Social Systems Theory Research Articles

Online bubbles and echo chambers as social systems

PurposeThe aim of the text is to reflect on the formation of the so-called digital echo chambers or filter bubbles, which are environments formed around particular topics whose objective is to promote a given political-ideological position. The argument the author puts forward is that echo chambers are social systems of interaction created to deal with the process of informational overload brought about by the consolidation of digital media in people’s daily lives.Design/methodology/approachThe author used Niklas Luhmann’s theory of social systems to explain what the author is calling social systems of interaction. Furthermore, the author made clarifications about: (1) the current debate regarding echo chambers; (2) what is the concept of “information” that the author is using to formulate the proposition and (3) what is the specificity that digital media bring when the author talks about informational overload and about the formation of echo chambers.FindingsThe author concluded that echo chambers can be seen as digital interaction systems, but the concept of “interaction” must be adapted. The author also concluded that echo chambers help society to deal with the phenomenon of informational overload.Originality/valueThere are few works which try to make a detailed analysis of echo chambers from a Luhmannian perspective. With the propositions presented in this text, along with other writings of the own, the author gives an important step in that direction by introducing the topic in the social systems researchers community.

An Assessment of the Influence of Special Needs Education Resources on Management of Inclusive Education in Public Primary Schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya

Inclusive education has become a worldwide practice because it boosts child rights, especially the right to basic education. Management of inclusive education in primary schools is critical if the education sector is to realize set objectives. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of special needs education (SNE) resources on the management of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya. The specific objectives included establishing the influence of available teaching and learning resources for SNE and SNE teachers' competence in the management of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County. The study was supported by two theories, namely Classical Liberal Theory of Equal Opportunity and Social Darwinism and Systems Theory. The research used a mixed-methods approach. This study used a descriptive, explanatory research design. The target population was 520 respondents, including 437 pupils with disabilities, one quality assurance officer, 4 guidance and counselling teachers, and 4 head teachers. A sample of 170 respondents was selected. Questionnaires for Headteachers, Guidance and counselling Teachers, and Pupils with disabilities and interview schedules for Quality assurance officers were adopted to collect primary data. After cleaning this data by looking for errors in the entries, different descriptive statistics like the variation of coefficient, frequencies, standard deviation, mean score and percentages were assessed for all the quantitative information and variables presented using tables. Inferential statistics such as regression analysis were computed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27. On the other hand, qualitative information was analyzed through the use of content analysis. Regarding the availability of teaching and learning resources for SNE, the study found that the schools had adequately adapted textbooks and hearing aids for SNE. Further, regarding the SNE teachers' competence, the study established that it was uncertain whether many of the teachers at their schools had received special education training. The study concluded that SNE teachers' competence (β=0.737, p-value=0.006<0.05) had the greatest influence on the management of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, while available teaching and learning resources for SNE (β=0.541, p-value=0.003<0.05) had the least influence on the management of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County. The study recommended that head teachers and teachers should be taken for some SNE management training by the government through seminars organized by the Ministry of Education in order to be able to cater to the learners with special needs in regular schools. The findings might be used by the Ministry of Education and education stakeholders to enhance the quality of inclusive education in public primary schools in Nakuru East Sub-County, Kenya.

Who Watches and Follows Girls’ and Women’s Sport?

Despite high and rising consumption of women’s sport in the United States (U.S.), limited research has addressed the social factors that lead individuals to become consumers of girls’ and women’s sport. This study uses 2018-19 National Sports and Society Survey (NSASS) data to examine the frequencies and predictors of U.S. adults’ consumption of girls’ and women’s sport. We integrate social structure and life course theories to consider social structural locations, parental and own sports involvement during childhood, adult gender ideologies, and adult sport commitments as predictors of adults’ consumption of girls’ and women’s sport. The results indicate moderate consumption of female sport, with just over half of adults appearing to spend some time watching/following female sport in the last year. Also, we estimate that U.S. adults average watching/following female sport for about one hour per week, but they report that their watching/following of female sport is typically only a small fraction of their overall sport consumption. Regression findings show consistent evidence of sexuality, number of female family members, parents’ sports fandom or athleticism, childhood sports involvement, adult gender ideologies, and adult sport commitments shaping the consumption of female sport. In addition, there is some initial evidence that gender seems to encourage men to watch/follow more female sports, but women appear more prone to watch female sport as opposed to male sport. However, gender and sexuality interact with one another in predicting female sport consumption, such that gay/lesbian identities particularly heighten consumption of female sport among women. Consequently, there is evidence that lesbians are disproportionately among the most avid consumers of girls’ and women’s sport.

Neutrosophic Social Structures and Neutrosophic 2-tuples Technique for Studying Labor Insertion and Gender Inequality

This study explores the dynamics of job placement and gender inequality at the Universidad Peruana Los Andes in Huancayo, Peru, with a focus on the application of neutrosophic methods. Recognizing the nuanced differences in professional opportunities for men and women, we employ the Smarandachean theory of neutrosophic social structures to examine these disparities. During 2021-2022, we conducted surveys among university graduates, utilizing the 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic model to measure their satisfaction levels. This approach, grounded in neutrosophy, allows for a more precise capture of the participants' thoughts and feelings by effectively incorporating the inherent indeterminacies of social phenomena. The use of these neutrosophic tools provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between job placement and gender in professional settings.

Headteachers Induction on Public Procurement Regulations and their Implementation in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya

This study sought to investigate the influence of Headteachers induction on public procurement regulations and their implementation in public secondary schools in Migwani District, Kenya. The study objective sought to determine whether the information provided during the induction on public procurement regulations was sufficient enough to influence headteachers’ effective implementation of public procurement regulations in their schools. This study is based on Social and Economic Organization theory (bureaucracy) by Max Weber (Max 1947). The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population consisted of 29 public secondary schools which consisted of headteachers. Two public secondary schools out of the 29 public secondary schools were used for pilot study. The sample size was 27 public secondary schools. Census was used to select a sample of 27 headteachers. The study used questionnaires as a tool for data collection. The instrument validity was tested by a pilot study. A test-retest technique was used to ascertain instrument reliability. From the findings, it was found that at least thirty-four-point eight percent (34.8%) of the headteachers which was below average said that the information given during induction training was sufficient while majority of the headteachers which was sixty-two-point two percent said that the information given during induction was not sufficient. The study concluded that comprehensive induction programs are essential for preparing headteachers to implement public procurement regulations. The study recommended that Headteachers in public secondary schools should be inducted immediately after appointment to headship positions.

Best Practices in Health Emergency Management: Lessons from COVID-19 Response

The local government units (LGUs) in the First District of Negros Oriental confronted significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research article aims to identify and analyze the best practices in health emergency and risk reduction management responses within the district. The study focuses on several critical dimensions: Policies, strategies, and legislation; Planning and coordination; Human resources; Financial resources; Information and knowledge management; Risk communications; Health infrastructure and logistics; and Health and related services. Employing a mixed-method design, the research draws on the framework of Social Systems Theory, particularly emphasizing its four functional imperatives: adaptation, goal attainment, integration, and latency. These imperatives serve as lenses to understand how the LGUs navigated and responded to the evolving challenges posed by the pandemic. In 2020, the district recorded 166 COVID-19 cases, a number that sharply increased to 2,440 in 2021, underscoring the escalating impact of the virus over time. The study identifies several sub-themes encapsulating the best practices of the LGUs in health emergency and risk reduction management. These include pro-active adaptation, emphasizing the importance of anticipating and swiftly responding to emerging challenges; the principle that frequency is key, highlighting the significance of consistent and regular actions; the more the merrier, signifying the value of deploying adequate human resources; busy bank accounts, reflecting the essential role of sufficient financial resources; official "marites" and "marites at work," emphasizing effective communication strategies; and build-build-build, symbolizing investments in health infrastructure to enhance response capabilities. These practices are not merely reactive measures to address inconsistencies in national government policy implementation but are rooted in the LGUs' proactive adoption of functional imperatives. By analyzing these dimensions and sub-themes, this research aims to provide insights into effective strategies for managing health emergencies at the local level, contributing to broader efforts in pandemic preparedness and response planning.

Crisis management within the social system theory retrospective and prospective analysis of COVID-19 crisis in tourism and hospitality

Crisis management within the social system theory retrospective and prospective analysis of COVID-19 crisis in tourism and hospitality

Trans-Religious Genealogy: Jombang Community Resilience in Maintaining Tolerance in the Modern Era

Intolerance is still a socio-religious problem that leads to ongoing conflict. Intolerance gives birth to individualist attitudes, fanaticism, and communal legitimacy. In pluralist and multiculturalist countries, tolerance has not found strong, solid roots, especially withstanding changing times. Tolerance is often temporary, easily ignited by stigma and internal motives. However, in Jombang Regency, as a miniature showcase for a portrait of tolerant religious attitudes, it can survive convincingly amid modernity. Adherents of Islam, Catholics, Protestants, and Hindus can be tolerant under any conditions. Therefore, this research seeks to explore the ideological conception of religious diversity in Jombang as a manifestation of the ideal depiction of tolerance. This article is based on qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Durkheim's social system theory is used as an analytical tool. Primary data was obtained from three religious adherents from religious and community figures. The research results revealed three things: 1) The genealogy of the religious tolerance values of Jombang society between Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism converges on the values of tasamuh, blessings, and the cult of God. 2) the resilience of tolerance amid modernity is created by a robust social structure, namely the genealogy of religious values, forming traditions, and the externalization of religious behavior. 3) religious transvalues create a tolerant categorization of religion, namely the connectivity of religious genealogy, internalization of religious traditions, and externalization of religious attitudes.

Pojęcia transdyscyplinarne w świetle teorii amalgamatów pojęciowych

Transdisciplinary concepts have a particular cognitive value: they enable us to cross disciplinary boundaries and to establish new categories of the explored reality. This paper attempts to analyse conceptual relationships within the transdisciplinary concept attractors of self-evaluation which emerged at the intersection of social psychology and systems theory The analysis is based on the Conceptual Blending Theory. The genesis of the concept as well as salient relationships and cross-space mappings have been presented. Furthermore, explicative cross-space connectors in transdisciplinary knowledge transfer have been identified and described.

How entrepreneurial environment and education influence university students' entrepreneurial intentions: the mediating role of entrepreneurial motivation

PurposeUnderpinned by social cognitive and ecological systems theories, this research explored higher education students' entrepreneurial intentions (EI). It begins by exploring how various factors, including entrepreneurship education (EE), entrepreneurial motivation (EM) and entrepreneurial environment (EENV), contribute to the evolution of EI of students. Second, it examines the role of EM as an underlying mechanism between EE-EI and EENV-EI. Finally, this research explores how EENV moderates the EM and EI relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered from 366 college students pursuing higher education around India using a convenience sample technique. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to SmartPLSv.3.3.9 software to analyze the data.FindingsA direct relationship was found between EE, EENV and EM with EI. Moreover, this research found a partial mediation of EM between EENV-EI and EE-EI paths. Also, the results show that EENV strengthens the link between EM and EI links.Practical implicationsThis study offers valuable insights that can guide government agencies and higher education institutions (HEIs) in reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurial education at the university level. This transformation encompasses the integration of work-based learning experiences as a conduit for equipping students with tangible skills and exposing them to the realities of entrepreneurship in the real world.Originality/valueThis research considerably contributes to the current literature on entrepreneurship at HEIs by merging social cognitive and ecological systems theories. This research is a pioneering input to examine the underlying mechanism of entrepreneurial motivation between EENV, EE and EI.

Gender Dilemma and Fu Ji in Ji Shen in light of Power Theory

Ji Shen, the masterpiece of Sun Pin, is an important part of contemporary Chinese literature. The novel shows the modern popularity of "planchette writing" culture and explores people's alienation in the influence of the culture. The core idea in Ji Shen coincides with the French sociologist Foucault's theory of social power systems, both mutually evident. This perspective reveals that although the protagonists, Chang Yong and Yang Deqing, keep trying to reclaim their gender, their journey of resistance is always manipulated by "power", culminating in the unsolvable gender dilemma described in Ji Shen. Similarly, Foucault believed that power could only be overcome through sadism and masochism, but that sadism and masochism could also result in severe self-harm and ultimately death. Moreover, Fu Ji has a long history in China and became popular again in the 1980s and 1990s. This novel is a refraction of this history and has significant cultural value.

Risks of passive use of social network sites in youth athletes: a moderated mediation analysis.

With the popularity of social media platforms, the use of social networks challenges the well-being and mental health of athletes. Despite ongoing scholarly discussions about the effects of passive use of social network sites, few studies have examined the relationship between the passive use of social network sites and mental health in young athletes from a social comparison perspective. To address this research gap, we draw on the social comparison and developmental systems theories to explore the mediating effect of upward social comparison on passive social network site use and mental health, as well as the moderating effects of positive psychological capital. We analyzed data about 350 young athletes from professional Chinese sports universities. As predicted, passive use of social network sites by young athletes increased anxiety (β = 0.26, p < 0.001) and decreased subjective well-being (β = -0.35, p < 0.001). Upward social comparisons had positive (β = 0.22, p < 0.001) and negative (β = -0.34, p < 0.001) mediating effects in passive social network site use and anxiety/subjective well-being. Positive psychological capital played a moderating effect between upward social comparison and anxiety (β = -0.28, p < 0.001), and subjective well-being (β = 0.24, p < 0.001); the moderated mediation effect was also supported. Our study informs the current research by highlighting the importance of upward social comparison as a critical mechanism and positive psychological capital as a boundary condition. We suggest actively maintaining and enhancing positive psychological capital to mitigate the adverse effects of upward social comparison.

Layered structures of robustness and resilience: Evidence from cybersecurity projects for critical infrastructures in Central Europe

AbstractThe article studies cybersecurity projects from the perspective of social systems theory. Measures taken to increase cybersecurity are aimed at the robustness and resilience of specific systemic entities in society. We argue that this does not necessarily mean that systems in which these entities are embedded become more robust or resilient. The article investigates the objectives of 20 projects funded by different public organizations to increase cybersecurity of critical infrastructures. The findings show that robustness and resilience are addressed by these projects on different layers of systems in society, without a clear picture of how they are supposed to fit together in a wider effort to protect society against disruption. The detailed analysis of the different facets of robustness and resilience addressed in cybersecurity projects paves the way for a better understanding of this problem. The research shows how organizations may avoid the negative consequences of measures to secure specific systemic entities in society in the case of critical infrastructures, other application scenarios, and digital innovation in general.

How to improve newly qualified midwives’ transition-into-practice. A Delphi study

BackgroundIn the Netherlands, newly qualified midwives start work as registered midwives without any formal transition support. Research shows that newly qualified midwives do not feel sufficiently confident and competent in their work during the period following graduation. This could impact the quality of care provided by newly registered midwives.The aim of this study is to seek consensus with stakeholders concerning viable components of support for newly qualified midwives working in midwifery care in the Netherlands. MethodsA Delphi study was conducted among maternity care stakeholders in the Netherlands. During two rounds, sixteen statements derived from a theoretical framework of organizational socialization theory and previous studies were assessed (round 1, n = 56; round 2, n = 52). Stakeholders (N = 61) were invited and completed an online questionnaire that included spaces for opinions and remarks. ResultsStakeholders agreed about an introductory support period for newly qualified midwives, involving performance feedback and regional-level backup from fellow midwives during shifts. They further agreed on the responsibilities of established professionals that they should support newcomers in practice and provide mentoring or group coaching, although they face organizational barriers for supporting newcomers. ConclusionsStakeholders found consensus upon several components of support at the workplace. In addition, a stable work environment seemed less important in their opinion while previous research suggests otherwise. Practice organisations need to improve the employment conditions and support for newly qualified midwives to ensure the quality of midwifery care is guaranteed.

'We do bad things to bad people' &amp;ndash; Krav Maga's German career in the light of social systems theory

Despite its worldwide popularity, Israel originated Krav Maga is still remarkably unexplored. With regards Krav Maga´s global spread, the article focuses on the social career of Krav Maga in Germany and asks about the conditions for its success. Beginning in the 2000s, Krav Maga has rapidly resonated throughout Germany, nowadays showing a high degree of social connectivity and differentiation. Analysed through the lenses of social systems theory, Krav Maga´s German career appears not least being an effect of globalised streams of communication – in particular realized through the marking of relevant differences to existing practices and systems of self-defence and serving of contemporary social and individual needs and expectations (e.g. the ability to effectively defend oneself). Following initial analyses of the spread of Wing Chun in Germany, this case study makes a further contribution to an understanding of the socio-cultural evolution of self-defense systems in Germany.

Black and abused: understanding who Black employees hold accountable for their mistreatment

In an effort to extend workplace accountability research, our studies identify an actor that is accountable for the mistreatment of an understudied group of employees: Black employees. We accomplish this by leveraging insights from the attributions of accountability and anti-Black racism literatures. Subsequently, we adopt an overall socio-psychological perspective and integrate social cognitive and organizational resentment theories to explain why organizational leaders that are perceived to support anti-Black sentiments are more likely to mistreat Black employees. Across three studies, we find that supervisors perceived to be Trump-supporting, in comparison to those perceived to be Trump-opposing, are more likely to display abusive supervision toward Black employees. In turn, as Black employees experience abusive supervision, they develop organizational resentment as they attribute this mistreatment to their employer. We also find that the impact of abusive supervision on organizational resentment is weaker when Black employees’ organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) is relatively low compared to relatively high. This is because Black employees with relatively low OBSE are more likely to blame themselves for the abuse. Theoretical contributions, practical implications, limitations, and future research are discussed.

Relational positionism: a constructive interpretation of morality in Luhmann's social systems theory

Purpose The purpose of this article is to summarize three Luhmannian critiques on morality, illustrate new roles for morality and add constructive interpretations.Design/methodology/approach Luhmann has recently been described as downright negative toward morality, resulting in a refusal to use ethics as a sociologist, thus leading to a limited use of his theory in moral issues. A constructive interpretation could support a more functional use of morality in social system theory.Findings First, Luhmann signals that morality can no longer fulfill its integrative function in society but also that society has recourse to moral sensitivity. Second, Luhmann describes how anxiety is crucial in modern morality and indicates which role risk and danger could play. The author builds further on this and proposes the concept of “social system attention” that can provide answers to individual and organizational anxiety. The author proposes that institutionalized socialization can support an integrative morality. Third, Luhmann states that ethics today is nothing more than a utopia but also that the interdiction of moral self-exemption is an essential element. The author adds that a relational ontology for social systems theory can avoid ethics as utopia.Practical implicationsThis article is a programmatic plea to further elaborate morality from a system theory perspective in which meaning is relationally positioned.Originality/value This article could potentially provide a more functional application of morality in social systems, thus leading to improvements of attempts of ethical decision-making. The originality of the approach lies in the interpretation of basic assumptions of Luhmann social system theory that are not core to his theory.

Kirche der Freiheit and A Systems Theory Of Church

The article deals with our understanding of ongoing reform processes taking place in the German and Czech churches, specifically the protestant ones. Are we ready to overcome the stress connected with too much uncertainty? Congregations, like human beings, live between the polarities of order and freedom. The tension between these two polarities gives birth to a renewal. Thinking systematically means seeing the multiplicity of factors and search for causation in a given environment. Acting systematically means seeing opportunities, creating mental models and influencing the environment. There may be historic tensions and group‘s dynamics leading to a permanent conflict. There may be too much liberalism leading to the vague picture of one‘s identity. There may be too much responsibility carried by a few people working voluntarily. There may be too much orthodoxy closing itself in the system of “eternal truths.” We introduce a Systems Theory of Church that takes into account a struggle between the use of traditional instruments used to describe self-reference of the church (ecclesiology) and the use of management tools in the church in recent years, and combine this with the Luhmann‘ s Theory of Social Systems. We propose in the text a theory that takes seriously a language of one of the leading social theories, adapt it to the theological context in order to apply it to a new communication strategy. The language we use is not innocent; it creates its own reality. We cannot grow against the trend. But doing things right as well as doing right things – it is all about “planting, growing and taking care” with patience. A hermeneutic circle, a semantic triangle and a communication model embody a “creation view” can helps us to see the whole picture again.

Studi Kualitatif Gaya Komunikasi Manajerial Terhadap Pembentukan Motivasi Dan Sikap Karyawan

This study intends to analyze the findings of previous research results related to the impact of managerial communication styles on the formation of employee motivation and attitudes which will be examined through the concept of interpersonal communication, the concept of organizational communication, social exchange theory and organizational support theory. This type of research is qualitative with a literature review approach as an analytical method. The research results show that communication styles and managerial leadership styles have a positive impact on the formation of employee motivation and attitudes. The personality of company leaders is also an important variable in growing employee confidence. The level of communication satisfaction is another variable that can strengthen the emotional bond between employees and company managers. The leader's personality factor, assertive communication style and the visionary-organic leadership paradigm are proven not only to influence the formation of the technical aspects of supervision, but also to the psychological aspects of employees, namely the high support and commitment of employees to the company.

Gender ideologies across the transition to adulthood in Germany: How early romantic relationships slow down the egalitarian trend

This study explores the development of gender ideologies across adolescence and the transition to adulthood in Germany and investigates the relevance of first romantic relationship experiences in shaping gender beliefs. Integrating the life course perspective with the theoretical framework of gender as a social structure and psychological theories, we extend the literature by following adolescents from age 15 to about age 20 across the transition to adulthood and by differentiating between young women and men from different immigrant and non-immigrant backgrounds, who may be affected differently by gender-related expectations. Using the representative and ethnically diverse German sample of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries, we conducted fixed-effects regression analyses (n = 1474). First, our findings show that young people become increasingly egalitarian during adolescence, irrespective of gender and immigrant origin. Second, for young women, romantic relationship experiences of moderate and longer durations are significantly associated with slower increases in egalitarianism. For most young men, romantic relationship experiences do not affect their gender ideologies. One exception is the group of Turkish-origin men, who change their gender ideologies less towards egalitarianism with increasing relationship durations than other groups of young men. The findings suggest that, especially for young women, early romantic relationships may be crucial in shaping their gender beliefs, which subsequently predict important educational, occupational, and family choices.