Perceptions Of Opportunities Research Articles

Teacher experiences and understanding of citizen science in Australian classrooms.

Citizen science represents an important opportunity for school students to make real-world connections with science through context-based learning with the potential to increase their engagement, enjoyment and understanding of science. However, to date, citizen science has not experienced wide uptake in school settings and there is a paucity of information about its implementation in the classroom. Here we present a mixed-method approach investigating teachers' knowledge and use of citizen science in Australian classrooms. We explored teachers' experience and perceptions of citizen science, and opportunities and barriers to incorporate citizen science as an educational approach through an online questionnaire. Among the teachers surveyed, 45% (n = 295) had personally participated in citizen science outside of school and 41% (n = 283) had incorporated citizen science projects in classroom lessons. Teachers (45%, n = 295) reported participating in citizen science initiatives multiple times. Also, most projects that teachers were involved in (77%, n = 292) were related to ecological studies, such as species monitoring. Citizen science was reported to be a relatively new approach; used by teachers for less than a year on average. The main challenges included a lack of knowledge, time, confidence, and clarity regarding citizen science project alignment with the Australian curriculum. Additionally, 92% of respondents said they would be more encouraged to use citizen science in classrooms if projects were aligned to the curriculum. Identifying ways to increase teachers' openness to incorporate citizen science in their classrooms is crucial to its successful widespread, long-term, and meaningful implementation. Encouraging broader participation of teachers in citizen science based on their previous experiences could address their expectations and increase their confidence and feeling of ownership. These research findings suggest that meaningful and applicable citizen science programs could be co-created by addressing resource limitations and curriculum alignment challenges. Implementing solutions to these barriers is likely to contribute to the development of sustainable school-inclusive citizen science projects, with potential to positively impact science education in the long-term.

Literacy entrepreneurship exploration: Students' perceptions of business opportunities in language and literature

Literacy entrepreneurship is a field of entrepreneurship that focuses on developing language and literature-based products and services to strengthen literacy culture in society. The role of higher education is very important in fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of literacy. Research shows that many students still face challenges in developing literacy-based businesses, such as a lack of knowledge about business management, unsupportive attitudes, and inadequate practical skills. Therefore, it is important to explore the level of entrepreneurial literacy knowledge, attitudes and skills among college students in order to design effective educational programs. Entrepreneurship education in higher education does not only focus on opening a business, but also on forming character, mindset and entrepreneurial behavior. This research aims to fill this gap by analyzing the level of knowledge, attitudes and literacy entrepreneurial skills of students, as well as providing recommendations for developing a more effective and comprehensive literacy entrepreneurship education curriculum. It is hoped that the research results can be used by higher education institutions to design programs that are more suited to student needs and support the development of literacy entrepreneurship education programs

ADDON FOR BLENDER3D. AUTOMATION OF THE OBJECT TEXTURING PROCESS

Abstract. Today, the use of 3D visualization technologies is one of the key directions in the field of information technologies. The 3D direction has become extremely popular in many fields, such as architecture, interior design, game industry, medicine, automotive and other fields. This method opens up new opportunities for perception and interpretation of information, adding it to a three-dimensional virtual space. The topic of the research work is the creation of a software module (addon) for the Blender3D program, which will provide the user with a library of ready-made materials, divided by categories. This addon has similar functionality to Substance Painter and Quixel Mixer, the main functions of which are to create and adjust materials and textures for imported ready-made 3D models. The addon has its own name "QuickShader" and will provide the user with 8 shaders and 35 PBR materials. Throughout the development of the project, the Waterfall life cycle model was used, stability and a clear structure were put first, which helped to efficiently work through each step of creating an addon for the Blender program. In the conclusion to the scientific work, it can also be noted that the development of a software addon for Blender3D, which includes a library of shader operators and PBR materials, will greatly facilitate the work of users when assigning textures to objects on the scene. A library of shader operators makes it easy to implement and customize shaders for light, glass, and some metals, giving you more control over the visual aspect of the scene. PBR materials provide realism due to the accurate representation of physical properties using Physically Based Rendering technologies. This addon gives users the ability to interact more effectively with procedural materials, providing a quick means to create realistic renders. This module automates the creation of materials by providing a list of prepared shaders and textures that can be applied to scene objects. The user will be provided with a set of ready-made shaders (glass, light material, metals) and PBR materials (wood, fabric, metals, and others), which can be applied with one button on the module panel.

How psychological perceptions and family dynamics shape necessity- and opportunity-based female entrepreneurship: the role of gender equality

Purpose This paper aims to explore how psychological perceptions and family situations drive women into necessity- or opportunity-based female entrepreneurship (NBFE or OBFE) and the moderating role of gender equality. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts multilevel logistic regression analysis to examine relationships based on a sample of 6,843 women across eight developing countries drawn from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Findings The findings suggest that capability and opportunity perceptions positively affect NBFE and OBFE. Family responsibility burden positively affects NBFE and has a U-shaped relationship with OBFE. Household income negatively affects NBFE but positively affects OBFE. Gender equality weakens the U-shaped relationship between family responsibility burden and OBFE but strengthens the positive relationship between capability perception and NBFE and between opportunity perception and NBFE. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need for targeted policies and support that consider the distinct antecedents and mechanisms of NBFE and OBFE, as well as the importance of promoting gender equality and entrepreneurial education to empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavors. A limitation of this study is the reliance on older data from the GEM, which may not fully capture the current dynamics of developing societies. While the study provides valuable insights, future research should incorporate more recent data to enhance the applicability of the results. Originality/value This study deepens the understanding of antecedents of NBFE and OBFE, breaking through the existing literature that neglects the heterogeneity of female entrepreneurship (FE).

Impact of Socio-economic Factors on the Perception of Equality of Opportunity

This article examines the various sociological and philosophical perspectives on equality of opportunity, focusing on areas of misunderstanding within these viewpoints. It aims to critically analyze these perspectives, highlighting the underlying assumptions and challenging simplistic approaches to the concept of equal opportunity. The article claims that these perspectives differ in knowledge, beliefs about the familiar world, and human comprehension. By critiquing the constitutionalist approach, which prioritizes overall quality of life, and contrasting it with the Marxist perspective, which emphasizes protection based on socioeconomic status, this essay challenges conventional notions of equal opportunity. It advocates for a perspective rooted in fundamental equality and social democratic philosophy, arguing against discrimination based on sex, gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The article posits that we should regard all individuals as equally valuable human beings. Furthermore, this study contends that the perception of equal opportunity remains misleading, as the most effective criteria for achieving it remain unresolved in specific contexts and situations. By examining these complexities, the article aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of equality of opportunity in contemporary society.

Diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship: Analyzing gender and age-related differences in perceptions

Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and social development, yet perceptions of entrepreneurship can vary significantly across different demographic groups. Understanding these variations is crucial for developing effective education and support systems. This study investigates the differences in perceptions of entrepreneurship among various gender and age groups, focusing on aspects such as career opportunities, financial readiness, the attractiveness of entrepreneurial ventures, skill requirements, economic impact, educational effectiveness, and gender-specific views on entrepreneurship. Using a quantitative research design, the study analyzed data collected from 300 entrepreneurs in Greater Noida through a structured questionnaire. Independent samples t-tests and ANOVA were employed to identify significant differences in perceptions across genders and age groups. The findings reveal notable differences in perceptions related to the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education and the role of women in entrepreneurship. Specifically, females demonstrated greater confidence in the ability of the education system to prepare individuals for entrepreneurial careers than males did. Additionally, significant differences in perceptions of entrepreneurial opportunities and support were observed between different age groups. These results highlight the need for tailored education programs and support systems that address the unique needs of diverse demographic segments. The study underscores the importance of promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in entrepreneurship to foster a more dynamic and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem. By addressing the specific challenges and opportunities identified, policymakers and educators can develop more effective and inclusive strategies to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Future research should further explore the sociocultural and institutional factors influencing entrepreneurial perceptions to enhance the overall effectiveness of entrepreneurship initiatives.

Navigating New Horizons: Challenges and Opportunities for Eritrean Expatriates in the U.S.

This research employ qualitative research methodology to explores the challenges and opportunities faced by Eritrean expatriates in America. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven Eritrean expatriates living in different states in the United States. The study sought to answer three research questions: What challenges do Eritrean expatriates face in America? What opportunities do Eritrean expatriates perceive in America? How do Eritrean expatriates experience and perceive the process of adaptation to their local communities in America? The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, and three major themes emerged that answered the research questions formulated: perceptions of challenges, perceptions of opportunities, and perceptions of adaptation. Eritrean expatriates reported various challenges, including cultural differences, social isolation, lack of resources, and legal challenges. Some expatriates expressed a desire to return home but felt trapped due to the difficulties of reintegration.Despite the challenges, expatriates also reported opportunities, including access to better education, job opportunities, and the space to express oneself. The cultural clash between Arabic and American cultures was highlighted as a barrier to adaptation in America.

Conceptualising climate change vulnerability across the agrarian transition: The example of Egypt

In this study, we explore the relationship between Egypt's agrarian transition and farmers’ perceptions of environmental risks and opportunities for climate change adaptation. Drawing from agrarian studies and rural development pathways in Egypt, we highlight structural challenges in addressing vulnerabilities of households in agrarian communities to environmental change. Our evidence comes from 350 landholders and agricultural labourers in rural Damietta, a governorate in the northeast of the Egyptian Nile Delta Region. We categorize households into three groups based on their reliance on agriculture for income, corresponding to different agrarian transition models. We find that vulnerabilities and capacities for climate change adaptation vary among these groups, with those heavily dependent on agriculture being the most vulnerable, despite having greater awareness of agricultural risks. They exhibit limited capacity to respond effectively – both in and ex situ, indicating a need for targeted support as environmental pressures increase due to climate change.

AI Opportunity Perception and Workplace Wellbeing: A Study on Student Interns in the Era of Smart Technology

The development of technology, especially in the form of artificial intelligence (AI), has become a major focus in the era of globalisation. The main goal of AI is to develop systems and machines that have the ability to think like humans. While there are many benefits offered by AI, it must be recognised that there are also adverse effects that must be considered. However, research also shows that AI has the potential to improve employee well-being by providing personalised support and encouraging a healthy work-life balance. This study aims to analyse the relationship between AI opportunity perception and workplace well-being among student interns in Jabodetabek. The research method used was quantitative with non-probability sampling technique, namely convenience sampling. Data were collected through an online questionnaire involving 129 participants from various universities. The results showed a significant positive relationship between AI opportunity perception and workplace well-being. Students with high AI opportunity perception tend to have better workplace well-being. This study suggests the importance of understanding and implementing AI to improve workplace well-being.Perkembangan teknologi, terutama dalam bentuk kecerdasan buatan (AI), telah menjadi fokus utama dalam era globalisasi. Tujuan utama dari AI adalah untuk mengembangkan sistem dan mesin yang memiliki kemampuan berpikir seperti manusia. Meskipun banyak manfaat yang ditawarkan oleh AI, perlu diakui bahwa ada juga dampak buruk yang harus diperhatikan. Walaupun demikian, penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa AI memiliki potensi untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan psikologis karyawan dengan menyediakan dukungan personal dan mendorong keseimbangan hidup kerja yang sehat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan persepsi peluang kecerdasan buatan (AI) dengan kesejahteraan di tempat kerja pada mahasiswa magang di Jabodetabek. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif dengan teknik non-probability sampling, yaitu convenience sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui kuesioner daring yang melibatkan 129 partisipan dari berbagai universitas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya hubungan positif yang signifikan antara persepsi peluang AI dan kesejahteraan psikologis di tempat kerja. Mahasiswa dengan persepsi peluang AI yang tinggi cenderung memiliki kesejahteraan di tempat kerja yang lebih baik. Penelitian ini menyarankan pentingnya pemahaman dan penerapan AI untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan karyawan di tempat kerja.

Female entrepreneurial support requirements: post pandemic ecosystems in India

PurposeThe corona virus outbreak has affected the entrepreneurial ecosystem adversely. This in particular has impacted on females. This study aims to identify the factors affecting the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of females under post-COVID adverse conditions.Design/methodology/approachA total of 340 articles were screened applying the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses method. The EI of individuals undertaking different professional courses from three top National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) government institutes were then analyzed. In the expert analysis, the nominal group technique (NGT) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) were used to identify and rank the crucial factors. Subsequently, in the exploratory analysis, a 19-item questionnaire was framed. The data was analyzed using SmartPLS 3.FindingsResilience, entrepreneurial education, self-concept and self-efficacy, social influence and opportunity perception were identified as critical indicators. Resilience was identified as the most significant factor. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that all the factors except social influence had significant effect on the EI of females.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses primarily on factors affecting females in India. As ecosystems and support vary by region and country, the authors suggest that this study be replicated in different regions/countries in the future.Practical implicationsThe potential entrepreneurs can use this study's reference to identify the abilities they need. The government and academic institutions can have skill/training programs to enhance the effect of important factors identified in the study.Originality/valueWhile there is growing research of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial marketing post-pandemic, there are a lack of Indian studies and female entrepreneurship studies.

Investigating the Drivers of Firm Internationalisation: A Fuzzy Set Analysis Using Global Entrepreneurship Development Index Data

Firm internationalisation, a key driver of global economic growth, is influenced by various entrepreneurial resources. This study explores the relationships between human capital, risk capital, risk acceptance, opportunity perception, and firm internationalisation using cross-national data from the Global Entrepreneurship Development Index (GEDI). Employing fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study analyzes data from 137 countries. The findings highlight two primary configurations driving internationalisation: (1) risk acceptance and opportunity perception, and (2) risk capital and opportunity perception. Opportunity perception emerges as a critical factor in both configurations, while human capital is not found to be a necessary condition. These results contribute to a better understanding of the factors that foster firm internationalisation and inform policies aimed at promoting global entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Promotive Factors Within Neighborhood, Family, and School Contexts for Adolescents Living in an Urban, High-Burden Community

Adverse outcomes associated with living in urban, high-burden communities can be reduced by strengthening promotive factors—processes that promote positive development or resilience. Utilizing the social development strategy, we examined promotive factors (perceptions of safety, attachment, rewards and opportunities for prosocial involvement) across neighborhood, family, and school, in relation to mental health and violence outcomes. Participants were 1,744 adolescents (50% female, 91% Black) from an urban, high-burden community in Chicago. Latent profile analyses found four groups of promotive factors. Thirty-seven percent of youth were in a profile with high levels of promotive factors, reporting the lowest levels of mental health symptoms and violence. As youth moved towards average or low levels of promotive factors in one or multiple contexts, they reported worse mental health and violence. These results have important implications, specifically for high-burden communities, highlighting the need to strengthen promotive factors in comprehensive prevention efforts and mental health care.

Determinants of entrepreneurial intention towards digital adoption during crisis

In the time of fast technology growth, digitalization is transforming the landscape of many businesses. However, the antecedents of digital adoption within small and medium-sized enterprises in crisis are yet not fully understood. This study’s objective is to pinpoint factors that influence entrepreneurs’ intentions to utilize digital technologies in times of COVID-19 crisis in the Russian Federation. The study is based on the theory of planned behaviour. The analytical procedures performed on the data involved logistic regression modelling. This research draws on the Russian part of the 2021 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Database (GEM) Adult Population Survey which measures the level and nature of entrepreneurial activity in different countries. Perceived behavioural control was revealed to be a key determinant of the intention towards digital technologies’ adoption – entrepreneur’s perception of opportunities and self-efficacy positively affects their intention to adopt digital technologies during a crisis. Notably, previous experience with digital technologies had a negative impact during the crisis. Further, an individual’s age inversely affects their tendency to pursue digital entrepreneurial initiatives. The research extends the theory of planned behaviour to volatile contexts and signals how entrepreneurs can adapt to upheavals during crises through digitalization, thus advancing understanding of entrepreneurial behaviour under extremities.

Impact of career development, job insecurity, and tech awareness on the quiet quitting of hospitality employees in Indonesia

Employee performance is one of the main drivers for company development. However, there is an emergence of quiet quitting behavior, which many Generation Z workers experience. This behavior is detrimental to the company because it affects employee performance. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of perceptions of career development opportunities, job insecurity, and awareness of intelligent technology on quiet quitting and its correlation with work performance, especially in Generation Z in Jakarta, Indonesia. This paper adopts an explanatory research design to elucidate the causal relationships between these variables using quantitative methods. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representative data. Questionnaires were distributed to 289 hotel employees in Jakarta, capturing diverse perspectives across various job roles and departments. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS. The results showed a significant negative relationship between perceived career development opportunities and quiet quitting behavior. A positive and significant relationship exists between job insecurity and quiet quitting behavior. The study identifies a positive correlation between awareness of smart technology and quiet quitting behavior. Additionally, the paper reveals a significant negative relationship between quiet quitting behavior and employee performance. Perceived career development opportunities significantly reduce quiet quitting behavior, while job insecurity and awareness of smart technology increase it. Quiet quitting behavior, in turn, significantly negatively impacts employee performance. Organizations can develop targeted strategies to reduce this behavior by understanding the factors influencing quiet quitting.

Faktor Intention to Stay pada Karyawan dalam Lingkungan Kerja: Pendekatan Systematic Literature Review

This study aims to explore the factors that contribute to employee intention to stay in a work environment. The method used in this study is a systematic literature review of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) using articles from the Scopus database from 2018 to 2023. The results of the study indicate that the factors that influence employee intention to stay based on the literature review conducted by author 1 are talent development, work intensification, cultural competence, aspects (psychological, rational, and fundamental), perceived organizational factors, spirituality in the workplace, promotion, job satisfaction, stress, work frequency, training, mentoring, work environment, distributive justice, paternalistic leadership, trust in management, clarity of goals, work family conflict, rational job creation, HR practices (recruitment, training, performance appraisal, rewards, career opportunities), organizational practices, perception of calling, learning opportunities, and employee value proposition (EVP). Keywords: Intention To Stay, Workplace, Systematic Literature Review

Інституціональні засади формування та розвитку стійкого ринку електронної комерції

This research examines the institutional aspects of developing a resilient e-commerce market in Ukraine. The institutional approach allows us to consider various aspects of formation, functioning, and changes within the social institutions and their influence of e-commerce solutions on individuals’ activities and social interaction. During the literature review, the various approaches to the essence of the institution as an economic category were considered. The author proposed considering the e-commerce institution as a socially formed system that structures interaction within the e-commerce market by implementing formal and informal rules that influence subjects’ activities by establishing restrictions and organizing motivational mechanisms that support the desired behavior to maximize the aggregate economic impact. The roles and functions of the leading institutional players, particularly state institutions, market institutions, research institutions, and public and non-profit institutions, are defined. The literature review determined that e-commerce adoption is significantly determined by the response to pressure from external agents (consumers and competitors) and internal agents (employees). The model of the institutional environment of the e-commerce system is presented. The proposed model is based on the interaction of e-commerce institutions that contribute to institutionalizing e-commerce technologies within the Ukrainian business environment. The institutional influence is being implemented by utilizing the interaction of the ‘business-government-society’ triad. Among the expected institutional effects of the general modernization of the socio-economic system, the harmonization of relationships between individual participants and the reduction of resource asymmetry can be highlighted. Three types of institutional pressures that influence the enterprises’ decisions to adopt and develop e-commerce systems are discussed, particularly coercive, regulatory, and mimetic types of pressure. The interaction of these types of institutional pressure thereby influences the enterprises’ perception of barriers and opportunities for adopting and utilizing e-commerce. Keywords: e-commerce, institutionalization, resilience.

Unravelling the Motivations behind Students’ Academic Migrations in Nepal: A Mixed-methods Approach

Background: Academic migration in Nepal is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors that impact students' decision-making processes. Policymakers and educators need to understand these motivations. Methodology: This study investigates why Nepalese students are increasingly choosing to pursue academic opportunities abroad, and domestically. Using a mixed-methods approach, a cross-sectional time horizon was adopted in the Gulmi district of Lumbini province, Nepal. Results: Results show that factors like educational quality, educational opportunities, and career opportunities play a role in motivating academic migration; there is not a significant association between domestic and international academic migration plans with their educational purpose (p = .681), and with career purposes (p = .426). KII and FDG highlighted the lack of learning and earning schemes, demanded courses, technical training for practical courses, career opportunities, and job opportunities for students forced to migrate. Conclusion: The studies on academic migration highlight the complex factors driving students to seek education abroad, including attitudes towards staying in the host country, socio-economic and psychological impacts, and better career prospects. Economic considerations are a primary motivator, with personal attitudes and social networks also influential. For Nepalese students, interest in international migration is driven by perceived better quality of education, extra-curricular opportunities, and political stability. Chi-Square tests show no significant difference in migration plans based on educational or career purposes, indicating similar motivations for domestic and international migrants. Novelty: The study's strength is in identifying the multifaceted reasons behind students' decisions to migrate, which include economic, social, and personal factors. It highlights the role of students' attitudes as a mediator in their migration decisions, a nuanced aspect not widely explored in previous research. Furthermore, the Nepalese context provides a unique perspective on how local conditions and perceptions of opportunities abroad shape migration trends.

Exploring healthcare workers’ perceptions of child health research at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

BackgroundChildren’s health is a global public health priority and a determinant of development and sustainability. Its effective delivery and further improvements require constant and dedicated research on children, especially by child healthcare workers (HCWs). Studies have shown a high involvement of child HCWs from developed countries in child health research, with an under-representation from the global south in authorship and leadership in international collaborations. To our knowledge, there is very little literature on challenges faced by child HCWs in Malawi in conducting child health research. We sought to explore the lived experiences of child HCWs at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi by examining their perceptions of child health research and assessing the availability of child health research opportunities.MethodsFrom July 2023 to August 2023, we conducted five key informant interviews with purposively sampled policymakers and 20 in-depth interviews with child HCWs at KCH. The interviews were conducted in English, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. We utilised interpretative phenomenological analysis by reviewing initial transcripts for familiarity, generating codes manually, and refining them into broader themes through comparisons and iterative processes.ResultsThe analysis revealed three main themes on perceptions of child HCWs at KCH in child health research. These are (i) perceived motivation and challenges for engaging in child health research, (ii) perceptions of resource availability and research opportunities at KCH, and (iii) perceptions of gaps in research training and participation among child HCWs.ConclusionsOur study has uncovered critical factors influencing the low participation of child HCWs in child health research at KCH. Lack of collaboration, limited financial opportunities, and non-research-based training were the key barriers to participation in child health research among child HCWs at KCH. We advocate for the inclusion of child HCWs at all stages of collaborative health research, transparency on funding opportunities for child health research, and inclusion of research in the training of HCWs. These initiatives can strengthen the participation of child HCWs in child health research and ultimately enhance child health outcomes in Malawi.

Perceptions of the Future and Health Behavior in Adulthood.

Engagement in healthier lifestyle behaviors often is motivated by a focus on the future. However, there is limited research on the associations between health behavior and future time perspective, defined as people's tendency to perceive their future as expansive or as limited. Data came from a survey of U.S. adults (N = 805, 49.3% female; M = 50 years, range: 19 to 85 years). Participants completed measures of perceptions of future opportunities and time and health behavior. Opportunities and time factors were uniquely associated with health behavior. While the perceived opportunities factor was strongly associated with better health behavior, the time factor was associated with poorer health behavior. However, this latter association was dependent on individual demographic and health status differences. These findings suggest that perceptions of future opportunities can play an important role in health behavior engagement and thus represent an important target for health promotion.

Insights from local government managers: Navigating crises through organizational capacities and perceptions

AbstractRecent years have shown that strategic responses to crises by local governments (LGs) depend on the type of crisis, the institutional environment, but also internal capacities and sensemaking processes. However, such relationships have not been tested widely yet. Based on a survey of managers (n = 590) from cities with more than 15,000 inhabitants in France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, this study explores the role played by specific organizational capacities (critical thinking, bricolage, and financial capacities) and crisis perceptions (valence—i.e., threat vs. opportunity; and controllability) in shaping adaptive or regressive response strategies. Results show that these capacities are associated with how LGs' managers perceive crises and the type of responses adopted. Higher financial capacity, bricolage, and critical thinking are associated with stronger sense of organizational controllability, but they have different relationships with threat and opportunity perceptions. The study confirms the importance of distinguishing valence (threat and opportunity) from controllability perceptions.