Utilization Of Skills Research Articles

Educational (Mis)match and skill utilization in Germany: Assessing the role of worker and job characteristics

Abstract This paper provides precise figures on the incidence and wage penalties of mismatching in Germany. We use the BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey 2006 to compute two different measures of person-to-job matching. A first measure indicates an educational (mis)match, i.e., whether a worker’s attained level of education corresponds to the qualificational requirements of his or her job. Second, — and different from most other studies—we observe a skill (mis)match that reflects the correspondence between the skills of the job holder and the skill requirements of the job. We explore whether and the extent to which results on mismatch differ between these measures and explain the probability of being (mis)matched by different sets of worker and job characteristics. We also examine wage penalties for mismatching in Germany, considering a large number of controls for workers and, in addition to most earlier studies, job heterogeneity; we use random intercept models with workers nested in occupations. Our results indicate that large shares of over- or under-educated workers in Germany have skills that correspond to the skill requirements of their jobs. Furthermore, there are workers perfectly matched with respect to their education who, nevertheless, feel under- or over-challenged by their jobs’ skill requirements. Random intercept models reveal that beyond worker characteristics, i.e., human capital compensation (heterogeneous ability) and career mobility rationalities, job characteristics play a role in the mismatching variance and its real or apparent wage penalties.

Latihan Keterampilan Intelektual dan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Secara Kreatif

The study tries to investigate the utilization of intellectual creative skills within the framework of the triarchic theory of intelligence in reading activities. The subject in which the theory was applied was Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian). This experimental study involved randomly selected seventh graders of Junior High School. There were three hypotheses to test in the study. First, the order of the three types of intellectual skills suggested in the triarchic theory of intelligence presented during training as well as during instruction has effects on students' performance in attempting creative solution to problems derived from reading texts in the subject of Bahasa Indonesia. Multiple comparisons were employed to test this hypothesis. Second, there is a significant difference in creative problem solving performances between the experimental and the control groups. Analysis of variance was carried out to test this hypothesis. Third, scholastic aptitude has a role in predicting the creative problem solving performance. ANACOVA was employed to test this hypothesis. The results show that the students show the best performance when they are trained using the thinking order of practice-synthesis-analysis.

An alternative application of imagery in youth sport: Promoting the transfer of life skills to other contexts

Significant sport psychology research has been devoted to the positive effects that sport participation can have on youth outcomes, including social, emotional, and physical skills (Gould & Carson, 2008; Petitpas, Cornelius, Van Raalte, & Jones, 2005). Central to this concept is the idea that learning that occurs during sport participation will actually transfer these valuable life skills to other non-sport contexts in a youth's life (Danish & Nellen, 1997). This article proposes imagery as one potential strategy for facilitating this transfer of learning process from a youth development framework. Several practical suggestions for youth coaches on the application of imagery techniques for life skill utilization in and out of sport are discussed.

Employees' Job Satisfaction in Information Technology Organizations in Chennai City-An Empirical Study

Due to the stressful work environment prevailing in IT companies, the physical and mental well-being of the employees is at stake. Hence a compact model should be developed by which it can the determining factors which enhances employees' job satisfaction and improves productivity and thus make them better corporate citizens. Five hundred sample respondents were selected by stratified random sampling method from the selected five IT companies in which 100 sample respondents were selected from each company for conducting the study. The researcher has developed the new survey instrument for measuring job satisfaction on the basis of Frederick Hertzberg's two factor theory. The conceptual model was verified using factor analysis using IBM SPSS 22.0. The findings of the present study revealed that the construct variables can be grouped in to five constructs namely, ‘Training and development activities', ‘Financial rewards and opportunities for promotion', ‘Suitable incentives and welfare measures', ‘Challenges in the working environment', and ‘Appropriate timing and growth for personnel talent'. The study gave the new insights that 21st century employees they will not merely satisfied with monetary schemes and welfare measures, they also expects the challenges in job, utilization and upgradation of skills and knowledge, etc.

Do Foreigners Crowd Natives Out of Stem Degrees and Occupations? Evidence from the U.S. Immigration Act of 1990

This paper examines effects of the U.S. Immigration Act of 1990 on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degree completion and labor market outcomes for native-born Americans. The Act increased the in-flow and stock of foreign STEM workers in the U.S., both by increasing green card allotments and by expanding temporary work visas via the H-1B visa program. These policy changes potentially altered the relative desirability of various college majors and occupations for natives. We examine effects of the policy on STEM degree completion, STEM occupational choice, and employment rates separately for black and white males and females.We identify the effects using variation in natives' exposure to foreign STEM workers and the geographic dispersion in foreign-born STEM workers in 1980, which precedes the Act and predicts future foreign STEM flows. We find that the Immigration Act changed natives' skill investment and utilization in three ways: (1) it pushed black males out of STEM majors; (2) it pushed white male STEM graduates out of STEM occupations; and (3) it pushed white female STEM graduates out of the workforce.

The changing nature of managerial skills, mindsets and roles: Advancing theory and relevancy for contemporary managers

AbstractManagement research has been challenged by the altering realities of organization life, job roles, and individual motivations that have long guided traditional theoretical thinking. The classical frameworks regarding managerial performance requirements have been largely based upon organizationally driven underpinnings. We propose a cognitive shift suggesting that individually driven roles and desires are impacting the relevancy of conventional job requirements. Our study analyzes the utilization of managerial skills, mindsets, and roles as perceived by 259 executives representing nine industries and ~200 organizations. The results reveal that the interpretation and application of managerial roles are primarily influenced by the individual’s intentions rather than adherence to the current organizationally based theoretical taxonomy as taught by many business schools. These findings illuminate the gap between the vast amount of effort researchers and educators have expended on taxonomic precision and its questionable relationship to organizational and individual learning and effectiveness. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed along with recommendations to extend the current research.

The Effect of Language Ability on Chinese Immigrants’ Earning in Hong Kong

After the handover of Hong Kong sovereignty to China in 1997, the language importance gap between English and Putonghua in Hong Kong has been narrowing, even English language is remain an international language and being adopted in legal documents, but foreign investors cannot avoid speaking Putonghua when doing business with Chinese enterprises, these language importance changes provide a new discourse to human capital theorists. In Hong Kong, natives are desire to be proficient in Putonghua and English while immigrants are eager to learn English and Cantonese, thus, investigating languages skills (Putonghua, English and Cantonese) returns yield a remarkable contribution to the existing immigrants assimilation literature. This paper employs language skills to understand a new assimilation process in Hong Kong and proves that Putonghua language skills are enhancing immigrants’ and natives’ earning, for industries which have better utilization of Putonghua language skills allow better return rate for immigrants, besides, it also shows the marginal effects of different languages on earnings are industry and occupation dependent.

The moderating role of personality traits in the relationship between work and salivary cortisol: a cross-sectional study of 401 employees in 34 Canadian companies.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of personality traits in explaining the relationship between workplace stressors and variations in salivary cortisol concentrations.MethodMultilevel regression analyses were performed on a sample of 401 employees from 34 Quebec firms. Saliva samples were collected five times a day (on awakening, 30 min after awakening, and at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and bedtime). Sample collection was repeated on three days (1 rest day, 2 working days). Work-related variables comprised skill utilization, decision authority, psychological demands, physical demands, job insecurity, irregular schedule, number of working hours, and social support from coworkers and supervisors. Personality traits comprised self-esteem, locus of control, and the Big Five.ResultsCortisol levels at awakening and 30 min later were significantly higher for work days than for days off. Psychological demands and job insecurity were associated with lower cortisol levels at bedtime. Also, self-esteem moderated the relationship between physical demands and cortisol levels at awakening and 4 p.m. Agreeableness was associated with lower cortisol levels at awakening and at 2 p.m. and further moderated the relationship between number of hours worked and cortisol at 2 p.m. Neuroticism moderated the relationship between coworker support and cortisol at bedtime.ConclusionSpecific working conditions and certain personality traits are associated with variations in salivary cortisol concentrations. In addition, certain personality traits moderate the relationship between stressors and salivary cortisol concentrations. In conclusion, salivary cortisol concentrations at work seem to be modulated in part by personality traits.

A framework of psychological compensation in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The term compensation is widely used in the context of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet, it is neither defined nor theory driven. Adapting a model of psychological compensation (Bäckman and Dixon, 1992) to fit ADHD research is the aim of this review: we will (1) introduce the existing theoretical framework of psychological compensation, (2) discuss its applicability to ADHD and adapt the model to fit ADHD research, and (3) set up requirements for research on psychological compensation in ADHD. According to the framework psychological compensation can be inferred if a deficit (i.e., a mismatch between skill and environmental demand) is counterbalanced by the investment of more effort, the utilization of latent skills, or the acquisition of new skills. The framework has to be adapted because ADHD deficits are developmental and in individuals with ADHD compensation can appear independent of awareness of the deficit. A better understanding of psychological compensation in ADHD could foster diagnosis and interventions. Therefore, we suggest that future studies should follow a research design incorporating independent measures of deficit, compensation, and outcome as well as include individuals who compensate for their ADHD related deficits.

Interrelationships Between Job Resources, Vigor, Exercise Habit, and Serum Lipids in Japanese Employees: a Multiple Group Path Analysis Using Medical Checkup Data

Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors for dyslipidemia and coronary heart disease. Job resources have been identified as determinants of employees' vigor and physical activity habits. Our first purpose was to comprehensively analyze the series of relationships of job resources, through vigor and exercise habit (i.e., one aspect of physical activity), to serum lipid levels in a sample of Japanese employees in a manufacturing company. Our second purpose was to investigate sex differences in these relationships using a multiple-group path analysis. Data were collected from 4543 employees (men = 4018, women = 525) during a medical checkup conducted in February and March 2012. Job resources (job control, skill utilization, suitable jobs, and meaningfulness of work), vigor, exercise habit, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured cross-sectionally. Job resources and vigor were positively associated with exercise habit in both sexes. Exercise habit was inversely associated with triglyceride (-0.03 in men and -0.01 in women, ps < 0.05) and LDL-C (-0.07 in both sexes, ps < 0.05). HDL-C was positively associated with exercise habit (0.03 in both sexes, ps < 0.05). There was no significant difference by sex in path coefficients, except for the covariance between suitable jobs and meaningfulness of work. Higher levels of job resources were associated with greater vigor, leading to exercise habit, which in turn, improved serum lipid levels. Longitudinal studies are required to demonstrate causality.

Efficacy of an Organizational Skills Intervention for College Students With ADHD Symptomatology and Academic Difficulties

Objective: We sought to elucidate the effects of an organization, time management, and planning (OTMP) skills training intervention for college students reporting elevated levels of ADHD symptomatology and academic impairment. Method: Undergraduate participants enrolled in either the intervention (n = 22) or comparison (n = 15) condition in exchange for psychology course credit. Those in the intervention condition attended three weekly group meetings designed to improve organizational skills. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated by comparing pre- and postmeasurements of academic impairment, inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and OTMP skills utilization. Results: Intervention group participants improved significantly on ratings of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and academic impairment, relative to the comparison group. Intervention group participants also improved in their use of OTMP skills, relative to their baseline ratings. Conclusion: This study suggests an organizational skills intervention has the potential to ameliorating ADHD symptomatology and academic impairment among college students.

Smartphone and Mobile Application Utilization Prior to and Following Treatment Among Individuals Enrolled in Residential Substance Use Treatment

BackgroundFollowing completion of substance use treatment, it is crucial for patients to continue to utilize skills learned in treatment for optimal treatment outcomes. Mobile applications (apps) on smartphones offer a unique platform to promote utilization of evidence-based skills following completion of substance use treatment. Despite the promise of mobile apps and smartphones for treatment delivery, it remains unknown whether patients in substance use treatment in the United States have access to smartphones and utilize mobile apps on smartphones. The present study sought to determine smartphone utilization among individuals enrolled in one residential substance use treatment center in the U.S. catering specifically to low-income adults. MethodsParticipants included 251 individuals at a residential substance use treatment center in Washington DC admitted to the center between March, 2014 and January, 2015. During the intake process, participants completed interviewer-administered demographics and psychiatric questionnaires as well as a self-report of technology utilization. ResultsResults indicated that the majority of patients in this residential substance use treatment center owned mobile phones prior to treatment entry (86.9%) and expected to own mobile phones after leaving treatment (92.6%). Moreover, the majority of these phones were (68.5%) or will be smartphones (72.4%) on which patients reported utilizing mobile applications (prior to treatment: 61.3%; post treatment: 64.3%) and accessing the Internet (prior to treatment: 61.3%; post treatment: 65.9%). ConclusionsMobile phone and smartphone ownership among this sample were comparable to ownership among U.S. adults broadly. Findings suggest that smartphones and mobile apps may hold clinical utility for fostering continued use of treatment skills following substance use treatment completion.

Skill utilization and well-being: a cross-level story of day-to-day fluctuations and personal intrinsic values

ABSTRACTThe opportunity to use one's skills at work is an important prerequisite for employee well-being. Drawing on self-determination and person-environment fit theory, this diary study aims to add to our understanding of this important phenomenon in two ways. Firstly, we examine the associations of within-subject daily variations in skill utilization with well-being. Secondly, we model work value orientation as a between-subject factor that moderates this within-subject relationship. Specifically, we advocate that daily skill utilization is more beneficial (in terms of more daily work engagement and less daily emotional exhaustion) for employees holding predominantly intrinsic (i.e. self-development, community contribution) as opposed to extrinsic (i.e. financial success, status) values. Results of multilevel modelling using diary data from 99 service workers over five working days, supported the assumption that daily skill utilization was positively related to daily work engagement, particularly among employees holding a predominantly intrinsic work value orientation. Contrary to our expectations, daily skill utilization was unrelated to daily exhaustion, both for employees holding high and low intrinsic values. The discussion highlights the importance of, and employees’ receptiveness to, variations in beneficial working conditions.

Too much knowledge for a nurse? Use of physical assessment by final-semester nursing students.

There is debate around the scope of physical assessment skills that should be taught in undergraduate nursing programs. Yet this debate is largely uninformed by evidence on what is learned and practiced by nursing students. This study examined the pattern and correlates of physical assessment skill utilization by 208 graduating nursing students at an Australian university, including measures of knowledge, frequency of use, and perceived barriers to physical assessment skills during clinical practice. Of the 126 skills surveyed, on average, only five were used every time students practiced. Core skills reflected inspection or general observation of the patient; none involved complex palpation, percussion, or auscultation. Skill utilization was also shaped by specialty area. Most skills (70%) were, on average, never performed or learned and students perceived nursing physical assessment was marginalized in both university and workplace contexts. Lack of confidence was, thus, a significant barrier to use of skills. Based on these findings, we argue that the current debate must shift to how we might best support students to integrate comprehensive physical assessment into nursing practice.

ASSESSMENT OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ METACOGNITIVE SKILLS FOR E-LEARNING IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

This study was designed to assess undergraduate students’ metacognitive skill for e-Learning. It adopted a descriptive survey approach to determine the extent that undergraduate students in Nigeria deploy metacognitive skills for e-learning. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were stated to guide the study. Three institutions in Niger state were purposively selected and a total of 287 students were used for the study. The Metacognitive Skill f o r E-learning Questionnaire (MSELQ) was used for data collection. The instrument wav validated and the reliability tested. Data an analysis was conducted using the mean and standard deviations and t-test statistic. The findings of the study revealed that most of the students use the metacognitive skills. However, the extent of use of skill was low. Gender has no significant influence on problem and uses of metacognitive skills on e-leaning. It was recommended that for effective e-learning, students need appropriate instructions in the utilization of metacognitive skills for effective e- learning through internet.

Do Low-quality Leader-Member Relationships Matter for Subordinates? Evidence from Three Samples on the Validity of the Norwegian LMX Scale

Theories on the relations between leaders and subordinates have been of interest to researchers for decades; however, these theories have received less attention in the Nordic countries. The aim of this study is twofold: to investigate the validity of the Leader-Member-Exchange Scale, LMX-7, in three Norwegian samples, and to explore potentially negative relationships between leader–member relationships and work-environment quality indicators. Data were collected from teachers (n = 409), industrial workers (n = 406), and bus drivers (n = 1024). All hypotheses were supported. Results supported use of the measure LMX-7 as indicated by factor structure, high construct validity, sufficient criterion-related validity, discriminant validity, and internal reliability as measured by Cronbach’s alpha above 0.90. Poor quality relationships were associated with higher levels of role conflict, stress, bullying, turnover intentions, age discrimination, and negative affectivity, and lower levels of job satisfaction, commitment, skills utilization, autonomy, participation, perceived fairness, and social support. Potential consequences of low-quality relations and implications of findings are discussed.

Utilization of Superheroes Social Skills to Reduce Disruptive and Aggressive Behavior

The current pilot study investigated the effectiveness of the Superheroes Social Skills program in decreasing disruptive and aggressive behavior of elementary-age students with high-incidence disabilities. Six students in a self-contained classroom, identified as displaying high rates of disruptive and aggressive behavior toward peers, were included in the study. Social skills training was presented over 10 lessons that targeted instructional control and turn taking skills. Results indicate immediate improvements in disruptive and aggressive behavior. Additionally, follow-up observations revealed maintenance of intervention effects. Sociometric data were collected, with all participants increasing in social network salience. Although use of an ABC design resulted in limited experimental control, preliminary results indicate that the Superheroes Social Skills program may be useful for addressing disruptive and aggressive behaviors.

Motivation and satisfaction among community health workers in Morogoro Region, Tanzania: nuanced needs and varied ambitions.

BackgroundIn 2012, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), Tanzania, approved national guidelines and training materials for community health workers (CHWs) in integrated maternal, newborn and child health (Integrated MNCH), with CHWs trained and deployed across five districts of Morogoro Region soon after. To inform future scale up, this study assessed motivation and satisfaction among these CHWs.MethodsA survey of all CHWs trained by the Integrated MNCH Programme was conducted in the last quarter of 2013. Motivation and satisfaction were assessed using a five-point Likert scale with 29 and 27 items based on a literature review and discussions with CHW programme stakeholders. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify motivation and satisfaction determinants.ResultsOut of 238 eligible CHWs, 96 % were included in the study. Findings showed that respondents were motivated to become CHWs due to altruism (work on MNCH, desire to serve God, work hard) and intrinsic needs (help community, improve health, pride) than due to external stimuli (monetary incentives, skill utilization, community respect or hope for employment). CHWs were satisfied by relationships with health workers and communities, job aids and the capacity to provide services. CHWs were dissatisfied with the lack of transportation, communication devices and financial incentives for carrying out their tasks. Factors influencing motivation and satisfaction did not differ across CHW socio-demographic characteristics. Nonetheless, older and less educated CHWs were more likely to be motivated by altruism, intrinsic needs and skill utilization, community respect and hope for employment. Less educated CHWs were more satisfied with service and quality factors and more wealthy CHWs satisfied with job aids.Conclusion and recommendationsA combination of financial and non-financial incentives is required to support motivation and satisfaction among CHWs. Although CHWs joined mainly due to their altruistic nature, they became discontented with the lack of monetary compensation, transportation and communication support received. With the planned rollout of the national CHW cadre, improved understanding of CHWs as a heterogeneous group with nuanced needs and varied ambitions is vital for ensuring sustainability.

Developing agency through good work: Longitudinal effects of job autonomy and skill utilization on locus of control

An internal locus of control has benefits for individuals across multiple life domains. Nevertheless, whether it is possible to enhance an individual's internal locus of control has rarely been considered. The authors propose that the presence of job autonomy and skill utilization in work can enhance internal locus of control, both directly and indirectly via job satisfaction. Three waves of data over a four-year period from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey (N=3045) were analyzed. Results showed that job autonomy directly shaped internal locus of control over time, as did job satisfaction. Skill utilization did not play a role in terms of affecting locus of control, and the indirect effects of both job autonomy and skill utilization via job satisfaction were weak. This study suggests the importance of job autonomy in promoting the development of an employee's internal locus of control.

A bridge to reality: Utilization of a clinical skills and simulation center in a large college of pharmacy

This article describes the implementation and assessment of simulation activities at a College of Pharmacy, including strategies to incorporate simulation for large class sizes without undergoing major curricular revision. The activities were developed to create a simulated environment for students to apply clinical skills and knowledge to enhance learning prior to advanced pharmacy practice experiences. Preliminary assessment suggests a positive impact of the activities on students’ confidence in their knowledge and skills. This report is intended to offer other Schools or Colleges of Pharmacy considerations for use of a clinical skills and simulation center.