Relative Strength Research Articles

Intrafirm collaboration network dynamics, external cooperation network embeddedness, and firm knowledge search

ABSTRACT In the context of open innovation, firms urgently expand knowledge search and acquisition externally, forming complex interactions between internal networks and their knowledge exploration behaviours. However, prior research has overlooked network dynamics and treated internal networks as static. Drawing upon social network theory and the knowledge-based view, our study constructs a theoretical model that links intrafirm collaboration network dynamics with knowledge search within firms. We also investigated external contextual mechanisms such as the relationship strength, relationship breadth, and network centrality of corporate external networks. These moderate the relationship between intrafirm collaboration network dynamics and firms’ knowledge search. We empirically test the hypotheses using data from listed firms in the Chinese computer, communication, and electronic equipment manufacturing industry (C39) between 2014 and 2021. The results indicate that the intrafirm collaboration network dynamic has an inverted U-shaped effect on firms’ knowledge search breadth and depth. Relationship strength and network centrality weaken these effects.

Affirmative sexual consent and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB): A multiple-group analysis regarding the impact of biological sex, sexual self-esteem, sexual assertiveness, and sexual history on TPB relationships

ABSTRACT The current investigation uses the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the behavior of affirmative sexual consent. Specifically, multiple-group analyses (N = 225) explored the effects of biological sex, sexual self-esteem, sexual assertiveness, and sexual relationship history on the strength of TPB relationships between affirmative sexual consent attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and observed affirmative consent behavior. Findings revealed significant effects across the three forms of affirmative sexual consent (i.e. nonverbal, initiating, and verbal), which are discussed in conjunction with TPB, practical implications, limitations, and future directions.

Association of Visceral Adipose Tissue With Hypertension: Results From the NHANES 2011-2018 and Mendelian Randomization Analyses.

The causal relationship between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and hypertension remains unclear. We aimed to examine the potential association between them using observational and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 were used, applying multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between VAT mass and hypertension risk. Independent genetic variants related to VAT mass were derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 325 153 UK Biobank participants. The primary analysis employed the random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, with MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode as sensitivity analyses. A total of 7661 participants were included. After adjusting for confounding factors, increased VAT mass was associated with a higher risk of hypertension (quartile 4vs. quartile 1: OR:1.85, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.31-2.63). Furthermore, VAT mass exhibited greater accuracy than body mass index (BMI) in predicting hypertension (areas under the curve [AUC]: 0.701vs. 0.676, p for comparison < 0.001). The MR analyses demonstrated a causal relationship between increased VAT mass and the risk of hypertension in primary analyses (odds ratio [OR]:1.768, 95% CI: 1.594-1.861). Consistent findings across various MR models substantiate the robustness and strength of this causal relationship. These analyses provide additional support for both the positive association and causal relationship between elevated VAT and the risk of developing hypertension, suggesting that targeted interventions for VAT may be beneficial in preventing hypertension.

Diarrhea and associated factors among under-five children in open defecation free and open defecation rural households of Degem district, Oromia, Ethiopia

IntroductionDiarrheal diseases are the top cause of preventable death, particularly among children under the age of five in developing countries like Ethiopia. Despite the national level of latrine coverage being 61%, diarrhea is responsible for the deaths of half a million children under 5 years annually. Therefore, this study aimed to assess diarrhea and its associated factors among children in open defecation free (ODF) and open defecation (OD) households of Degem district, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted within the community, involving 398 participants (200 from open defecation free [ODF] and 198 from open defecation [ODF] households). The selection of study participants from OD and ODF households was done using a multistage sampling approach. Data input was carried out using Epi Data 3.1, while data analysis would be performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software, employing appropriate testing methods. Statistical significance and the strength of relationships were assessed using odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe prevalence of diarrhea among children in open defecation free and open defecation households was 26 and 38%, respectively. Factors such as children who were not vaccinated for rotavirus, mothers or caregivers did not have diarrhea, mothers or caregivers did not wash their hands at critical times, and individuals with poor latrine utilization were significantly associated with diarrhea among children in ODF households. On the other hand, children who were not vaccinated for rotavirus, not received vitamin A supplementation, mothers or caregivers did not wash their hands at critical times, children lacking access to latrines and children whose their families practice open field solid waste disposal were significantly associated with diarrhea among children in open defecation free households.ConclusionThe study results indicated that the prevalence of diarrhea among children under five in open defecation areas was notably higher compared to those residing in open defecation free areas. Consequently, it is imperative for all responsible bodies to focus on evidence-based strategies to combat childhood diarrhea and to ensure child health status.

THE NARCISSIST PERSONALITY TYPE AND RELATIONSHIPS: ANALYSIS FROM MALE AND FEMALE PERSPECTIVES

This article analyzes the dynamics of narcissistic personality disorder in male and female relationships. Narcissistic individuals are characterized by high self-esteem, lack of empathy, and manipulative behavior. The fact that such persons put their needs in the center in their relationships and are prone to emotional manipulation towards their partners has a negative impact on the strength of relationships and the emotional sphere. The article also highlights the differences between narcissistic men and women and explores the problems gender-specific behavior patterns create in relationships. The results show that people who are in relationships with individuals with narcissistic personality traits can suffer serious psychological damage, and in such cases, the need for professional intervention comes to the fore. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the difficulties narcissistic personality poses in romantic relationships and has important implications for contemporary psychological research.

Pengaruh Media Sosial Instagram terhadap Minat Berkunjung Wisatawan ke Museum Prabu Geusan Ulun Sumedang

This study aims to determine the effect of Instagram social media on tourist interest in visiting the Prabu Geusan Ulun Sumedang Museum. The sample in this study amounted to 100 respondents who were tourists at the Prabu Geusan Ulun Sumedang Museum. The research method used is a descriptive quantitative method with a correlational design that analyses the effect of Instagram social media (X) on tourist interest (Y). The data analysis technique used is simple linear regression to measure the influence and strength of the variable relationship in the study. Hypothesis testing was carried out using the simultaneous f test to determine whether or not there was an influence. The results of this study state that Instagram social media has an influence of 63.2% on tourist interest, with a muscular relationship strength of 0.795. Researchers hope that Prabu Geusan Ulun Sumedang Museum can further develop its Instagram social media to attract tourists, and further research can be conducted with the same theme to develop Prabu Geusan Ulun Sumedang Museum.

Correlation between stress and primary dysmenorrhea at SMAN 4 Kediri

Introduction: The physiological disorder experienced by most women in Indonesia every month is primary dysmenorrhea (60-70%). The incidence of primary dysmenorrhea was experienced by female students at SMAN 4 Kediri City, as many as (90.8%) of all female students. One factor is stress. Objective: Determine the relationship between stress and the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea at SMAN 4 Kediri City. Methods: This research used the Analytical research design correlation with a cross-sectional approach, a population of 258 students, and a simple random sampling with a sample of 39 female students. The instrument used was questionnaires, with Spearman rank correlation analysis. Result: The results of this study were moderate stress 28.2% and moderate pain dysmenorrhea 53.8%. Statistical tests showed the correlation coefficient of Spearman rank sig value was 0.030; there was a significant relationship with a reasonably strong relationship strength of 0.347. Stress is the cause of dysmenorrhea to prevent dysmenorrhea can be minimized by preventing stress. Conclusion: the higher the stress, the higher the risk of dysmenorrhea in female students at SMAN 4 Kediri City. The higher the stress level experienced by female students, the greater their risk of experiencing dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). This suggests that psychological factors such as stress can affect physical health conditions, particularly related to menstrual disorders in adolescent girls. To reduce the risk of dysmenorrhea, it is important to pay attention to stress management in students.

Supervision and Wellness: A Survey of Human Service Practitioners

ABSTRACT Organizationally provided workplace-based supervision is important for human services as it impacts service delivery, client outcomes, and organizational efficacy. Surveying human service practitioners in Ontario, Canada (N = 207), this study examined the relationship between supervision effectiveness and practitioner wellness using the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale and the Professional Quality of Life – Health Scale, conducting a MANCOVA and fitting a Structural Equation Model. Of the participants, 37% received effective supervision as defined by MCSS-26 developers, 40% non-effective supervision, and 23% no supervision. Participants whose scores reflected non-effective supervision experienced the worst wellness outcomes, worse than no supervision. Results indicate effective supervision, particularly the strength of supervisory relationship and administrative (i.e. normative) function, predicts practitioner wellness, increasing perceived support and compassion satisfaction while decreasing burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and moral distress. Findings emphasize the need for organizations to dedicate resources to effective supervision to improve practitioner wellbeing and, in turn, client outcomes.

Moderating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the strength of the mediated relationship between networking capabilities and SME performance via entrepreneurial competencies

The purpose of this study was determine the effect of networking capabilities on firm performance while controlling for entrepreneurial competencies, to determined the moderating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and SME performance and ultimatrely to establish the moderating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the strength of the mediated relationship between networking capabilities and Small and Mediam Enterprises (SME) performance via entrepreneurial competencies. The study sdopted the positivist research philosophy asserting the existence of an objective reality that can be quantified, offering both explanatory and predictive capabilities. The research adopted an explanatory research design. Hayes Model 4 and 59 process Macro approach was used to analyse data and test the hypotheses. The results showed that networking capabilities had a significant direct effect on firm performance. The study also revealed that the interaction of entrepreneurial self- efficacy between the entrepreneurial competencies and firm performance was significant. Ultimately, the study determined the conditional indirect effect of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) on the strength of the mediated relationship between networking capabilities and SME performance via entrepreneurial competencies. The study concluded that positive and significant moderated mediation analysis was evident. More importantly, the conditional indirect effect was much stronger with firms having lower levels of ESE. The study concluded that entrepreneurial self-efficacy has significant conditional indirect effect on the strength of the mediated relationship between networking capabilities and SME performance via entrepreneurial competencies. These findings emphasise the importance of self-efficacy, networking capabilities and competencies of the entrepreneurs as a predictor to improved firm performance.

Nighttime Lights and Population Variations in Cities of South/Southeast Asia: Distance-Decay Effect and Implications

Urbanization in South and Southeast Asia is accelerating due to economic growth, industrialization, and rural-to-urban migration, with megacities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Jakarta leading the trend. By analyzing VIIRS nighttime satellite data from 323 cities across 17 countries, we investigated the relationship between nighttime light (NTL) brightness and population density at varying distances from city centers. Our findings reveal a significant distance-decay effect, with both the intensity of NTL brightness and the strength of the NTL-population density relationship decreasing as the distance from city centers increases. A clear negative exponential relationship with the highest R2 was observed between NTL brightness and the distance from the city center. Our analysis indicates that a 105 km radius most effectively captures the extent of major metropolitan areas, showing a peak correlation between NTL brightness and population density. Cities like Delhi and Bangkok exhibit high NTL brightness, reflecting advanced infrastructure, while mountainous or desert cities such as Kabul and Thimphu show lower brightness due to geographical constraints. These results highlight the importance of adaptive urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainability practices in managing urbanization challenges in South and Southeast Asia.

Do Taxes and Transfers Stimulate Development in Latin America?

This study examines the relationship between fiscal redistribution and human development in 12 Latin American countries over the period 2000–2021. Aiming to evaluate this relationship across the distribution, quantile regression is performed. The results suggest that greater redistribution is associated with higher development, although this relationship's strength decreases during the second half of the distribution. The analysis of taxes’ and government transfers’ redistributive effect is extended to the different dimensions of development—health, education and economy—and obtains significant coefficients at both the beginning and the end of the distribution. Several robustness analyses evaluate the results’ consistency for different specifications and sub-periods. When controlling for socio-economic factors, the intensity of the positive link between redistribution and development decreases. Education is the most affected by redistribution increases. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's impact, a positive association between redistribution and development is obtained for both the pre-pandemic period and the following years.

Impact of artificial intelligence and knowledge management on proactive green innovation: the moderating role of trust and sustainability

PurposeIn this research, we seek to understand the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge management (KM) processes in enhancing proactive green innovation (PGI) within oil and gas organizations. It also aims to investigate the moderator role of trust and sustainability in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a quantitative analysis. Surveys have been gathered from the middle-line managers of twenty-four oil and gas government organizations to evaluate the perceptions of the managers towards AI, KM processes, trust, sustainability measures and proactive measures toward green innovation. Analytical and statistical tools that were employed in this study, including structural equation modeling with SmartPLSv3.9, have been used to analyze the data and to examine the measurement and structural models of this study.FindingsThe study results reveal a significant and positive impact of AI utilization, KM processes and PGI within oil and gas organizations. Furthermore, trust and sustainability turn out to be viable moderators affecting, and influencing the strength and direction of AI, KM and PGI relationships. In particular, higher levels of trust and more substantial sustainability commitments enhance the positive impact of AI and KM on green innovation outcomes.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the impact of AI, KM, trust and sustainability offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers seeking to promote proactive green innovation within the oil and gas industry. Thus, organizations can increase the efficiency of sustainable product development, process improvement and environmental management by using robust AI technologies and effective KM systems. Furthermore, fostering trust among stakeholders and embedding sustainability principles into organizational culture can amplify the effectiveness of AI and KM initiatives in driving green innovation outcomes.Originality/valueThis study extends the current knowledge by assessing the effect of AI and KM on proactive green innovation while accounting for trust and sustainability as moderators. Utilizing quantitative methods offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between these variables, thereby advancing theoretical knowledge in the fields of innovation management, sustainability and organizational behavior. Additionally, the identification of specific mechanisms and contextual factors enriches practical insights for organizational practitioners striving for a practical understanding of the dynamics of the complexities of sustainable innovation in an AI-driven era.

Navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution: insights from a comprehensive bibliometric study on Industry 4.0

Abstract The purpose of this study is to outline the current state of research and development in Industry 4.0 by highlighting key topics, cooperative networks, and emerging trends that characterize this ground-breaking stage of manufacturing and technology. The article answers the question what are the key keywords, countries, collaboration networks and most frequently occurring terms in Industry 4.0 research, and what conclusions can be drawn from the bibliometric analysis regarding their frequency, strength of connections and mutual relationships. With a focus on the incorporation of digital technology into manufacturing processes, the article aims to provide a detailed overview of the international initiatives driving the fourth industrial revolution. This study uses bibliometric analysis to look at 4,981 scientific papers from 2020 to 2024 that are available in the Scopus database. The text of these articles is carefully examined, with an emphasis on titles, abstracts, and keywords, in order to map out the network of co-authorships and the frequency of certain terminologies. The VOSviewer program was used to provide a network visualization, offering a pictorial depiction of the connections of coauthoring nations and the phrases that are shared across the corpus of work. The results show a strong and complex web of global partnerships, suggesting a broad dedication to pushing the boundaries of Industry 4.0. Five significant co-authorship clusters were found, demonstrating the prominent significance that certain nations have played in various Industry 4.0 research domains. Key phrases like “digital transformation,” “smart manufacturing,” “machine learning,” and “internet of things” were used a lot, highlighting the importance of digitization and smart manufacturing technology. This publication offers a comprehensive statistical and visual study of the worldwide research dynamics in Industry 4.0, making it a unique contribution to the body of knowledge. Understanding the complex nature of the fourth industrial revolution is made easier with its mapping of cooperative networks and thematic goals as well as its emphasis on the discourse’s essential place for sustainability.

Testing relationships between multiple regional features and biogeographic processes of speciation, extinction, and dispersal.

The spatial and environmental features of regions where clades are evolving are expected to impact biogeographic processes such as speciation, extinction, and dispersal. Any number of regional features (such as elevation, distance, area, etc.) may be directly or indirectly related to these processes. For example, it may be that distances or differences in elevation or both may limit dispersal rates. However, it is difficult to disentangle which features are most strongly related to rates of different processes. Here, we present an extensible Multi-feature Feature-Informed GeoSSE (MultiFIG) model that allows for the simultaneous investigation of any number of regional features. MultiFIG provides a conceptual framework for incorporating large numbers of features of different types, including categorical, quantitative, within-region, and between-region features, along with a mathematical framework for translating those features into biogeographic rates for statistical hypothesis testing. Using traditional Bayesian parameter estimation and reversible-jump Markov chain Monte Carlo, MultiFIG allows for the exploration of models with different numbers and combinations of feature-effect parameters, and generates estimates for the strengths of relationships between each regional feature and core process. We validate this model with a simulation study covering a range of scenarios with different numbers of regions, tree sizes, and feature values. We also demonstrate the application of MultiFIG with an empirical case study of the South American lizard genus Liolaemus, investigating sixteen regional features related to area, distance, and elevation. Our results show two important feature-process relationships: a negative distance/dispersal relationship, and a negative area/extinction relationship. Interestingly, although speciation rates were found to be higher in Andean versus non-Andean regions, the model did not assign significance to Andean- or elevation-related parameters. These results highlight the need to consider multiple regional features in biogeographic hypothesis testing.

ПСИХОЛОГІЧНИЙ СУПРОВІД РОЗВИТКУ ДОВІРИ В МІЖОСОБИСТІСНИХ СТОСУНКАХ ЮНАКІВ

The article analyzes the problem of developing trust in interpersonal relationships of young men through psychological support. Its relevance is determined, on the one hand, by the importance of trust as a necessary condition for the strength and effectiveness of such relationships, and on the other hand, by the lack of sufficient experience at this age to build them, which leads to a loss of trust. The specified research task is solved on the basis of understanding interpersonal relations as a natural manifestation of the social nature of a person, which is manifested in the system of subject relationships with other people, established according to mutual conscious and emotionally colored choices; trust - as a special attitude of its subject to himself, another subject or object, which is based on common values ​​and interests, is determined by a sense of community with a group or with another person and is manifested in a positive assessment of reliability and safety. The search for optimal methodological approaches for its substantiation was carried out. With the help of the analysis of scientific works, it was found that such approaches can be: a systematic approach, which is the basis for understanding psychological support as a system of psychological support and assistance to young people in the development of trust; an eco-facilitative approach aimed at greening the educational environment, facilitative assistance to young people in the implementation of individual strategies in interpersonal relationships and the involvement of internal resources to solve psychological problems, a spiritual and moral approach that focuses on the actualization of spiritual potential in the process of their spiritual and moral formation. In combination, the mentioned methodological principles are the basis for developing a positive attitude towards oneself and others, the perception of trust in relationships with people as a value due to the strengthening of internal resources - the highest spiritual and moral formations of the individual. On this basis, the project of the program for the development of trust in interpersonal relationships of young people is proposed, which consists in the step-by-step implementation of work in the direction of the spiritual and moral development of young people and the formation of trusting relationships between them in the form of psychological counseling and psychological training. The application of the specified forms of psychological support makes it possible to promote awareness of the spiritual and moral content of trust and the formation of interpersonal relationships of young people based on a positive attitude towards the world, towards others and themselves.

Assessment of Tourism Development in Belarus: A Comprehensive Analysis of Infrastructure, Cultural Heritage and Natural Resources

Purpose: This study examines the development of tourism in Belarus, evaluating its infrastructure, cultural heritage potential, and natural resources. The research aims to identify key factors influencing tourism development and assess their relative impact on the sector's growth. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a mixed-methods approach, primarily utilizing a quantitative survey (n=512) of local stakeholders across six regions of Belarus, supplemented by comprehensive statistical analysis. The research instrument included 17 structured questions measuring perceptions of tourism development across multiple dimensions. Data analysis was conducted using chi-square tests and Cramér's V coefficient to determine statistical significance and relationship strength. Findings: The results indicate moderate tourism development in Belarus (39% of respondents rated it as average, 42% as high). Infrastructure quality shows significant regional variation (χ2(4)=31.50, p&lt;0.001, V=0.56). Cultural heritage emerged as a primary attraction (72% agreement), while natural resources received varied evaluations (57% highlighting landscape value). The study identified key development barriers: visa restrictions (74% of respondents), insufficient marketing (62%), and underdeveloped transport infrastructure (51%). Research limitations/implications: The study's cross-sectional nature and focus on domestic stakeholders may limit its generalizability. Future longitudinal studies incorporating international perspectives could provide additional insights. Conclusion: The study reveals that Belarus's tourism development exhibits a complex pattern of strengths and challenges. While the country possesses significant potential through its cultural heritage (72% positive evaluation) and natural resources (57% positive assessment), its tourism development is constrained by structural barriers. The research demonstrates that future tourism growth requires a three-pronged approach: (1) systematic infrastructure modernization, particularly in regional areas; (2) reform of visa policies to enhance accessibility; and (3) development of comprehensive marketing strategies. The statistical significance of these findings (p&lt;0.001) supports the need for evidence-based policy interventions. This research contributes to both theoretical understanding of tourism development in transition economies and practical policy formulation, while establishing a methodological framework for future studies in similar contexts.

Application of AI to minimize information risk in tax control: Evidence from Bulgaria

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in tax control is becoming more and more relevant in the conditions of globalization and digitalization of the economy, which creates a need for effective mechanisms for managing information risk. With the growing volume of data and the complexity of the tax processes, the risk of deviations, fraud and inconsistencies increases significantly. This article aims to examine applied AI tools and approaches that can minimize information risk in tax control, as well as to analyze their effectiveness through the prism of practice in Bulgaria. The methodology is based on correlation analysis, which measures the strength and direction of the linear relationship between pairs of variables. A Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the variable "Artificial Intelligence" and the different forms of tax control. Kendall's tau-b correlation coefficient was used to assess the linear relationship between the variables of collection, processing, verification, and management of tax information related to the application of AI. The main results show that AI has a positive and statistically significant effect on risk management and cybersecurity, suggesting the potential to improve data protection and reliability. However, the verification and revision of tax information needs to significantly impact AI, which points to the need for further development of these technologies for better integration. In conclusion, the application of AI offers significant opportunities to minimize information risk in tax control but requires targeted adaptation and refinement in specific aspects of control processes.

Homework quality and student achievement: the mediating role of motivation and emotions

ABSTRACT This study examined the direction and strength of relationships between homework quality (homework quality, feedback quality, autonomy support), homework motivation (expectancy and value), negative homework emotions, homework behaviour (homework time, homework completion) and academic achievement. Research data were collected from 628 secondary school students. The study tested two theoretical models. According to the findings, students’ motivation to do homework increases in parallel with an increase in teacher effort in selecting homework topics and providing feedback. Similarly, practices that provide autonomy in the homework process are also associated with increased motivation. The increase in homework quality leads to a decrease in negative emotions associated with homework. In parallel with the increase in homework quality, there is also an increase in homework completion behaviour. The relationship between homework quality and homework behaviour and academic achievement is mediated by homework motivation, but not by negative homework emotions. Expectancy and value are positively related to both homework completion and academic achievement. Expectancy and value are positively related to each other and negatively related to negative homework emotions.

Fighting fiscal awkwardness: How relationship strength changes individuals' communication approach when resolving interpersonal debt.

Social interactions can be uncomfortable. The current research focuses on a particularly uneasy interaction that individuals face with their friends and acquaintances: the need to request owed money back. Nine preregistered studies (N = 6,953) show that individuals' approach to resolving interpersonal debt varies based on their closeness with the requestee. Specifically, people prefer communication methods low in social richness (e.g., digital apps) when requesting money back from weak social connections such as distant acquaintances. However, they prefer communication methods high in social richness (e.g., in-person interactions) when requesting money back from strong social connections such as close friends. Process evidence reveals the psychological dynamics at play: (a) people anticipate discomfort when requesting money back from distant acquaintances in person, driving them away from in-person requests and toward digital apps, and (b) people are more averse to appearing impersonal with close friends, driving them away from digital apps and toward in-person requests. In sum, individuals adaptively approach uncomfortable financial interactions based on the relationship dynamics at hand. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Research on the Influence of User Relationship Strength on Value Co-Creation Behavior of Online Fitness Community

ABSTRACT Purpose The factors that drive user value co-creation behavior are unique to China due to the country’s unique economic, political and cultural influences. However, few scholars have paid attention to the driving factors of user value co-creation behavior in the Chinese context. In this study, the authors deepen their understanding of the drivers of user value co-creation behavior by exploring the impact of relationship strength, a variable with Chinese characteristics, on value creation behavior. Design/methodology/approach The article takes the relationship strength of online fitness users as the research object from the user’s perspective, uses literature and questionnaires to establish a model of the influence mechanism of online fitness users’ relationship strength on value co-creation behavior, use AMOS to test the model empirically based on the data of 471 senior Chinese online fitness users. Findings The findings confirm that all dimensions of relationship strength, except duration, have a significant positive impact on value experience. Each dimension of relationship strength has a significant positive impact on demand satisfaction. Value experience and demand satisfaction have a significant direct positive impact on value co-creation behavior. Research Implications This study introduced the variable relationship between strength, explore the user relationship strength with Chinese characteristics variables influence on value creating behavior, follow the “stimulus → psychological perception → value co-creation behavior” logic, build the user relationship strength of value creating action mechanism model, and carries on the empirical test, it broadens the research perspective of driving users to produce value co-creation behavior. Practical Implications The results of this study show that managers need to enhance the relationship strength of users in online fitness communities, especially to improve users’ perception of reciprocity, and to focus on users’ needs and experiences to achieve value co-creation. Originality This study makes two main contributions. It examines the impact of online fitness user relationship strength on value co-creation behavior in the Chinese context, enriching the research on the drivers of value co-creation behavior. Additionally, this study reveals the influence mechanisms of online fitness user relationship strength on value co-creation behavior and provides theoretical guidance for online fitness company to drive users to generate value co-creation behavior.