Multidimensional Concept Research Articles

The Yoke of Objectivity in Public Administration (and Beyond)

ABSTRACT Objective research has become an institution, one born out of the Enlightenment, and one that continues to burden public administration scholarship (and, we suspect, much scholarship in the social sciences). As we show, objectivity is a complex, multi-dimensional concept that commands its normative status through dominant philosophies of science. We problematize objectivity, focusing on the dimension of objectivity that suggests research can and should be value-free. Many scholars have contested this notion of objectivity, especially those arguing that research claiming to be value-neutral has done real harm to marginalized groups and undermined social equity. From this basis, we invite public administration scholars to remove the yoke of objectivity for a more honest, conscientious, and forthright field where scholars incorporate greater reflexivity into and take greater responsibility for the social impact of their work.

Health-related quality of life is a predictor of readmission following emergency laparotomy.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a multidimensional concept used to examine the impact of patient-perceived health status on quality of life. Patients' perception of illness affects outcomes in both medical and elective surgical patients; however, not much is known about how HRQoL effects outcomes in the emergency surgical setting. This study aimed to examine if patient-reported HRQoL was a predictor of unplanned readmission after emergency laparotomy. This study included 215 patients who underwent emergency laparotomy at the Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, between August 1, 2021, and July 31, 2022. Patient-reported HRQoL was assessed with the EuroQol group EQ5D index (EQ5D5L descriptive system and EQ-VAS). The population was followed from 0 to 180days after discharge, and readmissions and days alive and out of hospital were registered. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine HRQoL and the risk of readmission within 30 and 180days. Within 30days, 28.4% of patients were readmitted; within 180days, the number accumulated to 45.1%. Low self-evaluated HRQoL predicted 180-day readmission and was significantly associated with fewer days out of hospital within both 90 and 180days. Low HRQoL and discharge with rehabilitation were independent risk factors for short- (30-day) and long-term (180-day) emergency readmission. Patient-perceived quality of life is an independent predictor of 180-day readmission, and the number of days out of hospital was correlated to self-reported HRQoL.

The impact of task-based learning on practical intelligence in medical students: A quasi-experimental study

Practical intelligence (PI) is a multi-dimensional concept that includes skills for everyday life, tacit knowledge, and conflict resolution. It also involves creative traits such as perseverance, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are crucial for success in both university and work settings. This study aimed to assess the impact of a task-based learning (TBL) strategy on the practical intelligence of medical students. A total of 121 medical students participated in this quasi-experimental study, divided into two groups: a control group receiving routine teaching and an experimental group using the TBL strategy. Practical intelligence was measured before and after the intervention using a scale specifically developed for university students by the researcher. The results showed that the experimental group scored significantly higher in practical intelligence compared to the control group. The findings also demonstrated that the task-based learning strategy is an effective teaching method for improving the practical intelligence of medical students enhancing their performance in real-world work environments.

Exploring a guide for codes of ethics for the development of ethical competence in Iranian nursing students: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

BackgroundImproving the ethical competencies of nursing students, as an important dimension of professional competence, is a primary objective of nursing education. Thus, this study aimed to explore a guide for codes of ethics for the development of ethical competence among nursing students in the healthcare system of Iran.MethodsThis is a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies conducted in the healthcare system of Iran. The review included studies published between January 1, 2000 and March 2024. We conducted a comprehensive search in various international and national databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, Barakatns, MagIran and SID. Initially, 86 qualitative studies were identified, and after a meticulous screening process, 39 studies were carefully reviewed. Finally, 10 qualitative studies were selected for analysis. The meta-synthesis employed an interpretive approach by thematic synthesis.ResultsBased on our results, four main themes and 10 categories, along with summarized codes, were extracted as crucial elements of the codes of ethics for the professional competence of Iranian nursing students. The main themes identified were knowledge, standards, experiences, and attitudes (KSEA).ConclusionsThe concept of codes of ethics for developing professional competencies in Iranian nursing students was detected as a multidimensional concept with four major areas. By emphasizing the rights of clients and the standardization of nursing practice, this set of ethical codes can contribute to preventing clinical errors and legal issues at hospitals and educational settings. Furthermore, it fosters a positive environment that encourages professional behaviors among nursing students. Nursing students, as future nurses, should apply codes of ethics when facing emerging ethical challenges. Nurse educators have a crucial role in providing students with the necessary preparation and guidance during their professional socialization process in nursing schools.

Herrschaft über sich selbst. Autarkie in den Anfängen des Kynismus Rule of Man over Himself. Autarky in Early Cynicism

Abstract The focus of the study is the understanding of self-sufficiency [αὐτάρϰεια] in early cynicism. A focused approach reveals that autarky in this context is a multidimensional concept that cannot be limited to the classical understanding of the physical or external renunciation of goods but goes beyond it. At least five dimensions can be named: (i) self-sufficiency due to physical depletion, (ii) self-sufficiency due to external reduction of goods, (iii) self-sufficiency through socio-cultural asset relativization, (iv) self-sufficiency through political relevance and ultimately (v) self-sufficiency through educational and scientific relativization. The thesis of this study is that this multidimensional understanding of self-sufficiency can be seen, firstly, as the constitutive pivot of the practical-political approaches of the early cynicism, but secondly, has a further aim and is translated into a broader term: ἐγκράτεια, understood as the all-encompassing rule of man over himself.

Organizational Innovativeness: The Role of Innovation Adoption Capability

Organizations develop capabilities to manage activities and generate value for their customers. This study focuses on the adoption capability of innovation adopting organizations. Adoption capability is a complex, and multidimensional concept that includes a high level of uncertainty, making it difficult to measure. This study attempts to find a systematic methodology to measure the innovation adoption capability of firms, through which management can monitor and evaluate a firm’s strengths and weaknesses in each capability dimension compared with competitors, predict their future needs for improvements, and plan necessary activities to stay competitive in the market. The proposed model considers multiple quantitative and qualitative adoption capability dimensions simultaneously and utilizes a relatively comprehensive set of adoption capability elements by developing 35 items and classifying them into six dimensions. This study uses the fuzzy weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method as a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) approach. The model is applied to three competing firms in the consumer electronics sector, and the results are discussed.

Investigating the development of peer-led asynchronous digitally mediated feedback in higher education: three case studies

ABSTRACT Research on feedback literacy continues to highlight how students deliver, receive and act upon feedback and how performing these actions inform how they learn. Feedback literacy, as a multidimensional concept, is often composed of seeking feedback, understanding feedback, using feedback, providing feedback, and managing emotions around feedback. What remains largely unexplored is how digital platforms, involving cycles of asynchronous feedback, can enhance the development of peer-to-peer feedback literacy for students in higher education. This article draws on preliminary findings from research comprising surveys, focus groups and semi-structured interviews with observation of digital interaction, capturing how students in the caring professions (n = 21) engaged in feedback literacy on a digital platform. The selected case studies encapsulate both the development of feedback literacy as well as some of its different dimensions such as critical thinking, problem-solving skills and the affective aspect of taking onboard feedback. While each participant in each case study experienced a similar cycle, each experienced it differently in terms of the development of their feedback literacy.

Readiness for Hospital Discharge and Its Influencing Factors: A Review

Readiness for hospital discharge is a multidimensional concept involving needs assessment, collaborative patient-centered care, resource management, and care coordination. It begins with admission assessment and treatment planning and then predicts patient readmission and continuity of care. Different studies have revealed moderate readiness for hospital discharge in various patient groups, with a focus on somatic diseases and less on mental disorders. Low readiness for hospital discharge leads to hospital readmissions, as well as financial and psychosocial burdens on patients and their families. As a result, patients, families, healthcare professionals, and community workers must work together to ensure readiness for hospital discharge. Despite the fact that these procedures are currently performed by nurses, nurses’ heavy workloads may have an impact on patients' preparation for hospital discharge. Additionally, various social demographic factors, illness-related variables, and psychological support have an impact on readiness for hospital discharge. Younger age, urban residence, higher level of education, and better financial status are positively correlated with increased readiness for hospital discharge, but disease severity, long duration of hospital stay, and limited continuity of care are negatively correlated with readiness for hospital discharge. In conclusion, readiness for hospital discharge is crucial for safe transitions; thus, addressing its influencing factors through teamwork and patient-centered methods may enhance understanding and meeting the unique needs of patients, particularly those with chronic and mental illnesses, allowing a successful transition from the hospital to the community.

Awareness of Social Functioning in People with Dementia and Its Association with Dementia Severity: Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

People with dementia commonly have impaired social functioning and may not recognize this. This lack of awareness may result in worse outcomes for the person and their family carers. We aimed to characterize awareness of social functioning in dementia and describe its association with dementia severity. Multi-center cross-sectional study of people aged >65 years with dementia and family informants recruited from Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom. We used the Social Functioning in Dementia (SF-DEM) scale, assessing "spending time with other people" (domain 1), "communicating with other people" (domain 2), and "sensitivity to other people" (domain 3), and calculated lack of awareness into social functioning as the discrepancy between patient and informant ratings. 108 participants with dementia (50.9% women), mean age = 78.9 years, and mean MMSE score = 22.7. Patient and informant domain 1 ratings did not differ, but patient-rating was higher than carers for domain 2 (11.2 versus 10.1; p = 0.003) and domain 3 (9.7 versus 8.1; p < 0.001). Sixty people with dementia overestimated their overall social functioning, 30 underestimated, and 18 gave ratings congruent with their informant. Performance on the MMSE and its sub-domains was not associated with SF-DEM discrepancy score. We found that awareness of social functioning in dementia was a multidimensional concept, which varies according to subdomains of social functioning. Clinicians should help family members understand and adapt by explaining their relative with dementia's lack of awareness about aspects of their social functioning.

Amplifying commitment and word-of-mouth in fashion retailing through omni-channel experiences

PurposeThis study aims to explore the effects of the omni-channel experience on customer commitment and word-of-mouth (WOM) intention within the context of fashion retailing in an emerging country, Türkiye.Design/methodology/approachIn the study, data was collected online from 346 consumers. The hypothesised relationships were tested using SEM via AMOS.FindingsThree sub-dimensions of the omni-channel experience are validated, namely consistency, connectivity, and personalisation, and while consistency and personalisation positively affected customer commitment, they did not indicate any direct influence on WOM intention. On the other hand, connectivity affected WOM intention but not customer commitment. In conclusion, even though consistency, connectivity, and personalisation constitute the omni-channel experience, they have differing behavioural outcomes. Furthermore, fashion retail customers’ commitment positively influenced WOM intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature in four main areas: First, this study validates the omni-channel experience scale. Secondly, it extends social exchange theory in omni-channel retailing research. Thirdly, it develops a micro-perspective on the omni-channel experience. Lastly, it puts forth that the effects of consistency, connectivity, and personalisation on customer commitment and WOM intention differ.Practical implicationsThe omni-channel experience is a multi-dimensional concept. Retail managers should invest in consistency, connectivity, and personalisation to amplify customer commitment and WOM intention.Originality/valueThis study explores how customer commitment and WOM intention are enhanced through an omni-channel experience.

The Effects of Entrepreneurial Orientation on The Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Emerging Economies: Evidence from Pakistan’s Electric Fans Industry

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is a crucial multidimensional concept of entrepreneurship that encompasses the entrepreneur’s autonomy, attitude towards risk-taking, proactiveness, and competitiveness of entrepreneurs. EO influences the manner in which entrepreneurs perceive and react to their business environment. The majority of research on EO has been conducted in developed countries such as the USA, where institutional development is well established. There is a scarcity of studies focusing on emerging economies. In order to bridge this gap, the current study aims to investigate the construct and application of EO in Pakistan. The study focuses on Pakistan’s electric fan manufacturing industry to gain insight into the implementation of EO and its impact on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. In addition, the study aims to provide evidence-based knowledge regarding the causal relationship between EO and SME performance in Pakistan, as well as the impact of moderating variables, through hierarchical regression analysis and an analysis of a sample of 247 SMEs. The study provides solid evidence that Pakistan's electric fan manufacturing industry demonstrates all five dimensions of EO, as outlined in the existing literature. Furthermore, the study highlights the influence of age, education, and experience as moderating variables in the relationship between EO dimensions and the performance of SMEs in Pakistan.

Multidimensional Concept of “Puritan”: Who were the Puritans and when they appeared?

This study focuses on the origins of the concept of “puritans” and explores and defines the multiple Puritan identities. Due to differing views on puritans and their complex identity, there has not been a standard and unified definition of “Puritans.” Much research has been devoted to creating an all-inclusive term that can represent Puritan experience. In English, the word “Puritan” has a standard meaning, but the original meaning has changed and mutated overtime in part due to the misuse and alteration of the word by anti-Puritan groups. That has contributed to the Puritans’ complex identity. Moreover, researchers disagree on how to define the concept of Puritan. Thus, this study tries to discuss and deconstruct various views on the notion of “Puritan” to present a multidimensional meaning of “Puritans”. We also explore why and how a particular religious community were considered as “puritans” to show who the Puritans were and who could be identified as a Puritan. This allows us to better understand how puritanism as one of the most influential religious movements in Christianity in general and in Protestantism in particular played a significant role in founding the United States of America, one of the best countries in the world.

Moral Distress of Nurses Working in Paediatric Healthcare Settings.

This scoping review aims to map the evidence on moral distress of nurses working in paediatric healthcare settings from homecare to hospital. It was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute. International databases were searched according to the specific thesaurus and free search terms. Independent screening and analysis were conducted using Rayyan QCRI. This review considered a total of 54 studies, including quantitative and qualitative studies, systematic reviews, and grey literature; English and Portuguese languages were included. Moral distress is a phenomenon discussed in nursing literature and in the paediatric context but is considered absent from discussion in clinical practice. It is caused by disproportionate care associated with overtreatment. Nurses can present a variety of symptoms, characterising moral distress as a highly subjective experience. The paediatric contexts of practice should promote a healthy ethical climate and work towards a moral community built with peer support, education, communication, leadership, and management involvement. Moral distress is still a complex and challenging multidimensional concept, and the aim should be to promote a culture of prevention of the devastating consequences of moral distress and work towards moral resilience.

Uncovering post-adoption usage of AI-based voice assistants: a technology affordance lens using a mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT Despite the growing proliferation of AI-based voice assistants in our daily lives, how different functions of AI-based voice assistants affect users’ post-adoption usage behaviours remains an under-investigated research question. This study explores the nature and causation of post-adoption usage behaviours (effective utilisation after initial adoption or diffusion) within the context of AI-based voice assistants. Using a sequential mixed-methods research design, we first identify the post-adoption usage behaviours of AI-based voice assistants as a multidimensional concept comprised of routine use and extended use, then develop a contextualised model by revealing technology-specific antecedents, cognitive beliefs, and boundary conditions. By integrating results from the quantitative study and qualitative study, we find that three technology affordances (i.e., anthropomorphism affordance, interactivity affordance, and personalisation affordance) are salient antecedents of two cognitive beliefs, which further affect users’ routine use and extended use of AI-based voice assistants. Additionally, we uncover use frequency as a boundary condition and obtain a complementary view of post-adoption usage of AI-based voice assistants. The empirical research findings can extend the post-adoption IS usage literature and provide practical implications for crafting user-centred functionalities to facilitate effective human-AI interactions.

The Social Exclusion Scale for Children (SESC): A Validity and Reliability Study in Turkish

Social exclusion is a multidimensional concept defined as being away from social resources and opportunities, being unable to participate in society, and being socially disadvantaged in society. In Türkiye, problems, such as economic disadvantages, inequalities in access to public services, migration and displacement, and lack of infrastructure make social exclusion an important risk factor for children. Therefore, adapting the Social Exclusion Scale for Children to Turkish culture and language can help identify children exposed to social exclusion, better understand the problem, develop effective interventions, and build a more inclusive society. The aim of this study was to adapt the Social Exclusion Scale for Children (SESC) to Turkish society. The data of this methodological study were collected from 380 children aged 12–17. The content validity, construct validity, and internal consistency of SESC were analyzed. The results of this study showed the validity and reliability of SESC as a measurement instrument to assess social exclusion in Turkish children aged 12–17 in the school environment. The Turkish version of SESC was found brief, practical, age-appropriate, self-reported, easily applicable, valid, and reliable measurement instrument.

The Challenges of Iranian Female Nurses Caring for Male Patients: A Qualitative Study.

Caring is a multidimensional concept with many factors that can affect its quality such as caring for the opposite sex. This study aims to explore the experiences of Iranian female nurses caring for male patients. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted via conventional content analysis and purposeful sampling. Seventeen female nurses including staff and head nurses participated. Unstructured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted from June to December 2019 in Iran. The interviews were recorded by an MP4 player. When no new codes were extracted from the interview the data saturation was achieved. All interviews were immediately transcribed verbatim and were analyzed via Graneheim and Lundman's conventional content analysis guidelines. Four themes emerged from the data: 1) women nurses' concerns about caring for men, 2) women nurses' unpleasant feelings while caring for men, 3) Ignoring women nurses' dignity, and 4) efforts to avoid unpleasant situations. Female nurses in Iran are faced with multidimensional challenges when providing care to men. Not only can these challenges decrease the quality of nursing care for male patients, but also make the hospital a stressful environment for female nurses and may lead to them leaving the work.

Connecting GDP Per Capita and Average Life Expectancy

Economic growth is a single dimensional concept, one of the most used measures for which is GDP per capita. On the other hand, economic development is a multi-dimensional concept with average life expectancy as the most popular measure. As per economists, economic growth might lead to economic development but not always. This paper sets out to find the exact level of correlation by using the two variables- average life expectancy and GDP per capita. This is done through the analyzation for the data over 5 years of 20 countries out of which 10 are LEDCs and 10 are MEDCs, situated globally. Simple methods such as mean, and standard deviation as well as complex methods including box-and-whisker graphs and Pearson’s product-moment correlation are used. This paper accordingly tests various hypotheses and uses the analyzed data to be able to prove if they are correct or not. Suggestions of future methods to improve the conduction of a study as such on a wider scale are also expressed.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL IDENTITY AND PREFERENCE AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN A SOUTHERN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Sexual orientation is a multifaceted and multidimensional concept that researchers and practitioners define differently based on its theoretical and practical deliberations. This study examined the determinants of sexual identity and preferences of female students in a Tertiary Institution in Southern Nigeria. This is an analytical cross-sectional study which was conducted among 423 female students in University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Extracted data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were used to show the characteristics of the women and multivariate logistic regression was used to examine determinants of sexual preference and sexual identity. Statistical significance was set at 5%. The age of the respondents was 21.4 ± 2.6 years. Approximately 53.0% (n = 224) of the participants have had sexual intercourse, with the mean SD age of sexual debut being 18.3 ± 2.3 years. Majority 309 (73.1%) of the respondents’ sexual preference was vaginal, while only 18.2% and 8.7% preferred oral and anal sex respectively. Approximately 92.0% (n = 389) of the respondents were into heterosexual sex; 4.2% were bisexual (n = 18), and 3.8% (n = 16) were homosexuals. Significant predictors of sexual identity and preference were age, parents’ marital status and guardian of the respondents. Though, most respondents preferred vaginal sexual intercourse and majority were heterosexual, there are still considerable number of bisexuals and homosexuals, and those who preferred both oral and anal sex. There is need for young people to be aware of their sexuality, especially among female students in the university where the study was conducted.

Is Blockchain a game-changer for social currency systems? Some reflections in light of the experience of Moneda PAR in Argentina

AbstractSocial currencies can make a valuable contribution to sustainability as they strengthen solidarity markets, a specific exchange practice that enhances the resilience of their surrounding environmental, social and human systems. Until now, the need to secure trust in a currency has been a major challenge for social currency initiatives not backed by the State. The emergence of Blockchain, which offers security, transparency and auditability to currencies and transactions it supports, seemingly circumvents this issue. This raises the question that this paper seeks to address: is Blockchain a game-changer for bottom-up solidarity economy initiatives? The methodological approach draws on a multidimensional conceptualisation of trust that recognises three components: ethical, hierarchical and methodical trust. It uses Moneda PAR, an Argentinian Blockchain-based social currency, as a case study and draws on use data, participant surveys and direct observation by the authors as action researchers to explore social currency and solidarity economy development in relation to currency performance on each dimension of trust. Findings from the case show that despite strengthening hierarchical and methodical trust, Blockchain needs to be articulated with additional market-building strategies to be a true game-changer in the development of social currency systems.

Psychological capital and well-being: An opportunity for teachers' well-being? Scoping review of the scientific literature in psychology and educational sciences

In a context marked by teachers' shortage, prioritizing teachers' well-being emerges as one of the factors that can encourage them to stay in the profession. Well-being is a multidimensional concept and difficult to define and measure. Moreover, its link with Psychological Capital (PsyCap), a concept that includes personal psychological resources (hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism) (Luthans & Youssef, 2004), has received little attention in the educational sciences. The main objective of this paper is therefore to investigate the links between these two concepts from a theoretical point of view in psychology and educational sciences. For this purpose, the scoping review methodology (Tricco et al., 2018) is mobilized to identify research issues, methodological questions, and the various links between well-being and PsyCap. Based on a systematic review of 376 bibliographic references conducted in the main databases in psychology and educational sciences, 32 articles were selected analysed. The data extracted indicate that these concepts particularly affect teachers (42.11 % of subjects concerned, N = 42,750). In addition, all the sources selected report significant and positive statistical links between well-being and PsyCap. These results suggest possible avenues for research on teachers' well-being.