Social Pressure Research Articles

The Peer Influence on Green Innovation: Evidence from Product-Similarity-Based Peer Firms in China

ABSTRACT We identify peers for Chinese public firms based on product similarity, referred to as TNIC peers, and explore their impact on focal firms’ green innovation and the underlying mechanisms. Our results show a positive and causal peer influence: the number of focal firms’ green innovation patents significantly increases with that of peers. This effect is stronger when focal firms face higher competition pressures or peer firms have greater information transparency. Further analysis reveals that green innovation by peer firms encourages subsequent green innovation in focal firms by reducing the technological and product market uncertainties they face. Overall, our findings suggest that both peer competition pressure and information spillover drive the observed peer influence on green innovation.

Looking sustainable or acting sustainably? Conspicuous sustainable consumer behaviour (Fairtrade chocolate)

PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether decision-making towards sustainable products is influenced by social pressure, and whether the visibility of sustainable consumption is a decisive factor for purchasing Fairtrade chocolate among Czech students.Design/methodology/approachThis study aimed to examine the relationship between the anticipated conspicuousness of sustainable consumer behaviour (SCB) and willingness to pay (WTP) for Fairtrade chocolate in the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model. Moreover, moderation of this relationship by self-monitoring and attention to social comparison information (ATSCI) was examined. Data were collected from 203 Czech students (participants) using a consumer experiment.FindingsNo existence of a relationship between conspicuousness and the WTP for Fairtrade chocolate, no practically significant partial relationship between conspicuousness and the purchase of sustainable chocolate when smoothed from self-monitoring, and finally, no practically significant partial relationship between conspicuousness and sustainable chocolate purchase when smoothed from ATSCI was observed.Originality/valueTherefore, making sustainable consumption visible and explicitly supporting people with high ATSCI/self-monitoring in this sense is less likely to support SCB than previously expected.

Stressful life in high-rise tenements: gendered experiences of tiredness and pressure in Pipeline, Nairobi

This article explores how the dense living conditions in Pipeline, a high-rise residential settlement in Nairobi, create gendered forms of stress and constraint on tenants’ lives and everyday realities, affecting their social interactions and relations. The cramped residential district comprises dense rows of multistory private rental flats predominantly inhabited by young, migrant individuals and families. Many of these tenants are unemployed, or employed in low-wage industrial work, precarious gig work, or domestic work. Based upon fieldwork and qualitative interviews, the article zooms in on physical and social spaces occupied by urban residents, such as apartments, corridors, balconies, and chamas (economic self-help groups) to explore actors’ gendered experience of stress and their strategies to reduce social, economic, and romantic pressure. Of special pertinence for this paper is the question of how the experience of stress intersects with gender relations. We argue that understanding the experience of ‘pressure’ as a masculine and the experience of ‘tiredness’ as a feminine reaction towards adverse living conditions opens new analytical perspectives on twenty-first century urban life.

Determinants of Women Participation in Nigeria Sports: A Case Study of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State

This study investigates the determinants of women's participation in sports in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The study aims to identify key factors influencing female engagement in sports, including the availability of sports facilities and equipment, funding, rewards and incentives, family background, and peer influence. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a sample size of 80 women athletes drawn from Oredo Local Government Area. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire, which was validated by experts in the field. The collected data were analyzed using frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that sports facilities and equipment significantly impact women’s participation in sports, with inadequate infrastructure serving as a major barrier. Financial constraints and the lack of rewards and incentives also discourage participation, while family background and peer influence play a critical role in shaping attitudes toward sports involvement. The study concludes that these factors collectively influence women's sports participation and recommends targeted interventions such as increased funding, improved sports infrastructure, provision of incentives, and enhanced family and community support to encourage greater female engagement in sports. The study contributes to the growing discourse on gender and sports participation in Nigeria and suggests areas for further research, including the examination of cultural and religious influences on women’s involvement in sports, as well as comparative studies at state and national levels.

Studying Year 6 students’ perceptions of gender and their engagement in STEM within an Australian primary school

Abstract Gender stereotypes—and performances of femininity and masculinity—play a key role in how and why an individual engages in STEM education. Students’ perceptions of STEM have been carefully and consistently studied in high school and in tertiary education contexts, but to date there has been limited research examining students’ gendered perceptions of STEM at the primary school level. This small case study adopts a critical feminist approach and draws on classroom observations and semi-structured focus group interviews using photo-elicitation to foreground student voice. The aim of this research is to uncover how Year 6 students (n = 6) living and learning in Australia perceive STEM as a gendered discipline of study. Drawing on an inductive thematic analysis, we identified key differences between boys and girls which arguably have implications for their engagement in STEM. Our analysis foregrounds the role of (1) self-efficacy; (2) social pressures and performativity; and (3) pervasive gender norms, which all played a role in influencing students’ identities. We then consider the implications of these findings for educators. The article concludes with an examination of the limitations of the study as well as considerations for future research.

Unfolding the layers of LGBTQ+ identity, resilience, and multicultural perspectives in Vietnam

My personal narrative, intertwined with the theoretical acumen of Queer Theory and intersectionality framework, is used within this article as one way of underlining the critical role of lived experiences in forming an insight into LGBTQ+ identity and informing the strategies necessary to support this community. Drawing on Queer Theory, particularly the work of scholars like Jagose, which highlights the fluidity and complexity of identity, this research will analyze the intersectional challenges faced by individuals in specific non-Western regions, particularly in Southeast Asia. These experiences are examined through the employment of a reflexive thematic analysis approach, identifying recurring themes such as (1) gender nonconformity in childhood, (2) the pain of bullying and social pressures, (3) cultural transition and self-acceptance, (4) family support and unspoken understanding, and (5) interaction with LGBTQ+ Communities in Africa and the MENA Region.

Influencing factors of self-advocacy in stroke patients from multiple perspectives: a qualitative study

BackgroundSelf-advocacy can help stroke patients actively participate in disease management and maximize health benefits, which is a central issue in chronic disease management. The aim of the study was to explore the influencing factors of self-advocacy in stroke patients from multiple perspectives.MethodsA descriptive qualitative interview study was performed. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 stroke patients, 6 caregivers, and 8 medical staff from two hospitals in Henan province between October 2023 to February 2024. This study analyzed interview data using a Social Ecological Model (SEM) and content analysis strategies.ResultsFactors associated with stroke patients' self-advocacy were categorized using the social ecological model: (1) individual factors: influence of individual cognitive and psychological factors (weak sense of autonomy, insufficient disease cognition, severity of the disease, self-perceived burden, concerns about deteriorating doctor-patient relationship). (2) interpersonal factors: influence of family, peers and medical staff (insufficient family support, lack of peer support, authority of medical staff dominates). (3) community factors: influence of socio-environmental factors (shortage of medical staff, incomplete rehabilitation equipment, limited channels for information). (4) policy-economic factors: influence of existing policy (insufficient support from medical insurance, long-term financial burden).ConclusionThis study's application of a social ecological model helped to illuminate the complex and multilevel factors that may influence self-advocacy in stroke patients. Stroke patients' self-advocacy was influenced by the patients themselves, interpersonal relationships, community factors, and policy-economic factors. These findings can be used to guide the development of a multi-pronged intervention strategy to increase the level of self-advocacy for stroke patients in the self-management process.

Self-Esteem as a Moderator of the Influence of Peer Pressure on Adolescent Aggression

Self-Esteem as a Moderator of the Influence of Peer Pressure on Adolescent Aggression

The effect of proactive customer service performance on employee work engagement: a moderated dual-path model in spillover perspective

Purpose In response to the need to analyze the spillover effects of proactive customer service performance (PCSP), this study aims to draw from the cognitive–affective system theory of personality (CAPS) to explore the mechanism by which coworker PCSP affects work engagement among tourism employees. Design/methodology/approach A mixed research method was used for data collection and analysis. Study 1 used a scenario experiment and collected 194 samples from a 5-star hotel in China. Study 2 surveyed 393 frontline employees from various tourism companies in China. Structural equation modeling and PROCESS macro were used for hypothesis testing. Findings Results reveal that coworker PCSP is positively associated with work engagement, and that peer pressure and felt obligation sequentially mediate this main effect. These findings also support that the service climate moderates the cognitive path in this context. Originality/value This research examines an underexplored phenomenon in the tourism service context, namely, the spillover effects of coworker PCSP, as well as the corresponding boundary conditions. In addition, this study reveals that the notion of affection posited by the CAPS influences the corresponding cognition, thus giving rise to a serial mediating effect with regard to the impact of coworker PCSP.

RITUALISM AS A MEANS TO QUICK MONEY IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Ritualism as a means of attaining quick wealth has become an increasing socio-cultural and economic concern in South-Eastern Nigeria. This paper critically examines the phenomenon of ritual practices associated with financial gain, exploring its underlying causes, manifestations, and implications. Rooted in traditional beliefs, ritualistic practices are often reinforced by economic hardships, unemployment, societal glorification of wealth, and peer influences. The study highlights how ritualism is commodified, transforming its spiritual and communal significance into a purely transactional pursuit of material prosperity. Young individuals, particularly those with limited economic opportunities, are drawn to these practices due to a combination of desperation and the perceived inadequacy of formal economic structures. The study further explores the implications of this trend, including the erosion of ethical values, increased criminal activities, and the undermining of legitimate economic ventures. The paper argues that the interplay of cultural traditions, economic struggles, and religious complicity has contributed to the persistence of this phenomenon. Additionally, it identifies the potential consequences of ritualism-driven wealth accumulation on community cohesion, law enforcement, and social stability. To address this issue, the study recommends a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening law enforcement, investing in economic development, fostering ethical leadership within religious institutions, and promoting cultural reorientation. Public enlightenment campaigns and vocational training programs are also necessary to provide viable alternatives for youths susceptible to engaging in ritualistic practices. By tackling the socio-economic drivers of ritualism, policymakers can mitigate its adverse effects and promote sustainable economic empowerment in the region.

Factors Influencing Senior High School Track and Strand Preference: A Guidance Initiative

Choosing the right senior high school track and strand is a crucial decision for Grade 10 students, as it significantly impacts their future academic and career paths. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing track and strand preferences among Grade 10 students in Pamplona Cluster III and to develop a career guidance program based on the findings. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from 155 students through a self-designed questionnaire and analyzed using statistical tools such as percentage, frequency, weighted mean, and chi-square. The results indicate that most respondents are 14-15 years old, female, and from families with low monthly income. Students’ preferences are primarily influenced by their career aspirations and interests, followed by self-efficacy beliefs related to academic performance and perceived outcome expectations such as family influence, peer influence, job opportunities, and school offerings. While students consider employability and track availability, their primary motivation is aligning their chosen track with their career goals. Notably, demographic factors such as age, sex, and household income do not significantly impact their preferences. Based on these findings, the study proposes "Project CAREER," a structured career guidance program designed to help students make informed decisions about their academic and career paths. The study recommends the adoption of this initiative in Pamplona Cluster III schools, as well as further research at the division level to enhance career guidance policies and support student decision-making.

Peer Influence in the Workplace: The Moderating Role of Task Structures Within Organizations

Peer Influence in the Workplace: The Moderating Role of Task Structures Within Organizations

Politics, Economic Interests and Filibustering: The Failure of the Spanish-German Treaty (1893)

This article studies the failure of the Spanish-German treaty signed in 1893. The examination of the process that led to its derailment in the Spanish senate contributes to the historiography in the following ways. First, the composition of the executive that promoted the agreement illustrates the fragility of the protectionist agro-industrial coalition, as shown for Germany, in late-nineteenth century Spain. Second, the non-ratification of this treaty qualifies the idea of an inactive Spanish Parliament, where policymaking was immune to the demands of pressure groups. Third, the new tactic implemented to hamper the treaty's ratification shows how Spain, even without a clear separation of powers in its political system, could resort to legislative practices which enabled Parliament to curtail the executive action. Finally, the German reaction to the eventual lack of ratification constitutes a good illustration of the new Chancellor Caprivi's strategy, which was the opposite of Bismarck's, in the field of international relations.

Dark Triad Traits and Peer Influence on Mental Well-Being among University Students

The present study examines the relationship between the dark triad traits and peer influence on mental well-being among university students. A purposive sampling technique will be used, and data will be collected from different universities the sample (N=300) comprised of students (male and female) with an age range of 20-30 i.e. 20-25 years (young adults) and 26-30 years (middle age) WHO, 2018 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan. The variable would be marked through Measures of the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) by Jonason, 2010, Peer Pressure Questionnaires (PPQ) by Sunil, et al., 2016 and Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) by Tennant, et al., 2007 were used to access the study variables. The results show a negative relationship between dark triad traits with the mental well-being of university students and a positive relationship between peer influence and the mental well-being of university students. The data will be analyzed by using a statistical package for social sciences IBM SPSS.

Foreign Shores and Fading Dreams: The Great Indian Labor Exodus

A vast majority of Indians earn their income through labor by working in the unorganized sector. About 90% of Indian working population earn their livelihood through informal employment which has no job security, no employment benefits, no social protection and survive with lower earnings. However desperate people are risking their lives to seek employment by migrating to other nations by taking up illegal route and signing up for risky jobs. Unemployment Rate in India increased to 8.30 percent in December from 8 percent in November of 2024. Unemployment Rate in India averaged at 8.18 percent from 2018 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of 23.50 percent in April of 2020 and a record low of 6.40 percent in September of 2022. According to the India Employment Report 2024, created jointly by the Institute for Human Development and the International Labor Organization (ILO), India's working population increased from 61 percent in 2011 to 64 percent in 2021, and it is projected to reach 65 percent in 2036. However, the percent of youth involved in economic activities declined to 37 percent in 2022. According to the latest Periodic Labor Force Survey the urban unemployment data for the age group 15-29 for the five quarters between January 2023 and March 2024, has ranged between 16.5 per cent and 17.6 per cent, with the latest January-March 2024 quarter posting a 17 per cent unemployment rate. Given these conditions, it is natural that Indian youth are lured by promising careers abroad. A new wave of Indian workers is travelling to the West and the Gulf in search of better lives, some of them as illegal migrants. “Unemployment, systemic disorganization, peer pressure and fear of drug traps were compelling rural households to send their young to foreign shores,” according to a study. This situation had led to youth being exploited at foreign shores and incidents of unfair wages, exploitations, illegal immigration, etc are now being reported. This paper discusses all these issues and presents suggestions to handle these issues.

Elevated right ventricular systolic pressure and outcomes after emergency hip surgery: a case control study

Patients at risk of pulmonary hypertension frequently present for emergency orthopedic surgery. A right ventricular systolic pressure of 35 mmHg or above, calculated from a tricuspid regurgitant jet on transthoracic echocardiogram, is considered an appropriate screening test for pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an elevated right ventricular systolic pressure detected on a preoperative transthoracic echocardiogram, on outcomes after emergency hip surgery. We undertook a retrospective, single centre, case control study of 98 adult patients who had a transthoracic echocardiogram before undergoing emergency hip surgery over a six-year period. Forty-two of the 98 patients (43%) had an elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (≥ 35mmHg) and 56 patients (57%) had a normal right ventricular systolic pressure (< 35mmHg) on preoperative echocardiography. All in-hospital deaths in our study occurred in the elevated right ventricular systolic pressure group (8/42 (19%) vs. 0/56 (0%), p = < 0.001). Three patients died within one week of surgery after a cardiac arrest. The remaining 5 patients died a median of 26 (IQR 24–59) days after surgery due to pneumonia and progression of comorbid disease. Patients with an elevated right ventricular systolic pressure were older and had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation. In multiple logistic regression analysis, there was no association between either of these variables and survival to hospital discharge. There was a greater number of patients with heart failure, ischaemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elevated right ventricular systolic pressure group, however the differences between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. This study highlights an association between elevated preoperative right ventricular systolic pressure and increased mortality after emergency hip surgery. Elevated right ventricular systolic pressure could be indicative of pulmonary hypertension or be secondary to underlying heart or lung disease. Irrespective of the exact cause of raised right ventricular systolic pressure, the association with increased in hospital mortality warrants further investigation.

Artificial intelligence and communication technologies in academia: faculty perceptions and the adoption of generative AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in an era of potential transformation in various fields, especially in educational communication technologies, with tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI (GenAI) applications. This rapid proliferation and adoption of GenAI tools have sparked significant interest and concern among college professors, who are dealing with evolving dynamics in digital communication within the classroom. Yet, the effect and implications of GenAI in education remain understudied. Therefore, this study employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as theoretical frameworks to explore higher education faculty’s perceptions, attitudes, usage, and motivations, as the underlying factors that influence their adoption or rejection of GenAI tools. A survey was conducted among full-time higher education faculty members (N = 294) recruited from two mid-size public universities in the US. Results found that college professors’ perceived usefulness of AI predicted their attitudes and intention to use and adopt the technology, more than their perceived ease of use. Trust and social reinforcement strongly influenced college professors’ GenAI adoption decisions and acted as significant mediators to better understand the relationship between TAM and SCT. Findings emphasized the power of social dynamics in shaping professors’ self-efficacy, attitudes, and use of GenAI. Trust enhances peer influence and affects how perceived usefulness shapes users’ willingness to adopt technology, whereas self-efficacy has a minimal impact. This research provides valuable insights that inform higher education policies aimed at improving the educational experience for college students in an AI-driven workforce.

Determinants of knowledge of risks associated with cigarette smoking among adolescents in Scotland.

Cigarette smoking remains a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents. This study aimed to assess adolescents' knowledge of the risks associated with smoking in Scotland and explore the factors influencing this knowledge. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2018 Scottish Schools Adolescent Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey. The sample included 23 365 adolescents from Secondary 2 (n = 12 558) and Secondary 4 (n = 10 807). Demographic, behavioural, contextual, and health-related factors were examined as predictors of smoking risk knowledge, with a cumulative knowledge score based on responses to seven smoking-related questions. Poisson regression was used to examine associations between predictors and cumulative knowledge scores, and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Overall, 38.2% (n = 8928) of participants answered all questions correctly, with a median score of 6 (IQR: 5-7). While 83.6% (n = 19 540) scored at least 5, knowledge gaps remained, particularly concerning the risks of light smoking. Boys had lower scores than girls (IRR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.97, P < .001), and adolescents from less deprived areas scored higher than those from more deprived areas (IRR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03, P = .006). Non-smokers had higher scores than smokers (IRR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10, P < .001), and adolescents confident in accessing health information scored significantly higher (IRR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.11-1.15, P < .001). Peer influence was evident, as adolescents with friends who smoked had lower scores (IRR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.98, P < .001). Adolescents in Scotland generally understand the risks of cigarette smoking, but notable gaps persist, especially regarding dangers of light smoking.

The effect of school peers on residential mobility in young adulthood: evidence from Sweden

Abstract There is increasing evidence that social networks matter not only for long-distance moves but also for short-distance residential mobility. And the emerging structural sorting perspective is integrating networks into understandings of segregation processes. We add to this literature by considering how former school peers influence residential choices. We use Swedish register data describing the residential histories of cohorts of students who attended the same primary or secondary schools in Sweden. We trace their residential choices in young adulthood and estimate the effect of distance to peers on these choices. To account for selection, we use the spatial configuration of older cohorts who attended the same schools to adjust for peer similarity on unobserved preferences and attitudes. Using conditional logistic regression models of residential destinations, we find that individuals are more likely to choose a neighbourhood close to former school peers. Drawing on a linked lives perspective, we also consider how the peer effects change over the early adult life-course. The models imply that other networks can displace the social influence of primary and secondary school peers. While our analysis does not consider segregation as an outcome, our results suggest that schools may play a role in reproducing patterns of segregation within and between generations.

The Moderating Effect of Authentic Leadership on Social Pressure and Budgetary Slack Relationship: An Experimental Investigation

Introduction/Main Objectives: This research investigates the moderating effect of authentic leadership on social pressure and budgetary slack. Background Problems: Social pressure is an essential element that influences individual behavior in the organization. The concept of social pressure in the organization emphasizes obedience and peer pressure. However, the stream of research tends to examine obedience and peer pressure separately. Novelty: This research examines the differences between obedience pressure and peer pressure in a testing model by considering the moderating effect of authentic leadership. Research Methods: This study employs an experimental approach with a 2x2 factorial design between subjects involving 100 accounting students. Social pressure was manipulated into two conditions: obedience vs. peer. Authentic leadership is categorized into two categories, namely high vs low. Findings/Results: This research found that the creation of budgetary slack occurs for personal interests and regardless of the level of hierarchy in the work environment. This research found that consistent implementation of authentic leadership can reduce the occurrence of budgetary slack. These findings prove that authentic leadership is able to minimize the adverse consequence of social pressure on budgetary slack. Conclusion: This research shows that management can use authentic leadership as an alternative strategy to encourage a more effective budgeting process.