Practical Implications Research Articles

Leisure activity participation among older adults: a review

ABSTRACT As the ageing population grows, the health and well-being of older adults have emerged as critical public concerns. Participating in leisure activities offers significant physical, mental, and social advantages for the elderly. Nonetheless, there’s a noticeable gap in the systematic analysis of these activities’ evolution over time. This bibliometric study delves into the domain of leisure activities for older adults, scrutinising scholarly articles from 1990 to 2023, indexed in SCOPUS. With an analysis of 612 English journal articles, it unveils developmental trends, pivotal themes, and unexplored areas. Highlighted research hotspots include dementia, physical activity, quality of life, life satisfaction, and health promotion, with a strategic blueprint outlining their interconnections and implications for policy and practice. This investigation not only charts the field’s landscape but also offers insightful directions for both scholarly inquiry and practical enhancements, aiming to improve the quality of life for the elderly. It concludes with discussions, managerial implications, limitations, future works, and conclusions to enrich the understanding of leisure activities’ development among older adults.

Media Influence on Bystander Intervention for Health Protective Norms: The Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction Perspective.

Drawing upon the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (IM) and the Bystander Intervention Model, this study investigates the impact of media health information on individuals' intentions to address violations of health norms, specifically noncompliance with mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our survey results (n=1,426) indicate a positive correlation between seeking health information from the media and the intention to confront norm violators regarding mask-wearing. This correlation is mediated through three intermediary pathways: attitudes, normative beliefs, and perceived behavioral control. These discoveries address a previously unexplored area concerning pro-social health behaviors, bystander intervention, and contribute to the field of health communication by linking them to research on media influences. Combining media and peer interventions could lead to more effective health outcomes. The discussion covers both theoretical and practical implications.

Artificial intelligence and human integration: a conceptual exploration of its influence on work processes and workplace learning

ABSTRACT This paper examines the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on job and organizational processes, drawing on sociotechnical systems (STS) theory. It discusses the emergence of AI and its implications for HRD on individual, group, and organizational learning. AI has changed the trajectory of work processes and outcomes, paving the way for the future of work. An AI-human integration process model is proposed to reinforce its influence on job design in response to AI applications in the workplace. Learning is experienced between humans and between humans and AI. AI’s cognitive intelligence is capable of learning from each other through a process of deep learning. Humans, too, can learn from AI to modify their response towards working with AI-enabled applications. The model illustrates the relationships between individuals, work processes, and sociotechnical systems through multilevel interactions. Of relevance to HRD are two critical processes, namely learning and innovating, that facilitate the continuation of AI-human integration, enabling employees to embrace AI as an integral part of their work life. The paper offers several implications for HRD research and practice, recognizing opportunities for workplace learning and the potential constraints and risks arising from AI adoption that are applicable globally and internationally.

Consumers' variety-seeking behaviors under time pressure: Based on regulatory focus and excitement levels.

Variety-seeking behavior has received substantial attention in marketing literature. Although various explanations of the causes of variety-seeking explore the influence of consumers' internal psychological characteristics on behavioral decisions, few studies have been conducted on external factors. With the fast pace of modern life and the increasing trend of online shopping, consumers often face time constraints when making purchasing decisions. This study examines the impact of time pressure as a significant external environmental factor on consumers' variety-seeking behavior. A conceptual framework is developed based on construal level theory to uncover the influencing mechanism of time pressure on variety-seeking behavior while also considering the effects of the consumer's personality and emotional state. We conducted two experiments to investigate the moderating effect of regulatory focus from the personality perspective and excitement level from the emotional state perspective. Study 1 found that time pressure significantly affects variety-seeking behavior. Additionally, consumers with prevention regulatory focus tend to exhibit more variety-seeking behavior when not under time pressure. Study 2 supports the main effect and shows that the level of excitement affects the impact of time pressure on variety-seeking behavior. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature on consumer behavior and purchasing decisions by presenting a robust theoretical framework that provides practical insights and implications for enterprise managers.

Accounting as a social and moral practice: bridging cultures, balancing indigenous factors, and fostering social accountability

Purpose This study aims to investigate accounting practices within a non-Western (indigenous) context and provide insights into alternative accounting approaches and perspectives. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts an interpretive research approach to gain an in-depth insight into the functioning of accounting in Solomon Islands’ unique cultural and social-political context. In-depth interviews were conducted to gain insights into the perceptions and meanings held by participants concerning Western accounting practices and their limitations. Findings The findings provide unique insights into different interpretations of accounting and accountability through two distinct cultural lenses – Western and non-Western. The complimentary and rival explanations on what accounting and accountability are doing and what accounting and accountability should be doing will help close the gap in knowledge and contribute to shaping a better world for indigenous people. Practical implications Implications for practice involve fostering collaborative efforts among individuals, communities, leaders and institutions to harness cultural strengths through accounting. Additionally, continuous capacity building and education are essential to develop accounting skills, enhance financial literacy, promote professional expertise and build a pool of skilled accountants with local knowledge to support indigenous communities. Originality/value This study is original and provides novel insights supporting the need for accounting to recognise the importance of indigenous perspectives, adapt to cultural sensitivity and integrate cultural norms and values into accounting practices to make an impact and achieve greater social and moral accountability.

Inducing employee performance among state-owned enterprises, through employee ethical behaviour and ethical leadership

Purpose This study aims to examine how ethical leadership enhances the relationship between employee ethical behaviour and the job performance of employees in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Design/methodology/approach This study was a survey, with data collected using a structured questionnaire. The study focused on employees from SOEs in Ghana. The sample covers 238 employees drawn from 10 SOEs. Data was analyzed using structural equation modelling. Findings The study concludes that employee ethical behaviour positively influenced the job performance of employees of SOEs in Ghana. The effect of ethical leadership on employee job performance was positively significant. Finally, ethical leadership positively moderated the effect of employee ethical behaviour on the job performance of employees of SOEs. Research limitations/implications Future research should look at identifying the specific behaviours of ethical employees that influence improved job performance. Also, future research could conduct a comparative study of private-owned enterprises and SOEs. Practical implications Attention should also be paid to ethical leadership, as it strongly enhanced both employee job performance and the quality of employee ethical behaviour required for increased job performance of employees. Originality/value Extant studies have paid limited attention to understanding how the interaction between employee ethical behaviour and ethical leadership will enhance employee job performance.

Young adults’ perceived social isolation and e-impulse buying on social commerce platforms: linking roles of perceived stress and hedonic browsing

Purpose This paper aims to explore the pathways connecting perceived social isolation, perceived stress, hedonic browsing and e-impulse buying in social commerce. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model was proposed. Data from 394 young adults was analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships in the model. Findings Perceived social isolation is associated with elevated levels of perceived stress and engagement in hedonic browsing. Young consumers often turn to hedonic browsing as a coping mechanism for stress, and both stress and hedonic browsing play significant roles in fostering impulsive purchases. Perceived stress fully mediates the influence of perceived social isolation on hedonic browsing. Conversely, hedonic browsing partially mediates the impact of perceived stress on e-impulse buying. Practical implications Businesses can use the findings to develop effective marketing strategies that entice customers to purchase on social commerce platforms. Moreover, the findings offer valuable insights for young consumers, providing them with an understanding of the complexities of impulsive buying in social commerce. This knowledge can empower them to make informed decisions and exercise enhanced control over their purchasing habits. Furthermore, the findings could be used as a basis for developing targeted interventions to reduce unnecessary purchases, particularly during challenging times that necessitate social isolation. Originality/value This study offers new empirical insights into the ways in which perceived social isolation, perceived stress and hedonic browsing contribute to the heightened prevalence of e-impulse buying in social commerce.

From crisis to opportunity through innovation

Purpose This study aims to explore the strategic decisions at innovation level implemented by firms to thrive and transform themselves during crises. This study also aims to provide insights to answer the question: Why do some firms decide to implement certain types of innovation during a crisis? Design/methodology/approach This research was carried out through a multiple case study involving 22 firms. The methods were implemented in three steps to increase rigor and the replication of the study: identification and selection of cases, data collection through interviews triangulated with online information and analysis based on aggregating themes and finding patterns. Findings In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the companies analyzed focused their activities mainly on developing new features or functionalities for their products or services. Most of the firms implemented innovations across nearly all ten categories outlined by Keeley et al. (2013). Many of the implemented innovations involved personalized and superior service enhancements, process efficiency optimizations, channel diversification initiatives and new ways to collaborate to generate value. In general, the main drivers that led firms to decide to implement these innovations include reducing costs, enhancing operational efficiency, generating new revenue streams, augmenting sales and enhancing client relationships. Practical implications This research significantly advances the convergence of innovation, strategy and crisis in three impactful ways. First, it constructs a pragmatic and evidence-based framework, consolidating the primary catalysts, innovation categories and strategies adopted by firms in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. Second, it offers insights for guiding decision-making processes related to innovation, presenting actionable recommendations derived from the study’s findings. Thirdly, this study highlights critical perspectives that can guide governmental intervention, facilitating the formulation of more tailored and effective policies to assist companies during crisis periods. Originality/value This study centers on developing countries, specifically examining Colombian firms, considering their unique characteristics and priorities. Surprisingly, there is a scarcity of studies delving into the innovation and transformation of firms during the COVID-19 crisis in nations sharing cultural, economic and political similarities with Colombia.

Intergenerational Climate and Work Engagement: The Mediating Role of Perceived Age Discrimination in a Sample of Older Workers

ABSTRACT Given that different generations can be found in the workplace, due to the increase of work life cycle, research regarding the impact of intergenerational climate and perceived age discrimination on work engagement is of relevance, especially among older workers, as those most impacted by age discrimination. The objective of this study was to investigate intergenerational climate and work engagement, and whether this relationship is mediated by age discrimination. The hypotheses were tested in a sample of 201 Portuguese workers with 45 or more years of age, by means of regression. Findings showed that intergenerational inclusiveness and affect, retention and intergenerational affect, and generational stereotypes are negatively related to perceived age discrimination. Furthermore, work engagement seems to only be positively impacted by intergenerational inclusiveness and affect. Age discrimination did not act as a mediator. Theoretical and practical implications to human resources management strategies in organizations are discussed.

Sex/gender differences in general cognitive abilities: an investigation using the Leiter-3.

Research has shown that differences between males and females are not in general intelligence, but only in some specific factors and tasks. We used the Italian standardization of the Leiter-3, which is a completely nonverbal cognitive battery, to investigate the nature of sex/gender (we used sex/gender to reflect the awareness that the effects of biological 'sex' and socially constructed 'gender' cannot be easily separated and that most individuals' identities are informed by both sex and gender) differences. In doing so we used a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis approach. Results confirmed that males and females perform similarly in general intelligence, but present with some specificities. Males perform better on some, but not all, tasks requiring the spatial manipulation of the stimuli, but females consistently outperform males in tasks such as the nonverbal Stroop, requiring inhibition and attention control to a larger extent. The clinical and practical implications of our findings are considerable. The identification of specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses in males and females underscores the importance of tailored approaches in clinical assessments and interventions.

Mentoring and protégé: Chinese study shows positive effect of mentoring and also moderating effect of mentor advice-seeking behavior

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings A Chinese study revealed that mentoring had a significant positive impact on protégé career satisfaction. Additionally, the role clarity and positive affect of protégés played dual-mediating effects between mentoring and protégé career satisfaction. A particularly innovative aspect of the research was including the moderating effect of mentor advice-seeking behavior, which strengthened the positive impact of the mentoring. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Playing to learn: developing self-directed learning skills through serious games

Purpose Higher education is undergoing a significant transformation, demanding a rethinking of instructional methods, the establishment of novel assessment frameworks and the incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies to advance the development of learning competencies. The use of simulations is an alternative that offers satisfactory results and favors learning in new generations. This study aims to present a methodology for assessing the advancement of self-directed learning (SDL) in participants through simulation techniques and show that the incorporation of simulations can improve participants’ SDL skills. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quantitative approach to evaluate the evolution of various competencies related to SDL among participants. Includes the application of scales specifically designed to measure readiness for SDL, the use of factor analysis to identify and validate essential factors and conducting hypothesis testing to verify shifts in students’ perceptions regarding the significance of SDL-related skills. Findings The findings of this study reveal a positive impact of simulations on the SDL readiness. Factor analysis identified five key factors: self-management skills, openness to learning opportunities, initiative and independence in learning, self-concept as an effective learner and desire for Learning. The use of simulations significantly improved critical thinking, logical reasoning, analysis and decision-making capabilities. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique as a valuable tool for developing SDL skills and highlight the potential of such interventions in complex and uncertain learning environments. Research limitations/implications The study provided valuable insights into the impact of simulations in the logistics field, particularly in the development of SDL-related skills. There is a need for studies in other areas of knowledge that would allow for the generalization of these results. Likewise, it is advisable to use scales that measure the development of other types of skills. Additionally, the study’s focus on short-term effects may not fully capture the long-term development of SDL-related skills. Future research should address these limitations, expand the sample size, conduct longitudinal studies and explore possible contextual and external factors that may influence SDL outcomes in various educational settings, leading to broader and more robust conclusions. Practical implications The practical implications of this study are significant for both higher education institutions and educators in the logistics domain. The positive impact of the serious game on participants’ SDL skills highlights the potential of incorporating interactive and engaging learning tools in the curriculum. Educators can leverage serious games to foster critical thinking, logical reasoning and decision-making abilities in their students. Moreover, the identified key factors influencing SDL development provide valuable guidance for designing targeted interventions to enhance students’ self-management, initiative and love for learning. Social implications The social implications of this study underscore the importance of equipping individuals with SDL skills in a rapidly changing world. By integrating serious games and fostering SDL competencies, higher education institutions can contribute to a more adaptable and resilient workforce. Empowering students with critical thinking, innovative thinking and independent learning, they can enhance their ability to navigate the challenges of the labor market. This, in turn, may lead to a more informed and proactive society capable of addressing complex issues and making well-informed decisions. Originality/value This article arises from empirical exploration with students from two countries in Latin America (Mexico and Colombia), examining the importance of games in developing SDL skills. Furthermore, it promotes the use of a methodology with a low level of complexity, and that can be replicated with different games. This perspective adds valuable insights to the existing literature, offering practical implications for educators and institutions seeking effective strategies to promote SDL skills among students.

Foundational Leadership and Organizational Wellness (FLOW) Model: Designing leadership learning for individuals and organizations.

This article shares the foundational leadership and organizational wellness (FLOW) model, which is a leadership development model that seeks to better understand the relationship between individual leadership development and organizational development and wellness. The model is presented as a whole, followed by deep exploration by each piece of the model undergirded in existing scholarship and practical discussion throughout. Implications for practice and future research are shared to conclude the article.

Guided by a "Gentle Luminary": The role of others in women's leadership efficacy development.

This article presents a narrative inquiry study on the role of others in college women's leadership efficacy development. It begins by presenting the significance of the study and existing literature on college women's leadership development, including scholarship around the role of others in leadership development. The methodology is presented, followed by an in-depth exploration of the findings around the role of specific family members, peers, and teachers in college women's leadership efficacy development. The article concludes with implications for practice.

The dynamics of social media influencer-driven CSR advertising: The role of sponsorship disclosure and perceived similarity

ABSTRACT Drawing upon the Persuasion Knowledge Model, this study investigates the boundary conditions and psychological mechanisms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) advertising when conveyed by social media influencers (SMI) targeting Generation Z consumers. To this end, two experiments were conducted to examine the interaction impacts of disclosure prominence (implicit vs. explicit), endorsement type (brand vs. CSR), and perceived similarity on online behavioral intentions, mediated by perceptions of manipulativeness. The findings of Study 1 revealed that implicit disclosure played a more significant role in eliciting positive behavioral intentions to SMI-CSR advertising, while the opposite results were found for SMI-brand advertising. The results of Study 2 demonstrated that explicit disclosure was less likely to generate perceived manipulativeness toward SMI-CSR ads endorsed by SMIs with low similarity. However, the level of perceived manipulativeness was similar for SMI-CSR ads by SMIs with high similarity regardless of disclosure prominence. Notably, perceived manipulativeness emerged as a significant mediator underlying these interactions in both studies. The theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.

Higher final speed in 30–15 intermittent fitness tests correlates with soccer's locomotor demands, not heart rate responses in small-sided soccer games

This study aimed to achieve two objectives: firstly, to analyze the relationships between aerobic fitness, as represented by the VIFT, and the heart rate and locomotor responses of youth male soccer players across various teams; and secondly, to compare players with lower and higher VIFT in terms of performance outcomes extracted during small-sided games (SSGs). A total of twenty-six youth male soccer players, aged 16.5 ± 0.32 years, with 3.4 ± 1.1 years of experience, voluntarily participated in the study. These players belonged to two regional-level tier 2 teams (trained/developmental). In the initial week of observation, the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test was implemented to measure the final velocity (VIFT) achieved by the players. Subsequently, the 5v5 format of play was conducted twice a week over two consecutive weeks, during which heart rate responses and locomotor demands were measured. The Pearson product-moment correlation test revealed a significant correlation between VIFT and the total distance covered during the 5v5 format (r = 0.471 [95% CI: 0.093; 0.721], p = 0.015). Conversely, small and non-significant correlations were identified between VIFT and mean heart rate (r = 0.280 [95% CI: − 0.126; 0.598]; p = 0.166), VIFT and peak heart rate (r = 0.237 [95% CI: − 0.170; 0.569]; p = 0.243), as well as VIFT and high-speed running (r = 0.254 [95% CI: − 0.153; 0.580]; p = 0.211). Players with higher VIFT demonstrated a significantly greater total distance, with a large effect size (+ 6.64%; p = 0.015; d = 1.033), compared to those with lower VIFT. Our findings suggest that improved performance in VIFT may lead to covering more distance in 5v5 matches. However, the lack of significant associations between VIFT and heart rate levels during SSGs suggests that they are not strongly correlated, possibly because VIFT is more closely linked to locomotor profile. As a practical implication, coaches may consider organizing players during SSGs based on their VIFT if the goal is to standardize locomotor demands.

Wheeling towards sustainability: the nexus of external pressures, green innovation and circular supply chain excellence

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the firm reaction to external pressures and the subsequent transformation to green innovation (GI) and sustainability, leading to an enhanced circular supply chain performance. The research examined the effect of coercive, normative and mimetic pressures on GI within the Indian tire industry context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have designed a self-administered questionnaire and received 283 responses. Nonresponse bias analysis was conducted first before proceeding to other assumptions such as constant variance and normality. The confirmatory factor analysis was used to check the data’s integrity and reliability. The PLS-structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to validate the constructs and test the established hypotheses.FindingsExternal regulatory pressures significantly impact the tire industry’s move towards GI. Normative pressures from societal expectations and industry standards, along with mimetic pressures where companies emulate best practices, both drive the industry toward sustainable initiatives. Further, a clear positive relationship emerges between GI and sustainable supply chain practices (SSCP). This shift emphasizes recycling, reusing and reducing waste and showcases the industry’s commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.Originality/valueUnlike existing literature that predominantly explores SSCP, the study introduces an integrated framework that intertwines institutional pressures (IP), green innovation (GI), and SSCP to elevate circular supply chain practices (CSCP). The current study highlights the relationships and practical implications within the Indian tire industry.

Effect of spiritual leadership on psychological safety climate and team innovation in consulting teams: the moderating role of occupational self-efficacy

Purpose This study examines the effect of the spiritual leadership of the leaders in a consulting team on psychological safety climate and team innovation. Moreover, our research adopts the contingency theory of leadership to investigate whether the effect of spiritual leadership on psychological safety climate and team innovation could be moderated by personal characteristics of team members in terms of occupational self-efficacy.Design/methodology/approach Survey data were obtained from 229 team members across 24 consulting firms in Bangkok. To minimize common method bias, team innovation was assessed by team leaders while other variables were assessed by team members. We used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to analyze the data.Findings The analysis supports the positive effect of spiritual leadership on psychological safety climate and team innovation. Psychological safety climate also mediates the effect of spiritual leadership on team innovation. Lastly, the moderating effect analysis shows that the spiritual leadership of the team leaders exerts a weaker influence on the psychological safety climate and team innovation when team members exhibit high levels of occupational self-efficacy.Practical implications Because spiritual leadership plays a significant role in boosting team innovation through the creation of a psychologically safe climate, the consulting firms can provide a leadership development program to help their team leaders to gain insight into the nature of spiritual leadership and learn how to demonstrate appropriate behaviors when they supervise a team. In particular, this policy recommendation is highly relevant when team leaders supervise members who exhibit low occupational self-efficacy.Originality/value Our findings not only illustrate that spiritual leadership could enhance team innovation through the mediating role of psychological safety climate, but the level of occupational self-efficacy of the team members could significantly reduce the effects of spiritual leadership on psychological safety climate and team innovation.

The influence of electronic word of mouth on green cosmetics purchase intention: evidence from young Vietnamese female consumers

Purpose This study aims to examine the direct and indirect influence of electronic word of mouth (eWOM) on green cosmetics purchase intention of young Vietnamese female consumers through health concern, environmental concern and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) factors. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from a survey of Vietnamese young female consumers that were analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The results reveal that eWOM has a direct effect on consumers’ purchase intention of green cosmetics. Among TPB factors, attitude was a greater influential predictor of purchase intention than subjective norms. However, the influence of perceived behavioral control on purchase intention was not supported. There were significant indirect effects of eWOM on purchase intention through the mediation of health concern, environmental concern and attitude. Practical implications Therefore, the findings of this study are relevant for marketers and managers as they provide valuable insights into understanding the motivational factors of consumers’ green cosmetics purchase intention. The results highlighted that eWOM could increase young female consumers’ environmental concern and health concern, which, in turn, influence a positive attitude toward green cosmetics. Hence, eWOM is a powerful vehicle for environmental and health messages; also, it can be an important channel of sensitization toward environmental and health issues and motivation of proenvironmental behavior and healthy lifestyle. Originality/value The study contributed to the literature by confirming the utility of the TPB model in predicting young women’s green cosmetics purchases in the context of Vietnam, an emerging market, which has largely been overlooked in the literature. The findings show that eWOM has a direct influence on green cosmetics purchase intentions of young Vietnamese female consumers and indirectly eWOM through health concern, environmental concern and two TPB factors (attitude and subjective norms).

The interplay of religious values, servant leadership and teacher job satisfaction in Bangladeshi education institutions

The interplay of principals’ religious values and servant leadership can play a prominent role in promoting job satisfaction among teachers in Bangladeshi schools and colleges. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of servant leadership style in the relationship between the principals’ religious values and the job satisfaction of teachers in Bangladesh. The study surveyed 335 participants from schools and colleges using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed the data using Partial Least Square Structural Equations Modeling (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS 4 software. The findings showed that principals’ religious values and servant leadership style have a positive impact on teachers’ job satisfaction, with servant leadership serving as a mediator in the relationship. The research expands upon the servant leadership theory in an educational setting where religious values play a significant role. It offers valuable insight into the impact of principals’ religious values and servant leadership style on teachers’ job satisfaction. The study has practical implications, in a setting where Islam as a dominating religion, for educational administrators, as it sheds light on how principals’ religious values and servant leadership impact teachers’ job satisfaction in schools and colleges in Bangladesh.