Situational Theory Research Articles

Understanding the relationship between competitive climates and reading achievement in East Asia: a situated expectancy-value theory perspective

ABSTRACT Competitive climates have been found to be critical for language learning. However, most of these studies primarily focused on examining the direct association between competitive climates and language performance. Little attention has been given to exploring how competitive climates interplay with motivational beliefs in influencing language learning, especially in the Confucian culture. To address these gaps, this study aimed to investigate how expectancy-value beliefs mediated the relationship between competitive climates and reading achievement in East Asian regions. The study utilized data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018, with 41,872 participants from six East Asian regions, including Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, Korea, and Mainland China. The results revealed that competitive climates could enhance students’ reading achievement by fostering expectancy and value beliefs, demonstrating the positive influence of competitive climates on reading achievement within East Asian regions. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

A multigroup random-intercept cross-lagged panel model for Finnish secondary school students in frame of situated expectancy-value theory

The aim of this study is to examine both within-person and between-person associations of academic self-concept and task values in literacy and mathematics to identify the most promising motivational construct to prevent motivational decline during school transitions. The sample included 3636 students (average age at the start: 15.73 years, SD: 0.32 years) followed up three times from lower secondary school (T1) to the third year (T3) of upper secondary education, either in vocational or academic tracks. Multi-group random intercept cross-lagged panel models detected several spillover (cross-lagged) effects between self-concept and task values in mathematics but not in literacy. There were also marginal but significant differences between students from different educational tracks in both subjects. Overall, utility value and academic self-concept in mathematics were found to be the most promising motivational constructs in changing motivational beliefs, thus presenting important starting points in motivational interventions. Educational relevance and implications statementThis study highlights that spillover effects are more pronounced in maths than in literacy, emphasising the need for tailored interventions in mathematics education. Moreover, the potential disruption in students' motivational beliefs during school transitions suggests the importance of ensuring continuity in support to help mitigate the impact of these transitions. While our results indicate limited carryover effects, it is possible that school transitions are experienced as breaks in motivational development. The role of utility value in exhibiting spillover effects over school transitions in both maths and literacy suggests the significance of emphasising the practical relevance of academic subjects to sustain students' motivation. Additionally, recognising the superior role of academic self-concept in maths in spillover effects on task values underscores the importance of nurturing students' confidence and beliefs in their own mathematical abilities.

Bridging the generational gap between nurses and nurse managers: a qualitative study from Qatar

BackgroundThe nursing workforce comprises multiple generations, each with unique values, beliefs, and expectations that can influence communication, work ethic, and professional relationships. In Qatar, the generational gap between nurses and nurse managers poses challenges to effective communication and teamwork, impacting job satisfaction and patient outcomes.AimThis study investigates the generational gap between nurses and nurse managers in Qatar, aiming to identify strategies to enhance collaboration and create a positive work environment.MethodsA qualitative research design was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, including frontline nurses and senior nurse managers. Participants were purposively sampled to represent different generations. Data were collected through face-to-face and virtual interviews, then transcribed and thematically analyzed.FindingsFour key themes emerged: Optimizing the Work Environment: Older generations preferred transformational and situational leadership, while younger nurses valued respect, teamwork, accountability, and professionalism. Strengthening Work Atmosphere through Communication and values: Older nurses favored face-to-face communication, while younger nurses preferred digital tools. Cultivating Respect and Empathy: Younger nurses emphasized fairness in assignments and promotions, while older nurses focused on empathy and understanding. Dynamic Enhancement of Healthcare Systems: Younger nurses were more adaptable to technology and professional development, while older nurses prioritized clinical care and patient outcomes.ConclusionThe study reveals significant generational differences in leadership preferences, communication styles, and adaptability to technology. Addressing these gaps through effective leadership, ongoing education, and open communication can improve job satisfaction and patient care.

LEADERSHIP STYLES AMONG SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS EMBRACING SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP MODEL: THE CASE OF T’BOLI WEST DISTRICT, SOUTH COTABATO DIVISION, PHILIPPINES

This study utilized a multiple case design to describe and gain insights from the leadership styles among school administrators embracing the situational leadership model: the case of T’boli West district, South Cotabato division, Philippines. This study used an in-depth interview to gather the data needed. A total of five school administrators were the respondents of this study. The results showed that most participants gained positive benefits from their experiences, challenging them to strive for greater advancement to become better educators despite the rigors of life. Nevertheless, even if they have faced many difficulties, the study found that principals embracing situational leadership are even more inspired. Understanding their difficulty as principals added to the body of information in education. Their attitude toward their personal and professional well-being would change if they valued the importance of resilience in the leading professionals.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0977/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Novice middle leaders navigating context: reflections on a situated middle leader development program in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Purpose Guided by situated learning theory, this study explores the influence of a professional development program on the evolving perceptions of middle leaders as entrepreneurial leaders. It investigates which elements of situated learning design foster the growth of middle leaders’ entrepreneurial behavior. Design Using a narrative case inquiry approach, 20 participants from five primary and seven secondary schools in Hong Kong. These participants engaged in a situated middle leader development programme designed to enhance teacher entrepreneurialism in authentic, job-related contexts. Findings This study uncovers the incremental learning growth of middle leaders across three phases: initial struggle with authority constraints; reflection on the role of entrepreneurial middle leaders; and eventual advocacy of innovative opportunities to colleagues. It underscores the importance of authenticity and guided reflection in the situated learning program design, which fosters a social environment stimulating reflective dialogue and enables middle leaders to reflect on their leadership behavior. Originality This study broadens the application of situated learning theory by demonstrating how the interplay of contextual, social, and individual-level environments can enhance the professional development of middle leaders, particularly in fostering entrepreneurial behaviours.

로스쿨 이후 경찰대 존폐론 평가

This article examines the background and purpose of the establishment of the National Police University, and analyzes and evaluates the content and meaning of the argument for the existence of the National Police University. The theory of the existence of the National Police University is the theory of the existence of the undergraduate degree program of the National Police University. There is no dispute about maintaining the Graduate School of Public Safety. The theory of maintaining the National Police University is the theory of maintaining the undergraduate degree program of the National Police University. To be precise, it is a theory of introducing the police officer public recruitment exam. Regarding this, the method of the test may be controversial, it may be difficult to attract top talent, which may go against the purpose of establishing the National Police University, and there is a risk that it will further accelerate the departure of National Police University graduates to law school. The theory of abolishing the National Police University is the theory of abolishing the National Police University undergraduate program. These include the promotion backlog theory, high-level monopoly theory, preferential treatment theory, situational change theory, and organizational defection theory. However, the situation in which the majority of the National Police University graduates go on to law school could pose a crisis to the existence of the National Police University. The status of National Police University graduates leaving the police organization and the status of National Police University graduates returning to the police organization must be disclosed and analyzed, and the reasons for this must be revealed. If the National Police University undergraduate program has to be abolished, a plan must be prepared to ensure the police organization can secure excellent talent to replace it for the development of the organization. For example, a new police position is being added to the 5th level civil servant recruitment exam.

상사의 무례함이 감정고갈을 매개로 이직의도에 미치는 영향: 자아존중감의 조건부 간접효과

This study focused on supervisor incivility and its relationship with employee turnover intention in the context of increasing issues and related research on workplace incivility globally. Based on conservation of resources theory, we proposed and tested a hypothesis regarding the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion in the relationship between supervisor incivility and turnover intentions. Additionally, from the perspective of self-verification theory, we proposed and tested a hypothesis about the moderating effect of self-esteem in the relationship between supervisor incivility and emotional exhaustion. A survey was conducted with employees in large and small companies for data collection and a total of 331 questionnaires were used for hypothesis testing. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to test the hypotheses, and the results supported all hypotheses. First, supervisor incivility was shown to positively reltates to employee turnover intention. Second, it was shown that supervisor incivility influenced employees’ emotional exhaustion, which in turn affected turnover intentions. Third, employee’s self-esteem was found to positively moderate the relationship between supervisor incivility and emotional exhaustion. This study verified the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and the moderating effect of self-esteem. Particularly, the moderating effect of self-esteem from the perspective of self-verification theory has theoretical significance in that it help explain the results of provious studies in which the moderating effect in negative leadership situations was contrary to the hypothesis. The result showing that supervisor incivility can be more negative for employees with high self-esteem suggests the need to seriously recognize the problem of supervisor incivility and to take preventive measures in practice. In addition to theoretical and practical implications, future research issues were discussed.

Sports Identification in Situational Problem-Solving: A Framework for Understanding Fans’ Communicative Behaviors in Sports Crises

Sports have been enjoyed by people worldwide as an essential part of life. Inevitably, sports-related issues have also permeated into the industry. Specifically, scholars have called for more attention to fan-enacted crisis communication in sports. Based on the situational theory of problem-solving, this project incorporates sports identification, modified engagement in and disengagement from online communication, and self-mocking to examine fans’ online communicative behaviors regarding the National Football League (NFL) concussion issue and the Chinese men’s national soccer team crisis. The findings reveal that sports identification was a significant indicator that influenced fans’ perceptions of the issue. In addition, fans motivated to solve the problem were more likely to engage in online communication rather than disengage from it. Moreover, referent criterion and self-mocking were comparatively unique to the other factors in that they were sensitive to the case and the fans’ cultural background. Theoretical contributions, practical implications, and recommendations for future research are enclosed.

Enhancing person-job fit: Who needs a strengths-based leader to fit their job?

Even though person-job fit (PJ fit) is a crucial predictor of employees' overall engagement and performance in their jobs, few studies have identified the mechanisms that enhance PJ fit during the employment relationship. Further, the models that do predict how PJ fit evolves over time are predominantly based on the idea that fit improves through individual adjustment processes by workers. This paper provides a new lens on PJ fit that is based on strengths theory, proposing that strengths-based leaders play a critical role in enhancing both dimensions of PJ fit, i.e. needs-supplies (NS) and demands-abilities (DA) fit, by encouraging employees to use their unique strengths. Furthermore, based on theorizing on substitutes for leadership, proactive career management, and situational strength theory we test the idea that high levels of proactive personality and job autonomy may partly compensate for a lack of strengths-based leadership. We collected three waves of data with two-month time lags from a representative sample of 308 Dutch workers, resulting in 906 datapoints. Results of multi-level path modeling indicate that strengths-based leadership is indeed positively related to both DA fit and NS fit and mediated by strengths use at the within-person level. Further, our results indicate that the combination of high job autonomy and high proactive personality partly compensates for the absence of strengths-based leadership on the within-person level. We conclude that strengths-based leadership is particularly important to facilitate strengths use and PJ fit of employees who have a low propensity to be proactive and/or do not have a high degree of autonomy in their job. We discuss the implications of these findings for research and practice.

Can ChatGPT replace humans in crisis communication? The effects of AI-mediated crisis communication on stakeholder satisfaction and responsibility attribution

Imagine a world where chatbots are the first responders to crises, efficiently addressing concerns and providing crucial information. ChatGPT has demonstrated the capability of GenAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence)-powered chatbots when deployed to answer crisis-related questions in a timely and cost-efficient manner, thus replacing humans in crisis communication. However, public reactions to such messages remain unknown. To address this problem, this study recruited participants (N1 = 399, N2 = 189, and N3 = 121) and conducted two online vignette experiments and a qualitative survey. The results suggest that, when organizations fail to handle crisis-related requests, stakeholders exhibit higher satisfaction and lower responsibility attribution to chatbots providing instructing (vs. adjusting) information, as they are perceived to be more competent. However, when organizations satisfy requests, chatbots that provide adjusting (vs. instructing information) lead to higher satisfaction and lower responsibility attribution due to higher perceived competence. The second experiment involving a public emergency crisis scenario reveals that, regardless of the information provided (instructing or adjusting), stakeholders exhibit greater satisfaction and positive attitudes toward high-competence (vs. low-competence) chatbots. The qualitative study further confirms the experimental findings and offers insights to improve crisis chatbots. These findings contribute to the literature by extending situational crisis communication theory to nonhuman touchpoints and providing a deeper understanding of using chatbots in crisis communication through the lens of machine heuristics. The study also offers practical guidance for organizations to strategically integrate chatbots and human agents in crisis management based on context.

Exploring the heterogeneous development of intrinsic value in language arts among secondary school students through growth mixture modelling

Research indicates that, on average, students' intrinsic value in language arts declines throughout school. According to situated expectancy-value theory, however, not all students follow the same developmental trajectory. This study examined interindividual differences in this development from Grades 5–7 using growth mixture modelling (N = 1325 German students). We further studied how gender, socioeconomic status, prior achievement, and classroom climate predicted trajectory class membership. We identified five intrinsic value trajectory classes, with most, but not all, students best classified into a declining class. Classes' initial value levels differed. Girls were more likely than boys to be grouped into a trajectory class characterized by a high or moderate initial value that slightly decreased, as were students who perceived their classroom climate as more positive. Class membership was associated with subsequent achievement. Our findings underscore the necessity for educators and researchers to recognize intrinsic value heterogeneity within classrooms.

Integrating Situational Leadership and Traditional Values: Enhancing Student Discipline in Islamic Boarding Schools Through Holistic Training Programs

This study focuses on examining the effectiveness of integrating situational leadership with traditional values to enhance student discipline in Islamic boarding schools. The primary objective is to explore how a holistic leadership training program, tailored to the unique cultural context of pesantren, can improve student adherence to school regulations and foster self-discipline. A qualitative case study method was employed, involving in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis. Data were collected from school administrators, teachers, and students at Nurul Jadid Middle School in Probolinggo, East Java. The findings indicate that the integration of situational leadership principles with the values of pesantren significantly improves student discipline, resulting in a more orderly and conducive learning environment. The study's implications suggest that this model can be adopted by similar institutions to enhance student behavior and academic outcomes. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on educational leadership and discipline, particularly within the context of Islamic education.

Investigating the Relationship Between Different Leadership Approaches and the Development of Organizational Culture

This study investigates the relationship between different leadership styles and the development of organizational culture, focusing on transformational, transactional, situational, and servant leadership. A quantitative research design was employed, collecting data from 200 mid-level and senior-level managers across diverse industries. Using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI), the study measured leadership styles and organizational culture dimensions, including innovation, collaboration, stability, and ethics. The statistical analysis, including correlation and regression, revealed significant relationships between leadership styles and cultural dimensions. Transformational leadership showed the strongest positive correlation with innovation (r = .75, p < .01) and collaboration (r = .70, p < .01), while servant leadership was positively associated with collaboration (r = .78, p < .01) and ethics (r = .75, p < .01). Transactional leadership was linked to stability (r = .65, p < .01), emphasizing control and performance in structured environments. Situational leadership demonstrated flexibility, influencing both innovation (r = .68, p < .01) and ethics (r = .64, p < .01). The findings conclude that leadership styles significantly shape organizational culture. Transformational and servant leadership were found to foster innovation, collaboration, and ethics, while transactional leadership promotes stability. The study provides practical recommendations for managers to adopt leadership styles that align with their organizational goals, fostering a positive and productive work culture. Future research should explore these relationships across different industries and cultural contexts.

Influence of Ethical PR Practices on Corporate Image during Scandals in Tanzania

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of ethical PR practices on corporate image during scandals in Tanzania. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study indicated that maintaining ethical standards significantly mitigates reputational damage. Ethical PR strategies, including transparency, accountability, and timely communication, help companies navigate crises more effectively. Transparency ensures that all relevant information is disclosed promptly, fostering trust among stakeholders. Accountability demonstrates a company's commitment to taking responsibility for its actions, which can help regain public trust. Timely communication ensures that the company controls the narrative, reducing the spread of misinformation. Studies indicate that companies employing ethical PR practices during scandals tend to recover faster and sustain less long-term damage to their corporate image. Additionally, these practices can turn a crisis into an opportunity to showcase the company's integrity and commitment to ethical standards, potentially strengthening its reputation in the long run. Overall, ethical PR practices are crucial in safeguarding and enhancing corporate image during and after scandals. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Situational crisis communication theory (SCCT), stakeholder theory and image restoration theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing influence of ethical PR practices on corporate image during scandals in Tanzania. Encourage organizations to establish proactive ethical guidelines for PR professionals. Advocate for the establishment of a regulatory framework that mandates ethical practices in PR. This policy can help standardize ethical behavior across the industry, enhancing corporate accountability.

Integrating Situational Leadership and Traditional Values: Enhancing Student Discipline in Islamic Boarding Schools Through Holistic Training Programs

Integrating Situational Leadership and Traditional Values: Enhancing Student Discipline in Islamic Boarding Schools Through Holistic Training Programs

Impact of Public Relations Efforts on Tourism Industry Growth in Developing Countries

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of public relations efforts on tourism industry growth in developing countries. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: By leveraging strategic communication and media engagement, these efforts have enhanced the visibility and appeal of tourist destinations. Effective public relations campaigns have helped to counteract negative perceptions and highlight unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions, drawing international tourists. These campaigns often involve collaboration with travel influencers, media outlets, and social media platforms to reach a broader audience. Consequently, increased tourist arrivals have stimulated local economies, creating jobs, and generating revenue. Additionally, public relations initiatives have played a crucial role in crisis management, swiftly addressing issues such as natural disasters or political instability, thereby maintaining the destination's attractiveness and reassuring potential visitors. Overall, the strategic use of public relations has proven to be a vital tool in promoting tourism and fostering economic development in developing countries. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Situational theory of publics, relationship management theory and integrated marketing communications may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of public relations efforts on tourism industry growth in developing countries. In practical terms, tourism stakeholders in developing countries must prioritize the implementation of digital PR strategies that leverage modern communication tools and platforms. From a policy standpoint, it is crucial for governments and tourism authorities in developing countries to establish comprehensive PR policies that support sustainable tourism growth.

The moderation of culture dimensions on the relationships between expectancy-value factors and reading achievement

The expectancy-value theory (EVT) explains the relationship between reading achievement and expectancy-value factors (i.e., self-concept and task value). As an extension of EVT, the situated expectancy-value theory (SEVT) emphasizes the influence of situational context. Adopting a multi-level modeling approach and drawing on Hofstede's (2011) Cultural Dimensions Theory, we investigated the relationship between SEVT factors (i.e., reading enjoyment and self-concept) and reading achievement using the PISA 2018 dataset. We focused on the moderation effects of six cultural dimensions (e.g., collectivism-individualism) on the relationship between reading enjoyment, self-concept, and reading achievement, along with socioeconomics factors (i.e., country income inequality, country affluence) as country-level covariates. Our findings confirm that (1) there is a positive relationship between the expectancy-value factors and reading achievement and (2) reading self-concept but not enjoyment is a stronger predictor of reading achievement in countries that highly value individualism, egalitarianism, and short-term orientation. Besides, reading enjoyment is more strongly linked to reading achievement in wealthy countries. Educational relevance statementThe findings of this study have important implications for teaching and educational policy-making. Since self-concept and enjoyment strongly correlate with reading achievement, the intervention in students' reading enjoyment and self-concept should be an important consideration in reading classes. In addition, the strength of the association between expectancy-value factors and reading achievement depends on the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics. While it is difficult to change a country's cultural norms and socioeconomic situation fundamentally, reforms can be made to create a school and family environment that affords the motivation “seeds” to grow. Particularly, policymakers need to consider how to promote egalitarianism, respect personal goal pursuit and autonomy, emphasize both long-term and short-term goals during teaching and learning. Finally, in developing countries, boosting education investment can provide additional resources to foster the literacy development of students with a passion for reading, ultimately enhancing their reading achievement.

Location, location, location! An application of situational action theory to phone use while driving in different environments

Situational action theory (SAT) is a comprehensive theory that explains offending behaviour from the context of the interaction between interpersonal factors, such as morals, self-control, and habits, with situational factors, such as environmental risk and social conditions. Illegal hand-held mobile phone use while driving (MPUWD), a prevalent and risky road behaviour, has yet to be examined under the SAT framework. Therefore, by utilising SAT, this exploratory study sought to investigate the interpersonal and situational factors preceding hand-held MPUWD in three distinct road environments (highways, built-up areas and stopped-at-traffic lights). To achieve this, Queensland drivers aged over 18 who owned a mobile phone (N = 821, Mage = 41.7 years, SD = 20.9 years) were invited to complete an online survey. Repeated measures ANOVAs demonstrated significant mean differences for participants’ perceived risks associated with MPUWD and subsequent likelihood of offending across the three environments, with traffic lights being more conducive to MPUWD behaviours. Three hierarchical multiple linear regressions also revealed that age, attitude, risk of judgement, and self-control were significant predictors of MPUWD across all environments, while the results for gender, risk of injury and risk of being apprehended varied across the different driving contexts. Together, these factors explained 38.5–39.6 % of the variance in the perceived likelihood of illegally engaging in MPUWD. Overall, the findings indicated that the application of SAT has predictive utility in determining MPUWD engagement and can provide a more comprehensive framework for approaching and intervening in MPUWD behaviour.

Comparing Rural and Urban Juvenile Delinquency in Slovenia: Testing for Situational Action Theory

Comparing Rural and Urban Juvenile Delinquency in Slovenia: Testing for Situational Action Theory

Comparing Rural and Urban Juvenile Delinquency in Slovenia: Testing for Situational Action Theory

ABSTRACT The paper employs Situational Action Theory (SAT) to examine juvenile delinquency in rural and urban Slovenia, an area previously unexplored to analyze rural/urban differences. Utilizing data from the Slovenian International Self-Report Delinquency (ISRD4) study, responses from 988 urban and 913 rural Slovenian youths aged 15–17 are examined. OLS regressions reveal differences in delinquency patterns between rural and urban areas, with SAT concepts like morality, self-control, criminal propensity, and criminogenic exposure being significant predictors, validating the theory as a useful theoretical framework in Slovenia. The effects appear stronger in rural contexts. The paper concludes with a discussion on limitations, future research directions, and policy recommendations.