Presence Of Role Models Research Articles

Perceptions and short-term experiences of newly qualified radiographers performing compulsory community service

IntroductionCompulsory community service (CCS) is a concept that was adopted by many countries as a strategy to address the shortage of health workers. CCS was initiated in 1997 in the South African healthcare system to alleviate improper distribution of health workers in the public sector. CCS experiences of various health professions excluding radiographers were explored where debates regarding the impact, experiences and perceptions of the CCS year are ongoing. This study aimed to describe the perceptions and short-term experiences of newly qualified radiographers performing CCS in Gauteng, South Africa. MethodsA cross sectional descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to 81 newly qualified radiographers who had started CCS in the Gauteng province in 2017 across 11 radiology departments. A response rate of 48.1% (n = 39) was obtained. ResultsNewly qualified radiographers understood the objectives of CCS and felt adequately prepared for their roles as CCS radiographers in terms of education skills acquired and role expectations. Participants felt confident to commence their duties and were not intimidated by their work environments. Orientation, mentoring and supervision were identified to be the main challenges during the CCS year. ConclusionThe concept of CCS is widely accepted and regarded beneficial by CCS radiographers. Similar challenges emerged as reported by other health professionals despite the presence of role models. The development and implementation of structured guidelines regarding orientation and mentoring of CCS health professionals is strongly recommended to address the needs identified by this study.

ENTREPRENEURIAL UNIVERSITY CONCEPT: CASE OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY, ALBANIA

Today, the role of universities has changed and universities are not being only seen as creators and transmitters of knowledge but also as institutions that give innovative answers to economic and social challenges of society. The entrepreneurial university model is referred to many as the “Ideal state” of a university in responding efficiently and effectively to challenges and opportunities and being able to be competitive in today’s environment of universities by fulfilling the university’s “third mission”. Even though many definitions exist for the concept of an entrepreneurial university, an overall common definition is lacking due to the fact that each institution follows a unique transformation path which is influenced by various economic and social factors of the environment they operate. The goal of this paper is to contribute to the understating of the above mentioned definition of an entrepreneurial university, how this concept is viewed in public higher education institutions in Albania and to identify which are the most important factors that might facilitate or serve as barriers for Higher Education Institutions (HEI-s) that might want to move towards this institutional approach. A questionnaire was distributed to academics in 5 higher public institutions in Albania and received 372 responses. An empirical study was conducted to contribute to the literature on the entrepreneurial university aspects with a specific focus on Albanian Higher Education Institutions. The results show that even in Albania, a common accepted definition is lacking. Factors such as cooperation with the private sector, appropriate reward systems, presence of role models and flexible structures are among the most important facilitators. While a lack of funding and inadequate links with the private sector are seen as the greatest barriers for public HEIs in Albania in becoming entrepreneurial institutions.

The effects of role models on college graduation rates

Many believe that the presence of role models positively influences the behavior and success of students. We test one aspect of this contention by focusing upon the impact that Black, Asian, Hispanic, White and women role models have upon graduation rates at 176 four-year, public colleges. We find only limited evidence in favor of role model hypotheses as they relate to individual institutional graduation rates. A 1% increase in full-time Black faculty on a campus is associated with a .59% increase in the graduation rate of Black students on that campus, but we do not find strong results for any other student group. This suggests that we should be less sweeping and more evidence-based in our approaches to questions involving campus diversity.

Diversity Intelligence as a Source of Strength in Human Resource Development: Increasing the Presence of Women Pilots

The Problem Although more women have been entering the workforce in the past few decades, this progress has not readily been seen in the field of aviation. Indeed, of all current U.S. corporate and commercial pilots, women only account for 6%. Through a diversity intelligence (DQ) perspective, the authors explore the experiences of women pilots to identify ways of increasing female representation in male-dominated fields in general and in aviation in particular. Via a phenomenological qualitative research approach, a total of 33 female pilots were surveyed and an additional 20 participated in a one-on-one interview. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used, employing an inductive constant comparative method to develop categories. The Solution Results indicate that female pilots face significant gender-related roadblocks to their careers. Human Resource Development (HRD) practitioners can help organizations increase DQ to recruit and retain women in nontraditional occupations and industries. Increasing DQ would create a more welcoming environment for both women and minorities. It would also address cultural and organizational issues such as tacit and subtle discrimination, increase the presence of role models, provide support systems, and assist with cultural change to eliminate the good old boy mentality. The Stakeholders Industry leaders, women, and HRD professionals.

Entrepreneurs’ human capital and growth aspirations: the moderating role of regional entrepreneurial culture

This paper investigates the impact of entrepreneurs’ human capital on their growth aspirations and the moderating role of regional entrepreneurial culture in this relationship. Based on human capital theory, we argue that growth aspirations will be higher for individuals with higher educational attainment and lower for those with prior entrepreneurial experience. Drawing on an institutional perspective, we also suggest that regional social acceptance of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial role models will positively moderate these effects. Using data that combines individual and province level information in Spain over the period 2008–2014, we find support for the differential effect of formal education and entrepreneurial experience. The results also show that both social approval of entrepreneurship and role models tend to increase the growth aspirations of experienced entrepreneurs, whereas aspirations of the more educated ones are only affected by the presence of role models. Implications from the findings are discussed.

Moral Stages and Moralization in Economically-Deprived Children: Examining the Contextual Correlates

The present study was aimed at exploring moral development in children from low socioeconomic status by identifying them at the different levels of moral development given by Kohlberg. It also strived to understand factors that are associated with moral development in children belonging to that strata. The sample selected was thirty­ eight students from eighth grade enrolled under Teach for India classroom, an organisation catering to children from economically deprived families. Out of the thirty­ eight students, seven were selected through their responses to a personal questionnaire, for a case study to probe the contextual factors contributing to their moral development. The measures used in the study were Heinz dilemma as developed by Kohlberg (1971), analysis of pictorial depiction of familial environment by children, personalised questions to complete statements such as “I am__, I can__, I have__”, and unstructured interview. The results demonstrated that children from low socioeconomic strata were at a higher stage of moral development than expected from Kohlberg’s model. This shows that the children are capable of reaching the highest stage of moral development, which Kohlberg asserted was rare even for adults to reach. The contextual factors found associated with this expedited development were emotions of gratitude and empathy, strong peer and parental support systems, education and moral discussions in the class under the Teach for India format, and presence of role models. The study has implications for moral integration in classrooms and controlling crime rates that happen as a result of moral deprivation.

Recruitment and Retention of Referees in Nonprofit Sport Organizations: The Trickle-Down Effect of Role Models

The recruitment and retention of voluntary referees is challenging for nonprofit sport organizations. This study examines the trickle-down effect of role models on the retention of already active referees and the recruitment of new referees in German football (soccer). Secondary panel data on the number of referees and role models (i.e., referees promoted to the status of a Bundesliga or FIFA referee) were collected for the 21 regional football associations. The regression results show that the presence of role models has a statistically significant and positive effect on the number of existing referees. The number of new referees is positively affected by referees who were promoted to the status of a first Bundesliga referee, but not by those promoted to the status of a FIFA referee. The findings suggest that nonprofit sport organizations should capitalize on the effect of role models to a greater extent.

Migrants' participation in entrepreneurial activities in Imo State, Nigeria

The study analysed migrants' participation in entrepreneurial activities in Imo State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty migrants who own businesses were selected and questionnaire administered to them. A statistical analysis of their responses indicated five major businesses pursued by the migrants. These include agricultural businesses, retail and wholesale trade, professional services, manufacturing and construction, and others. Most of the businesses declared by the migrants (45.00%) were agricultural, and the factors determining the choice of such businesses were gender, age, places settled prior to settling in Imo State, length of stay in Imo State, presence of role models, access to start-up capital and experience in business development. The migrants were mainly constrained by inadequate support from government in starting their own businesses in Imo State. In consideration of these findings, several components of national and state policies on migration that Nigeria and Imo State and their partners should address are recommended.

Owner-manager motives and the growth of SMEs in developing countries

Purpose– This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the motives of individuals in Tanzania to start their own businesses on the one hand and the growth of their firms on the other hand.Design/methodology/approach– A survey method was used to gather data from 300 small business owners and managers located in selected cities in Tanzania. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyse the relationship between the motivation to start an own business on the one hand and firm growth on the other hand. Three indicators for growth, namely, employment, sales and assets, were used to measure growth.Findings– The results suggest that that pull factors are more important to start the businesses than push factors. This contradicts the common opinion and previous research that push factors are more important than pull factors in developing countries. Furthermore, the study found that pull factors are positively related to firm, whereas push factors are negatively related to firm growth.Research limitations/implications– It should be noted that while this paper makes a number of contributions, there are some limitations that should be considered when interpreting the results. For instance, the data for this study were collected from only one type of business, i.e. the furniture industry (in Tanzania). Accordingly, we do not know the applicability of these findings to other businesses in other sectors. Therefore, future research should include businesses in other sectors to ascertain if the present findings are specific to the furniture business only or are applicable to other businesses as well.Practical implications– Our findings indicate that there are differences in motivations among owner-managers in starting the business and subsequent firm performance. Therefore, individuals need different forms of support depending on the level of development of their business, as well as their motivation. For example, we have seen that the presence of role models has a significant effect on business growth. Therefore, the government might consider using the media and other mechanisms to feature stories about successful entrepreneurs.Originality/value– The authors extend the findings of previous studies that investigate the owner-manager motives and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) growth in developed economy settings, but neglected emerging economies. The study also contradicts the common opinion and previous research that push factors are more important than pull factors in developing countries.

Access and Retention of Marginalized Populations Within Undergraduate Music Education Degree Programs

The purpose of this collective instrumental case study was to examine the experiences of six undergraduate students from traditionally marginalized populations with regard to their preparation for, admission to, and retention within a music education degree program. Analyzed and reported through the lens of critical theory, data sources included semistructured interviews with the participants and structured interviews with their high school music teacher and a university-based mentor. Participants described a lack of resources with regard to their preparation for auditions as well as a lack of information regarding the application and audition process. Such inhibiting factors were mediated by personal initiative, hard work, and dedication. The presence of role models and mentors was considered an important aid to their retention within music education degree programs. Participants also provided suggestions for improving access, admission, and retention of students from traditionally marginalized populations.

Role of Significant Life Experiences in Building Environmental Knowledge and Behavior Among Middle School Students

Significant life experience research suggests that the presence of role models, time outdoors, and nature-related media foster pro-environmental behavior, but most research is qualitative. Based on a random sample of middle school students in North Carolina, USA, we found limited positive associations between presence of a role model and time outdoors with behavior and a negative association between watching nature television and environmental knowledge. The strongest predictors of environmental knowledge and behavior were student/teacher ratio and county income levels, respectively. We also found that Native Americans engaged in environmental behaviors more than Caucasians, and that African American and Hispanic students had lower levels of environmental knowledge. Accordingly, life experiences appear less important than promoting small class sizes and addressing challenges associated with lower incomes in schools.

The influence of role models on immigrant self-employment: a spatial analysis for Switzerland

Purpose – Theoretical and empirical research suggests a connection between the presence of role models and the emergence of entrepreneurs. Existing entrepreneurs may act as role models for self-employment candidates by providing successful examples. The purpose of this paper is to show that role models matter in aggregate decision outcomes regarding self-employment. Design/methodology/approach – By explicitly considering the self-employment rates of the natives, which may influence locally the decisions of immigrants towards entrepreneurship, the authors develop a simple model that explains immigrant self-employment rates for a sample of 2,490 Swiss municipalities. In addition, the authors accommodate for the presence of spatial spillovers in the distribution of rates, and test a spatial autoregressive model which takes into account the average self-employment rates of immigrants living in nearby municipalities. Findings – The evidence shows a significant (positive) effect of such spatial network effects,...

Choosing an apprenticeship: skills preferences amongst the youth

Young people leaving basic education with no opportunities of continuing on to the next level of education often face a tough choice of what to do next. There are a variety of issues that pose challenges for them, not least being what trajectory to pursue in their quest for skills training for employment. This article examines the precursors to skills choices among young people, using qualitative data from trainees engaging in both informal apprenticeships and formal and vocational training institutions in Ghana. The analysis adopted an inductive approach, using a thematic analytical framework to generate insights and uncover the factors that shape them. The findings show that there is interplay of several factors that influence the skills preferences of young people in vocational education, including the family context, socio-cultural environment and the presence of role models within specific trades. The paper concludes that, in harmonising the frontiers of skills training, it is imperative for policy t...

Mentoring and role models in recruitment and retention: A study of junior medical faculty perceptions

Purpose: This study explored the views of junior faculty toward informing mentorship program development.Method: Mixed sampling methodologies including questionnaires (n = 175), focus groups (female, n = 4; male, n = 4), and individual interviews (female n = 10; male, n = 9) of junior faculty were conducted in clinical departments at one academic health sciences center.Results: Questionnaire results indicated that having role models increased commitment to an academic career; mentorship experience during residency training was a high incentive to pursue an academic career; and junior faculty did have identifiable mentorship experiences. Focus group results revealed that mentoring as well as the presence of role models a few years ahead of the junior faculty would promote career development. Females preferred similar age role models who spoke the same language, particularly in the area of promotion. Females identified several challenges and issues including a lack of researcher role models, a range of perceptions regarding the merits of formal versus informal mentoring, and the idea that mentors should provide advice on promotion and grants. Males valued advice on finances while females wanted advice on work–life balance.Conclusions: Mentorship emerged as an important factor in academic faculty recruitment and retention, with varying perceptions of how it should be institutionalized. Role models were viewed as important for retention, and a paucity of mid-career, female researcher role models suggests a gap to be filled in future programmatic efforts.

The Influence of Role Models on Immigrant Self-Employment: A Spatial Analysis for Switzerland

Theoretical and empirical research suggests a connection between the presence of role models and the emergence of entrepreneurs. Existing entrepreneurs may act as role models for self-employment candidates by providing successful examples. By explicitly considering the self-employment rates of the natives, which may influence locally the decisions of immigrants towards entrepreneurship, we develop a simple model that explains immigrant self-employment rates for a sample of 2,490 Swiss municipalities. In addition, we accommodate for the presence of spatial spillovers in the distribution of rates, and test a spatial autoregressive model which takes into account the average self-employment rates of immigrants living in nearby municipalities. Our evidence shows a significant (positive) effect of such spatial network effects, which are characterized by a quick distance decay, suggesting spatial spillovers at the household and social network level. Additionally, we show that local conditions and immigrant pool characteristics differ, with respect to self-employment choices, when examining separately urban and rural contexts.

Recovery Is Up to You, a peer-run course

Recovery Is Up to You, a peer-run course

Caring in Lourdes: An innovation in students’ clinical placement

The study unit Spirituality for Health Carers was part of the BSc(Hons) nursing/midwifery programme which aimed at providing an innovative clinical placement for students. This placement promoted the delivery of spiritual care to clients in Lourdes. This paper discusses the experiential learning of students based on Gibbs (1988) Framework of Reflection. The scarce research demonstrates that caring for clients in Lourdes enabled students to develop meaningful relationships due to increased carer to clients' ratio, more time available and the presence of role models who were dedicated and compassionate with clients. Qualitative data were collected by a reflective diary, a written reflective assignment and a focus group discussion. The four themes which emerged from the data are team building, holistic care, trustful nurse-client relationship and strengthening personal spirituality. Recommendations were proposed to enhance the delivery of spiritual care and holistic care by further exposure of students to care for the pilgrims in Lourdes.

Community Members' Perceptions of Enablers and Inhibitors to Participation in HIV Vaccine Trials

We present the findings of a qualitative investigation into the factors that may enable or inhibit participation in a future HIV vaccine trial. Thirty-seven semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were conducted with trial site community members who had attended HIV vaccine education workshops conducted by the community involvement programme of the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI). Our findings indicate that enablers and inhibitors to participation in HIV vaccine trials may. be further classified as either abstract or concrete. Each sub-theme was classified as an abstract inhibitor, abstract enabler, concrete inhibitor, or concrete enabler. Abstract inhibitors were fear of illness or death, lack of information about HIV/AIDS and HIV vaccines, and an HIV vaccine trial's association with HIV/AIDS. Abstract enablers were participants' reported sense of altruism and quality of life issues, such as protection from becoming infected with HIV. Concrete inhibitors were the monetary costs associated with participation, fear of being tested for HIV and receiving test results, negative reactions from family and community members, time delays between receiving trial participation information and actual enrolment, and a general mistrust of researchers. Concrete enablers were practicalities and convenience, financial rewards, a safe testing environment, positive family reactions to trial participation, the different levels of participation available to different members of the community, the salience of HIV in communities, positive community reactions to vaccine trials, and the presence of role models. In addition to these quadrants, the enablers and inhibitors have also been located within a contextual framework that includes the individual; family, community, and societal levels. Our research contributes to an understanding of the concerns of potential HIV vaccine trial participants within the South African context. Our findings illustrate the applicability of international research to proposed vaccine-trial activities in South Africa and should, therefore, inform the development and implementation of successful community preparedness activities.

FORWARD TRANSFER: STRENGTHENING THE EDUCATIONAL PIPELINE FOR LATINOCOMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS

The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify those factors that contribute to the forward transfer of Latino community college students. This purpose was accomplished by using qualitative methods to better understand what factors students, counselors, and administrators believed contributed favorably to the forward transfer of Latino students from a public community college to a comprehensive, four-year public institution in California. Ten students, six administrators, and two counselors were interviewed for this study. The student stakeholder group varied by academic major, gender, and age, with those interviewed ranging in age from 25 to 57. The results of this study identified several factors that influence the forward transfer of Latino community college students. The factors were organized in three major categories: individual, institutional, and environmental. The individual factors that stakeholders identified as influencing the forward transfer of Latino students from the community college to the university included personal drive, rigorous academic preparation, and educational/career goals. Institutional factors included validation by staff and faculty, the active presence of role models, institutional flexibility, a view of transfer as a shared responsibility, and active minority student support programs. Environmental factors identified included the availability of and assistance with financial aid, the geographic proximity of the transfer university, and the existence of a strong support system. The conclusions that can be drawn from these findings are that students' personal experiences often serve as catalysts in their pursuit of the bachelor's degree; a successful transfer program requires a strong institutional commitment to the transfer mission; transfer is far more successful when administrators, faculty, and counselors view it as a shared responsibility; and the utility of minority support programs and transfer activities is minimal.

Latina Students

SUMMARY Latina students have the highest high school dropout rate of all racial and ethnic groups. This article has three objectives: provide a brief overview of educational trends for Latina students, discuss factors associated with their educational trajectory and suggest strategies for change based on best practice wisdom. Results show that academic disparities between Latina students and other racial/ethnic female students begin as early as kindergarten and remain through age 17; achievement is compromised by a variety of factors, including family responsibilities, family poverty, lack of participation in preschool, attendance at poor quality elementary and high schools, placement into lower-track classes, poor self-image, limited neighborhood resources, lack of presence of role models and gender role attitudes. These disparities contribute to psychosocial issues and are not directly associated with Latino cultural assets, as Latino cultural capital has not been easily translated into social capital in U.S. society. Economic and social change must precede educational change if academic disparities between Latinas and other racial and ethnic girls are to be decreased.