Moderate Influence Research Articles

When extreme events become the norm: how do artisan entrepreneurs adapt identity?

Purpose This paper aims to identify the extent to which extreme events in the tourism and hospitality sector force artisan entrepreneurs to re-orient their entrepreneurial identity and how they respond to these extreme events. Design/methodology/approach The empirical data comprises of semi-structured interviews with 24 artisan entrepreneurs in Egypt, operating in the following fields: handmade dresses, carpets, papyrus design and sales. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse these interviews. Findings The findings indicate a marginal effect on the identity of dress-making artisans from the occurrence of extreme events because they mostly have a stable local demand for their products. Hence, they follow a separation strategy in response to extreme events. The findings further show a moderate influence on the identity of carpet-making artisans who supply a regular demand from mosques and churches for their carpets. At the same time, changing taste and the rise of artificial intelligence make them follow an integration strategy in response to extreme events and associated shocks. The strongest impact of extreme events is found on papyrus artisans who have been forced to re-orient their traditional working methods and expectations in response to extreme events (e.g. a decrease in tourists, Covid-19, the war in Ukraine). Papyrus artisans have no discernible local demand for their products and face decreasing tourist numbers and tough competition from Chinese products, while also lacking discernible government support. Originality/value This paper is one of the pioneering studies to link artisan entrepreneurship specific entrepreneurial identity dynamics with extreme events in a local context. This linkage significantly fills a gap in both entrepreneurship, tourism and management literature.

Measuring Indonesian Intention to Use Islamic Mortgage: A Quantitative Approach

This study explores the factors that influence the intention to use Islamic mortgage products in Indonesia, specifically focusing on Brand Awareness, Risk Perception, Religiosity, and their impact on Intention to Use. Using quantitative methods, 200 respondents were surveyed to gauge their interest in using Islamic mortgage products. The analysis used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through SmartPLS to evaluate the relationship between the variables. The findings show that Brand Awareness plays the most important role in shaping consumers' intention to use Islamic mortgage products, with a path coefficient of 0.773, which indicates a strong and significant influence. Perceived Risk also significantly influences Brand Awareness (β = 0.689), highlighting that consumers' perception of risk can shape their awareness of Islamic mortgage options, although its direct impact on Intention to Use is relatively smaller (β = 0.118). In addition, Religiosity was found to have a meaningful yet moderate influence on Brand Awareness (β = 0.275) and Intention to Use (β = 0.085), underscoring the relevance of religious values in consumers' decision-making process. Overall, the results suggest that to increase the adoption of Islamic mortgage products in Indonesia, financial institutions should focus on increasing Brand Awareness, reducing Perceived Risk, and increasing the religiosity of their target audience. Marketing strategies that emphasize Shariah compliance, transparency, and ethical financial practices can encourage the intention to use Islamic mortgages, thereby contributing to the growth of the Islamic financial sector in Indonesia.

A cross-lagged analysis of the relationship between marital quality and depression among the older adults: gender effects of socioeconomic status

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the mechanism and gender effect of socioeconomic status on the relationship between marital quality and depression among the older adults, with the intention of providing a practical foundation for enhancing the quality of life of the older adults.MethodsThe data sourced from the third (conducted in 2015, denoted as the first survey) and fourth (carried out in 2018, regarded as the second survey) installments of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) were meticulously analyzed through the utilization of cross-lagged analytical techniques and moderating effect examination methodologies.ResultsAmong the older adults, there exists a reciprocal causal relationship between marital quality and the level of depression. Specifically, the marital quality as measured in the first survey was found to significantly prognosticate the depression level in the second survey (β = 0.05, p < 0.05). Conversely, the depression level in the first survey was also demonstrated to significantly forecast the marital quality in the second survey (β = 0.15, p < 0.01). Regarding the moderating role of socioeconomic status, it was observed that among the older adult women, socioeconomic status exerted a moderating influence on the impact of depression on marital quality (β = 0.05, p < 0.05), whereas among the older adult men, their socioeconomic status failed to display a significant moderating effect (β = 0.02, p > 0.05). In a contrasting manner, for the older adult men, the socioeconomic status played a moderating role in the effect of marital quality on depression (β = −0.05, p < 0.01), while for the older adult women, it did not exhibit a moderating effect (β = −0.01, p > 0.05).ConclusionThere exists a reciprocal causal nexus between the marital quality and depression among the older adults. To enhance the life quality of the older adults, it behooves communities and families to proactively focus more on the older adults with subpar marital quality or afflicted by depression, and to disrupt the cyclic interplay between these two variables.

Influence of social media on children's dietary habits

Introduction: Dietary habits refer to the consistent choices made by individuals or groups concerning their food consumption. It has a crucial influence in human health and reflects individual eating choices, which are often associated with culture, education, social background, and health status. Dietary habits may be influenced and altered by life stages and lifestyle factors, including physical activity and social interac-tion. Nutritional consumption significantly influences human health and well-being, particularly during childhood and adolescence, and directly impacts children's health due to their physical, mental, and cognitive development. Approaches: Data has been gathered from 100 children to evaluate the impact of social media on their dietary practices. The questionnaire was administered to professionals to establish its validity and subsequently its reliability. The total number of items in the questionnaire was 19. To evaluate children's behavior on social media about eating practices. The data was gathered by a simple random sampling process and analyzed using both descriptive and inferen-tial statistical techniques. Outcomes The results indicated that among 100 children, the mean age of participation was 15.66 years. The cur-rent study demonstrated a moderate impact of social media on children's food habits. The study demonstrated a substantial statistical link between children's age and hours spent on social media, as well as the impact of social media on children's food habits (p < 0.05). The re-sults indicated no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between social media usage and other demographic variables. Concludes The findings indicated that social media exerted a moderate influence on children's food habits. The study concluded that a substantial statistical link exists between children's age, hours of social media usage, and the impact of social media on children's food habits. The results indicat-ed no significant statistical differences between social media usage and other demographic variables.

Relationship Between Leader-member Exchange and Organisational Innovation: Role of Intrinsic Work Motivation and Technological Turbulence

In the era of technology, along with friendly leader-member exchange (LMX), employees’ intrinsic work motivation (IWM) and technological turbulence (TT) as external factors are also associated with organisational innovation (OI). This study looks at the mediation effect of IWM and the moderation impact of TT between LMX and OI. The hypotheses were tested with data (N = 217) collected from the employees of various service and manufacturing firms using convenient and snowball sampling approaches. The result shows that IWM has full mediation and TT has no moderation influence on the association between LMX and OI. However, TT has a significant negative, moderated influence on the relationship between IWM and OI. While, TT has a significant negative, moderated influence on the relationship between IWM and OI. This study builds on social exchange theory and the resource-based view (RBV), demonstrating how LMX, reciprocity, and trust motivate employees to participate in OI. In practice, managers should be aware of TT in the presence of relevant internal constructs that substantially affect OI. This study concludes by highlighting its key limitations and pinpointing directions for future research.

The push-pull-mooring model of consumer service switching: a meta-analytical review to guide future research

PurposeFor nearly 2 decades, the push-pull-mooring (PPM) model has been used frequently by scholars to explain consumers’ service switching intention and behavior. However, heterogeneity and incomparability between PPM model studies are prevalent issues: The chosen predictor variables, their categorization, their measurement, reported effect sizes, and effect directions vary considerably. By addressing these issues, the present meta-analytical review enables future researchers applying the PPM model to identify relevant variables and use valid measurements.Design/methodology/approachBased on 148 empirical studies employing the PPM model, the variables used to predict consumers’ service switching intention and behavior, their frequency of use, their categorization into push, pull, and mooring factors, and their measurement are assessed. The effect sizes and directions of the relationships between these variables and consumers’ service switching intention and behavior are analyzed using meta-analytic structural equation modeling. Additionally, the predictive capacity of this model and the influence of moderators are assessed.FindingsAmong the 148 empirical studies, 382 different independent variables were used. The three most frequently used and distinctly categorized independent variables are dissatisfaction (push), alternative attractiveness (pull), and switching costs (mooring). Overall, 152 unique sources were cited to measure these variables and the dependent variables. Dissatisfaction and alternative attractiveness increase switching intention, which positively affects switching behavior, while switching costs decrease switching intention. The model explains 30% of the variance in switching intention and 31% of the variance in switching behavior.Originality/valueThis study provides the first meta-analytical review of the PPM model to guide future research systematically.

How emerging-market brands can overcome a weak country image

PurposeThis study offers a comprehensive analysis of the relative effectiveness of different strategies that emerging-market brands can use to mitigate a weak country image.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs discrete choice conjoint analysis to evaluate the relative effectiveness of store image, warranty duration, third-party certification and corporate engagement on US consumers’ perceptions of products from China and Cambodia. China, representing an advanced emerging market, and Cambodia, representing a less advanced market, were selected to provide a diverse context for comparison. The study examines electric scooters (relatively more hedonic) and refrigerators (relatively more utilitarian) to test the robustness of the findings across different product categories.FindingsThe study demonstrates that retail store image is the most influential factor in mitigating negative COO effects. An extensive warranty emerges as the second most effective mitigation strategy, followed closely by third-party certification. In contrast, corporate social engagement is found to be the least effective strategy across all studies. The study further explores moderating influences on these preferences. The findings are largely robust, with only minimal effects of age, gender, product home country and product type on the relative effectiveness of the identified mitigation strategies.Practical implicationsThe findings offer valuable insights for managers of emerging-market brands, suggesting a prioritization of marketing efforts.Originality/valueThe study enhances the theoretical understanding of COO effects, presenting a nuanced view of how various strategies can be deployed to mitigate negative perceptions of brands associated with emerging markets.

Digital Financial Education for Economic and Financial Inclusion in Vulnerable Sectors of Peru

The study explores the influence of digital financial education on the financial inclusion of workers in the construction sector in Peru. A quantitative approach with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design was used, applying a questionnaire to 128 self-employed workers. The results indicate a moderate influence of digital financial education on financial inclusion, with an R value of 0.541 and an R² of 0.292. The ANOVA analysis and the regression coefficients confirm the significance of the model (p < 0.001). Factors such as perception and trust in digital banking and integration of emerging technologies significantly influence financial inclusion. Most workers have a good level of digital financial literacy, although there is a need to improve training in digital tools; revealing that digital financial literacy is crucial for financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth, fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 8.

Carbon performance and corporate financial performance during crises: Evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic and the Global Financial Crisis

AbstractEconomic crises offer a valuable perspective on the relationship between carbon performance and corporate financial performance (CFP). Crises test corporate performance and challenge the allegedly universal synergies that developed under “normal” circumstances. However, the current research in this area is limited and has often yielded insignificant results. Drawing from a global dataset spanning 15 years, we investigate the moderating influences of two distinct crises on the interplay between carbon emission intensity and CFP. Employing fixed‐effects regression analysis, we dissect these critical periods, offering nuanced insights into their distinct impacts. The contrasting nature of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the COVID‐19 pandemic is central to this study. The COVID‐19 pandemic, characterized by operational disruptions and natural resource scarcities (supply‐side shock), significantly amplified the benefits of carbon reduction strategies, highlighting the value of efficient processes and cost efficiencies. In contrast, the GFC did not exhibit a significant impact on the carbon–CFP relationship. This differentiation is attributed to the GFC's finance‐driven nature (demand‐side shock), and the resultant evolution in stakeholder preferences and organizational structures. This study extends beyond the debated territory of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores. It also provides a nuanced understanding of carbon performance's role subject to the unique characteristics of a crisis.

Analisis Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Posyandu dan Pengetahuan Ibu Terhadap Sikap dan Implikasinya Terhadap Perilaku Ibu Datang ke Posyandu di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Sukaraja Kabupaten Sukabumi Dengan Metode SEM PLS

This research aims to analyze the influence of the quality of Posyandu services and maternal knowledge on attitudes and their implications for maternal participation behavior in bringing toddlers to Posyandu in the working area of UPTD Puskesmas Sukaraja, Sukabumi Regency. This effort is crucial as part of a national program to reduce stunting rates by enhancing community participation in monitoring child growth and development. The study was conducted quantitatively using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on Partial Least Square (PLS) with 97 respondents, utilizing SmartPLS 3.0 software. The results indicate that the quality of Posyandu services, maternal knowledge, attitudes, and maternal participation behavior are all categorized as good. Specifically, the quality of Posyandu services significantly affects maternal attitudes but does not have a significant impact on maternal participation behavior. Conversely, maternal knowledge positively influences both attitudes and participation behavior. Additionally, maternal attitudes have a direct relationship with participation behavior. Simultaneously, the quality of Posyandu services and maternal knowledge exert a moderate influence on attitudes and a strong influence on maternal participation behavior. In indirect analysis, it was found that the quality of Posyandu services does not affect participation behavior through maternal attitudes, while maternal knowledge has a significant impact through these attitudes. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing maternal knowledge as a primary strategy to encourage active participation in Posyandu. Furthermore, improvements in Posyandu service quality, particularly regarding physical and operational aspects, are necessary to maintain and enhance community trust. The recommendations from this study are expected to serve as a reference for policymakers in designing more effective interventions aimed at reducing stunting rates.

Young or old CEOs: digital transformation level influences IT investment performance feedback of manufacturing firms

PurposeSince IT investment constitutes a significant portion of a firm’s budget, evaluating IT investment performance is important for both research and firms’ operations. In the digital era, there are significant disparities in the effects of IT investment on firm performance.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the resource-based view and upper echelons theory, we investigate the effect of IT investment on the business performance of manufacturing firms. We also explore the moderating role of digital transformation and dual moderating effect of digital transformation and CEO age in this relationship.FindingsAnalyzing a sample of Chinese manufacturing firms spanning 2016–2020, we find that IT investment by Chinese manufacturing firms has a negative effect on business performance. However, this negative effect is moderated by digital transformation. Furthermore, digital transformation has a more pronounced inverse moderating influence on this negative effect for firms with older CEOs.Originality/valueHence, we reveal that the key factors for reducing the negative effect of IT investment on China’s manufacturing firms are digital transformation and the appointment of older CEOs who actively lead firms’ digital transformation.

Taxonomic variability and functional stability across Oregon coastal subsurface microbiomes

The factors shaping microbial communities in marine subsurface sediments remain poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the microbiome of subsurface sediments within a depth range of 1.6–1.9 m, at 10 locations along the Oregon coast. We used metagenomics to reconstruct the functional structure and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to estimate the taxonomic composition of microbial communities, accompanied by physicochemical measurements. Functional community structure, in terms of the proportions of various gene groups, was remarkably stable across samples, despite the latter covering a region spanning over 300 km. In contrast, taxonomic composition was highly variable, especially at the level of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Mantel correlation tests between compositional dissimilarities and geographic distances revealed only a moderate influence of distance on composition. Regression models predicting taxonomic dissimilarities and considering up to 20 physicochemical variables as predictors, almost always failed to select a significant predictor, suggesting that variation in local conditions does not explain the high taxonomic variability. Permutation null models of community assembly revealed that taxa tend to strongly segregate, i.e., exclude each other. We conclude that biological interactions are important drivers of taxonomic variation in subsurface sediments, and that this variation can decouple from functional structure.

Empirical Study of L2 Motivation and Motivational Learning Behaviors among College Students in English for Medicine Class

This study examines the relationship between L2 motivation and motivational learning behaviors among college students enrolled in an English for Medicine course at a university in Zhejiang, China. It aims to help language teachers gain a deeper understanding of the relationship among constructs in the L2 Motivational Self System and how constructs like the Ideal L2 Self, Ought-to L2 Self, and Second Language Learning Experience influence students’ motivational learning behaviors using the L2 Motivational Self System framework. Eighty medical students were included as a sample, and a structured questionnaire was used to gather the quantitative data. Through a quantitative analysis, it is found that the students’ motivational learning behaviors are significantly predicted by both L2 motivation and Second Language Learning Experience, with a moderate influence from the Ideal L2 Self. Additionally, the Ought-to L2 Self had less impact on the students’ learning behaviors. The findings show that fostering intrinsic motivation and providing a supportive learning environment is necessary to improve students’ engagement and effort in English for medicine courses.

Factors impacting the integration of AI in Ecuadorian higher education: perspectives and implications

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant aspect of contemporary society, impacting various sectors, particularly education. Objective: This study aims to explore the implications and viewpoints regarding integrating AI in higher education in Ecuador. Methodology: An interpretive paradigm guided the methodology, influenced by hermeneutics and phenomenology; the research was qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive. Data collection was conducted through surveys, utilizing confirmatory factor analysis for statistical evaluation. Results: Findings indicate that the technological approach exhibits the highest loading at 46.8, marking it as the most significant factor influencing AI integration in higher education, whereas the pedagogical approach shows the lowest loading at 24.9, reflecting a moderate current influence on the teaching-learning process. This suggests ongoing efforts are needed for genuine inclusion and optimal utilization of AI in higher education. The z-value of 4.90 and a p-value below .001 further affirm the validity and significance of the four approaches examined in this study. Conclusion: Socioeconomic inequality in the country limits the equitable and accessible adoption of AI, mirroring challenges faced throughout Latin America and globally in emergent nations.

Moderate Influence of Halo Spin on Stellar Mass Distributions in Dwarf and Massive Galaxies

Moderate Influence of Halo Spin on Stellar Mass Distributions in Dwarf and Massive Galaxies

Peran Keberagaman Gender Didalam Memoderasi Kinerja Environment Social, Dan Governance Terhadap Resiko Keuangan

This study aims to determine the role of gender diversity in moderating the performance of the social environment, and governance on financial risk. This research approach is quantitative by using secondary data. ESG data and financial risks will be obtained from the annual reports of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during a certain period, for example 2018–2023. This study uses a moderated regression analysis (MRA) approach to examine the influence of gender diversity moderation on the relationship between ESG performance. This study reveals that gender diversity has a significant moderating influence on the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and corporate financial risk.

Does green marketing improve corporate performance?

This paper examines the relationship between green marketing, board characteristics, and corporate performance, with 13,864 Chinese listed companies as the research observation subject. It centers on the influence of green marketing on the performance of corporations, as well as the moderating influence of board characteristics. The findings reveal the following: first, green marketing serves to enhance corporate performance; second, the independent composition of the board of directors exerts a positive moderating influence; third, the combination of the roles of chairman and general manager exerts a negative moderating influence, impeding the positive effects of green marketing on corporate performance; and finally, the gender diversity of the board of directors plays a beneficial moderating role.

Genotypic Influences on Actuators of Aerobic Performance in Tactical Athletes.

This study examines genetic variations in the systemic oxygen transport cascade during exhaustive exercise in physically trained tactical athletes. Research goal: To update the information on the distribution of influence of eleven polymorphisms in ten genes, namely ACE (rs1799752), AGT (rs699), MCT1 (rs1049434), HIF1A (rs11549465), COMT (rs4680), CKM (rs8111989), TNC (rs2104772), PTK2 (rs7460 and rs7843014), ACTN3 (rs1815739), and MSTN (rs1805086)-on the connected steps of oxygen transport during aerobic muscle work. 251 young, healthy tactical athletes (including 12 females) with a systematic physical training history underwent exercise tests, including standardized endurance running with a 12.6 kg vest. Key endurance performance metrics were assessed using ergospirometry, blood sampling, and near-infrared spectroscopy of knee and ankle extensor muscles. The influence of gene polymorphisms on the above performance metrics was analyzed using Bayesian analysis of variance. Subjects exhibited good aerobic fitness (maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max): 4.3 ± 0.6 L min-1, peak aerobic power: 3.6 W ± 0.7 W kg-1). Energy supply-related gene polymorphisms rs1799752, rs4680, rs1049434, rs7843014, rs11549465, and rs8111989 did not follow the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Polymorphisms in genes that regulate metabolic and contractile features were strongly associated with variability in oxygen transport and metabolism, such as body mass-related VO2 (rs7843014, rs2104772), cardiac output (rs7460), total muscle hemoglobin content (rs7460, rs4680), oxygen saturation in exercised muscle (rs1049434), and respiration exchange ratio (rs7843014, rs11549465) at first or secondary ventilatory thresholds or VO2max. Moderate influences were found for mass-related power output. The posterior distribution of effects from genetic modulators of aerobic metabolism and muscle contractility mostly confirmed prior opinions in the direction of association. The observed genetic effects of rs4680 and rs1049434 indicate a crucial role of dopamine- and lactate-modulated muscle perfusion and oxygen metabolism during running, suggesting self-selection in Swiss tactical athletes.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on e-learning adoption in an emerging market: a longitudinal study using the UTAUT model

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic provided unprecedented impetus to the evolution of the e-learning learning ecosystem by compelling students to adopt e-learning systems. This paper aims to use the UTAUT model to provide insight into the differences in factors influencing the adoption of e-learning systems before and after the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This longitudinal study uses two surveys conducted among graduate students in the city of Bengaluru in India. One prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and a second in its aftermath. PLS-SEM is used to analyze both data sets to draw insights into the constructs that influence Behavioral intention to adopt e-learning systems. The moderating effect of gender is also analyzed. Findings Pre COVID-19, Facilitating Conditions, Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy (quadratic behavior) were dominant factors influencing the adoption of e-learning technologies. Post pandemic, Performance Expectancy and Social Influence are drivers of e-learning adoption. Effort Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions grouped as Ease of Use is a significant driver of e-learning adoption post pandemic. Gender is found to not have a moderating influence. Originality/value The unique longitudinal study of the differences in factors influencing students’ intention to adopt e-learning pre- and post-COVID-19 can prove useful to policy makers in the higher education sector. Academics can use the post-pandemic e-learning model’s findings in multiple contexts such as generational cohorts, educational contexts and social contexts.

Exploring the Mediating Role of Innovation in the Nexus Between National Culture and Sustainable Competitiveness

This study examines the relationship between national culture, innovation, and sustainable competitiveness, addressing a critical gap in empirical research. This study engages in a rigorous investigation of the interconnections among national culture, innovation, and sustainable competitiveness, effectively addressing a significant void in the existing empirical literature. It offers a detailed and systematic analysis of the interrelationships among the three variables within the purview of an international economic framework. After conducting a comprehensive evaluation of data completeness and availability, it was determined that only 88 data points fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the final sample. The analysis operationalizes national culture through Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, measures innovation using the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index, and assesses sustainable competitiveness via Solability’s Sustainable Competitiveness Index, employing a quantitative path model across the selected countries. The findings reveal that national culture exerts a statistically significant, moderate influence on both innovation and sustainable competitiveness. Furthermore, innovation demonstrates a robust positive effect on sustainable competitiveness, indicating its crucial role in driving long-term national competitive advantage. Mediation analysis suggests that innovation partially mediates the relationship between national culture and sustainable competitiveness, though national culture retains a direct effect on competitiveness independent of innovation. These results underscore the multifaceted interplay between cultural and innovation-related factors in shaping national competitiveness. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical validation of the complex interdependencies between these constructs and offers critical insights for policymakers focused on fostering innovation in alignment with cultural contexts to achieve sustainable competitiveness. Future research may explore additional mediating variables and employ longitudinal designs to further substantiate these findings.