Social Dimensions Research Articles

Social media usage and job performance: a sequential mediation analysis with social capital, self-efficacy, job satisfaction and knowledge sharing

PurposeSocial media use is prevalent today, but there is a possibility that it might go out of control and cause negative consequences. Furthermore, by using social media at work, businesses may develop their networks, communicate in a productive manner and ultimately expand the efficiency. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of social media use (SMU) on job performance (JP) through sequential mediators such as social capital dimensions (SC), self-efficacy (SE), job satisfaction (JS) and knowledge sharing (KS) in Indian Public Universities.Design/methodology/approachSerial mediation model has been used in the study to analyse the relationship. Data is collected from teaching faculty (n = 702) who use social media in Indian public universities. The study has assessed the association between variables using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings suggest that the dimensions of SC, SE, JS and KS sequentially mediated the effect of SMU on JP. In light of the results, the SMU specifies prerequisites for the development of various dimensions of SC. Similarly, the rest of the mediating constructs further affect the other constructs, which ultimately positively affect JP. The final result shows that the indirect effect between social media use and job performance is positive and significant.Practical implicationsThe study provides practical suggestions for university administration regarding the use of social media for teaching faculty.Originality/valueNo research has been done regarding social media use affecting the job performance of teaching faculty through serial mediation in public universities. In this respect, this study represents an original attempt to conduct such research.

Bridging discourses on health promotion and social sustainability towards healthy community development

The aim of this paper is to argue for the need to bridge the discourses of health promotion and social sustainability as an important step toward healthy community development. By building on theories and empirical knowledge from both disciplines, we advocate for the field of health promotion to take a more assertive role within the social sustainability discourse because the theoretical and empirical knowledge from health promotion research is needed. Likewise, we argue that the strong emphasis on social justice and contextual community factors within the social sustainability discourse could contribute to developing the health promotion discourse. Furthermore, we suggest that place-based methods and analyses used in current health promotion research could serve as tools to better integrate knowledge on both physical and social dimensions, thereby enhancing inter-disciplinary collaboration to develop socially sustainable communities.

Impact of February 6, 2024 Earthquakes on Community Resilience

This study explores the interaction of people and place, the most important elements of geography, in the context of community resilience. Community resilience is the process of adaptation of a society to changing conditions by recovering from the effects of disasters as soon as possible. A resilient community is considered one of the most important components of disaster respons. In the context of increasing disaster risks, interest in increasing community resilience is growing in both academic and policy circles. This study seeks to understand how individuals affected by the February 6, 2023, earthquakes perceive resilience. These interviews were conducted as qualitative research. Typical case sampling was used in the study. Participants were selected from individuals who had experienced both earthquakes (January 24, Elazig and February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş) and equal gender distribution was sought. Interviews were conducted on July 15 and August 15, 2023, six months after the second earthquake. Interviews were conducted with 22 people, consisting of 11 female and 11 male earthquake survivors from Elazig, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya, the three provinces affected by the earthquake. A descriptive analysis of the opinions obtained after the interviews was conducted. Similar answers were brought together, and conclusions on social resilience were evaluated in terms of social, environmental, economic, built, natura, and institutional environment dimensions.

Fraud Factor Analysis Hexagon in Detecting Financial Report Fraud In Listed Companies in Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Approach

Financial reporting fraud is a significant challenge across industries, undermining stakeholder trust and the reliability of financial data. The Fraud Model Hexagon expands upon earlier models, like the Fraud Triangle and Fraud Diamond, by introducing six elements pressure, opportunity, rationalization, capability, ego, and collusion that offer a comprehensive view of the factors enabling fraud. This literature review systematically examines the model's effectiveness in detecting financial fraud within Indonesian corporations, especially those listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange or connected to political and governmental entities. Ten studies from 2018 to 2024 were analyzed, focusing on each Fraud Hexagon element's role in fostering fraud. Findings highlight that pressure, opportunity, and collusion are primary drivers of fraud in politically connected sectors, with capability and rationalization further facilitating fraud, while ego emboldens managers to act without fear of repercussions. The Fraud Hexagon provides a nuanced framework for risk assessment, prompting recommendations for stronger internal controls and ethical standards. It also serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for auditors and regulators, particularly in politically sensitive sectors. This study contributes to understanding the social and psychological dimensions of financial fraud and offers a foundation for future cross-industry research.

Documentary Objects, Textual Materials, and Performative Testimony in Memory Reconstruction – Mi vida después (2009) by Lola Arias

Mi vida después by Lola Arias premiered in 2009 in Buenos Aires, as a stage proposal about people who reconstruct their childhood experiences and the life stories of their parents, some of them disappeared because of the repressive State that organized and executed the most atrocious dictatorship in Argentine history between 1976-1983. In this paper, we inquire about the use of documentary materials on stage, the figure of the witness, and the value given to testimony. We postulate that this stage experience develops procedures that give shape to a dramaturgy of the living based on performative testimony that allows new approaches to the memories presented in the public sphere as proof of truth. The documents and testimonies emerge from the representational gap that opens up between the generation of the parents who suffered censorship and repression and the generation of the young performers who can give an account of their childhood memories. From their stories, one can see the lack, the absence, the emptiness, and the difficulties in speaking. These forms of expression function as dual discursive devices that express both subjective experience and the reflection of a political and social dimension.

Parenting, family guidance and spiritual education: Proverbs 1:8–9 and its wisdom ethos for children’s moral development

This article seeks to provide a wisdom domain moral analysis of Proverbs 1:8–9 on the role of parents in conveying the significance of parental instruction and the development of wisdom in children. As a process through which young individuals acquire and cultivate essential qualities and values that shape their behavior and moral outlook, children character development encompasses various aspects, including moral, social, emotional, and cognitive dimensions, and it is influenced by a range of factors, including familial upbringing, social interactions, cultural influences, education, and personal experiences. Whilst the origin of parents as agents of moral guardian is not explicitly stated in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (HB/OT), Proverbs 1:8–9 is one of those key passages whose themes underscore the profound significance of family structure and system, and parental responsibility. The verses highlight the spiritual and moral dimensions of family life, promoting a sense of dignity, submission, and personal development within the context of a supportive family structure. The incisive prescriptions of the text offer a journey into self-understanding, self-development, and self-actualization, by reaffirming the family as a pivotal social institution while balancing the roles and responsibilities of parents and children.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article brings together biblical and theological insights from the parental rhetoric of Proverbs 1:8–9 to bear on and help shape the oversight function of parents as agents of children moral development and healthy family life. The verses bridge spiritual wisdom with scientific understanding, presenting a holistic view of how a child grows intellectually, emotionally, and morally.

Inventing with bacteriology: controversy over anti-cholera therapeutic serum and tensions between transnational science and local practice in Tokyo and Berlin (1890-1902).

The present article examines the material, epistemological, and social dimensions of late nineteenth-century anti-cholera serum controversies that unfolded in Tokyo and Berlin. It seeks to shed light on the conflicting values embedded in the construction of scientific evidence during the transnational exploration of bacteriology as an effective response to controlling epidemics. Driven by Japanese health authorities' initiatives, Japanese bacteriologist Kitasato Shibasaburo participated in the elaboration of bacteriological research oriented toward therapeutic application during his stay in Berlin. This work coincided with the rise of a controversy over anti-cholera serum in relation to the animal experiments conducted by Richard Pfeiffer, a German bacteriologist. After presenting a series of animal experiments and certain clinical cases conducted in Germany, France, and Egypt in the context of the controversies, the article analyzes a therapeutic trial conducted by Kitasato in Japan during an 1895 cholera epidemic. His strategy, bringing new data to the transnational debate through an intensive investment of resources in the trial, provoked criticism from his Japanese and German colleagues. These critics questioned Kitasato's method and pointed out the low social value of this experimental serum therapy, performed in highly equipped conditions. Through this case study, the present article highlights: a) a strong tension between transnational research interactions among bacteriologists and local medical practices during public health campaigns against epidemics at the turn of the twentieth century; b) the importance of analyzing the interconnected effects of local, national and transnational frameworks of medical science when examining the increasingly intertwined relationships between laboratory science and clinical medicine.

Influence of a chatbot based on a conversational agent on the adaptability of first-year students of a Peruvian private university

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the influence of using a chatbot-based conversational agent, named ODAbot, on the adaptability of first-year students at a private university in Peru.MethodsThe design of this study was pre-experimental with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 53 university students who participated in the research during March and April 2024. Participants completed pre-test and post-test questionnaires to assess their adaptability to university life before and after interacting with ODAbot. Additionally, a user experience questionnaire was used to measure satisfaction with the chatbot interaction. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test to determine the statistical significance of the results.ResultsThe results showed that the use of ODAbot had a significant impact on students’ adaptability, especially in the social dimension (p = 0.000), while no significant differences were found in the institutional dimension (p = 0.124). The user experience was positive, with students reporting ease of navigation and understanding of the responses provided by the chatbot.ConclusionA notable improvement was recorded in the social dimension, promoting peer integration, as well as in the academic dimension, where students expressed greater satisfaction with the information provided. However, no significant differences were observed in the institutional dimension. Overall, the implementation of chatbots presents a promising opportunity to improve the adaptability of university students and ensure a quality educational experience.

Research on the efficiency and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of agricultural green development in central cities of the Yangtze River Delta

IntroductionAgricultural green development (AGD) prioritizes sustainable growth by integrating economic, ecological, and social dimensions, aiming to harmonize agricultural economic development with environmental protection and social progress.MethodsThis study integrates the three-stage super-efficiency DEA-SBM model with the BP algorithm, creating an advanced DEA-SBM-BP model to overcome the shortcomings of traditional DEA in evaluation and management processes. The study further applies the Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation (KDE), and Moran’s index to assess and forecast the efficiency and spatiotemporal evolution patterns of green agricultural development in key cities within the Yangtze River Delta.ResultsThe analysis shows that AGD in the central city of the Yangtze River Delta is overall balanced; however, substantial variations exist among cities within individual provinces. Factors like macroeconomic conditions, workforce quality, and policy support play a crucial role in promoting the efficiency of AGD. Among these, macroeconomic development level has a negative impact, while labor quality and policy support exhibit bidirectional effects. Infrastructure construction, digitalization of agricultural economy, and rural security have become key factors in the green development of modern agriculture. The green advancement of agriculture in the central Yangtze River Delta region typically exhibits a marked clustering effect; however, the local clustering reveals a trend toward dispersed development.DiscussionDespite the emergence of new characteristics in agricultural production in China within the context of high-quality development, differences in resource endowments and economic structures among cities continue to be significant factors contributing to regional imbalances and changes in the agglomeration patterns of agricultural development.

Digital Transformation in the Agri-food Sector: A Comparative Analysis of Industry 4.0 Innovations by Italian Sustainability Leaders

The agri-food sector is a key actor in the Italian economy and plays a crucial role in rescuing and accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, diverse sustainability challenges including environmental conservation, economic volatility, political changes and regulatory constraints affect the agri-food company’s competitiveness and their ability to face global sustainability challenges. Exploiting digital innovation is then essential. By facilitating more efficient management of resources, reducing waste and improving supply chain transparency, digital innovations contribute to more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food systems. This paper aims to understand the ongoing digital transformation of the Italian agri-food sector through a comparative analysis of innovative practices by Italian agri-food companies that are recognized as sustainability leaders. Among the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, sensors, blockchain, cyber security, and artificial intelligence appear to be the most adopted I4.0 solutions to help companies influence the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

An Evaluation Framework of Industry 4.0’s Impact on SDGs and its Application to AI Reporting

Digital technologies of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) are key drivers of sustainable development. However, addressing the impact of I4.0 on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires overcoming the challenge of lacking suitable assessment tools. Despite sustainability reporting serves to assess how companies face sustainability challenges, communicate efforts, and promote a sustainable corporate culture, a critical need arises for a comprehensive tool that clarifies the impact of I4.0 technologies on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that builds on existing literature regarding how I4.0 technologies contribute to SDGs and leverages the recognized linking between SDGs and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards to improve the reporting of SDG progress. Thus, the proposed framework identifies the GRI-based Key Performance Indicators necessary for a thorough understanding of how innovation stemming from I4.0, significantly impacts SDGs. Through a content analysis of sustainability reports of innovative companies in the electronic field, the study shows how the proposed framework can be applied in practice. Focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the application case allows a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of AI solutions towards sustainable development.

Assessing social risks in Greek and Dutch economies: A product social impact life cycle assessment approach

Abstract Purpose Input–output tables describe monetary relationships between producers and consumers within an economy and have been used to assess the effects on job creation and gross domestic product (GDP). The objective of this study was to apply the social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) to assess direct social risks in national economies and explore whether S-LCA can replace or support beyond-GDP metrics. Methods S-LCA was applied in three ways. First, a hotspot assessment was conducted using the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database to assess the direct social risks of monetary outputs of the Dutch and Greek economies in 2018. Classification 1 regarded the comparison of the Dutch and Greek economies based on direct social risks classified as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Classification 2 grouped the calculated social risks into sub-sub-topics of the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Standards (CSRS) directive. In each classification, the calculated risks were normalized by the total monetary output of the national economy. Results and discussion This study showed that the Dutch economy results in lower normalized risk values for all S-LCA stakeholders and impact subcategories, except for “Respect of indigenous rights” and “Health and safety (Workers).” The main contributing parameters were sectorial monetary output and the risk levels of the indicators. Classification 1 showed that using input–output tables and PSILCA to simplify the calculation of SDGs was partially successful, because the SDGs also consider environmental aspects and PSILCA is limited to social aspects. Classification 2 showed that the Greek economy resulted in higher normalized risk values than the Dutch economy for almost all sub-sub-topics of the CSRS. Conclusions The results indicate that input–output tables can be extended to incorporate social dimensions with S-LCA and PSILCA. However, the nature of the SDGs means that S-LCA is not capable of simplifying the evaluation of countries’ societal progress, but S-LCA combined with PSILCA can assist national governments in taking targeted actions to reach SDG targets and enforce European CSRS directive compliance in the most impactful economic sectors for social performance monitoring and reporting.

AI-Enhanced Strategies to Ensure New Sustainable Destination Tourism Trends Among the 27 European Union Member States

The United Nations 2030 Agenda defines the priorities and aspirations for global development based on seventeen ambitious sustainable development goals encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Tourism plays a vital role in the list of actions for the people and the planet. While the tourism industry drives economic growth, its environmental and social impact is equally high. Sustainable tourism aims to reduce the damage caused by the tourism industry, protect communities, and guarantee the industry’s long-term future. These changes require tourists’ collective and concerted effort. The question arises whether tourists are willing to be more demanding about sustainability when looking for a destination. This study uses artificial intelligence to classify a new trend in European citizens’ search for sustainable destinations and to generate intelligent recommendations. Using data from the Flash Eurobarometer 499, we use a tree-based algorithm, random forest, to obtain intelligent citizens classification systems supported by machine learning. The classification system explores the predisposition of citizens to contribute to the three pillars of sustainability when choosing a destination to visit based on gender, age, and the region of living. We found that European citizens place little emphasis on the social sustainability pillar. While they care about preserving the environment, this competes with the cultural offerings and availability of activities at the destination. Additionally, we found that the willingness to contribute to the three pillars of sustainability varies by gender, age, and European region.

EXPRESS: The Pedagogy of Hospitableness: A transformative approach for hospitality workforce development

The ability to deliver hospitable service is essential for hospitality professionals in tailoring authentic and emotionally resonant guest experiences. However, limited attention has been given to how such a Hospitable Service Mindset (HSM) can be developed in the current and future hospitality workforce. Grounded in Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) and through qualitative interviews with hospitality trainers and educators, this study proposes the "pedagogy of hospitableness," a framework encompassing conditions and practices that trigger, support, amplify, and accelerate the development of an HSM across formal and informal learning settings. The findings contribute to the expansion and advancement of TLT through the integration of social and emotional dimensions and the emphasis on connectedness as a crucial element in transformative learning. The study also demonstrates the applicability of TLT in hospitality workforce development settings, providing insights for industry trainers and educators on effectively nurturing hospitableness.

Evolution of Green Finance: Mapping Its Role as a Catalyst for Economic Growth and Innovation

This scientometric study analyzes the evolving landscape and outlook of green finance as a driver of economic innovation and growth, highlighting key trends and influential research within this critical field. A dataset of 371 publications was compiled from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and analyzed using VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and Voyant tools to map the research landscape. By systematically reviewing the scientific literature, this research tracks the development of green finance’s role as a catalyst for economic innovation and growth, identifying trending topics, key studies, and major contributors through bibliometric and scientometric methods. The analysis reveals a growing interdisciplinary approach, integrating environmental, social, and political dimensions into green finance research. Keyword analysis identified three primary thematic clusters: (1) green finance and innovation, (2) economic growth, carbon neutrality, and fintech, and (3) renewable energy and urbanization. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the field and aims to guide future research while contributing to ongoing debates on the role of green finance in fostering economic innovation and sustainable growth.

ENHANCING BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH CSR: A CASE STUDY OF "BETTER LIVING IN MALAHING” IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF CARROLL'S PYRAMID

This study examines PT PKT's CSR initiative, "Better Living in Malahing," in relation to business sustainability and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research underscores the critical role of economic responsibility and profitability in sustaining both social and environmental goals. Using a qualitative case study approach, the study delves into the implementation of the CSR program based on Carroll's Pyramid of responsibilities, encompassing economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic dimensions. Data collection methods include in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. Findings reveal that the program significantly improved the quality of life for coastal communities in Bontang while simultaneously bolstering the company's reputation. Moreover, a strong correlation between corporate social responsibility and sustainable financial performance is identified. The conclusion emphasizes that integrating CSR into core business strategies is crucial for long-term sustainability. This research contributes by illustrating the necessity of well-structured, enduring CSR initiatives in supporting economic, social, and environmental dimensions of corporate operations.

The Processuality of ‘Sex’ in Biomedicine: Exploring Stem Cell Research, Cancer Medicine and Vaccine Safety Research

Incorporating sex into biomedical research is envisioned as key to addressing inequalities in health. However, feminist research suggests that it is a complicated task. This is, we argue, especially the case with research that seeks to mobilise sex across different scales involving bodies, samples and populations to provide a basis for personalised biomedical prevention and treatment. Through case studies from stem cell research, cancer medicine and vaccine safety research, we analyse how sex is enacted, foregrounded and sidelined at different stages of research. We argue that sex becomes suspended between individual bodies, samples and population groups, and that this postpones biomedical analysis of sex differences in health. Yet, research on sex differences in complex embodied processes, such as drug metabolism or immunity, appears as a future potentiality. This potentiality shapes research practices that may open biomedicine towards multi-disciplinary study settings that bring together physiological and social dimensions of bodily difference.

“How environmental capabilities enhance adolescent well-being: a case study of urban spaces in Tabriz”

ABSTRACT This study investigates the relationship between various environmental capabilities (physical, social, leisure, and emotional) and adolescent well-being across multiple dimensions (physical, emotional, and social well-being). Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 737 adolescents aged 12 to 19 in Tabriz, Iran, in 2022. The study focused on selected sites displaying specific adolescent behaviours in urban spaces, including natural, commercial, sports, urban pathways and intersections, and cultural settings. The questionnaires were used to evaluate environmental capabilities as independent variables and adolescent well-being as the dependent variable.Multivariate regression Analyses were employed to examine the impact of environmental capabilities on adolescent well-being within the defined typologies of urban spaces. The regression analysis unveiled that the commercial sites significantly influenced adolescent well-being, particularly physical well-being (regression coefficient = 0.437). It was found that environmental capabilities, categorized as physical, social, leisure, and emotional, assume a pivotal role in adolescents’ well-being across physical, emotional, and social dimensions.

Sustainability Indicators of Family Farming in a Rural Community in the Amazon Interior

Objective: The objective of this work was to measure sustainability indicators using the MESMIS methodology in the Colônia do Uraim community in Paragominas, state of Pará, aiming to show the sustainability level of this productive activity. Theoretical Framework: This section introduces the concept and foundations of the MESMIS Method (Marco para Evaluación de Sistemas de Manejo de Recursos Naturales Incorporando Indicadores de Sustentabilidad), which assesses the sustainability of agroecosystems through indicators. Additionally, it explores the concept of sustainable development and the importance of specific indicators to evaluate and strengthen sustainability in family farming systems in the Amazon. Method: The research adopts a case study approach in a community within the Amazon, focusing on nine family agroecosystems. The MESMIS method was used, applying questionnaires and direct observations to gather data from the producers. The analysis was based on identifying and measuring sustainability indicators in the environmental, economic, and social dimensions, which were scored on a scale from 1 to 5. Results and Discussion: The results show an intermediate effort in environmental conservation, primarily through reforestation, but reveal economic and social challenges, such as low diversification of activities and the need for technical support, underscoring the need for public policies adapted to the local context. Research Implications: The implications of this research encompass both the practice of monitoring sustainability in agroecosystems and the development of support policies for family farming. This study is particularly relevant for environmental conservation initiatives and local economic development, providing essential data to improve sustainable agricultural practices. Originality/Value: The study contributes to the sustainability literature by applying and adapting the MESMIS method to Amazonian family agroecosystems, highlighting local specificities. This innovative approach enables a critical assessment and offers recommendations that can influence policies and sustainable development strategies in the region.

Spatial benefit assessment and marine climate response of coastal zone in Fujian Province under cross-system influence.

To gain a scientific understanding of the cross-system impact of coastal zones and promote the sustainable development and protection of coastal areas, we constructed a spatial benefit evaluation system that encompassed both terrestrial and marine systems, focusing on the ecological, economic, and social dimensions. We employed the entropy method, moving average method, and Mann-Kendall trend test to quantitatively characterize the spatial benefits of the coastal zone in Fujian Province, China, and the evolution of the marine climate from 2005 to 2020. Building on this, the grey relational analysis method was applied to investigate the correlation between spatial benefits and marine climate and to explore the trends and magnitude of the impact of marine climate on spatial benefits. During the study period, the spatial benefits of the coastal zone in Fujian Province exhibited a fluctuating pattern of an initial increase followed by a decrease, with spatial benefits varying among cities. The role of the economic system in enhancing spatial benefits was not considerable. Changes in the marine climate aligned with the global warming trend, with the most considerable changes observed in sea level and tropical cyclone frequency and intensity, which are sensitive to human activities. There was a high degree of correlation between coastal zone spatial benefits and marine climate, with seawater salinity being most closely related to spatial benefits, while tropical cyclones showed the weakest correlation. The results of this study support sustainable development efforts in coastal zones.