Individual Motivation Research Articles

Chasing the scarcity: How fear of missing out and motivations drive willingness to pay in collectible markets

ABSTRACT This study investigates the interplay between scarcity cues, individual motivations, and consumer behavior in the context of collectible markets, focusing on Popmart’s Labubu series. Leveraging Social Comparison Theory, we explore how self-expressive motivation (SEM) and self-presentational motivation (SPM) influence the relationship between scarcity cues and Fear of Missing Out (FoMO), and how FoMO subsequently affects consumers’ willingness to pay for premium products. A sample of 442 Labubu collectors participated in the study, providing insights into the psychological and behavioral drivers of purchasing decisions. Results from Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) indicate that scarcity cues significantly increase FoMO, which in turn has a strong positive impact on willingness to pay. SEM and SPM were found to moderate the effect of scarcity cues on FoMO, with SEM reducing and SPM amplifying this relationship. These findings highlight the importance of understanding consumer motivations and social comparison processes in developing effective scarcity-based marketing strategies. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed for brands operating in limited-edition markets.

“Freedom Fighters:” Motivations of Western Volunteers to Fight on the Side of Ukraine in the Russo-Ukrainian War, 2014-2022

ABSTRACT This paper brings the stories of mobilization of five foreign fighters from five different countries who mobilized at different times over the development and duration of the Russo-Ukrainian war: from its onset in 2014 through to the full scale Russian invasion in February 2022. Founded upon an original dataset gathered using ethnographic methods, this article brings a unique account of individual motivations into the literature on foreign fighters in the Russian-Ukrainian war, specifically those who mobilized on the Ukrainian side. It focuses on the respondents’ individual frames, namely values and beliefs in explaining not only why they decided to fight and risk their lives in a foreign war but it also accounts for the chronology of foreign participation, recruitment process, and mobilizing structures that enabled and accommodated foreign fighters mobilization since 2014. The key mobilizing factor was Russian violence against Ukraine, and the threat it poses to the freedom of Ukraine and Europe.

How and when paternalistic leadership influences service innovative behaviour while inhibiting counterproductive work behaviour among healthcare professionals: the roles of perceived supervisor support and public service motivation

PurposeHealthcare is a service industry where fulfilling the needs of patients (customers) is challenging. Various factors, including cost, system complexity, staffing behaviours and technological advances, play vital roles. Drawing upon social exchange theory, this study seeks to determine how paternalistic leadership (authoritarianism, benevolence and morality) influences employee service innovative behaviour and counterproductive work behaviour via perceived supervisor support in the healthcare sector. Additionally, the study investigates the role of the public service motivation of individuals as a moderating factor in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachA pilot study and a main study were conducted to test the hypotheses. We collected data from healthcare professionals in Pakistan’s large public, private and semi-government hospitals. We applied bootstrapping with 5,000 replications and structural equation modelling to analyse the data.FindingsResults indicate that authoritarianism was negatively associated with service innovative behaviour, whereas benevolent and moral behaviours were positively associated with service innovative behaviour via perceived supervisor support (mediation). Our findings shed light on the moderating role of public service motivation.Originality/valueThis empirical quantitative study has several theoretical and practical implications. Findings of our study provide evidence that a paternalistic leadership style can influence both positive (service innovative behaviour) and negative (counterproductive working behaviour) working behaviours simultaneously via perceived supervisor support at an individual level in the service (healthcare) industry. This study also highlights the moderating role of public service motivation as an individual motivation factor.

Extending job crafting theory to precarious workers: a model of organizational job crafting for organizational justice

PurposeThis paper introduces and develops a conceptual model, “organizational job crafting,” to extend and apply job crafting theory to precarious workers.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual model incorporates the perspectives of organizational justice theory into job crafting theory to identify precarious workers’ unique job crafting motivation and processes in their work environment. The theory is developed by integrating and adjusting aspects of these two approaches.FindingsThis model invokes five propositions specifying (1) the impacts of organizational justice on individual motivations for job crafting, (2) the conditions for developing a shared perception of organizational justice, (3) the forms of organizational job crafting and (4) the individual and organizational effects of job crafting. Moderating conditions are identified, such as the level of connection to labor/community organizations.Originality/valueThis study extends established job crafting theory, enriching it by incorporating the precarious worker perspective. By connecting job crafting to organizational justice theories, this model opens the possibility that workers’ job crafting can produce not only personal enrichment or work efficiency but also contribute to organizational changes. The theoretical development handles issues blocked or hidden by the original constituent theoretical ingredients.

The “lasso effect” – toward the development of a theory of motivational contagion

PurposeDespite turning a recent eye toward work teams, motivation research has largely treated the group as a contextual influence affecting an individual’s motivation, leaving explanations of motivational forces within a group cached in theories of intrapersonal motivation. As a result, our understanding of the processes of motivation that operate beyond the individual remains lacking. Moving beyond this individual paradigm, the present paper seeks to clarify a process through which the motivational forces circulating within a team per se produce nascent member motivation through a motivational contagion. Specifically, we examine how motivational dynamics within a group serve as a unique motivational stimulus for its members and thereby operate as a process-altering collective effort as a consequence of its presence.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a conceptual analysis.FindingsEither through an intrinsically driven adoption that promotes member persistence in effortful action or an extrinsic compelling that engenders intensity of effort, apparent motivation may spread through a connected social network.Originality/valueThrough providing a top-down explanation of how broader group-level motivation in and of itself may serve as an impetus for future motivation within the group, this paper takes an important first step to clarify how team-level motivation operates beyond a mere contextual influence on pre-existing individual motivation.

A qualitative exploration of motivations for entry into the firefighting profession in Trinidad and Tobago

PurposeThis study explored the motivations of individuals who entered the firefighting profession in Trinidad and Tobago in an attempt to gauge their stimulus for entry into the profession. The research was conducted due to the unavailability of literature on the phenomenon under inquiry in the Caribbean, more specifically, Trinidad and Tobago.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 24 male and female firefighters from the 4 divisions of the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service (TTFS), namely north, south, central and Tobago divisions, and the personal motivations for entry into the TTFS were explored.FindingsThe findings indicate that motivations for males who entered the firefighting profession were job security, opportunity to assist people, benefits, salary and job stability, while the motivations for females were opportunity to assist people, family, benefits, job security and job stability. Several themes emerged, namely altruism, job security, benefits and job stability.Research limitations/implicationsAs with most studies, this research has limitations. The main limitations were the small sample size of the study’s population and the use of a lone jurisdiction (Trinidad and Tobago) to situate the study. Despite the aforementioned limitations, the study is useful as it appears to be the first of its kind in the Caribbean and thus provides useful insights as well as a starting point for future research. Looking forward, research on motivations to become a firefighter should examine the phenomenon via a more expansive Caribbean lens, as firefighting units are an undeniable feature of the national security landscape in the region.Originality/valueThe current study appears to be the first of its kind in the Caribbean, as voracious searches failed to unearth similar studies.

Predicting technological coproduction: An experimental study

Coproduction is an important pillar of public service delivery across the world. While previous research has demonstrated demographic and individual motivations as predictors of willingness to coproduce, it has yet to consider the role of technology as a (collective) coproduction mechanism, as well as the value tradeoffs inherent in deploying government technology. In this paper, we use the case of digital contact tracing, an arena with inherent tradeoffs between democratic values and efficiency, and where co-production’s role in reducing the democratic deficit and increasing accountability cannot be taken for granted. To develop our hypotheses, we integrate coproduction theory with the technology adoption literature, and then use a pre-registered vignette experiment to test how characteristics of a digital contact tracing app predicts willingness to coproduce. We end our paper by discussing the implications of our findings for coproduction, and public administration research more generally.

Segmenting consumers on social networks based on individual motivations for engagement in eWOM communication with self-organising maps

Segmenting consumers on social networks based on individual motivations for engagement in eWOM communication with self-organising maps

HUMAT: An Integrated Framework for Modelling Individual Motivations, Social Exchange and Network Dynamics

HUMAT: An Integrated Framework for Modelling Individual Motivations, Social Exchange and Network Dynamics

Social Learning and Climate Action: How Communities Can Drive Environmental Policy Through Collective Behaviour

This study examines how social trust, social learning, and policy incentives drive community-based climate action, using an adapted version of Coleman’s collective action theory. By integrating social dynamics into a utility model, we explore individual motivations for ­participating in climate-positive behaviours within community settings. The model was tested through simulations, analysing different levels of trust, learning, and external incentives. Findings reveal that high social trust significantly boosts participation by enhancing the perceived benefits of collective action, while social learning amplifies participation through observed positive environmental impacts. In communities with weaker social structures, policy incentives ­effectively increase engagement, helping to reach participation thresholds critical for impactful climate action. These results suggest that fostering community trust, enhancing visibility of climate actions, and strategically applying incentives are key strategies for promoting sustainable practices. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and community leaders seeking to mobilize local climate efforts through a combination of social and policy-based approaches.

Psikologi Organisasi dalam Manajemen Pendidikan: Kajian Kejiwaan, Proses Belajar-Mengajar, dan Perspektif Hadits

This study discusses the relationship between organizational psychology and psychological aspects in the teaching and learning process, with a focus on the study of theory and hadith. In the context of education, understanding the psychological dynamics of both teachers and students is essential to create an effective learning environment. Organizational psychology provides insight into how structure, culture, and interactions within an educational institution can affect an individual's motivation and performance. In addition, psychological aspects such as emotions, stress, and interpersonal relationships are key factors in the teaching and learning process. Because these things can affect motivation, activities, and creativity which are very important in the teaching and learning process, this study examines various relevant psychological theories, and relates them to the teachings of hadith which is the main reference after the Qur'an for Muslims. With this multidisciplinary approach, it is hoped that more effective strategies can be found to improve the quality of the teaching and learning process, as well as contribute to the development of better educational institutions. This research is expected to be a foundation for educators and managers of educational institutions in applying the principles of psychology to create a more supportive and productive learning environment.

Protection Motivation and Drought Adaptation Behavior: Does Institutional Support Matter for Women Farmers in Northern Cameroon Under Climate Crisis?

Purpose: This study examines the association between protection motivation and drought adaptation behavior with the potential role of institutional support for women under climate crisis in Northern Cameroon. Originality: Beyond individual protection motivation, the research proposes the importance of institutional support for adaptive resources to address climate change adaptation challenges embedded in gender inequality across farming communities in low resource settings. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using non-probabilistic and probabilistic sampling techniques, known as systematic sampling, to recruit women farmers in Northern Cameroon. The data was analyzed using path analysis with moderation modeling. Result: A total of 343 women participated in the survey. The results demonstrated the positive associations between protection motivation and drought adaptation behavior. Specifically, protection motivation constructs such as perceived vulnerability (β=.104, t-value= 2.291, P<0.05), perceived severity (β=.143, t-value= 2.322, P<0.05), self-efficacy (β=.174, t-value= 3.144, P<0.001), and response efficacy (β=.120, t-value= 2.218, P<0.05) were statistically significant. Furthermore, the moderating effect of the institutional support for women farmers was identified, influencing the associations between protection motivation represented as self-efficacy (β =.031, t-value=2.242, P<0.05) or response cost (β =-.060, t-value=-2.107, P<0.05) and drought adaptation behaviors. Conclusions and Implication: The study concludes that protection motivation among women farmers can be insufficient to initiate sustainable drought adaptation in farming communities faced with gender inequality. Therefore, institutional support for women matters in explaining women farmers’ drought adaptation behaviors. The government should provide adequate farm resources to women farmers and train them to adapt to socio-environmental changes. This will contribute to solving climate adaptation challenges embedded in gender inequality.

Relationship between Guilt, Shame and Treatment Motivation in Individuals with Opioid Addiction

Objective: This study aims to identify best practices in combating addiction by thoroughly examining the relationship between opioid addiction and feelings of guilt, shame, and treatment motivation. Method: The sample of the study consists of 288 patients diagnosed with opioid addiction according to DSM-5 criteria by psychiatrists at Balıklı Rum Hospital. The scales used in the study were the Sociodemographic Form, the Guilt-Shame Scale, and the Treatment Motivation Questionnaire. Results: There is a significant relationship between the level of guilt and internal motivation, confidence in treatment and treatment motivation and between shame and internal motivation and general treatment motivation. When the regression coefficients are analyzed, it is seen that only guilt scores are a significant predictor of treatment motivation scores. The shame variable does not have a significant effect. The participants' mean scores of guilt were found to be significantly higher than their mean scores of shame. Conclusion: The study revealed a significant link between guilt and various aspects of treatment motivation, while shame showed a less pronounced association. Participants reported higher mean scores for guilt compared to shame, emphasizing the potentially greater relevance of guilt in influencing treatment motivation. Focusing on psychodrama and psychoeducational group studies for the treatment of opioid addiction can make it easier for the individual to express difficult negative emotions and develop awareness within the group.

Navigating the third culture: Comparative case studies of Japanese expatriate students in Singapore and factors influencing English language development

This study utilises comparative case studies of three Japanese third-culture kids (TCKs) living in Singapore aged 16, each from a different school type (international school, Japanese school, and local Singapore school). It explores if the home language, language used in school, language used in social circles, and language of media consumed of Japanese TCKs in Singapore are enabling or mitigating factors of their development of English language. This study builds on the framework of TCKs established by Useem et al. (1963) and redefined by Pollock and Van Reken (2001), Dewaele et al.’s (2003) definition of bilingualism, and Tokuhama-Espinosa’s (2000) ten factors of success in raising multilingual children. Language used in school, language used in social circles, language of media consumed, and individual motivation were found to be enabling factors whereas home language was found to be neither an enabling nor mitigating factor. Differing pedagogies were found between different school types. Most of the findings are in line with the literature reviewed.

Ногайская версия эпоса «Идегея»: обзор вариантов и история изучения

Purpose of the study: This work is aimed at reviewing and systematizing variants of the Nogai version of the epic “Edige”, introducing unexplored variants into scientific circulation, and compiling a complete list of existing texts. Research materials: Nogai versions of the epic “Edige”. Along with well-known texts, variants published in pre-revolutionary periodicals have been introduced into scientific circulation. The results of the study and its scientific novelty: The present work proves that the Nogai versions of the dastan about Edigei are numerous, but have not yet become the object of a specialized monographic study. Before the revolution, the variants were recorded and published in Russian translation by domestic researchers. The only pre-revolutionary version in the Nogai language was published by M. Osmanov. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that a review of all known options and a comparative analysis of individual episodes and motives was carried out. Variants that have not been studied by Nogai scientists have been identified. The hitherto unexplored version of A.P. Kulebyakin has been introduced into scientific circulation; it can rightfully be called the first consolidated text of the epic. Among other things, the relationship of some texts to the Nogai version is disputed. The Nogai variants differ in the names of the characters and have original motives, yet the originality of the motives is not stemming from a national standpoint but mainly local in nature. The Nogai, Crimean Tatar variants, and the Astrakhan Tatar variants are close to each other in plot.

Orthodontic Management of Deep Bite with Aligners: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The primary motivation for individuals with deep-bite malocclusion seeking orthodontic treatment is the improvement of aesthetics, occlusion, and functions. Deep bites can be treated by the intrusion of anterior teeth and the extrusion of the posterior teeth, or both, according to the exposure of the incisors in the smile. In this case report, we present the treatment of a female patient with a deep-bite malocclusion. This paper describes the clinical and radiographic changes with orthodontic treatment using Invisalign clear aligners and their effectiveness to normalize the overjet and overbite and enhance both aesthetics and functions.

Psychological rigidity, alexithymia and treatment motivation in individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder

Psychological rigidity, alexithymia and treatment motivation in individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder

Unrealistic Parental Optimism

Unrealistic optimism is considered as an optimism bias based on the individual's motives of self-exaggeration and protection and is defined as evaluating oneself more positively than others. An important example of nurturing one's own self through the concept of unrealistic optimism is the parent-child relationship. The parent's having unrealistically positive perceptions about his/her child is reported to play an important role in the parenting experience, nourishing the parent's own self and changing the interaction with the child. An individual's placing parenting at the center of their life is not only limited to seeing themselves as better than they are, but can also affect their evaluations of their child. Unrealistic parental optimism can lead to disappointment, inappropriate persistence and unpreparedness for personal threats. The expectations created by the evolutionarily adaptive ability to look on the bright side of events and the disappointments that may be experienced in line with these expectations are significant for psychological science to be examined in an important context such as child rearing. This review focuses on the motives of parents to exhibit unrealistic parental optimism, what kind of behaviors they exhibit in this context and the outcomes of these behaviors on children.

Self-Organization of Senior as a System-Forming Factor of Active Longevity

Introduction. The relevance of the study is determined by the importance of the process of self-organization in older age for maintaining activity, forming belonging, cohesion and community among the elderly. By older people, according to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, the authors mean people aged 55 and older. It clearly shows that opportunities for self-organization at the city level are being created for this group.Methodology and sources. The authors rely on the results of a survey of leaders of selforganized clubs of the Moscow Longevity Centers (sampling of 203 people, age of respondents from 55 to 88 years, date: January 2024). The purpose of the research is to study the ability of representatives of the older generation to independently organize free time, build new external and internal social connections in an independently organized homogeneous social system of active longevity, based on individual motivation. The research hypothesis is that “Moscow Longevity” is a system based on the self-organization of the elderly.Results and discussion. An extensive network of government institutions – Centers of Moscow Longevity (CML) – has all the conditions to satisfy the most diverse needs of older people in leisure and recreation. The novelty of the studied approach to self-organization of the elderly lies in the possibility of its interpretation as a way of constructing a new social reality/activity of older people, where state assistance involves abandoning the dependent scenario (“come and take what you can take”), providing opportunities for individual development patterns (“come and create it yourself as you like"). As such a social reality, the features of self-organization of the elderly are considered using the example of the “Moscow Longevity” ecosystem.Conclusion. The leadership potential of elders, accumulated throughout life, and the willingness to organize their leisure time independently on the basis of the Moscow Longevity Centers are shown, and the specifics of self-organization of the elderly in the active longevity system of Moscow are revealed. There was made an important conclusion about the desire of the respondents to be active, and the effectiveness and interest of seniors in self-organization on the basis of the CML was shown.

South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) position statement regarding paediatric and adolescent diving.

This paediatric diving position statement was developed from a targeted workshop at the 51st Annual Scientific Meeting of the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) on 8 June 2023. It highlights the factors that SPUMS regards as important when undertaking health risk assessments for diving by children and adolescents (defined as aged 10 to 15 years). Health risk assessments for diving should be performed by doctors who are trained in diving medicine and who are familiar with the specific risks which result from breathing compressed gas in the aquatic environment. Undertaking a diver health risk assessment of children and adolescents requires a detailed history (including medical, mental health, psychological maturity), a comprehensive diver medical physical examination and evaluation of all relevant investigations to exclude unacceptable risks. In addition, assessment of the individual's motivation to dive and reported in-water capability should occur, whilst engaging with their parent /guardian and instructor, where appropriate, to ensure that safety for the child is optimised. The guideline applies to all compressed air diving including scuba and surface supply diving provided in open and contained bodies of water.