Multi-group Analysis Research Articles

Strategic-hybrid orientations and perceived business performance in medium/high-tech SMEs

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the direct and combined impacts of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and conservative orientation (CO) on perceived business performance (PBP) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under strategic-hybrid orientation (SHO) theory. Design/methodology/approach The data collected from the SABI NEO international database has 90 companies in 13 medium-to-high and high-tech activity sectors. The authors used partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the research model. Findings Business strategies match a SHO that includes both orientations, i.e. EO and CO. Moreover, as expected, the authors found evidence that each orientation produces performance-related sign-opposite significant impacts. Finally, the hypothesis regarding the positive synergistic effect of both orientations (EO and CO) on PBP was also supported. Research limitations/implications One stems from the study’s cross-sectional nature, requiring a longitudinal approach. Another one resides in the absence of further examinations concerning multigroup analysis. Another restraint is the limitedness of data, focused on firms with med/high-tech intensity. For last, while the use of results in the initial stages of theory development can be beneficial, it is important to note that such results cannot be simply extrapolated or generalized to other industrial sectors without careful consideration of the contextual factors at play. Social implications This study humbly endeavours to contribute to the finality of SMEs’ more steady and prosperous existence concerning the consciousness of the need to improve labour stability and wage fairness, conditions such as requiring a continuous commitment. Originality/value In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the impact of SHO on SMEs’ PBP. To this end, the authors simultaneously used two different strategic orientations (SOs): EO, which is widely studied in the literature, and CO, which has been less researched. The authors also examined their synergistic effects on PBP. The authors’ approach is based on Venkatraman’s strategic orientation of business enterprises model and the comparative paradigm of SOs.

The impact of greenwashing on sustainability through green supply chain integration: the moderating role of information sharing

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of greenwashing on sustainability through the effects of green supply chain integration, considering the moderating role of information sharing. The research proposes a theoretical model tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) and a multigroup analysis to understand the moderating role of information sharing. Hypotheses were tested in a sample of 312 key respondents from Portuguese buying firms that perceived greenwashing practices in their suppliers. Results indicate that greenwashing negatively affects green supply chain integration, while green supply chain integration enhances sustainability performance. This effect is stronger when information-sharing pressure is higher. The study underscores the importance of actively addressing greenwashing to improve green supply chain integration, especially when sustainability is the desired outcome. The research’s novelty lies in its contributions to building sustainable companies through green supply chain integration, trust, and partner communication.

Investigating the antecedents of mHealth adoption by older adults in a lower-middle income country: The PLS-MGA approach

ABSTRACT The adoption of technology and the rising digital divide among the older adult population, predominantly in lower-middle income countries such as Bangladesh, have posed a precarious challenge. Hence, the time has come to navigate this upcoming challenge. Thus, the current research aims to investigate the impact of perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PE), and perceived risk (PR) on the behavioral intention to adopt mHealth (BI). Furthermore, multigroup analysis (MGA) is used to examine BI regarding gender and income groups. Data from 140 older adults in Bangladesh were gathered and later analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to estimate the measurement and structural model parameters and produce concurrent bootstrap evaluations. The findings revealed that PE and PU substantially affect the intention to adopt mHealth, whereas PR has small effect on mHealth adoption. Furthermore, the MGA depicts that the effect of PR is statistically significant for older adult males and females. Additionally, the effect of PE on behavioral intention to adopt mHealth between income groups (lower income vs. higher income) is significant. Therefore, this research advances our theoretical and empirical understanding by yielding new scholarly evidence in the domain of mHealth adoption by older adults. Finally, the paper concludes with augmented practical considerations concerning the adoption of mHealth as a technology by older adults, which will assist in alleviating the digital divide for any such lower-middle income country across the globe.

An evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Australian Collaborative Practice Assessment Tool

Objectives This study aimed to validate the Collaborative Practice Assessment Tool (CPAT) in the Australian setting and provide a quality instrument in terms of psychometric properties that can be used to measure interprofessional outcomes for both healthcare practitioners and students. The outcomes evaluated include the capacity to work in an interprofessional team, good interprofessional communication skills, leadership skills, ensuring clear division of tasks and roles in a team, effective conflict management, and being actively involved with patients and their families/communities in care. Methods The COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) taxonomy and standards were used as guides for evaluating the psychometric properties of the Australian CPAT, which include evaluations regarding instrument development requirements of sample target and size, content validity, internal structure (structural validity, internal consistency reliability and measurement invariance), and hypotheses testing. CPAT Australia was developed through two stages involving pilot studies and a validation study, both of which included healthcare practitioners and students as participants. A pilot study examined content validity regarding item relevance, item comprehensibility, and instrument comprehensiveness. The validation study was carried out to assess the internal structure of CPAT Australia for aspects of structural validity, internal consistency reliabilities, and configural, metric and scalar measurement invariance. The structural validity was explored using the following three steps: exploratory, confirmatory, and multi-group factor analysis. Construct validity was evaluated to confirm direct and indirect paths of assumptions based on a previously validated model. Data collected between August 2021 and May 2022. Results The content validity evaluation confirmed that all items were relevant, understandable and comprehensive for measuring interprofessional collaborative care in Australia. Three hundred ninety-nine participants contributed to the validation study (n=152 practitioners; n=247 students). The original instrument model of 8-Factor 56-Item was improved in the Australian CPAT. Two items, Item 27 (Physicians assume the ultimate responsibility) and Item 49 (Final decision rest with the physician), were consistently rejected and therefore discarded. The internal structure of the 7-Factor 54-Item solution was confirmed as a suitable model with fit indices meeting COSMIN standards for a good model in practitioner and student cohorts. Configural, metric and scalar invariances were confirmed, indicating the invariance of the instruments when used for the practitioner and student cohorts. The construct validity evaluation indicated that 81.3% of direct and indirect assumptions were accepted, fulfilling the COSMIN requirement of >75% of proposed assumptions being accepted. Conclusion The Australian CPAT with a 7-factor 54-item solution was confirmed as a quality measure for assessing interprofessional education and collaborative practice for both healthcare practitioners and students in Australia with robust psychometric properties.

The dark side of co-worker friendship in the restaurant context: roles of gender and promotion focus

PurposeThis paper investigates the focal role of close co-worker friendship in reducing incivility. Furthermore, this paper examines negative workplace gossip as a mediator and gender and promotion focus as moderators.Design/methodology/approachUsing a time-lagged approach, 553 full-service restaurant front-line co-workers in Greater Cairo responded. Further, the data were analyzed using SmartPLS v.4.FindingsPromotion focus weakened close co-workers’ friendships, causing them to speak negatively about each other with other co-workers. Multi-group analysis showed that males were more likely to spread negative gossip about their close co-workers and thus were subjected to incivility-related behaviors by their co-workers.Originality/valueThis paper is an early attempt to explore the focal role of promotion focus in the full-service restaurant context. This paper adds to affective events theory (AET) with a limited understanding of explaining and predicting co-worker incivility.

Association between the teacher–student relationship and teacher visual focus of attention in Grade 1: student task avoidance and gender as moderators

This study investigated associations between quality of the teacher–student relationship (closeness and conflict) and teachers’ (N = 48) visual focus of attention in Grade 1 classrooms in fall and spring, and it explored to what extent students’ (N = 650) gender and task-avoidant behaviour moderated the associations. Results showed first that teacher–student closeness was positively associated with teachers’ visual focus of attention in the fall and spring, whereas teacher–student conflict was positively associated with teachers’ visual focus of attention only in the spring. In addition, the results of multigroup analysis showed that students’ task-avoidant behaviour had a moderating effect on the association between the quality of the teacher–student relationship and teachers’ visual focus of attention in the spring, but gender did not.

International Trauma Questionnaire and Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory-9: validity evidence and measurement invariance of their Brazilian versions

BackgroundThe International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is used to measure posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms, and the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory-9 (PTCI-9) is used to measure posttraumatic cognitions. Both tools have been translated for use in Brazil. However, the psychometric properties of the Brazilian versions were not investigated, and no study has verified the invariance of these tools for many traumatic event types.ObjectiveThis study examined the validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of the Brazilian versions of the ITQ and the PTCI-9 for trauma type, gender, race, age group, education level, and geographical region.MethodsA total of 2,111 people (67.74% women) participated in an online survey. The scale models were tested via confirmatory factor analyses and measurement invariance through multigroup analyses. Pearson’s correlation analyses were used to examine the relationships between PTSD, CPTSD, posttraumatic cognitions, and depressive symptoms.ResultsExcept for the affective dysregulation factor, the reliabilities of the ITQ and PTCI-9 dimensions were adequate. Models with six correlated dimensions for the ITQ and three correlated dimensions for the PTCI-9 showed adequate fit to the data. The ITQ and PTCI-9 exhibited scalar invariance for gender, race, age group, education level, and geographical region. The ITQ also demonstrated full invariance for trauma type. The factors of both instruments were related to each other and to depressive symptoms, with higher effect sizes for posttraumatic cognitions and complex posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.ConclusionWe recommend using the Brazilian versions of the ITQ and PTCI-9, which are crucial tools for assessing and treating trauma-related disorders.

Modeling the factors affecting workplace well-being at construction sites: a cross-regional multigroup analysis

Modeling the factors affecting workplace well-being at construction sites: a cross-regional multigroup analysis

Hospitality customer intentions to write fake online reviews: A cross-cultural approach

This paper examines the antecedents and consequences of customer intentions to write fake online reviews on Agoda.com as a case in the hospitality context. Brand nostalgia, brand strength, moral attitude, review-related skepticism, and perceived unfairness were represented as antecedents of customer intentions, while boycott behavior, willingness to pay a price premium, and customer satisfaction were represented as consequences of their intentions. Data was gathered using a structured survey from 373 Italian, 440 French, and 392 British customers. Findings present significant insights into customer intentions to write fake online reviews. In addition, multi-group analysis highlights the differences among nationalities. This paper provides valuable insights for industry professionals and policymakers in the hospitality industry.

Reciprocal relationship between self-efficacy and achievement in mathematics among high school students

Self-efficacy or perceived ability refers to the confidence an individual has in their ability to successfully perform a specific task. Previous researchers have demonstrated the importance of self-efficacy beliefs and its impact on predicting students’ mathematics performances. Specifically, gender has been regarded as an important moderator variable in the prediction of achievement from measures of affect. To this end, using data from High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, this study utilized the multi-group analysis under the framework of structural equation modeling to examine gender differences in the reciprocal relationship between mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics achievement. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between male students and female students in the reciprocal relationship between mathematics self-efficacy and mathematics achievement; the impact of prior mathematics achievement on later mathematics achievement was stronger than the impact of prior mathematics self-efficacy on later mathematics self-efficacy. Significance of these findings were discussed in this paper.

Green Consumer Profiling and Online Shopping of Imperfect Foods: Extending UTAUT with Web-Based Label Quality for Misshapen Organic Produce.

Misshapen organic vegetables in the food supply chain can easily be discarded in the market if they do not meet aesthetic standards. E-commerce technology enables the distribution of imperfect organic produce from farmers to potential customers, mitigating agri-food waste issues. Green consumers are prospective customers of imperfect produce because their purchasing decisions are made based on sustainability and environmental considerations. However, each individual's degree of green consumption differs, impacting their preferences and behaviors toward green buying activity. Considering the gap between the varying levels of green consumers and their intention to purchase imperfect organic produce through e-commerce, this study aimed to profile three distinct green consumers and explore factors affecting their Online Green Purchase Intention (OGPI) for imperfect organic vegetables. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was applied in this study, and Web-Based Label Quality (WLQ) was introduced as an extended construct to describe green consumers' perceptions of the credibility and reliability of labels or product-related information displayed on e-commerce platforms. This study involved 668 internet users from environmental platforms and online communities of organic food enthusiasts. First, the consumers were classified into dark-green, semi/light green, and non-green using a cluster analysis approach. Then, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) were employed to determine the factors affecting OGPI among green consumer groups. This research found that Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), and WLQ positively influenced dark-green consumers' online green purchase intention. Only Performance Expectancy (PE) positively affected semi/light-green consumers' OGPI. Meanwhile, the Facilitating Condition (FC) positively affected non-green consumers' online green purchase intentions. This research revealed dark-green consumers as the target segment, broadening customers' perspectives on accepting imperfect organic products, including e-commerce technology. Moreover, the research results can be utilized for marketing and business purposes and contribute to food policy.

Impacts of noise-induced hearing loss on sleep, health, and workplace: Multi-group analysis

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant occupational health concern, particularly in industries with high levels of noise exposure. This study examines the effects of NIHL on sleep quality, daily life health conditions, and workplace health problems among workers. A total of 1285 workers participated in the study, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess the impacts of NIHL. The analysis included a multi-group analysis to differentiate the effects between workers who wear noise protection and those who do not. Our findings indicate that NIHL significantly affects sleep quality, with a coefficient of 0.263 (t = 9.957, p<0.001), daily life health conditions with a coefficient of 0.296 (t = 10.793, p<0.001), and workplace health problems with a coefficient of 0.345 (t = 13.814, p<0.001). The multi-group analysis revealed more severe impacts on sleep and health in the non-wearing group compared to the noise-protection-wearing group, with statistically significant differences in path coefficients for sleep disorders (−0.033), health problems in daily life (−0.184), and health problems in the workplace (−0.190), all showing p-values of 0.000. These results underscore the detrimental effects of NIHL on multiple aspects of workers' health and emphasize the importance of wearing noise protection to mitigate these effects. This study provides vital insights for both researchers and practitioners in public health, suggesting that improved noise protection strategies are essential for protecting workers in noisy environments.

Green, guilty, and frugal: Facilitators of energy saving and the choice of energy-efficient appliances in the Australian energy market

Empirical evidence concerning the effects of multiple identities on energy consumption is growing, but it is unclear if the strength of their influence depends on a given domain. This research contributes to the literature by using identity theory to examine routine energy-saving behavior and purchase-related behavior. The mediating role of anticipated guilt in this central relationship between identity and energy saving is also explored. The study also compares solar with non-solar households using multi-group analysis since energy saving in solar homes is underexplored. Survey data were obtained from 607 Australian respondents and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that multiple identities are linked to energy-related behaviors and mediated through anticipated guilt. Interestingly, when studying the mediated links, the results show that an environmental identity is more influential than a frugal identity in motivating the choice of energy-efficient appliances. The findings serve as an opportunity for policymakers and practitioners to ‘nudge’ people towards energy conservation. The study suggests that combining guilt appeals with identity is likely to be effective in motivating energy-saving behaviors in both solar and non-solar households.

Rural-urban differences in older adults’ life satisfaction and its determining factors

Although determinants of life satisfaction in older adults have been well documented, research has to date failed to fully address the experience of older adults living in places with different levels of urbanization. Furthermore, there are conflictive findings regarding the type of residence environment that offers the greatest benefits for the wellbeing of older adults. Our study proposes an integrative research model to determine the nature of the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction, with a particular focus on the living environment (rural-urban) of the older adults. Using a cross-sectional survey design volunteers (aged 60+) from rural (n = 198) and urban (n = 198) in Galicia (Spain) completed a questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction and multigroup analysis was performed to analyse the existence of differences in the relationships based on the area of residence of older adults. We found that higher levels of loneliness were a significant predictor of reduced life satisfaction and reduced self-esteem. Self-esteem not only increases life satisfaction, but also reduces the negative impact loneliness may have on it. Where the older adults lived had a significant effect on the relationships between loneliness, self-esteem and life satisfaction. The relationships were stronger for older adults living in urban areas. Differentiated policy initiatives should be considered, depending on the area of residence in order to increase the life satisfaction of older adults.

Organizational politics, anger and workplace cyberbullying perpetration: a multigroup analysis of gender

Purpose Drawing on affective events theory, the purpose of this paper was to investigate direct and indirect relationships between perceived organizational politics and workplace cyberbullying (WCB) perpetration mediated through anger, as well as to examine the moderating role of gender in these relationships. Design/methodology/approach The sample comprised 534 white-collar employees who were employed in a variety of service industries, including banking, higher education, telecommunications, health care and insurance in Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique in Amos. Findings Results demonstrated that perceived organizational politics has a direct positive effect on WCB perpetration. Moreover, results indicated that perceived organizational politics evokes anger among employees that, in turn, triggers WCB perpetration. Results of a multigroup analysis revealed that the positive effect of perceived organizational politics on WCB perpetration was not significantly different between men and women. However, the positive relationship between perceived organizational politics and anger was significantly stronger for men than for women. Likewise, this study found a significantly stronger relationship for men than for women between anger and WCB perpetration. Anger partially mediated the relationship between perceived organizational politics and WCB perpetration only among men. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that perceived organizational politics triggers WCB perpetration directly and indirectly through its impact on anger. Moreover, this study identified gender differences in the experience and expression of anger in response to perceived organizational politics.

진로준비행동과 대학 만족도, 첫 일자리 만족도의 구조적 관계: 부모 최종학력에 따른 세대 간 비교

This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of college satisfaction on the effect of career preparation behavior on first job satisfaction among college graduates, and to test for differences in this effect by the highest level of parental schooling attainment. Using data from 2019 Graduate Occupational Mobility Survey (2020), we conducted structural equation model analysis and multi-group analysis with the highest level of parental schooling for a total of 6,473 participants, and obtained the following results. First, college satisfaction fully mediated the effect of career preparation behaviors on first job satisfaction among college graduates. Differences in the relationship between college graduates’ career preparation behaviors and first job satisfaction were based on the highest level of parental schooling attainment. Specifically, college satisfaction did not mediate the effect of career preparation behaviors on first job satisfaction in the first-generation college students(FGCS) group, but fully mediated it in the continuing-generation college students(CGCS) group. In addition, the path difference between the two groups was significant only for the effect of career preparation behavior on college satisfaction. We concluded that higher education should be improved to enhance first job satisfaction in terms of career development based Labor Market Effectiveness, and empirical improvement measures and suggestions for follow-up studies were provided.

Examining the Empathy factors in Science Class (EfSC) Between Early and Late Adolescents

Objectives This study aims to validate the Empathy factors in Science Class (EfSC; Chun et al., 2018) as a measure for scientific empathy in early and late adolescents. Methods The instrument consists of scientific empathy with others and empathy with the problem situation. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted on 215 middle school students (early adolescents) and 473 high school students (late adolescents). Confirmatory factor analysis and multi-group analysis were employed to validate the instrument. Additionally, domain-general aspects of EfSC were explored by correlating empathetic factors with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI; Davis, 1980) and scientific inquiry ability with the Test of Science Process Skills (TSPS: Kwon &amp; Kim, 1994). Results The results revealed a high correlation between most factors of EfSC and IRI, indicating convergent validity. However, a relatively low correlation was observed with TSPS, suggesting a domain-specific nature of EfSC. Analysis of group features based on age and gender showed that factors related to empathy with others were influenced by age and gender, while factors related to empathy with problem situations were influenced by the interaction of age and gender. Further exploration indicated that females and high school students exhibited superior abilities in empathizing with others. In contrast, males, especially high school students, demonstrated higher abilities in empathy with problem situations. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) supported these findings. Conclusions This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on whether EfSC is a suitable instrument for assessing scientific empathy across the adolescence span. The nuanced differences observed in empathy factors based on age and gender underscore the importance of considering developmental and gender-related variations in assessing scientific empathy.

Understanding the Influences of Hedonic Personality towards Advertising Avoidance on Social Media

"Research Aims: This study aims to investigate and explore how the hedonic personality that exists in each individual can influence avoidance behaviour towards advertisements on social media platforms. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative approach with a purposive sampling technique was employed to collect data from 198 respondents who have shopped or at least searched for products on social media. The data were then analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique. Research Findings: The results showed that hedonic personality affected advertising avoidance behaviour. Through multigroup analysis, this research found differences in how men and women respond to an advertisement. On the other hand, the intrusive level of an advertisement had a direct effect on ad avoidance behaviour on social media. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes knowledge by exploring and linking hedonic personality with ad avoidance behaviour. In addition, this study analyses how those relationships are different between men and women. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: The results of this study are expected to provide insights for advertisers and encourage them to consider the hedonic style when determining the target customers. Also, the results inform that the model or ad content should be differentiated when targeting men or women. Research Limitation &amp; Implications: This study is limited in several ways, such as the demographic reach and number of respondents. Additionally, the number of social media platforms is only limited to Instagram and Facebook."

Generation Z and Millennials’ food-sharing behaviour: a cross-generational analysis of motivations, satisfaction and behavioural intention

PurposePosting and sharing about food on social media has surged in popularity amongst younger generations such as Millennials and Generation Z. This study aims to analyse and compare food-tourism sharing behaviour on social media across generations. First, this study specifically investigates the factors influencing the intention to share food experiences on social media; second, it examines the impact of sharing intention on actual behaviour and loyalty; and third, it determines whether Millennials and Generation Z differ in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachA survey was carried out of Millennial and Generation Z travellers who shared food experiences on social media. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-group analysis were performed to examine the cause-and-effect relationship in both generations.FindingsThe findings reveal differences in motivation, satisfaction, sharing intention, sharing behaviour and loyalty between generations (Millennials and Generation Z).Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature on the antecedents of food-sharing behaviour in online communities by indicating factors that influence the sharing of culinary experiences and brand or destination loyalty across generations. Suggestions for future research include exploring online food-sharing behaviour through cross-cultural comparisons in various regions.Practical implicationsAs Millennials and Generation Z will expand their market share in the coming years, the findings of this study can help improve marketing strategies for culinary tourism and generate more intense food experiences for both generations.Originality/valueThe outcome of the research provides new insights to develop a conceptual model of food-sharing behaviour and tourism on social media by drawing comparisons across generations.

Are robots stealing our jobs? Examining robot-phobia as a job stressor in the hospitality workplace

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore robot-phobia as a source of occupational stress among hospitality employees in the context of increasing robotization in the industry. Design/methodology/approach The study sampled 321 lodging employees and 308 food service employees in the USA. An online panel company recruited the participants and administered an online survey. The study used various analytical methods, including structural modeling, t-tests and multi-group analyses. Findings The study results reveal that hospitality workers experience robot-phobia regardless of their sector or position. Robot-phobia causes job insecurity and stress, which increases turnover intention. These negative outcomes are more pronounced for those who interact more frequently with robots. Practical implications The study findings suggest that hospitality workers fear being replaced by robots in the near future. Therefore, hospitality organizations should offer adequate training and education on the advantages and drawbacks of robots and establish a supportive and collaborative work environment that values human–robot interaction. Originality/value This study offers new insights regarding human–robot interaction from the employee perspective by introducing the concept of robot-phobia in the hospitality workplace. A comprehensive picture of how hospitality employees confront the increasing presence of robots is provided in this study.