Partial Mediation Research Articles

Does environmental finance matter for sustainability? The role of financial innovation and Fintech

This study examines the role of environmental finance (ENF) in enhancing sustainability performance (SP) within the banking sector, emphasizing financial innovation (FINV) and financial technology (FinTech). It specifically investigates how ENF supports FINV, which subsequently affects SP, and whether the adoption of FinTech moderates these relationships. Based on a survey of 272 bank employees, this study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data. The results indicate that ENF positively impacts both SP and FINV, with FINV serving as a partial mediator between ENF and SP. However, the expected moderating role of FinTech adoption was not confirmed, indicating that the current level of FinTech integration in Saudi Arabian banks may not significantly influence the ENF-SP relationship. Thus, this study provides a deeper understanding of the interactions between ENF, FINV, and SP while also underscoring the necessity for further investigation into contextual factors that influence FinTech’s role in sustainability. Therefore, policymakers should create and reinforce regulatory frameworks that encourage ENF and FINV in the banking sector while also promoting the integration of FinTech with ENF initiatives, which could enhance its positive impact over time.

The Influence of Brand Orientation to Donation Intention with Attitude Toward Charity as Mediator

This study aims to investigate the impact of brand orientation's dimensions (orchestration, interaction, and affect) on attitudes towards charity and donation intentions. Additionally, it explores whether attitudes towards charity mediate the relationship between orchestration, interaction, affect, and donation intentions. The sample consists of Indonesian residents who have interacted with and/or donated to non-profit organizations in Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used, resulting in a sample size of 282 participants. The data analysis method employed is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) measurements. The research achieved a confidence level of 95%. Findings indicate that the Orchestration dimension has no direct or indirect influence on donation intentions through attitudes towards charity. However, both the Interaction and Affect dimensions directly and indirectly influence donation intentions, with attitudes towards charity serving as a mediator. The mediation effect obtained is weak so that the mediation that occurs is partial mediation.

The Cost of Looking Up: Social Comparison as a Partial Mediator Between Social Anxiety and Vindictive Behavior in a Non-anonymous Ultimatum Game.

Self-appraisals in relation to internalized standards are fundamental constructs in clinical and evolutionary models of Social Anxiety (SA). Empirical evidence has consistently shown that socially anxious individuals tend to engage in upward social comparisons and aim to adjust their social standing accordingly. However, the consequences of perceiving oneself as inferior to others within social contexts remain under-explored. To this end, a sample of N = 166 college students participated as respondents in an iterated, non-anonymous online Ultimatum Game (UG) against two familiar classmates: a fair allocator and a highly unfair allocator. Participants were informed that their identities would be disclosed to their assigned co-players. In reality, however, all participants played against a computer-simulated opponent. Our findings both replicate and extend previous research by showing that individuals with elevated social anxiety tend to exhibit vindictive behavior in response to unfair monetary UG splits (i.e., costly punishment) compared to their less anxious peers, even without the safeguarding of anonymity. Overall, our data lend empirical support to Social Rank theories of social anxiety and underscore the role of (upward) social comparison as a partial mediator explaining behavioral outcomes (i.e., vindictive behavior) in SA. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Strengthening Affective Commitment Among Indonesian Lecturers: The Role of Organizational Support and Job Satisfaction

This study explores key factors influencing lecturers' affective commitment in Indonesian higher education. Utilizing a purposive sampling approach, data were collected from 288 private university lecturers in Riau Province and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart Partial Least Square (Smart PLS). Findings reveal that both organizational support and job satisfaction significantly and positively impact affective commitment, with the latter acting as a partial mediator. A novel aspect of this study is the formative measurement of job satisfaction indicators, providing a nuanced understanding of lecturers' experiences. The study underscores the need for targeted organizational strategies to foster commitment and satisfaction among educators.

Unlocking sustainable competitive advantage: The catalytic role of digital talent and knowledge workers in digital leadership in tourism and hospitality industry

The study aims to investigate the impact of digital leadership on sustainable competitive advantage, digital talent, and knowledge workers. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of digital talent (DT) and knowledge workers (KW) in the relationship between digital leadership (DL) and sustainable competitive advantage (SC), using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its theoretical foundation. The researchers employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine survey data from 784 employees working in Egyptian travel agencies and tour operators. The results demonstrate that DL significantly enhances SC, DT, and KW. Moreover, DT and KW were shown to positively contribute to SC and serve as partial mediators in the relationship between DL and SC. The findings highlight the crucial role of developing DT and creating an environment that embraces technological acceptance and innovation. This approach amplifies the strategic effectiveness of DL, ultimately contributing to long-term organizational success.

Does Brand Attitude Complement Influencer Credibility in Shaping Purchase Intention of Indian GenZ Consumers?

Introduction The social media landscape has undergone radical changes and has revolutionized consumer perspectives, purchasing habits, and behaviours. Amidst this emerging trend is the rise of influencer marketing and its impact on the purchase intentions of followers. The objective is to explore the characteristics of influencers that contribute to their credibility. This research aims to explore the role of consumers’ attitude toward brands on their intention to adopt brands endorsed by influencers. Methods This cross-sectional research was undertaken among GenZ in the urban landscape of India. Data collected was analyzed using SmartPLS4 software. Findings Trust, expertise, and similarity were the significant antecedents of the formation of influencer credibility. Attractiveness did not have a significant influence on influencer credibility. A complementary partial mediation of Attitude towards a brand is observed in the association between influencer credibility and the purchase intention of followers. Attitude towards the video also had a significant positive influence on purchase intention. Conclusion The study found that Gen Z places little importance on an influencer’s attractiveness, as it has no significant impact on credibility. However, attitude toward the brand strongly influenced purchase intention and partially mediated the relationship between influencer credibility and purchase intention.

Impact of job insecurity, job stress and negative emotions on counterproductive work behaviour among academic employees in Ghana

The antecedents of counterproductive work behaviour (CWB) in the higher education sector have remained unexamined in available literature. Moreover, the impact of job insecurity, job stress, and negative emotions on the occurrence of CWB within the academic context have hardly been interrogated. This study therefore, aimed at investigating the impact of job insecurity, job stress and negative emotions on CWB and further examining the mediating role of job stress and negative emotions in the occurrences of CWB among academics. Data was collected from 716 academics in Technical Universities in Ghana using self-reported questionnaires with close-ended questions and a convenient sampling technique. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to verify the measurement structure of the constructs. Structural Equation Model was employed to test the hypotheses in the conceptual model. The result showed a statistically significant direct effect of job insecurity, job stress and negative emotions on the occurrence of counterproductive work behaviour among academics. It was further revealed that there is a positive relationship between job insecurity and job stress, with job stress partially mediating the relationship between job insecurity and counterproductive work behaviour. Furthermore, negative emotions acted as a partial mediator in the relationship between job stress and counterproductive work behaviour. The findings have implications for higher education institutions in taking steps to address job insecurity, job stress, and negative emotional experiences of academics to mitigate counterproductive work behaviour among academics.

Agility as a mediator in the relationship between quality management and hotel performance

This paper assumes that quality management enhances organizational agility, and that organizational agility is a dynamic capability that mediates the effect of quality management on performance in services. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the mediating role of organizational agility (customer agility, partner agility, and operational agility) in the link between quality management and performance in the hotel industry. A mediation model is used with data from 365 hotels located in Spain. The findings show that there is partial mediation, since quality management is positively and indirectly related to hotel performance through partner and operational agility.

Bridging the Gap Between the Source of Innovation and the Implementation of Circular Economy Principles in SMEs Within Emerging Economies: The Mediating Role of Frugal Innovation

ABSTRACTSmall and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies encounter various challenges when it comes to adopting circular economy (CE) principles due to their resource‐constrained contexts. Consequently, they often rely on innovation to facilitate the implementation of these principles. In this study, we explore the effect of source of innovation, generation or adoption, on the implementation of CE principles within SMEs in emerging economies. We also go one step further and examine the mechanism through which the source of innovation affects the implementation of CE principles. We argue that in resource‐constrained contexts, firm may use frugal innovation as a mediator in the relationship between the source of innovation and the implementation of CE principles. We collected 306 survey responses from SMEs in India and Pakistan and analyzed the data through PLS‐SEM using SMARTPLS4 software. The findings indicate that both innovation generation and innovation adoption have a positive effect on implementing CE principles, with innovation adoption showing the most significant effect. Additionally, we discovered that frugal innovation plays a partial mediator role in the relationship between innovation generation/innovation adoption and implementing CE principles. These results suggest that SMEs in emerging economies can leverage both innovation generation and adoption to advance the adoption of CE principles, fostering the development of frugal innovations in the process, which further drive the implementation of CE principles. Moreover, our findings contribute to the ongoing research debate regarding the relationship between frugal innovation and sustainability, highlighting the impact of frugal innovation on environmental sustainability.

Mediating Effect of Reading Attitude on the Relationship Between Motivation and Academic Performance Among Students in the Filipino Subject

The study aims to identify the mediating effect of reading attitude on the relationship between motivation and academic performance among students in the Filipino subject. Stratified random sampling was used to identify 333 students in grade 11 from three selected private institutions in Davao City, Davao del Sur, Region XI. The study used a quantitative research design and applied a descriptive-correlation technique. Meanwhile, the adopted survey questionnaire was validated and used to gather the data needed to conduct the study. Results revealed through weighted mean that the level of motivation and reading attitude among students in the Filipino subject were high while the academic performance rated very high. With the help of regression analysis, results proved that there was a significant relationship among variables. Thus, the med graph result showed that the last step was significantly reduced and remained significant, and partial mediation was achieved, which suggested that motivation and academic performance among students in the Filipino subject were mediated by the reading attitude. These findings indicate that students with high levels of reading attitude helped increase the level of motivation and improve the academic performance among students in the Filipino subject. Therefore, students will be more motivated. Students, school management, teachers, and institutions can use these findings to understand, support, and make interventions for the improvement of academic performance among students in the Filipino subject.

Metabolic Alterations of Short-Chain Organic Acids in the Elderly Link Antibiotic Exposure with the Risk for Depression

Background: Our previous study showed that antibiotic exposure was linked to depressive symptomatology in community-dwelling older adults in China. Our current study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms by assessing the intermediated effects of circulating short-chain organic acids (SCOAs) on this association. Methods: Depressive symptoms were screened by the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). Urinary concentrations of antibiotics and serum SCOAs were measured using a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method. Results: Increased exposure to sulfadiazine, azithromycin, tetracyclines, or veterinary antibiotics (VAs) was positively associated with GDS-30 scores. Tetracycline reduced levels of caproic acid, iso-butyric acid, and iso-caproic acid (iso-CA), with iso-CA concentration inversely correlating with GDS-30 scores, while β-hydroxybutyric acids showed a positive correlation. The mediating effect of serum iso-CA on the association between depression and ofloxacin, with a mediating effect of 25.3%, and the association between depression and tetracycline, with a mediating effect of 46.3%, were both statistically significant, indicating partial mediation. Conclusions: Antibiotics may affect the levels of SCOAs in older adults and could potentially contribute to depressive symptoms by influencing alterations in serum iso-CA levels.

Determinant Factors of Entrepreneurial Culture in University Students: An Analysis from the Theory of Planned Behavior at a Peruvian University

This study analyzed the influence of attitude toward innovation and creativity, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and institutional support in the consolidation of an entrepreneurial culture among Peruvian university students, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the theoretical framework. Data were collected from 948 students through a validated 29-item questionnaire, and the data analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM method. The results showed that both attitude toward innovation and entrepreneurial self-efficacy have a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial culture, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy acted as a partial mediator in this relationship. However, external resources and institutional support were not significant mediators between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial culture. This study expands the understanding of TPB in the Peruvian context, highlighting the importance of fostering self-efficacy and an innovative attitude in students to strengthen entrepreneurial culture in universities. Educational institutions should consider these key factors when designing programs that promote entrepreneurship.

Enhancing organizational citizenship behavior using transformational leadership: Role of quality of work life

In today's dynamic landscape, organizations increasingly view organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as a pivotal element in achieving their corporate objectives seamlessly. Effective leadership plays a critical role in shaping an organization's capacity as a learning entity, fostering enhanced adaptability to change and elevating OCB levels. This study aims to explore the direct and indirect impacts of transformational leadership (TL) on OCB, with a specific focus on the mediating role of quality of work life (QWL). The research involved a sample of 200 respondents from diverse industries across Central Java, Indonesia. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, and the results were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings reveal a significant and positive direct relationship between TL, QWL, and OCB. Additionally, the study's unique contribution lies in demonstrating that QWL serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between TL and OCB. The analysis underscores the importance of adopting transformational leadership approaches and introducing initiatives that enhance work-life balance to effectively boost OCB within organizations.

The mediating role of compassion fatigue between perceived organization support and caring behavior among outpatient nurses in China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe caring behaviors of outpatient nurses play a crucial role in improving the quality of care in hospitals. Work resources and personal psychological resources have a significant impact on nurses’ caring behavior. Previous research has shown that perceived organizational support and compassion fatigue are linked to nurses’ caring behaviors. However, the specific relationship among these variables is less clear in the context of outpatient nurses working in high-stress environments.MethodsA convenience sampling method was utilized to recruit 413 outpatient nurses from six tertiary hospitals in Xi’an, China, as research subjects between November 2023 and January 2024. The questionnaires used in the study included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, the Chinese version of the Compassion Fatigue Brief Scale, and the Chinese version of the Caring Behavior Scale. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H rank-sum test, Spearman correlation analysis, and the PROCESS macro model 4.ResultsA significant negative correlation was observed between the sense of organizational support and compassion fatigue (ρ=-0.547, P < 0.01). Conversely, a significant positive correlation was found between the sense of organizational support and caring behavior (ρ = 0.469, P < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between compassion fatigue and caring behavior (ρ=-0.641, P < 0.01). Subsequent mediation analysis demonstrated that compassion fatigue partially mediated the relationship between perceived organizational support and caring behaviors. The overall impact of perceived organizational support on caring behavior (β = 0.363) encompasses both its direct influence (β = 0.131) and the indirect impact mediated by compassion fatigue (β = 0.232). The mediating effect accounts for 63.9% of the total effect.ConclusionCompassion fatigue acts as a partial mediator in the relationship between perceived organizational support and the caring behavior of outpatient nurses. It is essential for nursing managers to effectively manage both the work resources and personal psychological resources of outpatient nurses to improve their caring behaviors in high-stress settings. By improving nurses’ organizational support resources, we can reduce the depletion of their personal psychological resources and alleviate negative emotions such as compassion fatigue. This, in turn, can improve nurses’ caring behavior and ultimately enhance the overall quality of nursing services in the hospital.

Smartphone Addiction and Its Impact on Students' Mental Health

Mobile phone addiction among university students in China has emerged as a significant concern, with its impact on mental health drawing increasing attention in academic circles. This study aims to delve deeper into the relationship between mobile phone addiction and mental health among students, exploring potential underlying mechanisms. A comprehensive cross-sectional survey involving 581 students from Huazhong University in Wuhan, China, was conducted to assess this phenomenon. Our findings indicate a negative correlation between mobile phone addiction and mental health. Furthermore, sleep quality appears to serve as a partial mediator in this relationship, suggesting that poor sleep quality may exacerbate the adverse effects of excessive mobile phone usage on mental health. These insights underscore the urgent need for university administrators, healthcare providers, and families to recognize and address the implications of mobile phone overuse among students. This study contributes to a better understanding of how mobile phone addiction could potentially disrupt mental well-being in the university student population.

STRESS AND RESILIENCE IN MILITARY PERSONNEL

Research purpose. The reactions of military personnel in response to critical events have an impact on public order and security. The purpose of this study is to analyse the mediating role of internal and external resources in the relationship between operational stress and resilience in military gendarmes involved in current peace-time high-risk missions. Methodology. Participants were 214 military gendarmes, who completed five self-report scales regarding operational stress, resilience, self-efficacy, professional commitment, and leadership styles and evaluated the perceived efficiency of the psychological training. Results. The results show that, when analysed separately, internal resources (occupational commitment and perceived self-efficacy) act as partial mediators in the relationship between operational stress and resilience. When the mediating role of external resources is analyzed separately, they also partially mediate the same relationship. Following the simultaneous introduction as mediators of both categories of resources, only occupational commitment and perceived self-efficacy remain partial mediators in the relationship between operational stress and resilience. Considering the importance of this profession in society, the results can contribute to the prevention of negative events by promoting adequate psychological intervention strategies specifically based on individual resources

Effects of fear of missing out, smartphone addiction, phubbing, and being phubbed on friendship satisfaction

ABSTRACT The relationship between smartphone use, interpersonal interaction, and friendship satisfaction (FS) remains underexplored in literature. The present study addressed this gap by examining how smartphone-related behaviours, such as phubbing and smartphone addiction (SPA), are associated with fear of missing out (FoMO), being phubbed (BP) and FS. The study surveyed 811 university students and explored the aforementioned relationships and the dual roles of SPA as a mediator and BP as a moderator. The findings showed that FoMO positively correlated with phubbing, with SPA as a partial mediator, suggesting that reducing SPA could mitigate phubbing. Results also showed that BP moderated the relationship between these variables, influencing the effects of phubbing on FS. Notably, the findings also showed that while phubbing typically harms FS, BP can transform this negative impact into a positive one when friends share this behaviour. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of digital behaviours’ effects on social interactions and offer practical implications. Interventions such as digital detox programmes, mindfulness training, and social skills workshops are recommended to promote healthier digital habits and improve social relationships. The need for tailored support for at-risk students and policy development that foster digital well-being in educational settings is emphasised.

The Mediating Effect of ICT-Based Instruction on Attitudes and Motivation of Students’ in Science

This study determined the mediating role of ICT-based instruction on the relationship between attitudes and motivation of students in science. The quantitative approach using the correlational technique and analysis was utilized in this study with a sample of 309 students coming from the Public Schools in the Division of Bukidnon, Municipality of Kitaotao, Kitaotao I, Kitaotao II, and Kitaotao III Districts using stratified random method of sampling. Data from the respondents was collected using sets of modified survey questionnaires, and the results were analyzed for reliability and content validity. Regression analysis, Pearson-r, and the mean were used to examine the data. The findings showed that the levels of science attitudes of students were rated moderate, and the science motivation of students was rated high. While ICT-based instruction was likewise given a high rating. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the factors. The connection between science attitudes and the science motivation of students was significant. There is also a significant relationship between science attitudes of students and ICT-based instruction. And a significant relationship between ICT-based instruction and the science motivation of students. On the mediating effect, a partial mediation exists between the impact of ICT-based instruction on the correlation between attitudes and motivation of students in science.

Understanding residents' motivation, psychological involvement, and psychological well-being in urban parks

Residents frequently engage in leisure activities in urban parks to alleviate psychological stress, which makes their well-being a key concern for urban planners and policymakers. This study examines the relationships among urban park motivations (push and pull factors), psychological involvement, and psychological well-being through a survey of 331 residents in Dongguan city via structural equation modeling and principal component analysis. The results indicate that motivations positively influence residents' involvement and well-being, with involvement serving as a partial mediator. Theoretically, this study enhances the understanding of the psychological mechanisms driving park use and well-being, contributing to an explanatory model for resident well-being in urban contexts. Practically, the findings suggest that local authorities can increase urban park appeal by investing in diverse leisure resources and accessible facilities. Specific recommendations include developing scenic, accessible landscapes, family-friendly areas, sports facilities, and cultural exhibits to collectively support residents' psychological health and foster community involvement. This study provides both theoretical insights and actionable strategies for promoting psychological well-being through urban park design.

The association between chronotype and social anxiety among Chinese university students: a moderated mediation analysis of loneliness and perceived social support

BackgroundSocial anxiety has been a burning problem among contemporary college students in China. Increasing evidence suggests that individual circadian typology–chronotype may play an important role in the development of social anxiety. However, little research has focused directly on examining the association between chronotype and social anxiety, and less is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. The aim of the present study was to investigate the link between chronotype and social anxiety among Chinese college students, and to explore the mediating effect of loneliness and the moderating effect of perceived social support in the association between chronotype and social anxiety.MethodsA cross-sectional design was conducted among 1616 college students (16–29 years old) from several public universities in Northern China, including 1172 females (72.52%) and 444 males (27.48%), with an average age of 19.68 years old (SD = 1.49). All participants completed the standardized self-report questionnaires including the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. Common method bias was performed using Harman’s single-factor test. The mediation and moderation effects were analyzed using SPSS software and PROCESS macros.ResultsChronotype had a negative predictive effect on social anxiety in college students. Specifically, the greater the inclination of individuals' chronotypes toward evening preference, the more pronounced their symptoms of social anxiety would be. Loneliness served as a partial mediator in the relationship between chronotype and social anxiety, accounting for 30.0% of the total effect. In addition, perceived social support, particularly from friends and significant others, was found to play a moderating role in the process of loneliness affecting social anxiety among college students, while support from family did not. Interestingly, the perceived social support displayed a limited protective effect when college students suffered from higher levels of loneliness.ConclusionThese findings deepened our understanding of how and when (or for “whom”) chronotype is related to social anxiety, offering a theoretical foundation and practical insights for preventing and addressing social anxiety risk in young adult university students, particularly those with evening chronotypes.