Positive Moderating Effect Research Articles

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.

Achieving SDGs Through Sustainability in Amil Zakat Organisations: Are Organisational Capacity and Social Skills Important?

Objective: This study aims to find empirical evidence related to the influence of organisational capability and social capability on organisational sustainability in the Amil Zakat Organisation (OPZ). This study also wants to prove that OPZ's social capability can moderate the influence of organisational capacity on organisational sustainability. Theoretical Framework: Providing professional organisational capacity is a form of OPZ's responsibility to improve the community's welfare through trustworthy zakat management. Thus, achieving organisational goals requires the importance of organisational capacity. Based on the stewardship theory, management is not motivated by individual goals but instead focuses on their primary goal for the organisation's benefit. Method: The methodology used in this study is a quantitative approach and the data analysis was carried out with the Moderated Regression Analysis model. Results and Discussion: The results of the research reveal that both organisational capacity and social capability have a positive influence on organisational sustainability. Furthermore, social capabilities have a positive moderating effect on the effect of organisational capacity on organisational sustainability. The test results show that the moderation in this study is included in the type of quasi-moderation. Research Implications: The results imply that the organisational capacity and social capability of OPZs have an essential role in determining organisational sustainability, where the social capability of amil zakat agencies becomes a determinant to strengthening organisational capacity in supporting the sustainability of amil zakat agencies. Originality/Value: This research provides new insights into the role of organisational capacity and social capability in achieving sustainability in the Amil Zakat Organisation. This study aligned with SDG 1 (No Poverty) by enhancing the management of Zakat funds to improve community welfare.

The Impact of Job Stress on Job Satisfaction among Nurses during Covid-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Psychological Capital

The COVID-19 disease is a calamity that may leave a dreadful psychological indentation on nurses. Nurses take all the necessary measures to protect themselves physically and psychologically. This global pandemic demands a firmly secured nursing staff engagement in clinical management in pursuance of public safety. In the interest of sustaining psychological and physical well-being, nurses should be entitled to fair compensation, access to counseling for mental health care support, and provide job satisfaction, empowering these professionals to survive this crisis and beyond. This study is proposed to provide baseline information on the impact of job stress on Al Dhafra hospitals nurses' job satisfaction during the covid-19 pandemic and the effect of psychological capital as a moderator. Furthermore, the study will open a new aspect for further research to improve and reduce its adverse effects. In addition, it can be used as a reference to create, improve, or modify guidelines and existing protocols, and it can also serve as a reasonable contribution study for further nursing management in future crises. The study employed a quantitative correlation research design, and an online survey was conducted and participated in by 255 nurses who are in direct contact with COVID-19 patients in Al Dhafra hospitals in UAE. The present study's findings indicate a negative relationship between job stress and job satisfaction; on the other hand, The findings also revealed a positive moderating effect of psychological capital on the relationship between job stress and satisfaction. The current study has important implications for hospitals in developing managerial, training, and strategic policies. According to the findings of this study, job stress has a significant impact on nursing satisfaction. In light of this study, hospitals can improve their job satisfaction. Furthermore, this study can be applied to other cultural and demographic contexts to reduce employee stress.

Testing the effects of personalized recommendation service, filter bubble and big data attitude on continued use of TikTok

PurposeThis study attempts to identify the determinant factors for Chinese users’ intention of continuous use of TikTok.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the theoretical background and previous literature, this study proposes the research model followed by research hypotheses. For the purpose of empirical analysis of this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey on current Chinese TikTok platform users. Factor analysis was conducted to verify the reliability and validity of the measurement variables; Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to ensure that the structural dimensions of the measurement are effective; the analysis results of the structural equation model for hypothesis test.FindingsThe result of the study indicates that the core service traits (entertainment, informativeness and convenience of use) of TikTok all have a positive effect on user engagement and perceived usefulness. In addition, the study found that both personalized recommendation services and filter bubble, which are features of TikTok's service recommendation system, have a positive effect on user engagement and perceived usefulness of TikTok. In addition, it was found that both user engagement and perceived usefulness have a significant positive effect on continuous use intention. Finally, users’ attitude toward big data indicating privacy concern only had a positive moderating effect on the personalized recommendation service but not on filter bubble.Originality/valueAs consumers’ demand for services tailored to their needs and preferences fast increased, it calls for growing concern over the safety of personal data being used by the platforms. Although this paradox over increased user convenience versus privacy protection issue has been persistently recognized, no previous research empirically addressed this issue in the context of social media platforms.

Medical service satisfaction and depression among middle-aged and older Chinese adults: moderating role of distinct Internet-using patterns

BackgroundPatient satisfaction is a powerful predictor of an individual's mental health, according to previous research. However, there has not been a thorough study on the relationship between depression and overall medical service satisfaction (OMSS) in middle-aged and older adults. Moreover, little is known about how different Internet-using patterns affect this relationship.MethodsWe selected 4,523 participants from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2020 dataset who were aged 45 and older. The relationship between OMSS and depression was examined using logistic regression analysis, distinct Internet-using patterns were investigated using latent class analysis, and the moderating effects of these patterns were examined using SPSS PROCESS macro analysis.ResultsThe results showed OMSS was negatively related to depression in middle-aged and older adults (β = -0.181, p < 0.001). For skilled Internet users, there was a significant positive moderating effect (β = -0.272, SE = 0.096, p < 0.01), for unskilled users, there was a significant negative moderating effect (β = 0.497, SE = 0.156, p < 0.01). Yet, there is no moderating effect of a controlled Internet-using pattern on the correlation between OMSS and depression.ConclusionsThis study highlights the potential value of improving medical service satisfaction in reducing depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, in order to maximize the benefits of healthcare for mental health, the study suggests that Internet-using patterns could be a significant area for intervention.

FDI and product and process innovation of SMEs in Vietnam: The role of institutions

AbstractConceptually, institutional arrangements in the host economy are likely to moderate the effect of inward FDI on domestic firms' product and process innovation, which is however not well explored empirically. Filling the gap, this research investigates how such FDI impacts are contingent upon local institutional arrangements, using survey data of 2690 manufacturing SMEs in Vietnam in 2011, 2013 and 2015. We find that institutional quality exerts positive moderating effects on FDI spillovers. That is, higher institutional quality leads to a higher marginal effect of FDI presence on the innovation performance of domestic SMEs. The moderating effects are stronger for developed‐country FDI than for developing‐country FDI. We also distinguish different institutional components and find that seven out of nine institutional sub‐indices have significant moderating effects, of which the control of corruption is the most important factor in promoting FDI spillovers, whilst the effects of business support and labour training policies are negligible.

Research on High-quality development of enterprises based on an intelligent background

In the global economy, intelligent technology has attracted much attention as a crucial factor in propelling enterprises towards achieving high-quality development growth. Taking the financial reports of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock exchanges published from 2007 to 2022 as samples, this study explores the influence and mechanism of intelligent technology on the high-quality development of enterprises. The study finds that intelligent technology has a substantial positive impact on enhancing the high-quality growth of businesses, especially by improving innovation efficiency and management efficiency. In addition, digital inclusive finance and the digital economy have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between intelligent technology and the high-quality development of enterprises. These results offer practical backing for the advancement of corporate intelligence and establish a vital theoretical and empirical foundation for companies to uphold their competitive edge in an intensely competitive market landscape.

Fostering Teamwork Satisfaction in Competitive Project-Based Learning Environments

This 10-week study investigates the relationships between diversity beliefs, teamwork satisfaction, perceived classroom competitiveness, and attitudes toward project-based activities among 105 marketing students. Findings indicate that diversity beliefs enhance teamwork satisfaction, whereas performance-approach goals reduce it. Classroom competitiveness negatively moderates the impact of teamwork satisfaction on project attitudes, whereas teammate competitiveness has a positive moderating effect. These insights can help educators balance competition and collaboration to optimize learning environments.

Does rising land price promote the circulation industry development? An analysis of internet-based moderating effects

With the rapid development of the Internet, digital technology is increasingly integrating into the modern circulation system. The influence mechanisms of land prices on the development of the circulation industry are gradually transforming. Using data from 104 major cities in China from 2003 to 2021, this study uses the panel two-way fixed effects model, moderating effects model and threshold regression method to examine the mechanisms by which land prices affect the circulation industry development and the moderating role of Internet development. The results show that elevated land prices significantly stimulate the growth of the circulation industry, leading to an expansion in the circulation industry scale, optimization of its structure, and enhancement of its facilities. The findings remain robust even after addressing endogeneity concerns and conducting various robustness tests. Moreover, the impact of high land prices on the circulation industry is more pronounced in small and medium-sized cities group as well as central region cities group. Real estate investment and industrial structure upgrading are the key channels through which high land prices promote the development of the circulation industry. Additionally, Internet development has a positive moderating effect on the promotion that high land prices stimulate the development of the circulation industry. Notably, only when Internet development surpasses a certain threshold that the promotional effect of land prices on the circulation industry development be fully realized. Based on the above conclusions, the government should continue to deepen the market-oriented reform of land elements, implement precise industrial policy support for the circulation industry and promote circulation digital transformation.

What You Perceive Is What You Get: Enhancing Rumor-Combating Effectiveness on Social Media Based on Elaboration Likelihood Model

Rumors spread on social media overshadow the truth and trigger public panic. One effective countermeasure to address this issue is online rumor-combating. However, its effectiveness on social media has not been fully verified. In this study, drawing on construal level theory, we use temporal distance—the time interval between a rumor-combating post being released and receiving responses from social media users—to measure the effectiveness of rumor-combating. We also adopt elaboration likelihood model to explore the factors that could enhance this effectiveness. The empirical results show that perceptible (central route) factors, including the author’s authoritative combating methods, media richness, and positive emotions, are negatively related to temporal distance and are more effective for enhancing rumor-combating effectiveness than imperceptible (peripheral route) factors, such as the author’s influence and activeness. In addition, media richness exerts positive moderating effects on the relationship between perceptible route factors and rumor-combating effectiveness, implying that with the help of images or videos, rumor-combating effectiveness improves. This study addresses the need to enhance the effectiveness of rumor-combating and has practical implications for combating rumors in the social media.

Technology transfer and global value chain upgrading of manufacturing firms: evidence from China

Breaking through the predicament of "low-end lock-in" and achieving the upgrading of enterprises within the global value chain (GVC) is a critical issue in the study of internationalization strategies for enterprises in emerging economies. This paper uses China, a quintessential representative of such economies, as a case to explore how technology transfer can facilitate the upgrading of enterprises' GVCs. This research aims to reshape the international strategic positioning of Chinese enterprises by promoting the integration and development of technology transfer and the GVC. Utilizing patent data from Chinese manufacturing enterprises, as well as data from Chinese industrial enterprises and customs records from 2004 to 2014, this study empirically examines the relationship between technology transfer and the upgrading of enterprises' GVCs. Additionally, the moderating effect of industrial agglomeration is incorporated into the research framework.The findings reveal that both technology transfer in and technology transfer out significantly positively influence the upgrading of enterprises' GVCs, highlighting the crucial role of technological knowledge flow in enhancing enterprise positioning within the GVC. Furthermore, industrial agglomeration is shown to exert a positive moderating effect on GVC upgrading as a result of technology transfer out. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, enterprise managers, and academics, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the pivotal role of technology transfer in reshaping GVCs. Consequently, it offers robust support for the internationalization strategies of Chinese enterprises.

Trust Assessment Skills Among Close Friends in a Ubiquitous Social Media Environment

For ages, individuals have relied on trust assessment skills to evaluate spoken words and accompanying body language social signals (BLSS) in friendships. This interactive process seeks to avoid harmful associations and unreliable information. However, with widespread social media use, assessment of BLSS is difficult, and users commonly report harm from defective estimations of interactions. This study evaluates how individuals adjust their trust assessment skills for close social media friendships, given the importance they place on BLSS in its role as a moderator. The research utilizes PLS-SEM, ANOVA, and cluster analysis to evaluate 247 U.S. online survey participants aged 18 to 67. The study adapts Mayer et al.’s trust model using social learning and cognitive dissonance theories. The independent variables, ability, benevolence, and integrity, strongly predict the dependent trust belief. In line with cognitive dissonance theory, BLSS has a negative and significant moderating effect on ability. BLSS reflects a small effect and widely insignificant moderating relationship with benevolence; analysis shows that a moderating relationship should not apply to benevolence. Counter to the hypothesized direction, BLSS produced a positive moderating effect on integrity, which was insignificant by a narrow margin. The analysis explains the basis for the positive relationship. Lastly, statistical analysis reveals an age-based shift in the relevancy of BLSS; younger users place less importance on BLSS, whereas older users place more importance on BLSS. This position for younger users aligns with their exposure and acclimation to social environments with widespread mobile communication and social media use since childhood.