Multi-level Research Approach Research Articles

A systematic literature review on spiritual leadership: antecedents, mechanism, moderators and outcomes

PurposeThe aim of this study is to offer evidence-based knowledge of the most popular research topics in studies on spiritual leadership (SL) and the research approaches and theories in use. Another aim is to create a comprehensive research framework covering the antecedents and outcomes of SL, as well as the underlying mechanisms and conditional factors. This study also synthesizes future research avenues presented in the literature.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a systematic literature review method. The presented analysis covered both bibliometric studies and in-depth manual content analysis. In total, 274 articles indexed in the Scopus database were analyzed, with a particular focus on 126 empirical papers.FindingsThis study shows that most of the research took place in developing countries and focused on the links between SL and workplace spirituality, employee well-being and engagement. It provides a complex research framework which orders previous variables according to their levels. Future research is required that would use a multilevel research approach and determine the impact of SL on society and the leaders themselves, as well as determining the reverse impact of organizational performance on the development of SL.Originality/valueThis study takes advantages of both bibliometric and in-depth content analysis to expand the understanding of the state of the art in SL research. It demonstrates how different factors contribute to SL and how they subsequently influence outcomes. It also offers numerous future research directions which go beyond those identified so far in the literature to further develop the theory of SL.

Critical realist multilevel research in business marketing: a laminated conceptualization of resilience

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to ease the methodological application of critical realist multilevel research in business marketing. Although there has been plenty of theoretical contributions in this field, it is not always clear how critical realism can be best applied in business marketing settings. Accordingly, this paper addresses this gap in literature. Also, this paper addresses the calls for a multilevel conceptualization for resilience, based on the critical realist laminated systems.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper, which uses pre-existing literature to develop a critical realist methodological approach for the purposes of multilevel business marketing research. The contribution is based on literature by combining pre-existing ideas in a new way in the context of business marketing.FindingsThis paper makes a methodological contribution by introducing the critical realist “laminated systems” to business marketing as a multilevel research approach. Furthermore, the authors conceptualize a specific laminated model, the Laminated Interactional Model (LIM), that is designed for the purpose of business marketing research. The LIM is a methodological tool that conceptualizes business marketing based on six levels of analysis, easing the methodological application of critical realism in business marketing settings. In addition, to provide an example, the authors apply the LIM to the literature on resilience, providing a multilevel conceptualization. This is a timely contribution, as resilience has emerged as a central concept addressing interorganizational survival during the COVID-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis paper makes three main contributions to business marketing. First, this paper provides a methodological contribution by introducing the critical realist notion of “laminated systems” to business marketing. Second, this paper conceptualizes a specific laminated model for business marketing, namely, the LIM. Third, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper will apply critical realism and the LIM to the notion of resilience, addressing the calls for multilevel conceptualizations.

The Daily Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Work Engagement of Nurses: A 'Shortitudinal' Diary Study.

Nurses’ satisfaction and work engagement have been linked to patient outcomes. Nightshift nurses provide healthcare to the population and experience unique challenges in performing their healthcare tasks. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the daily basic needs satisfaction and work engagement of nightshift nurses in accordance with the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs as indicated by the Self-Determination Theory. A quantitative, ‘shortitudinal’ design (diary study; over a few days) with a multi-level research approach using a daily diary survey method was completed by a convenience sample of nurses working the nightshift in a public hospital (n = 33). The results revealed that the daily need for autonomy and need for relatedness did not significantly predict variance in daily work engagement. However, need for competence did significantly predict variance in daily work engagement, and general emotional load explained significant variability in daily need satisfaction of competence. Lastly, general role clarity had a negative impact on the daily variability in work engagement. This study provides healthcare organisations with explanations for variance in nursing performance and suggests possible interventions to address nursing outcomes in accordance with the three basic needs of nightshift nurses in daily activity.

Health Disparities of Cardiometabolic Disorders Among Filipino Americans: Implications for Health Equity and Community-Based Genetic Research.

Health disparities are well-documented among different racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Filipino Americans (FAs) are the third-largest Asian-American group in the USA and are commonly grouped under the Asian categorization. FAs have a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders than non-Hispanic Whites and other Asian subgroups with rates comparable to African Americans. Although no major epidemiological studies have ascertained the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases in FAs, limited reports suggest that FAs have a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hyperuricemia, and gout than non-FAs. A recent genetic study has shown that FAs could have the highest prevalence of a genetic polymorphism strongly associated with the development of gout and gout-related comorbidities. While developing cardiometabolic disorders is a heterogeneous and multifaceted process, the overall prevalence of certain cardiometabolic disorders parallel the prevalence of population-level risk factors, including genetics, dietary lifestyles, health beliefs, and social determinants of health. Therefore, assessment of the Filipino cuisine, health behaviors among Filipinos, socio-cultural factors, and acculturation to living in the USA are equally critical. Ascertaining the contribution of the biological causes to disease onset and the different psychosocial factors that could modulate disease risk or disease management are needed. Ultimately, a multilevel research approach is critical to assess the role of biological and non-biological risk factors of cardiometabolic disorders in FAs to inform culturally appropriate health promotion, disease prevention strategies, and a personalized approach to health.

Effect of Used Motor Oil and Bitumen as Additive on the Permeability and Mechanical Properties of Low Plastic Soil

Stability of permeable soils near large-scale water reservoirs for paved and unpaved road pavements is all too frequently compromised due to excessive seepage and the climatic conditions of that area. In this research, a multilevel research approach was adopted by conducting a comparative study of the microspectroscopy through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra to investigate the maximum absorbance correlation along with mechanical investigations (such as the compressive strength, modified proctor test, California bearing ratio test, and swell percentage test). The native low plastic soil sample (CL) was blended with varying percentages of petroleum additives (bitumen and used motor oil) independently at 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16%, and 20%. A comparison of results in the case of bitumen and used motor oil revealed that a decrease in Atterberg’s limits occurred accompanied by an increase of bitumen blending percentage, while used motor oil (UMO) increased the plastic limit. Maximum dry density (MDD) increases while optimum moisture content (OMC) decreases with the increase in bitumen. Used motor oil (UMO) initially (up to 4%) increased the MDD and subsequently decreased it. Investigative reports show that bitumen causes a decrease in swell percentage and increases California bearing ratio (CBR), whereas UMO causes a continuous increase in percentage swell and decrease in CBR. The addition of bitumen in soil resulted in a decrease in the coefficient of permeability (k), while UMO has a significant result of up to 4%. Regarding the control sample, spectrum analysis through FTIR effectively supports the laboratory results as the intensity of peaks increases with the oil, and bitumen concentration reveals that oil and bitumen impart cementitious property to the soil. Moreover, this research work by experiment supported and strengthened the idea of soil pavement stabilization through bitumen, which gives antiwater stability, and facilitates low-cost construction by obtaining raw material on the spot. UMO adversely affects soil properties beyond 4% addition by weight.

Traditionscapes in emerging markets

PurposeThis research aims to develop and test the traditionscapes framework in which consumers appropriate local traditions as a resource to foster cultural identity in emerging markets.Design/methodology/approachA multi-level research approach with qualitative (n = 38) and quantitative data (n = 600) was employed in the context of gaucho traditions in the southern part of Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state).FindingsThe findings indicate that traditionscapes operate in a fluid process that engenders local culture attachment into tradition value through the consumer identification process. Traditionscapes build a sense of local cultural attachment that functions as a source of social, cultural, and local identification. Findings also support our three-stage traditionscapes framework, emphasizing the identification process that depends on consumers' global culture resistance.Originality/valueThis research provides a novel viewpoint to the well-established relationship between tradition and globalization in consumption studies. We contribute to this debate by shifting the discussion to the fluid process of traditionscapes in which tradition value is engendered through consumer appropriation and identification with local traditions, even in a globalized context. Although recent research suggests that global culture can disrupt local traditions, traditionscapes operate as an extended perspective that coexists with other global cultural flows.

Key Success Factors of Social Entrepreneurs in Lebanon

This paper aims to identify and analyze the key success factors of some active Lebanese social entrepreneurs. Lebanon represents a developing context characterized by stark cultural and economic divides with weak governmental institutions. A multi-level research approach was adopted for this study that empirically draws on interpretive research methodology and explores the research question based on in-depth interviews with eight social entrepreneurs in Lebanon. Our findings suggest that it is crucial to understand key success factors of social entrepreneurs within a complex multi-layered system (micro, meso, and macro) of interdependent variables that shape social entrepreneurial ambitions and activities in order to grasp the experiences and perceptions of social entrepreneurs in specific contexts. Our study identified critical success factors for social entrepreneurs, and it isolated from among them salient factors particularly pertinent in developing contexts, such as the role of social networks, social inclusion skills, and civic innovation capabilities.

Why individual employee engagement matters for team performance?

PurposeAdopting a multi-level research approach, this study aims to investigate the impact of employee engagement on team performance. It further explores the mediating effects of employee commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour on the employee engagement–team performance relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe study follows a quantitative method. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire survey using snowball and convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics and bi-variate correlation analyses were conducted using SmartPLS 2 and SPSS 20 software, and subsequently, a structural equation model was developed.FindingsThe study suggests that better employee engagement could improve team performance in organizational contexts. Organizational commitment and citizenship behaviour played a mediating role in the employee engagement–team performance relationship. Further research on the meditating effects of demographic factors is suggested to advance knowledge in the employee engagement domain.Research limitations/implicationsBased on premises of the social exchange theory and the employee stewardship theory, the study integrates multi-level variables to impact of individual employee engagement on organizational team performance. The findings of the study contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the impact of individual-level variables on team-level performance. It reiterates the need for multi-level modelling of organizational behavioural research.Originality/valueThe study used a multi-theoretical approach to investigate team performance in organizational contexts, i.e. individual employee engagement, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour. This integrated model using predictors from multiple levels demonstrates that team performance could be enhanced from interactions of different factors of individual behaviour.

Effect of restaurant manager emotional intelligence and support on front-of-house employees’ job satisfaction

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of restaurant manager’s emotional intelligence (EI) and manager support on service employees’ attitudes and performance by applying affective event theory.Design/methodology/approachThe multi-level research approach incorporates three different levels of analysis: employees’ job satisfaction and service performance; manager’s EI and support; and) restaurant unit level service under pressure. Data were collected from wait staff employed in full-service restaurants in the southeastern region of the USA. This research uses the hierarchical linear model to process the survey data.FindingsThe findings indicate that manager EI and support have a significant impact on employees’ job satisfaction, and further leads to high levels of service performance. The moderating effect of service under pressure between leader’s EI and employees’ job satisfaction is not statistically significant.Practical implicationsResults suggest practical management implications to restaurant managers and frontline service employees. This study’s research findings imply management training and development programs should help managers regulate their own and better understand service employees’ emotions. Findings further highlight the important role manager support has upon employee’s job satisfaction and frontline service performance.Originality/valueThe present study offers a comprehensive perspective to better understand the variation of employees’ job satisfaction that arises from three different sources: between individuals, between teams and between restaurants. The findings also provide new insight into EI scale development.

A multilevel approach for assessing business strategies on climate change

The need for an interdisciplinary and integrative approach for doing research on business strategies and climate change is gaining increasing recognition. However, there is a consensus that such cross-fertilization is currently missing. Multilevel research methods by virtue of being interdisciplinary in nature may address this need. This paper proposes to advance the adoption of multilevel research approach in the context of business strategies and climate change. As a guide for conducting multilevel assessment, a flexible analytical framework is presented. The framework is developed through a process of structured literature review. The framework consists of thirteen contextual factors spread across five levels and identifies the key multilevel relationships that moderate organisational level climate change related strategy formulation. Level specificities of several theories across these five levels are also identified to facilitate application of the framework in building multilevel hypotheses for business strategies on climate change. In addition, a concise summary of the fundamental concepts of multilevel modelling techniques is provided to help researchers in selecting suitable multilevel models during the operationalization of the framework. The operationalization of the framework is demonstrated by building and testing a three level hypotheses on corporate lobbying activities on climate change issues. It is observed that irrespective of their locations, financially underperforming companies with a larger workforce and belonging to sectors with higher Green House Gas emission intensities particularly lobby intensely on climate change issues. In conclusion, the potential challenges and opportunities in applying the framework for building multilevel theories in the context of business strategies and climate change are discussed.

Empowerment onderzoek: een kritische vriend voor sociaal werkers

Empowerment onderzoek: een kritische vriend voor sociaal werkers

From Droplets to Process: Multilevel Research Approach to Reduce Emissions from LNG Processes

Abstract In the Enabling Low-Emission LNG Systems project, SINTEF Energy Research and NTNU have since 2009 been developing knowledge and tools with the aim to enable environmental safe, cost-effective, and energy efficient LNG processes. The project has employed a multilevel approach, where studies of fundamental phenomena, component modeling, and process optimization have been performed in parallel. Detailed models for two-phase flow in heat exchangers (HXs) have been developed, and falling films and droplet behavior relevant for LNG HXs have been studied experimentally. Further, the project work has generated robust and accurate HX models that can describe instabilities and include geometrical considerations. Finally, the project has improved the basis for optimization of LNG process through investigating of optimization tools and careful analysis and formulation of the optimization problem.

Saying What You Do and Doing What You Say: The Performative Dynamics of Lean Management Discourse

Why are certain managerial approaches able to impose themselves and influence organizational practices in a significant way? Inspired by the notion of performativity, this study investigates the case of the Québec public health care system, where a managerial theory – that of “lean management” – has recently emerged, gained saliency and become dominant in organizational practice. Adopting a longitudinal and multi-level research approach, we focus more precisely on the conditions that allow performativity to occur and increase, considering how this process unfolds over time. We study the processes and conditions through which lean management, imposed itself, both in the overall health care system and in two distinct health care organizations, becoming a reality for these organizations, and eventually reinforcing itself. By unveiling the action of three performative dynamics, the study reveals catalysts and inhibitors of performativity, that have relevance beyond the specific case.

Residential Satisfaction in Housing Estates in European Cities: A Multi-level Research Approach

This paper mainly focuses on the determinants of housing and estate satisfaction in post-Second World War housing estates. Multi-level linear regression models were applied to estimate the impacts of individual, dwelling and estate characteristics on resident satisfaction levels, using a unique dataset from 25 post-Second World War estates in nine European countries. It is concluded that satisfaction with the dwelling is higher for the elderly and residents with higher incomes, and in situations where the dwelling has been renovated and is sufficiently large. The presence of children and a longer duration of stay have negative impacts, and renters are generally more negative than owners. Estate satisfaction is highest among immigrant households or when the dwelling is renovated, and among lower educated inhabitants. Individual characteristics and opinions on the estate are more important than estate characteristics in explaining estate satisfaction. The overall conclusion is that attempts to improve post-Second World War areas may result in new areas, but does not necessarily improve the overall satisfaction.

The potential of positive places: Senses, brain and spaces

There is an enormous amount of intricate research available on specific aspects of building performance in relation to users. However, there is currently no framework for designers to bring together these diverse findings. As a result, a significant opportunity is being missed to support radically more positive outcomes for the occupants of buildings. To help address this gap, this article proposes a framework that captures the essence of an individual's holistic experience of spaces, created by the combined impacts received through their senses and mediated by their brain. The early sections illustrate the complex and dynamic ways in which humans receive information about their surroundings through their senses, with profound, but fragile and interactive effects on human health, mood and performance. This is strategically framed using neuroscience theories about the way the human brain makes calculations to link perceptions to actions. This leads to the proposition that design should take into account issues of naturalness, individualization and level of stimulation. It is further suggested that a multidisciplinary, multi-level research approach is needed to support the creation of spaces that provide people with sensory environments that help them reach, or sustain, their fullest possible potential.

A Multilevel Approach to Investigating Cross-National Differences in Negotiation Processes

AbstractThe impact of the psychological states of the negotiators, the social conditions of negotiations, and the behavior of negotiators on the outcomes of negotiations differs from country to country. Various suboptimal, individual-level, and country-level solutions have been suggested to predict and explain such cross-national variations. Drawing inspiration from a series of cross-cultural studies on job satisfaction and motives for volunteer work that successfully employed multilevel modeling, we propose a multilevel research approach to more accurately examine the generalizability of negotiation models across countries.

Primary health care in a multi-level perspective: Towards a research agenda

The authors propose to view primary health care (PHC) from a multi-level perspective. Studying how PHC is conceived and implemented at different levels of social organization (e.g. in international agencies, national governments, regional centres of health care and local communities) will reveal which interests may be competing in the planning and execution of what broadly and conveniently is called ‘PHC’. Mapping out these conflicting views and interests will contribute towards a better understanding of how PHC works or why it does not work and provide suggestions for a more effective and equitable PHC. Five themes are proposed for a multi-level research approach: (1) vertical versus horizontal organization of PHC; (2) the role of medical personnel in PHC; (3) the distribution of pharmaceuticals; (4) the integration of traditional medicine in PHC; and (5) family planning.