post-consultation satisfaction, trust, and agreement. Exceeding expectations in shared decision-making, history-taking, examination, and interpersonal skills significantly enhanced post-consultation outcomes. ConclusionsResults support the unmet expectations hypothesis over the high expectations hypothesis. Increased expectations and exceeding these expectations in key areas of patient-physician interaction were positively associated with improved consultation outcomes. Practice implicationsFindings highlight the importance of exceeding multifaceted patient expectations in physician evaluations. Yet, physicians must first understand the nature and source of each patient’s expectations pre-consultation, which vary across individuals in aspirational and realistic dimensions.

Designing ester-ether hybrid electrolytes for aldehyde-based organic anode to achieve superior K-storage

Electrolyte engineering strategy has attracted high expectations for addressing the universally existed serious dynamics and thermodynamics issues in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), especially for the batteries adopted with organic electrode materials. Herein, a new kind of ester-ether hybrid electrolytes (EEHEs) was developed with widely manipulatable solvation structures from solvent-separated ion pair (SSIP) to aggregate (AGG)-dominated states for PIBs. The optimized EEHEs of 5 M KFSI/EC+DME enabled high Coulombic efficiency and ultra-stable K plating/stripping stability in K||Cu cells and K||K symmetric cells, respectively. When the developed novel organic anode material of 2-Bromobenzene-1,3-dialdehyde/carbon nanotube (BBD/CNT) was matched with the 5 M KFSI/EC+DME electrolyte, it delivered a reversible capacity of about 288 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and approximately 244 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 with negligible capacity fade. The excellent performance should be attributed to the surface capacitive-dominated mechanism with fast K-storage kinetics guaranteed by the AGG-dominated solvation structures.

Principal Allyship in Saskatchewan Inner-City Schools

ABSTRACT Schools that are described as “inner-city” schools in Saskatchewan are commonly found in communities plagued with racialized poverty that consist predominantly of Indigenous families. Principals who are considered to be allies by Indigenous communities work alongside Indigenous students, families, and staff to challenge the effects of colonization and marginalization, and collectively work on student learning outcomes. This article reports on the findings of a study that examined school-based leadership within an inner-city Saskatchewan school with a high Indigenous population. The purpose of the study was to invite Indigenous people associated with schools to discuss school leadership and the extent to which school-based leaders can work as allies to improve the experiences of Indigenous students. Participants identified significant challenges within inner-city schools rooted in colonization, racism, and poverty, as well as mitigating measures that school leaders can take to offset some effects of these challenges. The need for principals to be identifiable to the community through their actions was significant. This included demonstrating a commitment to listening and learning from the community; maintaining high expectations for students as well as staff; focusing on relationship building with all segments of the community; welcoming diverse perspectives in decision-making, and; challenging and changing unjust processes and systems.

Once-Weekly Insulin Icodec in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials (ONWARDS Clinical Program).

One hundred years have passed since the discovery of insulin, which is one of the most relevant events of the 20th century. This period resulted in extraordinary progress in the development of novel molecules to improve glucose control, simplify the insulin regimen, and ameliorate the quality of life. In late March 2024, the first once-weekly basal analog Icodec was approved for diabetes mellitus, generating high expectations. Our aim was to systematically review and meta-analyze the efficacy and safety of Icodec compared to once-daily insulin analogs in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Studies were included for the synthesis according to the following prespecified inclusion criteria: uncontrolled T1D or T2D, age ≥ 18 years, insulin Icodec vs. active comparators (Degludec U100, Glargine U100, Glargine U300, and Detemir), phase 3, multicenter, double-blind or open-label RCTs, and a study duration ≥ 24 weeks. The systematic review included 4347 patients with T1D and T2D inadequately controlled (2172 randomized to Icodec vs. 2175 randomized to once-daily basal analogs). Icodec, compared to once-daily basal analogs, slightly reduced the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with an estimated treatment difference (ETD) of -0.14% [95%CI -0.25; -0.03], p = 0.01, and I2 68%. Patients randomized to Icodec compared to those on once-daily basal analogs had a greater probability to achieve HbA1c < 7% without clinically relevant or severe hypoglycemic events in 12 weeks from randomization with an estimated risk ratio (ERR) of 1.17, [95%CI 1.01, 1.36], p = 0.03, and I2 66%. We did not find a difference in fasting glucose levels, time in range, and time above range between Icodec and comparators. Icodec, compared to once-daily basal analogs, resulted in a slight but statistically significant weight gain of 0.62 kg [95%CI 0.25; 0.99], p = 0.001, and I2 25%. The frequency of hypoglycemic events (ERR 1.16 [95%CI 0.95; 1.41]), adverse events (ERR 1.04 [95%CI 1.00; 1.08]), injection-site reactions (ERR 1.08 [95%CI 0.62; 1.90]), and the discontinuation of treatments were similar between the two groups. Icodec was found to work better when used in a basal-only than basal-bolus regimen with an ETD in HbA1c of -0.22%, a probability of achieving glucose control of +33%, a probability of achieving glucose control without clinically relevant or severe hypoglycemia of +28%, more time spent in target (+4.55%) and less time spent in hyperglycemia (-5.14%). The risk of clinically relevant or severe hypoglycemic events was significantly higher when background glinides and sulfonylureas were added to basal analogs (ERR 1.42 [95%CI 1.05; 1.93]). Insulin Icodec is substantially non-inferior to once-daily insulin analogs in T2D, either insulin-naïve or insulin-treated. However, Icodec works slightly better than competitors when used in a basal-only rather than basal-bolus regimen. Weight gain and hypoglycemic risk are substantially low but not negligible. Patients' education, adequate lifestyle and pharmacological interventions, and appropriate therapy adjustments are essential to minimize risks. This systematic review is registered as PROSPERO CRD42024568680.

Do you wanna dance? Tales of trust and driving trust factors in robot medication counseling in the pharmacy context.

Introduction: The sustainable implementation of socially assistive robots in a pharmacy setting requires that customers trust the robot. Our aim was to explore young adults' anticipations of and motives for trusting robot medication counseling in a high-stakes scenario. Methods: Through a co-creation approach, we co-designed a prototype application for the Furhat platform together with young adults. In-lab testing of a pharmacy scenario, where the robot provides medication counseling related to emergency contraceptive pills, was conducted to deepen our understanding of some factors driving young adults' initial trust establishment and anticipations of interacting with a robot in a high-stakes scenario. Qualitative data from interviews with six study participants were analyzed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis and are presented through a narrative approach. Results: We outline five tales of trust characterized by personas. A continuum of different anticipations for consulting a robot in medication counseling is presented, ranging from low to high expectations of use. Driving factors in the initial trust establishment process are position, autonomy, boundaries, shame, gaze, and alignment. Discussion: The article adds to the understanding of the dimensions of the multifaceted trust concept, of driving trust factors, and of the subsequent anticipation to trust robots in a high-stakes pharmacy context.

Stress Detection in IT Professionals using Machine Learning

In today's fast-paced technology landscape, stress management is becoming increasingly important, especially among IT professionals. The work environment in the IT industry is often characterized by long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations, which can lead to elevated stress levels. Unchecked stress not only impacts the health and well-being of professionals but also affects productivity and job satisfaction. This study aims to predict the stress levels of IT professionals using machine learning techniques, thereby aiding in proactive stress management. We utilize a range of features indicative of work stress, including Heart Rate, Skin Conductivity, Hours Worked, Number of Emails Sent, and Meetings Attended. These features provide a comprehensive view of both the physiological and work-related factors that contribute to stress. The application of machine learning in this context serves as an innovative approach to an increasingly pertinent issue. By leveraging the power of data analytics, this model aims to provide actionable insights for both individuals and organizations. Individuals can use these predictions for self-monitoring and early intervention, while organizations can utilize them to identify high-stress environments or roles, thereby allocating resources or interventions more effectively. Our preliminary results indicate a strong correlation between the chosen features and stress levels, demonstrating the viability of using machine learning for stress prediction in IT professionals. This study stands as a crucial step towards a more data-driven approach to mental health and well-being in the workplace. Key Words: : Randomforest, adaboost, extratree, Stress Detection, IT Professionals, Machine Learning, Stress Analysis, Mental Health

Motivation of Lithuanian Saturday school heritage language teachers

Working (or volunteering) in a Lithuanian Saturday (or Sunday) school abroad is difficult. Teachers must balance work, family, and teaching in those schools, give up their free time to prepare for classes, and spend Saturdays working. Some of them need to find not only teaching materials, but also a place for teaching. Moreover, some parents often have very high expectations for the school—they do not speak enough Lithuanian at home, or not even at all, but they expect that the school will teach their child to speak it fluently in a half of a day. In addition, the Lithuanian language is a quite rare, non-international language for teaching and learning of which another motivation needs to be found rather than size, usefulness, and prestige. However, the number of schools abroad not only do not decrease in number, but every year more and more are established, and in more distant countries. The fact that this number of schools is growing tells us that teachers who want to take on the challenge can in fact be found. This article aims to find out why people choose to work or volunteer in these schools, what brings them there, and what keeps them there—what is their motivation. This article is based on the data of a quantitative survey about Lithuanian Saturday school teachers’ attitudes and motivation (2021–2022).

Associations Between Components of Self-Management Theory and Falls Among Older Adults.

To examine the relationship of key individual and family self-management theory (IFSMT) components, including self-management process variables on proximal (self-management behaviors) and distal (falls) outcomes in older adults. A secondary data analysis was conducted using data of 99 older adults living in continuing care retirement communities in the U.S. Midwest. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. The multiple regression model demonstrated a positive association between self-efficacy for physical activity and steps per day. The logistic regression model showed that high expectations regarding aging are associated with reduced likelihood of meeting daily protein intake. Key components of the IFSMT, such as self-efficacy, steps per day, and expectations regarding aging, are important when designing self-management interventions to prevent falls. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(8), 19-28.].

Predictors of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Effect of Expectations and Psychological Stress.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are a common nonsurgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patient expectations and psychological stress are believed to affect outcomes after orthopaedic procedures. This was a prospective cohort study seeking to identify factors predictive of greater patient-reported outcomes after HA injections, particularly expectations and psychological stress. 250 patients receiving a series of HA injections for knee OA were enrolled, with 196 being included for analysis. Demographics, surgical history, and preoperative Kellgren-Lawrence severity scores were collected, and patients completed the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire, a modified KOOS questionnaire assessing their 6-month postinjection expectations, and the Perceived Stress Scale before the first injection. Outcomes were assessed at 3 weeks and 3 and 6 months after the final injection. KOOS scores improved from preinjection to 6-month follow-up but did not meet patients' expectations or minimal clinically important difference. Expectations correlated with 6-month KOOS pain, activities of daily living, sport, and quality of life subscales (ρ = 0.19 to 0.34), but not the symptom subscale (P = 0.10). Expectations (ρ = 0.31 to 0.37), younger age (ρ = -0.17 to -0.18), and greater perceived stress (ρ = 0.23) correlated with greater improvement from baseline KOOSs. Lower body mass index (ρ = -0.19 to -0.22), male sex (ρ = -0.17), and greater preinjection function (ρ = 0.37 to 0.46) correlated with greater 6-month outcomes. Stress measured on the Perceived Stress Scale did not correlate with 6-month KOOSs (P ≥ 0.27). Lower Kellgren-Lawrence severity score was weakly associated with greater 6-month KOOS activities of daily living and sport scores (ρ = -0.15 to -0.16) and greater improvement in the KOOS symptom score (ρ = -0.15). This study identified that higher expectations, lower body mass index, younger age, male sex, lower radiographic severity, greater preinjection function, and greater perceived stress are associated with greater patient outcomes after HA injection. Physicians should consider these factors when counseling patients with knee OA about viscosupplementation. Prospective Cohort Study (Level of Evidence II).

Balancing the performance benefits and health costs of leader high performance expectations: the role of servant leadership

PurposeLeader high performance expectation (LHPE) as a performance management practice is becoming more common in today’s business environment, with managers setting ambitious goals to motivate employees to excel at their jobs. This study aims to critically examine LHPE as a performance management practice within contemporary organizations, focusing on whether LHPE has opposing effects on employee performance and health, as well as how servant leadership can improve the benefits of LHPE while lowering its costs.Design/methodology/approachA path analysis of data from a three-wave survey of 416 full-time employees was used to test our hypotheses.FindingsLHPE has opposing effects on employees via two distinct pathways: motivational effects on employee performance via harmonious work passion and strain effects on employee health via work strain. In the face of LHPE, servant leadership can assist in achieving a mutual gain between employee performance and health.Originality/valueThis study contributes uniquely to the field of employee relations by offering a comprehensive analysis of LHPE’s dual effects. It moves beyond traditional views that focus on singular outcomes, providing a deeper understanding of how LHPE can both motivate and strain employees. Highlighting servant leadership’s role signifies a novel approach to managing LHPE’s complexities, presenting valuable insights for HR practitioners and organizational leaders. This research underlines the importance of balancing performance expectations with employee well-being, aligning with modern perspectives on positive employment relationships.

Unraveling the Ethical, Prosocial, and Performance Outcomes of Leader High Performance Expectations

Unraveling the Ethical, Prosocial, and Performance Outcomes of Leader High Performance Expectations

Content analysis of current role/job descriptors for Band 5/junior physiotherapists and mapping of these to Physiotherapy Professional standards of practice

BackgroundKNOWBEST was a mixed methods study exploring the KNOWledge, BEhaviours and Skills required of the modern physioTherapy graduate. ObjectivesTo undertake a content analysis of current role descriptors (RDs) for Band5/junior physiotherapists and map these to the knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes required for contemporary physiotherapy practice. DesignContent analyses and mapping. SettingAll health care settings: ParticipantsAvailable RDs for newly qualified/Band 5 physiotherapists across a representative range of roles and settings for this stage of a physiotherapist’s career across the UK and all health care settings. MethodsJob descriptors were obtained using three approaches 1) via direct upload to the study website, 2) on-line searches of job vacancies, 3) directly emailing managers to fill any gaps in representativeness. Data regarding knowledge, skills, behaviours and attributes were extracted, coded (BC) and checked (CML). Data analysesDocumentary content analyses and mapping of these to Professional Standards of practice. Results19 RDs were analysed. High expectations of behaviours and attributes, and extensive pre-requisite knowledge and skills were identified and detailed. Considerable variability was seen across RDs, at least seven being suited to more highly specialist and/or experienced staff. Equality, diversity and inclusivity concerns were evidenced. Active research was not included in many RDs and not mentioned in any standards. Digital learning and skills were not strongly evidenced. ConclusionsA review of Band 5/Junior post and RD requirements is recommended including a standard template developed to promote equity. Professional standards emphasise some pillars of practice, such as clinical, more than others. Contribution of the Paper•Role descriptors for band 5/junior/recently qualified physiotherapists demonstrated wide heterogeneity in knowledge, skills, attributes and behaviours.•Analysis of RDs revealed high expectations of behaviours and attributes, and extensive pre-requisite knowledge and skills in qualified physiotherapists.•A review of Band 5 post and role descriptor requirements is recommended and a standard template developed and designed to promote equity.•Findings indicate that some areas of physiotherapy practice are featured less strongly in professional standards of practice than others. It is evident that some of the pillars of advanced practice, such as clinical practice, are weighted more heavily than others.

Can You Handle High Expectations When Encountering an Early Setback? The Role of Resilience

Can You Handle High Expectations When Encountering an Early Setback? The Role of Resilience

Robotics uncharted: When hazardous-duty robots met the Fukushima nuclear disaster (2011–2015)

The Fukushima nuclear disaster of 11 March 2011, created a hazardous environment for both residents and rescue workers. The proficient use of robotic technology to assist with disaster mitigation and intense research into this genre of robotics had been proposed as a pivotal substitute for endangering disaster workers in disaster response. However, despite the high expectations and aspirations of Japan’s competitive robotics industry, the technological and political problems surrounding the use of robots were severe. Robot-enabled disaster management can only materialize through effective policy direction by the government. This paper explores the problems of using robots in disaster management since Japan’s launch of a nuclear disaster-response robot project in the 1980s.

A Machine Learning-Based Forecast Model for Career Planning in Human Resource Management: A Case Study of the Turkish Post Corporation

In sustainable and competitive business management, it is crucial for organizations to consider organizational change and transformational leadership in human resource (HR) management to adapt to the changes in their environment. This capability enables large-scale enterprises to maintain their presence in an increasingly competitive environment through enhanced management capacity. Enterprises that adopt transformational leadership in HR management must equip leadership candidates with competencies such as creating a shared vision, providing appropriate role models, encouraging the adoption of group goals, meeting high performance expectations, and providing individual support and the development of intellectual stimulation. By identifying potential leadership candidates using a decision support model, the necessary competencies can be developed through in-service training and experiential learning during their careers. Innovative and effective approaches to identifying leadership candidates can be developed by analyzing complex big data using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. In this article, a forecast model using machine learning (ML) algorithms for a human resource management career planning approach was developed for the Turkish Post Corporation (PTT) and it was tested to predict potential leadership candidates by analyzing the big data of 5000 employees. The Turkish Post Corporation ML algorithms were applied to 100 randomly selected data points using the k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to predict the types of titles held by the staff employed at PTT. The kNN, GB, RF, and SVM algorithms achieved accuracy rates of 96%, 91%, 73%, and 41%, respectively. The case study results indicate that promotion decisions in large-scale and rooted enterprises can be effectively modeled using big data and ML algorithms, highlighting significant potential for HR management and leadership development practices in the public sector.

The relationship between anxiety and depression in adolescent depression patients: The mediating effect of hope level and coping modes

BackgroundAdolescents diagnosed with depression are particularly susceptible to anxiety and depressive symptoms, this vulnerability often diminishes their future expectations and overall outlook on life. The objective of this research was to scrutinize the associated risk factors of adolescent depression and delineated the interplay between anxiety and depressive symptoms. Concurrently, it sought to ascertain the latent mediating effects of hope levels and coping strategies within this framework. MethodsA mixed-methods research approach was employed. For the qualitative component, 18 adolescents with depression were interviewed following a semi-structured interview guide, with sessions audio-recorded. The data were subsequently transcribed and subjected to thematic content analysis. In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to 210 adolescents diagnosed with depression using Questionnaire Star, with data analysis performed using SPSS25.0 and AMOS 24.0. ResultsThe qualitative analysis identified three major themes and nine categories as key risk factors influencing the onset of adolescent depression. Three major themes were generated: school factors, family factors, and other factors. Nine categories were generated: heavy academic load, strained peer, and teacher-student relationships; unstable family structures, internal familial conflicts, and high parental expectations; a strong sense of social isolation, insufficient sexual education, and prevalent suicidal ideation or attempts. A nurturing and supportive school environment significantly bolsters adolescents' sense of hope and coping abilities, while a warm and encouraging family setting effectively mitigates psychological stress. Conversely, heightened loneliness and the onset of suicidal ideation are frequently linked to diminished hope and the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies. Hence, to comprehensively understand the intricate interplay of these factors, this study concentrated on the levels of hope and coping mechanisms, investigating their potential mediating role in adolescent anxiety and depression. Quantitative analysis revealed a positive correlation between anxiety and depression (r = 0.767, p＜0.01). Additionally, it was found that hope levels and coping strategies mediated the relationship between anxiety and depressive symptoms (β = −0.24–0.84 = 0.20, p < 0.001; β = 0.19–0.51 = −0.10, p < 0.01), with the mediating influence of hope levels being more significant than that of coping strategies. ConclusionEnhancing hope levels and fostering positive coping strategies are instrumental in aiding adolescents with depression to alleviate their anxiety and depressive symptoms. Moreover, this study underscored the importance of focusing on adolescents' mental health and providing them with emotional support, thereby increasing their hope levels and encouraging the adoption of positive coping mechanisms to effectively address their challenges.

Do physical activity intensity and sedentary behaviour relate to burnout among medical students? Insight from two Canadian medical schools

Background: Medical school involves high expectations of medical students, which may increase their risk for burnout. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) are modifiable risk factors for burnout. However, medical students are insufficiently taught about PA and SB and may therefore be less likely to meet guideline-recommended levels of these two movement behaviours or promote them in practice. Few studies have examined the relationships between medical students’ PA intensity, SB, and burnout; such examination could help clarify educational needs for improving levels of movement behaviours and their promotion. Purpose: This study investigated (1) the relationships between light, moderate, vigorous, and total PA, SB, and burnout among medical students, and (2) moderate-to-vigorous PA as a moderator of the relationship between SB and burnout, to guide future curriculum renewal. Methods: Medical students (N = 129) at two Canadian institutions completed online validated questionnaires assessing light, moderate, vigorous, and total PA, SB, and burnout. Results: Regression analyses indicated that light PA (β = -.191, p = .039) and SB (β=-.230, p = .013) were negatively associated with burnout. Moderate-to-vigorous PA did not significantly moderate the relationship between SB and burnout. Conclusions: Engaging in lighter forms of PA and SB within guideline recommendations may help mitigate medical student burnout. Competencies to promote movement behaviours may dually target medical student burnout and curriculum gaps.

The Influence of Gender Inequality on Economic Growth in Riau Province 2012-2021

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the average length of schooling, life expectancy, and labor force participation rates affect economic growth with productivity levels as intervening variables in Riau Province in 2012-2021. The data used in this study was secondary data, which is a combination of time series and cross-section. The analytical method used in this study was multiple linear regression analysis using theory and data related to research. The results showed that the average length of schooling for boys had a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, the average length of schooling for women has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the partial test, it can be concluded that the average length of schooling does not show gender inequality. Directly, the life expectancy for men has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, life expectancy for women has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the partial test, it can be concluded that there is gender inequality in life expectancy. Directly, the labor force participation rate for men has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate for women has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the partial test, it can be concluded that there is no gender inequality in the labor force participation rate. Indirectly, through the level of productivity, the average length of schooling for men has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, the average length of schooling for women has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the Sobel test, it was concluded that the average length of schooling does not have a relation to gender inequality. Indirectly, through the level of productivity, the life expectancy rate for men has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, life expectancy for women has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the Sobel test, it was concluded that there is a gender gap in life expectancy. Indirectly, through the level of productivity, the labor force participation rate for men has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate for women has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth in Riau Province. From the results of the Sobel test, it can be concluded that there is a gender imbalance in the labor force participation rate. The results of this study were influenced by gender inequality in terms of education, health, and employment which are categorized as experiencing low inequality so that they do not have much impact on economic growth in Riau Province. From the education side, as seen from the average length of schooling, it has no effect on economic growth in Riau Province, as well as from a health perspective, the high life expectancy rate does not have a serious impact on economic growth in Riau Province. Keywords: Gender Inequality; Productivity; Economic Growth

The Relationship between Key Factors and Gen Z Employee Retention in Indonesian FMCG Start-Ups

This study investigates the factors relationship between turnover intention and employee retention of Generation Z employees in the workplace, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data were collected through interviews and surveys, followed by a comprehensive analysis employing descriptive statistics, and multiple linear regression. The qualitative findings highlight significant financial needs, high expectations of career advancement, and the adverse impact of long working hours on job satisfaction and retention. Quantitative analysis identifies financial opportunities, comprehensive employee benefits, and a sense of being financially rewarded as major factors contributing to economic security and retention. Work-life balance and an open, collaborative company culture, characterized by effective communication and teamwork, also play critical roles in enhancing job satisfaction and loyalty among Gen Z employees. The study reveals that financial factors, work-life balance, and organizational culture significantly impact retention rates. Furthermore, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of these variables, noting how unmet financial needs and unrealistic career expectations can lead to job dissatisfaction and increased turnover. The research concludes with recommendations for longitudinal studies, comparative research, and intersectional studies to further understand the evolving and diverse needs of Gen Z employees. Implementing robust career development programs and addressing financial needs are crucial strategies for start-ups aiming to retain young talent in the long term.