Positive Moderating Effect Research Articles

The Effect of Product Selection in Live Streaming on Firm Performance: The Roles of Interaction, Scenario, and Brand-Consumer Congruence

ABSTRACT Purpose Live streaming e-commerce is an emerging e-commerce model within the realm of the mobile Internet, based on video-centric social media interaction. However, there is currently a lack of in-depth research on live streaming from a business perspective and the impact of product selection in live streaming on firm performance. To fill these gaps, the current study investigated how brand – consumer congruence moderates the influence of product selection in live streaming on firm performance and how this effect varies across retailers. Methodology/approach The model and hypotheses were tested by applying partial least squares regression to data collected from 302 online retailers in the Chinese live streaming market. Findings Product selection in live streaming had a significant positive impact on firm performance. Brand – consumer congruence in live rooms partially mediated the relationship between product selection and firm performance. Live room scenario matching and live room interaction had significant positive moderating effects on the main effect of product selection in live streaming on firm performance. Research implications The literature has focused on the impact of live streaming on customer purchase behavior. Few studies have explored the value of live streaming from a business-to-business marketing perspective. Our findings offer theoretical insights into the relationship between product selection and firm performance. Originality/value/contribution This is the first study to examine the value of product selection in live streaming. In addition, it reveals how product selection affects firm performance through brand – consumer congruence. Practical implications This study has implications for online retail managers based on the effect of product selection in live streaming on firm performance and the roles of brand – consumer congruence, interaction, and scenario in live streaming of business-to-business marketing.

The motivating effect of positive social emotions on digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises–evidence from financial news and public opinion

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the impact of digital transformation on positive social emotions within manufacturing enterprises and examines the moderating effects of management tone and marketing capabilities on this relationship. This research uses a panel fixed-effect regression model to empirically examine the impact of positive social emotions on the digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises from 2016 to 2020 based on panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen. The results indicate that social positive emotions significantly contribute to the digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises. The effect of social positive emotions on the digital transformation of manufacturing enterprises is strongly heterogeneous in terms of differences in enterprise attributes and geographical differences. Further analysis reveals that marketing capability and corporate executive tone, directly or indirectly, both have a considerable positive moderating effect on the aforementioned mechanism. In contrast, innovation capability has little moderating influence. In order to better regulate external positive social emotions to promote digital transformation, manufacturing enterprises need to emphasise management tone and enhance their marketing capabilities. These might facilitate companies in utilising additional social resources, strengthen internal strategic digital transformation decisions, and advance the development of digital transformation in China's manufacturing sector.

Performance Shortfall, Top Management Team Faultlines, and R&D Investment: Evidence from China

With the increasing uncertainty of the world economic situation, enterprises are facing the pressure of downward performance, and R&D has been an important strategic choice to solve the performance fall problem of high-tech enterprises. The article tries to explore the changes in the R&D investment intensity of enterprises under different performance lag levels and investigate the influence of the combination of characteristics of top management team(TMT) members on the strategic decision-making process. It is found that the relationship between the degree of performance disparity and R&D investment intensity is inverted U-shaped; the strength of the fracture faultline of the top management team negatively regulates the relationship between the degree of performance disparity and R&D investment and makes the inverted U-shaped curve flat. A further study of specific characteristic fracture bands revealed that team fracture bands based on tenure characteristics had a significant negative moderating effect, while professional and functional background fracture bands had a significant positive moderating effect. This study not only theoretically expands the understanding of the performance shortall and TMT disconnection on the deep-seated motivation of enterprise R&D investment, but also provides practical references for solving the problem of performance gap, optimizing the allocation of TMT human resources, and rationally promoting enterprise R&D investment to achieve transformation.

The mediating role of surface and deep acting and the moderating effect of occupational identity in workplace violence and sleep quality among psychiatric nurses: a cross-sectional study.

Psychiatric nurses often encounter patients with mental health disorders and consequently experience prolonged periods of high stress, increased workload, and frequent incidents of workplace violence. These aspects can lead to a higher incidence of poor sleep quality. This study examined the interplay between workplace violence and emotional labour (surface and deep acting) to suggest measures for enhancing sleep quality among psychiatric nurses. A total of 300 completed and valid online questionnaires were collected. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to measure sleep quality, Workplace Violence Scale (WVS) to measure the occurrence of workplace violence, and Emotional Labour Scale to measure surface and deep acting. The data were analysed using Hayes' PROCESS macro with SPSS. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used to compare differences in sleep quality and emotional labour (surface and deep acting) between psychiatric nurses with different demographics. The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was 55% among the nurses. Surface acting in emotional labour partially mediated the relationship between workplace violence and sleep quality(a1*b1=0.035,95%CI: 0.002, 0.079), whereas deep acting had a suppressive effect(a2*b2=-0.033,95%CI: -0.071, -0.003). Occupational identity had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between workplace violence and surface acting(Effect=0.091,95%CI: 0.004, 0.179). The relationship between workplace violence and poor sleep quality was partially mediated by surface acting and suppressed by deep acting. Moreover, nurses with higher occupational identity engaged in more surface acting after workplace violence. Workplace violence, surface acting, and deep acting emerged as significant factors influencing sleep quality among psychiatric nurses. Deep acting can reduce the impact of workplace violence on sleep quality. The results provide a new and expanded view of the interplay between workplace violence and emotional labour concerning sleep quality. Interprofessional collaboration with clinicians, administrators, educators, and spiritual leaders can contribute to the development of related education and training. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200062347. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=173264.

Glycosylated Haemoglobin and Quality of Life: A Moderated-Mediation Model for Emotional Intelligence and Affect

Previous research has shown that higher glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are related to poorer quality of life. The objective was to analyse the moderating role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the relationship between HbA1c levels and quality of life through both positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) in individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). A total of 72 participants with T1D (mean age = 41.10, SD = 10.73) were assessed on HbA1c. Psychological constructs were measured through the following questionnaires: MSCEIT (EI), PANAS (affect), and EsDQOL (quality of life). Higher levels of HbA1c and NA were related to a worse quality of life. In contrast, higher PA was related to a better quality of life. In addition, higher EI was associated with lower NA and worries about diabetes. In individuals with low EI scores, EI had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between HbA1c and NA. The moderated mediation analysis revealed a significant positive indirect effect of HbA1c on quality of life through NA moderated by EI for these individuals with low EI scores. This study shows how higher HbA1c levels have a negative impact on the quality of life of individuals with T1D and low EI levels by increasing their NA.

Consumer self-protection behavior of online meal safety during the COVID-19 pandemic: the impact of risk perception and effect of satisfaction with management safety performance

PurposeThis study aims to assess the effects of risk perception and management subject satisfaction on consumers' online meal food safety self-protection behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses 742 questionnaires collected via a two-stage online survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, between December 2021 and January 2022. The entropy method, descriptive statistics, ordered logit model, stepwise regression models, interaction terms and decentralization method were used in the quantitative analysis. Respondents’ written responses to self-protection behavior were categorized into five groups.FindingsLess than half of consumers were aware that online food products carry the risk of SARS-COV-2 (44.48%). Between 30 and 40% of consumers took insufficient or no self-protection measures. Risk perception significantly and positively affected self-protection behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers' management subject satisfaction has a positive moderating effect on risk perception, with the moderating effect of the satisfaction of online retailers being significant at the 5% level. Risk perception significantly and positively influences consumer self-protection behavior in provinces not affected by the pandemic.Originality/valueThe findings stress the benefits of synergistic interventions by consumers and management subject to food safety measures and the inclusion of tailored interventions during events threatening public health to effectively address food safety. The study offers valuable insights contributing to the improvement of public health outcomes, customer trust and service quality within the online food delivery industry.

Business concentration, ownership structure and business group performance: An S-shaped hypothesis

Abstract Drawing on resource-based and agency theories, this study examines the effects of business concentration and ownership structure on business group performance. On the basis of panel data (2004–2018) from the top 100 Taiwanese business groups investing globally, this study finds an S-shaped relationship between business concentration and business group performance with the interaction of advantages and costs at different levels. Performance increases when there is little business concentration, decreases when there is a moderate amount and increases again when there is a high level of business concentration. In addition, this study hypothesizes that ownership structure has a different moderating effect on this relationship. The family business group has a positive moderating effect; however, outsider direct and manager ownership have no significant moderating role. These findings have important theoretical and managerial implications for business groups.

Within-Team Individual Power and Creativity: Moderating Effects of Democratic Team Leadership and Collectivistic Value

ABSTRACT Though prior research suggests that high individual power can increase individual creativity, relatively few studies have examined conditions when this positive relationship is more likely to hold. Drawing from a cognitive resource perspective and a perspective of socialized power motivation, in this study we theorize and test democratic team leadership and an individual’s collectivistic value as two moderating conditions on the relationship between an individual’s within-team individual power and his or her creativity. Using multi-source data from team members and team leaders from thirty-nine work teams, we predicted and found that within-team individual power is more positively related to individual creativity when democratic team leadership is higher. Moreover, the hypothesized positive moderating effect of democratic team leadership is stronger and more significant for individual team members with high collectivistic values. Our findings provide implications for managing employee creativity and for the responsible use of individual power in teams.

Female Directorship And Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure In Nigeria: The Moderating Role Of Firm Size

Companies have witnessed more stringent pressure for corporate social responsibility reporting and the pressure has become critical for their long-term viability and success. Many studies have been conducted to determine the effect of corporate governance mechanism on corporate social responsibility disclosure both locally and internationally, but the studies have yielded inconsistent results. The moderating role of company size on the effect of corporate governance mechanism on corporate social responsibility disclosure has not been significantly studied in the Nigerian context. This study is to examine the effect of corporate governance mechanism on corporate social responsibility disclosure, and the moderating role of firm size. Ex-post facto research design was employed with cross sectional and time series dimensions. Secondary data was obtained from annual reports and accounts of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria from 2012 to 2023 using disclosure checklist adopted from previous studies. The data was analysed using ordinary least square regressions to determine the effect of female directors on corporate social responsibility disclosure and the moderating role of firm size in listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The findings of the study revealed that: female directors have a positive and significant effect on corporate social responsibility disclosure in Nigeria; Firm size has a significant and positive moderating effect on the effect of female directors on corporate social responsibility disclosure of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The study recommends that government and policy makers should set minimum benchmark for female directorship on corporate governance in Nigeria in order to encourage more corporate information disclosures

Interpartner learning capabilities and relationship performance during complex projects

Purpose Success in projects requires understanding and managing increasing complexity. This study aims to address the gap in the literature regarding the relationship between project complexity and various forms of interpartner learning capability. In addition, the authors explore the moderating effect of supplier design responsibility on the relationship between project complexity and interpartner learning capability. Design/methodology/approach From an electronics supplier’s perspective, the authors propose that the effect of project complexity is a process of knowledge acquisition and sharing that is facilitated by various forms of interpartner learning capability, including absorptive learning and joint learning, with the upshot of fostering name-brand customer dependence in international exchange relationships. A questionnaire survey is used to collect data from project, product and account managers in the electronics manufacturing industry. The conceptual model is tested using 226 returned questionnaires. Findings The results indicate that complex projects can drive absorptive learning and joint learning capability, fostering enhanced customer dependence and relationship performance. Further, supplier design responsibility has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between project complexity and joint learning capability. However, project complexity is not significantly moderated by the effect of supplier design responsibility on absorptive learning capability. Originality/value Complexity fosters behaviors that influence interpartner learning, which highlights the connection between project management complexity and organizational learning in theory and practice.

Overcoming Financial Constraints on Firm Innovation: The Role of R&D Human Capital

This paper examines how R&D human capital can mitigate the negative effects of financing constraints on firm innovation, using survey data from 4000 South Korean manufacturing firms. The results confirm that financing constraints are generally associated with lower levels of product innovation. However, firms with stronger R&D human capital—measured by higher education levels and a larger proportion of R&D employees—are better able to overcome these financial barriers. Moreover, the positive moderating effect of R&D human capital is significantly enhanced in firms with an entrepreneurial culture, which supports risk-taking and innovation. These findings underscore the importance of investing in intangible assets, such as human capital and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship to sustain innovation during periods of financial distress. Policymakers should consider expanding financial support for R&D activities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that face higher costs of capital. This study contributes to the literature by using direct measures of financial constraints and highlighting the role of human capital in innovation, especially in financially constrained environments.

Long-Term-Oriented Values, Governance Model Preferences, and Dual Innovation in Family Firms

A total of 217 questionnaires were used to empirically test the mechanism and effect of long-term orientation and governance mode preference on dual innovation in family firms. The data analysis shows that family firms' long-term orientation values have a positive effect on both contractual and relational governance modes, long-term orientation values have a significant positive effect on dual innovation, family firms' contractual and relational governance have an inverted U-shaped effect on dual innovation, and slack resources have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between family firms' long-term orientation values and exploratory innovation.

Discrimination against migrants: does social capital moderate harmful effects on mental health?

Abstract The harmful mental health effects of perceived discrimination are well established. Yet, the role of regional-level social capital in mitigating these effects remains underexplored. Using data from the German Socioeconomic Panel (SOEP; 2010-2021) we apply random effects models to assess the effect of perceived discrimination on mental health (mcs subscale of the SF-12) adjusting for individual socio-demographic factors and regional-level socioeconomic deprivation. We assess interaction with general social capital (civic organisations, electoral turnout, generalised trust) and migrant-specific resources (proportion of non-nationals and share of far-right votes). We juxtapose non-refugee migrants (n = 13478) with refugees subject to mobility restrictions (n = 5558) to assess for bias introduced by selective mobility into regions. In the non-refugee sample, we confirm negative effects of frequent discrimination experiences on mcs (ß: -3.74; 95%CI: -4.39, -3.08). Moderation analyses show insignificant results for general social capital, but a negative interaction effect of proportion of non-nationals (ß: -0.71; 95%CI: -1.34, -0.08). Analyses among refugees confirm the negative effect of discrimination on mcs (ß: -6.29; 95%CI: -7.49, -5.08) and the moderating effect of the proportion of non-nationals (ß: -1.63; 95%CI: -2.78, -0.48), as well as showing a positive moderation effect for generalised trust (ß: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.11-1.57). Results demonstrate the negative implications of living in areas with a high proportion of non-nationals for migrants experiencing discrimination, which may be explained by the higher marginalisation of migrants in these areas and increased service access barriers. The absence of a moderation effect of general social capital appears to be the result of selection bias, with positive effects of generalised trust seen for refugee migrants. Key messages • Ethnic discrimination affects mental health of refugee and non-refugee migrants. • The effect of discrimination on mental health are stronger in areas with higher proportion of non-nationals.

Deconstruction of green product innovation drivers for regional export-oriented industrial enterprises in China: the product space perspective

Achieving green economic growth requires enterprises to develop and promote green products that balance environmental protection, intensive resource utilization, and sustainable development. However, under the externality assumption, the green market is often faced with the challenge of insufficient supply. Based on 2004–2018 panel data covering regional industrial enterprises in 30 provinces in China, this study empirically tests the composite driving mechanism of the effect of an increase in the regional green production capacity, organizational factors, and environmental policies on the green product innovation (GPI) of regional export-oriented industrial enterprises (REIEs). This study finds that the increase in regional green production capacity directly drives an improvement in REIEs’ GPI level, that the regional green technology level and degree of human capital accumulation are indirect driving channels between capacity increases and product innovation, and that environmental regulations and green credit have a positive moderating effect on the influence of increasing green production capacity on GPI. Further threshold regression analysis reveals that increasing green production capacity, foreign direct investment, digitization, and trade openness have an inverted U-shaped promoting effect on GPI and that the proportion of local government expenditure shows a diminishing marginal utility effect on GPI.

Unveiling mechanism of SNSs addiction on wellbeing: the moderating role of loneliness and social anxiety

ABSTRACT Social networking sites (SNSs) play a crucial role in the lives of online users. This research aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of SNS addiction and its subsequent impact on the wellbeing of online users. Employing the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, we examine the influence of perceived enjoyment, utilitarian needs, and social influence on SNSs addiction and its associated consequences. Additionally, we consider the boundary conditions of loneliness as the predictors of SNSs addiction and social anxiety in the association between SNSs addiction and strain. We collected data (Time 1 and II) from 558 SNSs users using an online survey. By employing structural equation modelling via Smart PLS 4.0, our findings indicate that perceived enjoyment, utilitarian needs, and social influence significantly contribute to SNSs addiction. Furthermore, SNS addiction is positively correlated with strain, which positively triggers users’ wellbeing. We also found a significant positive moderating effect of loneliness and social anxiety on the proposed relationships. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the theoretical foundations and multifaceted influences contributing to the literature on SNSs addiction and its impact on wellbeing through strain. It also acknowledges the study's limitations and suggests directions for future research.

Green Financing, Energy Transformation, and the Moderating Effect of Digital Economy in Developing Countries

AbstractThe energy sector in many developing nations faces the difficulty of insufficient financing throughout the low-carbon transition, highlighting the importance of international green financing in alleviating financial constraints. The advancement of digital technology could facilitate green financing for energy transition in the digital economy, but this statement lacks empirical evidence. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the impact of international green financing on low-carbon energy transformation in developing nations. Additionally, we investigate the moderating role of digital economy between the two. Our findings validate the favorable impact of international green financing on low-carbon energy transformation, and this impact is particularly evident for hydro and wind energy consumption. We show that this beneficial effect is greater for low-income countries or regions with high levels of energy transition. We also provide evidence of the positive moderation effects of digital economy and find that its effects are still present in the transition to hydro and wind energy. This research helps to broaden green financing channels for the energy sector in developing countries, especially from the perspective of digital economy.

Interactions between task complexity, task repetition, and task motivation in L2 writing

This study explores the interplay between task repetition and task motivation in second language (L2) writing, specifically focusing on syntactic complexity, accuracy, and lexical complexity (CAL). Aligning with Dörnyei’s call to balance cognitive and affective factors in task-based language teaching (TBLT), the research involved 100 advanced mid-level learners of English as a second language (ESL) aged between 18 and 20 years. Participants completed both simple and complex argumentative writing tasks in a counterbalanced order, with a one-week interval between tasks. A perception questionnaire was administered immediately after each task performance to validate cognitive task complexity manipulations. Subsequently, participants repeated the same tasks with the same time interval, complemented by the completion of a task motivation questionnaire after each task. Written essays were collected and analysed for CAL measures. Employing a multivariate multilevel approach, the results were triangulated with self-report data. Findings indicate that task repetition significantly impacted CAL in L2 writing, with a positive moderation effect by task complexity. Additionally, task motivation enhanced syntactic complexity in both simple and complex tasks, with negligible effects on accuracy. Notably, task motivation exerted a more substantial influence on students’ repeated task performance concerning lexical complexity. The study’s results offer theoretical and pedagogical insights for TBLT researchers and L2 writing practitioners.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Logistic Performance Among Registered Freight and Forwarding Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to establish the environmental factors affecting logistics performance among registered freight forwarding firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives comprised of examining the effect of the internal environment, external environment and firm size on the logistic performance of registered freight forwarding firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology: This study used a descriptive research design. The study targeted 1676 managing director and senior departmental level managers drawn from the registered freight and forwarding firms. Data was collected using questionnaires. The collected data was entered into SPSS 28 analytical tool where it was coded and analysed. Both descriptive and inferential analysis was applied. Findings: The findings showed that firm size had a positive and significant moderating effect on the relationship between environmental factors and performance of registered freight and forwarding firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study concludes that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between internal environment factors and logistic performance. The study shows that while the structural aspects are important, the cultural and leadership elements play a more pivotal role in enhancing logistic performance. The study further concludes that external environment factors have a positive and significant effect on logistic performance. The study notes that infrastructure, policy and technology are crucial, but the potential benefits of technology may not be fully realized or uniformly adopted across the firms. The study also concludes that firms of all sizes can potentially achieve high logistic performance by focusing on effective resource utilization, strategic market analysis, and continuous development efforts. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends that the policymakers should focus on simplifying documentation and customs procedures to reduce delays and improve the overall efficiency of logistic operations. The government should invest and increase support in research and development. The study also recommends that firms should establish clear communication policies that foster teamwork and engagement since encouraging participatory engagement and keeping employees informed of shared goals can spur productivity. Logistical firms should also invest in resources including human resource and financial resources. The firm should recruit and retain adequate and competent personnel to meet organizational goals as well as mobilize financial resources effectively to support investments in technology and infrastructure.

Players’ continuous willingness to play in MOBA game ranking mode: through the lens of self-determination theory and social comparison theory

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games are a popular genre in the current gaming field, and the highly competitive ranking mode is one of the core parts of the gameplay, and the study of the factors affecting players’ continuous willingness to play is a necessary issue to ensure the sustainable profitability of these games. This study has developed a conceptual model delineating the continuous willingness of players within the MOBA game ranking mode, employing the frameworks of self-determination theory (SDT) and social comparison theory (SCT). In this study, 396 valid data samples were collected using questionnaire method. The results show that, social comparison enhances players’ continuous willingness and avatar identification, and indirectly enhances their continuous willingness through mediation by avatar identification, while game frustration has a significant positive moderating effect in both paths. This study contributes to both theoretical explorations and practical approaches to MOBA game ranking mode.

Internet usage time and trust in doctors: evidence from China

BackgroundThe growth of internet use has greatly impacted many societal sectors, including healthcare. However, current evidence about the relationship between internet usage time and public trust on doctors is insufficient.ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between the time spent on the internet and the level of trust in doctors, and explore its mechanism.MethodsMultiple regression models are employed, utilizing a sample of 19,193 observations from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2020. First, we regress the relative trust in doctors compared to trust in strangers on internet usage time. Subsample results across distinct population groups are explored. Second, we examine the mechanism of using the internet as an information channel through the mediation method, and further investigate the role of the internet as a communication platform by analyzing the moderation effects of socializing activity as well as social media engagement.ResultsWe find a significant negative relationship between increased internet usage time and trust in doctors. This correlation remains robust across different model specifications and variable measurements. The negative correlation is more pronounced among population groups who are elderly, male, married, with low educational levels, insured and residing in urban areas. The role of the internet as a source of information is validated as a mechanism producing the negative influence. The role of the internet as a communication platform tends to mitigate the negative consequences of internet usage, as engaging in online socializing activity can have a positive moderation effect. However, for social media engagement, its overall effect on trust in doctors is negative, potentially due to social media’s dual function as a communication platform and an information source.ConclusionsAlthough individual-focused literature tends to demonstrate a positive impact of the internet on trust in doctors in China, our study, which focuses on the general public, reveals contrasting results. Our findings imply that the primary manner in which internet usage, encompassing social media usage, influences public trust in doctors is by molding a collective perception of them. Consequently, the medical community may need to take a more proactive approach in expanding online communication channels for interacting with patients and the wider public.