Work Settings Research Articles

Civic Engagement and Collective Impact for Social Change

This paper provides “leaps of faith” in reporting work-in-progress of ongoing research from a grant project connecting assessment and evaluation of existing civic engagement efforts to further racial justice, strategic planning and goal setting, and future operationalization of collective impact in public libraries of the American South. The project develops and describes the capacity of public librarians and communities to lead civic engagement and promote positive social change by advancing racial justice in their environments for diverse community facets (e.g., economy, education, etc.) and within their work settings.

Leadership Styles in the 21st Century: A Comparative Analysis of Transformational and Transactional Leadership

This study aims to explore the impact of transformational and transactional leadership styles on employee motivation, well-being, and performance in modern work environments and attempts to compare these two leadership styles and analyze their impact on employee well-being, motivation, and overall productivity in modern organizations. Qualitative methodology is utilized in this research work. The data is gathered through the interviews, focus groups and surveys from selected organizations and regions in Pakistan. The results showed that transformational leadership, specified by trust, communication, and empowerment, prominently improves employee engagement, job satisfaction, and productivity, especially in remote work settings. On the contrary, the transactional leadership which focuses on rewards and penalties has a lesser impact on motivation.

The intellectual structure of learning agility: A case study using a modified BERT model for topic modeling

Introduction: The study aims to deepen the understanding of learning agility, a relatively new construct in the field. Learning agility is essential for identifying and developing leadership talent in organizations, particularly in environments of constant change. Methodology: A thematic analysis was conducted on the titles and abstracts of 112 significant works on learning agility. The analysis utilized abstract clustering and a modified version of the BERT model for topic modeling. These influential works were identified through a prior study using bibliometric citation techniques. Results: Nine intellectual topics or patterns related to learning agility were identified, along with the influential works within each topic. The results were then compared to another intellectual structure derived from a co-citation analysis of the same set of works. Correspondences between the topics identified through both methods were established. Discussion: The comparison between topics identified through thematic analysis and co-citation analysis provides a comprehensive perspective. This integrated approach helps to advance towards a unified conceptualization of learning agility, which is essential for standardizing its measurement and application. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that combining bibliometric techniques and Natural Language Processing (NLP) facilitates academic exploration in complex research areas. This approach enables the development of more objective and reliable tools for organizations to identify and develop leadership talent.

The Performative Power of Digital Nursing Platforms: Norms, Values and Identities in Alternative Work Realities

ABSTRACTFeminised sectors such as healthcare are underrepresented in labour platform research. This study focuses on emerging platforms for licensed nurses and combines a multimodal analysis of the promotional materials of 12 Dutch nursing platforms with interviews with platform directors and representatives. Our analysis shows how nursing platforms construct ‘alternative work realities’ that include features of seamless integration of work and private life, individualism, quantifiable professionalism and a predictable workforce. We demonstrate how interplays of modes, such as text, layout and interaction options, make the alternatives experiential and relatable for both nurses and care organisations, granting them performative power. By making alternative work settings relatable and accessible, nursing platforms introduce novel norms, values and identities to nursing work, thereby engaging in governance of work. This enables nurses to renegotiate traditional norms of self‐sacrifice and altruism, yet it simultaneously normalises new forms of unpaid work and social and economic risks.

Understanding the Relationship Between Empathy, Theory of Mind (ToM), and Parenting Styles Among Children With Disruptive Behaviour.

Disruptive behaviour has been recognized as one of the most common and persistent forms of childhood maladjustment, and predictive of a range of negative adolescent and adult outcomes including continuing aggression, failure in school and work settings, substance abuse, and late-onset psychopathology. As a child grows many factors influence the child's development like genetic factors, parenting styles, attachment patterns, environmental factors etc. These factors help in the development of empathy, theory of mind (ToM), emotional and behaviour regulation. We need to understand the relation between these factors among children with disruptive behaviours, inorder to develop targeted interventions and support strategies tailored to the unique needs of this population. A sample of 70 children and their mothers completed validated psychometric scales. Pearson correlation & regression analysis were conducted to determine the relation between variables. Results indicated that a significant negative correlation was observed between the permissive parenting style of the father and ToM among children with disruptive behaviour. Empathy was considered a significant inverse predictor of disruptive behaviour among children with disruptive behaviour. Another finding suggests that there is no significant difference in disruptive behaviour between boys and girls and no evident association between parenting styles and disruptive behaviours in children. While this could imply that inherent factors (nature) may have a more notable influence on disruptive behaviour in this sample, it is important to consider that this does not rule out the potential impact of environmental factors (nurture). The results should be viewed as part of a complex interplay between nature and nurture, and further investigation, particularly through longitudinal studies, is needed to clarify their respective contributions. This study builds upon existing research in providing a better understanding of contributors to disruptive behaviour among children, which may assist in the development of interventions to promote positive socio-emotional development and enhance the overall well-being of children.

School counsellor education in three countries: Australia, Malta and Turkey

ABSTRACT The study is a descriptive comparison of pre-service school counsellor education systems in Australia, Malta, and Turkey as it has been shown that pre-service training determines professional competencies and many personal traits, such as self-efficacy later on in real work settings. These three countries with very different histories and in geographically different parts of the world were selected as samples of convenience to examine their training of school counsellors. We describe four main issues of such training: the minimum formal educational qualifications required to enter training, the core activities which candidates need to complete, the entry requirements into the profession, and any specialisations required. To compare the education in each country, we used qualitative comparative methodology. The main findings were diverse nomenclatures, legislation, registration issues and different discipline boundaries between counselling and psychology. These findings can be useful for reflection for other countries when they are evaluating their own practices.

Workplace Violence Is Home Now for Healthcare Workers: Spillover Theory Perspective.

In recent years, workplace violence has become an escalating concern, particularly within the healthcare sector. Healthcare workers, who dedicate their lives to caring for others, are increasingly facing violence within their workplaces as evidenced by existing studies. However, literature overlooks complex associations between workplace violence, workplace stress, and domestic violence and stress. This article explores the phenomenon of workplace violence among healthcare workers through the lens of Spillover Theory and investigates impact of workplace violence on domestic stress with single and sequential mediation of workplace stress and domestic violence. Our findings of MEDTHREE analysis of time-lagged data indicate that individuals who experience workplace violence are more likely to exhibit stress, which ultimately becomes a cause of domestic violence. The study highlights how spillover theory can help to explain how workplace violence can trigger violence and stress in the home environment. The research highlights the need for a support system and targeted interventions to address the issue of workplace violence to mitigate its spillover effects into domestic violence. With the help of the findings, the organisational decision makers can develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the harmful consequences of the workplace violence to provide safe and healthy environment at work and home settings.

Sense of belonging in hybrid work settings

Sense of belonging in hybrid work settings

Empathy and Mentalizing of Mental Health Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study.

In mental healthcare, therapists' empathy and mentalizing are associated with better opportunities to establish positive working relations with patients. The present study aimed to explore mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing (compared with reference groups studying or working in different contexts), the association between mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing and sociodemographic characteristics of these nurses, and the association between mental health nurses' level of empathy and mentalizing. A cross-sectional design was used in adherence with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. The 28-item Empathy Quotient was used to investigate empathy, and the 28-item Mentalisation Scale was used to assess mentalizing. One hundred and seven mental health nurses working in different work-intensity settings (intensive and intermittent-intensive) participated in the study. Our analyses showed that mental health nurses had statistically significantly higher levels of empathy and mentalizing than the matched reference groups. They also showed that most mental health nurses' demographic characteristics were not statistically significantly associated with their level of empathy and mentalizing: not with age, years of work experience, or educational level. Only two aspects were statistically significantly associated: female gender (for higher levels of empathy and mentalizing) and practicing in an intermittent-intensive work setting (for higher scores on the subscale 'Motivation' of the Mentalisation Scale). Furthermore, empathy and mentalizing of mental health nurses were strongly associated and also emerged as two partly overlapping concepts. We conclude that mental health educational institutions and supervisors could pay extra attention to the aspects of gender and work situation concerning mental health nurses' mentalizing and empathy in patient relations.

Attitudes Towards the Management of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Türkiye: National Survey Study.

This study was conducted to assess the perspectives of pediatric endocrinologists in Türkiye on the management of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and to analyze the potential impact of work environment and professional experience on different attitudes. The members of the Turkish Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes were invited to participate in an online survey. An evaluation was made by obtaining survey responses from 95 (19%) of 502 members. Participants' mean age was 42.0±9.6 years, 46.3% of them were working in a university hospital, and 48.6% had >7 years of work experience. When the participants were asked about their approach to a 1-3-week-old neonate whose serum TSH concentration was 6-20 mU/L with a serum-free T4 (FT4) concentration within the age-specific reference interval, 97.7% of the participants preferred to monitor without medication. Only 24% of physicians consider starting treatment immediately if the serum TSH concentration is 20-40 mU/l with a normal FT4 level. While 5.3% of participants preferred dual imaging (ultrasound and scintigraphy), 90.5% requested only thyroid ultrasound for etiological investigation. When considering the discontinuation of levothyroxine in patients with a normal thyroid gland and a low LT4 dose, 28.4% of the participants stated that treatment should be stopped at the earliest at the age of 3 years, 16.8% at 2 years, 5.3% at 1 year, 16.8% at 6 months, and 32.6% at any time if the TSH levels remain low despite the low dosage. Physicians with over 7 years of experience can discontinue medication if TSH is low, even with a lower dose, more frequently than those with less experience (p=0.011). There were no significant differences in the approach of the physicians between employees at university hospitals and other health institutions. Although the attitudes of pediatric endocrinologists working in Türkiye towards the management of CH are generally consistent with the recommendations of international guidelines, their approaches to the treatment for isolated neonatal TSH elevation, thyroid imaging preferences and time to discontinue treatment differ significantly. These different attitudes, which are almost similar among all subgroups by experience and work setting, reflect the differences in local conditions in Türkiye and underline the need for a national consensus on the management of CH.

COVID-19 SMB Networks Transition to Remote Work

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to remote work, posing significant challenges and opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This paper examines the transition of SMBs to digital operations, highlighting the critical role of technology in facilitating this shift, with a focus on networking infrastructure choices between wired and wireless systems. It explores the advantages of wireless networks in terms of flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, supported by cloud services for enhanced operational efficiency and security. The paper further discusses the security challenges encountered by SMBs in remote work settings, including VPN vulnerabilities, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, weak passwords, and compliance risks. Through a comprehensive analysis, the paper advocates for a hybrid approach to networking and emphasizes the importance of robust security measures, including the use of content delivery networks (CDNs), OAuth 2.0, and virtual private networks (VPNs) provided by major cloud services like AWS, Azure, and GCP. The conclusion underscores the necessity for SMBs to adopt advanced technologies and security practices to navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, ensuring business continuity and laying the groundwork for future resilience and success.

Characterizing the Spatial Patterns and Determinants of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pseudorandom Flow in the Human Brain with Low b-value Diffusion MRI

Abstract The circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is essential for maintaining brain homeostasis and clearance, and impairments in its flow can lead to various brain disorders. Recent studies have shown that CSF effective motility can be interrogated using low b-value diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (low-b dMRI). Nevertheless, the spatial organization of intracranial CSF flow dynamics remains largely elusive. Here, we developed a whole-brain voxel-based analysis framework, termed CSF pseudo-diffusion spatial statistics (CΨSS), to examine CSF mean pseudo-diffusivity (MΨ), a measure of CSF flow magnitude derived from low-b dMRI. We showed that intracranial CSF MΨ demonstrates characteristic covariance patterns by employing seed-based correlation analysis. Next, we applied non-negative matrix factorization analysis to further elucidate the covariance patterns of CSF MΨ in a hypothesis-free, data-driven way. We identified ten distinct CSF compartments with high reproducibility and reliability, reflected by a high mean adjusted Rand index with a low standard deviation (0.82 [SD: 0.018]) in split-half analyses of the discovery multimodal aging dataset (n = 187). The identified patterns displayed similar MΨ across three replication datasets. In discovery and replication multimodal aging cohorts (unique n = 264), our study revealed that age, sex, brain atrophy, ventricular anatomy, and cerebral perfusion differentially influence MΨ across these CSF spaces. Notably, of the 35 individuals exhibited anomalous CSF flow patterns, five displayed clinically consequential incidental findings on multimodal neuroradiological examinations, which were not observed in other participants (p = 3.04×10-5). Our work sets forth a new paradigm to study CSF flow, with potential applications in clinical settings.

Can Focusing on One Deep Learning Architecture Improve Fault Diagnosis Performance?

Machine learning approaches often involve evaluating a wide range of models due to various available architectures. This standard strategy can lead to a lack of depth in exploring established methods. In this study, we concentrated our efforts on a single deep learning architecture type to assess whether a focused approach could enhance performance in fault diagnosis. We selected the benchmark Tennessee Eastman Process data set as our case study and investigated modifications on a reference convolutional neural network-based model. Results indicate a considerable improvement in the overall classification, reaching a maximum average F1-score of 89.85%, 7.47% above the baseline model, which is also a considerable improvement compared to other performances reported in the literature. These results emphasize the potential of this focused approach, indicating it could be further explored and applied to other data sets in future work.

Short Breaks During the Workday and Employee-Related Outcomes. A Diary Study.

In contemporary, high-speed work settings, ensuring the well-being of employees is of paramount importance. The current study builds on this concern about employee well-being and aims to explore the complex connection between workload (as a job demand), micro-breaks (as behavioral resources), and psychological capital (PsyCap; as a personal resource) to understand their impact on end-of-day well-being. A daily diary approach was employed, where employees provided data from Monday to Friday throughout a workweek. Micro-breaks exhibit significant negative associations with fatigue and positive associations with vigor, suggesting that employees experience reduced fatigue and heightened vigor when engaging in short respites. However, the type of micro-break activities (work-related or non-work-related) yields distinct effects on well-being. Contrary to our expectations, the data did not support the assumption that PsyCap moderates the relationship between workload and well-being. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing the value of micro-breaks in the contemporary work landscape. Employers and organizations can foster more supportive work environments by encouraging the adoption of micro-breaks as a strategy for improving employee well-being.

P-977. Design and Implementation of a State-Wide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Curriculum; Delivering Comprehensive, Engaging, Accessible Content Promotes Sustained Learner Engagement

Abstract Background In the wake of COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University Health System to produce a comprehensive IPC curriculum to address known gaps in education among healthcare providers. A 2021 needs assessment conducted by VDH found needs for comprehensive IPC education that was more accessible, engaging, and interactive. Core Content Attendee Work Settings Methods A tiered curriculum was developed to address the identified needs from a variety of healthcare provider types: Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced, targeting respectively concepts critical for anyone in the healthcare environment, concepts for HCP actively engaged in IPC activities in their facility, and concepts for those leading IPC programs or healthcare facilities. The education was delivered in a hybrid model with virtual-synchronous and virtual-asynchronous offerings in addition to in-person conferences. To rapidly build engaging content, expertise to create content was contracted from experts in IP across the United States. Evaluations and content created from 7/2021-4/2024 were reviewed and summarized. Total Attendees by Learning Experience Results Eighty individual modules organized into 3 core courses, a webinar series, and specialty site series were created by 62 individual IPC experts in less than 3 years. The program conducted 4 in-person conferences and 2 additional synchronous virtual conferences, and 13 live webinars. Materials remain accessible for on-demand learning. Content has been consumed by 4152 attendees (by total # registrations, not unique participants) across 43 states and 19 different countries. The breakdown of learner types is shown in Figure 1. Learners were more likely to access live virtual content (3472) than on-demand virtual content (509) or in-person events (171). Total attendees by event type over time are shown in Figure 2. Conclusion By leveraging existing expertise within the Infection Prevention community of professionals, a comprehensive IP program was rapidly implemented and provided sustained educational opportunities to HCP. HCPs preferred live virtual events to other delivery models to access the content. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Correlation between Curriculum Design and Job Readiness in Hotel and Restaurant Services Programs in Cabanatuan City

The study investigated the partnership between curriculum design and job readiness of the Hotel and Restaurant Services programs in Cabanatuan City, based on how well the programs can prepare students for the assault of the hospitality industry. The study gauged the perception of students as well as those of instructors regarding essential components of the curriculum - technical and soft skills, knowledge of the industry, and confidence of performing in the work setting. Findings indicated significant congruence with industry standards from the content of the curriculum, especially through experiential learning in developing communication, teamwork, and hands-on skills. Moreover, it was found that with rising levels of students' academic credentials, they became confident in the workplace, meaning experience through practice and action would become an effective way to prepare students for employment. Recommendations would include the implementation of more applicable learning experiences in all levels of education, curriculum updates that cover the emerging industry trends in sustainability, technology, and customer service. It will provide valued insights for academic institutions and stakeholders in the hospitality industries to ensure that curriculum designs align with the dynamic needs of industry expectations to facilitate successful student transition into the labor market.

RESOURCE DYNAMICS IN CAREER SATISFACTION: EXAMINING PERSON-JOB FIT, WORK ENGAGEMENT, AND SUPERVISOR SUPPORT

The current study empirically examines the relationship between person-job fit and career satisfaction based on the conservation of resources theory and the person–environment fit theory. In addition, the study investigates the mediating role of work engagement and the moderating role of supervisor support, using data from 277 participants working in two manufacturing firms operating in the civil aviation sector. For statistical analyses, Smart PLS 4 and SPSS 26 were utilized. The results indicate that person-job fit is positively related to both career satisfaction and work engagement. Furthermore, work engagement is positively associated with career satisfaction and mediates the relationship between person-job fit and career satisfaction. Supervisor support amplifies the positive relationship between person-job fit and career satisfaction, as well as between work engagement and career satisfaction. However, no significant effect of supervisor support was found on the relationship between person-job fit and work engagement, which indicates that employees who experience strong P-J fit tend to be engaged with their work regardless of supervisor support. Findings also suggest that match between job demands-job provisions and individual skills, preferences, and needs enhances career satisfaction and work engagement. The role of supervisor support further highlights the necessity of establishing a supportive work setting, where employees feel valued and encouraged by their leaders. However, from a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the conservation of resources theory by demonstrating how person-job fit, work engagement, and supervisor support function as resources that enhance career satisfaction. Similarly, it enriches the person–environment fit theory by showing how the congruence between individual and organizational factors can lead to positive workplace outcomes.engagement. The role of supervisor support further highlights the necessity of establishing a supportive work setting, where employees feel valued and encouraged by their leaders. However, from a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the conservation of resources theory by demonstrating how person-job fit, work engagement, and supervisor support function as resources that enhance career satisfaction. Similarly, it enriches the person–environment fit theory by showing how the congruence between individual and organizational factors can lead to positive workplace outcomes.

Flexible Working Arrangement and Well-Being amongst Private University Employees: A Pilot Study

The COVID-19 epidemic led to several adjustments in the workplace. Working from home or having flexible arrangements (FWA) has become standard practice in many workplaces. A Bandung-based private institution implemented a similar setup. FWA practices, tenure, and gender, as well as the combination of the three, had a substantial impact on the relationship dimension of subjective well-being. The association between the influence of FWA on the relational dimension of subjective well-being is strengthened by the effects of tenure and gender. This indicates that in this case where respondent used FWA, had a longer tenure, and is the same gender as his or her co-workers, they positively interact with other individuals (in a work setting, according to the context of this research). With the addition of other criteria (tenure and gender), the favorable perspective on the relationship of subjective well-being was amplified. FWA practices generated a positive perception of subjective well-being.

The Effectiveness of Pressure Injury Prevention Education for Patient Care Technicians in an Adult Acute Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Project.

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine whether hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) could be prevented by implementing an educational tool kit for patient care technicians (PCTs). Data were collected from 24 PCTs and 43 patients in a 26-bed inpatient adult acute care unit at an academic medical center in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Outcome data were collected over an 8-week period from September to November 2021. Hospital-acquired pressure injury prevalence was collected using the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) survey process. Full- and part-time PCTs' knowledge and attitudes were assessed through modified Pressure Injury Prevention Knowledge and Attitudes towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention Instruments. The PCTs' compliance with prevention strategies was assessed among patients using the modified NDNQI audit scores. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's Exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analysis. Among the 24 PCTs, 66.7% (n=16) had received prior education on HAPI prevention strategies. Hospital-acquired or unit-acquired pressure injury prevalence rates did not change significantly following the educational intervention. Mean Pressure Injury Prevention Knowledge scores increased from pre- to post-intervention (92.86; SD 9.63 vs 94.05; SD 12.86). Average Attitude towards Pressure Ulcer Prevention scores decreased from pre- to post-intervention (27.79; SD 4.88 vs 21.0; SD 7.51), indicating poorer attitudes toward pressure injury prevention. The mean NDNQI audit scores significantly improved from pre-implementation (M 1.40; SD 0.82, n =20) to measurement following the intervention (M 2.35; SD 0.99, n =23; P=.014). An educational curriculum tailored for PCTs increased HAPI prevention strategies. The project site incorporated the HAPI prevention educational tool kit from this quality improvement project into their annual hospital-wide training for all PCTs to learn and implement HAPI prevention strategies in their work setting.

Using Self-Instruction via Video Activity Schedules to Decrease Reliance on Adult Prompts for Students With an Intellectual Disability

The purpose of this study was to compare the differential effects of mobile assistive technology (AT) loaded with visual activity schedules (VAS; pictures alone) compared to video activity schedules (VidAS; pictures linked to video models) to promote vocational independence and decreased reliance on adult supports for adolescents and adults with intellectual disability, with and without autism. Seven single-case multitreatment designs were used to assess differential effects between the two interventions when participants completed various vocational tasks. All participants were able to perform some of the task steps independently with both VAS and VidAS but demonstrated a greater increase in independence with self-instruction using VidAS than when only given VAS. Results suggest that incorporating VidAS into mobile AT can increase independence while decreasing reliance on additional adult support, suggesting that this could be a reasonable accommodation in school, work, and community settings.