Societal Culture Research Articles

Prevalence of Alcohol/ Substance Use among Christian Youth in Selected Churches in Kajiado County, Kenya

The last decade has witnessed a sky rocketing increase in alcohol and drug use, where it is estimated that 39.5 million people have substance use disorders (UNODC, 2023). It is opined that religion in the lives of youth can mitigate against alcohol and substance use, but research indicates that in spite of the religious beliefs, there is still a significant proportion of youth in churches who are involved in alcohol and substance use (National Study of Youth & Religion, 2024). Christian youth grappling with alcohol and drug use are caught in between following that which is biblically acceptable versus the societal norms and culture (Swindell, 2010). Thus, investigating the prevalence of alcohol and substance use among Christian youth, is crucial to pinpointing the causative factors and developing targeted programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of alcohol/ substance use among Christian youth in four selected churches in Kajiado County, Kenya. It employed a descriptive research design with a sample size of 145 youth (14-35 years;73 male,72 female), who were actively attending Sunday services in the four churches. Data collection utilized the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test- ASSIST- LITE and a socio demographics questionnaire. The data was analyzed quantitatively in SPSS using frequencies and percentages. Findings from the socio demographic questionnaire inquiring on whether respondents ‘had ever used alcohol/substances’ showed that 53(36.6%) of the respondents affirmed that they had ever used alcohol, 12(8.3%) both khat and alcohol, 3(2.1%) khat, hash and alcohol while 5(3.4%) had ever used other substances and alcohol. The ASSIT-Lite inquired on alcohol and drug use in the past three months, where the most frequently used was alcohol at n=42(28.9%), then cannabis at n=27(18.6%), sedatives at n=14(9.7%), stimulants at n=10(6.9%), psychoactive substances at n=6(4.1%) and then opioids at n=3(2.1%). Of the alcohol/substance users, 12(8.3%), 7(4.8%) and 5(3.4%) were at high risk levels for alcohol, cannabis and stimulant use respectively. The study was informative in that, it revealed Christian youth were still grappling with alcohol/substance use, and hence, targeted psychological and behavioral interventions, alongside the church-based programs are necessary.

Utilizing drawings to understand how our backgrounds and experiences change our plant mental models

Societal Impact StatementOur culture, life experiences, and the places we live teach us about the world around us and the plants within it. This information gives each individual distinct mental models. By delving into plant mental models of young adults, this study offers insights into the complex landscape of plant knowledge, with a special emphasis on Indigenous communities. Beyond broadening our understanding, these findings provide valuable resources for educators and researchers striving to bridge the gap in plant literacy. Moreover, the methods used offer a blueprint for similar investigations globally, which will foster a deeper understanding of plant awareness across diverse populations.Summary Plant mental models, or what people think about when they think of a given plant, give insight into a person's knowledge and understanding of plants. However, little to no research has been conducted on plant mental models of young adults or comparing mental models across demographics. This study assessed college students' plant mental models in the demographic categories of race, gender, rurality, and college type (tribal vs. non‐tribal), as well as experience in art, photography, and plant identification, to determine the impact of these factors on plant mental models. A total of 697 students from three tribal and three non‐tribal colleges enrolled in a specific introductory biology course participated. Participants completed four drawings, which represented their mental model of a plant, flower, grass, and tree. They also completed a short survey about demographics and experience with art, photography, and plant identification. Tree drawings had the most detail, and grass drawings had the least. Gender was the only demographic factor that impacted the detail drawn, with females including more detail for flowers and trees and males for grass. Surprisingly, experience with art, photography, and plant identification did not impact the detail included in the drawings. Overall, participants plant mental models across demographics were simplistic and lacked detail, potentially indicating a lack of plant awareness.

Talent management in the hospitality and tourism industry: the role of societal and organisational culture

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of societal and organisational culture on talent management (TM) within the Greek hospitality and tourism (H&T) industry. Specifically, this study tests societal culture’s effect on TM approaches and the mediating role of organisational culture. Design/methodology/approach In this quantitative study, the questionnaire sample included employees of all hierarchical levels from three hotels located in northern, central and southern Greece (n = 188). Data analyses were carried out by using the PROCESS Version 4 macro in SPSS. Findings The results show that neither societal nor organisational culture are decisive factors in impacting the perceived TM approach. This might be due to the organisations imitating other firms without pre-establishment of societal and organisational fit. Practical implications This study emphasises TM’s alignment with both societal and organisational culture. Given the context-specific nature of TM, achieving culture fit can enhance talent acquisition, retention and engagement, ultimately leading to improved talent and overall organisational performance. Originality/value This study integrates more centrally a cultural lens into the TM discourse. It provides empirical evidence of TM approaches in the Greek H&T industry, drawing on a multi-stakeholder sample including managers and talents.

Exploring Societal Culture and Preferred Leader Behavior in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This study explores relationships between societal culture value dimensions and preferred leader behavior in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH). It is one of the first studies that provide an overview of the dimension of Monumentalism in BIH and bring together all seven cultural dimensions, thus contributing to their overall understanding. Data in two observed regions (region Bosnia, region Herzegovina) have not yielded significant differences in preferred leader behavior across regions, and regarding cultural dimensions, significant differences among regions were found only for Individualism and Masculinity, implicating relatively homogenous culture in BIH. While Power Distance has no significant correlations with any of the preferred leadership behaviors, significant correlations were found for other cultural dimensions. The study’s results contribute to a deeper understanding among leaders and employees and enhance managerial effectiveness.

Culture and Preferred Leadership Behaviors: A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Slavic Nations

This study examines the relationships between societal cultures and preferred leadership behaviors across seven Slavic nations: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Poland, Russia (in two regions), and Serbia. The results depict variations in the associations between cultural dimensions and leadership behaviors within the Slavic context, revealing both consistent patterns and intriguing differences across countries, underscoring their cultural diversity. The obtained results contribute to the field of cross-cultural leadership and provide deeper insights into leadership dynamics within Central and Eastern European countries.

Societal Culture in Slavic Nations: Effects of Historical Events

Slavic-heritage countries have a rich and diverse culture shaped by a variety of historical and geopolitical events. Utilizing Hofstede´s Value Survey Module 2008, we study the cultural values of the Slavs, indicating the way businesspeople (employees) and businesses function in these societies. The results of our analyses of data from seven Slavic countries show that the volume and distribution of differences in cultural values is mostly inconsistent, however, several patterns emerged. The magnitude and structure of these differences indicate an influx of values originating from the global West, however, with variations across the tribes, nations and their culture areas. We contribute to the cross-cultural management and leadership literature with this pioneering, systematic comparison, and outline directions for future research to foster a clear(er) understanding thereof, hence, to develop valuable practical guidelines for (international) business professionals.

A Tossed Salad: Heterogeneity of Societal Culture and Preferred Leader Behavior in the Russian Federation

In this study, we examine societal-cultural values and employee preferences for explicit leader behaviors and their relationships in the Russian Federation. Our analyses of data obtained from samples in two large regions (Siberia and Western Russia); indicate the heterogeneity, that is, differences of the traditional, Slavophile-Orthodox, and Western-like characteristics therein. In doing so, we contribute to the literature on culturally contingent business leadership in Russia, by providing a basis for and stimulating research to enlarge and systematize the literature and construct useful practical recommendations.

Spotlighting the Neglect of Balinese Women's and Children's Rights in Custody Court Decisions

The Balinese society adheres to a patrilineal kinship system in which men are considered the successors of the lineage. This system often serves as the rationale for awarding child custody to fathers in divorce cases, frequently disregarding the rights of the mother and the best interests of the child. This study examines the implications of the patrilineal kinship system on divorce proceedings, the criteria used by judges in child custody decisions among the Balinese, and the potential for reconstructing child custody arrangements to prioritize the child's best interests. It is a legal research that examines the normative issues regarding child custody in a patrilineal society with a gender perspective. This paper suggests that decisions regarding child custody should refer to the child's best interests principle and gender responsiveness. In the event of a divorce, a wife is typically returned to her parents by her husband's extended family, a process known as “mulih deha”, which effectively reverts her to the status of a girl, implying she has no children and does not retain any marital property. Societal culture holds that a child is considered secure in the father's household, even if the paternal grandparents provide care. This entrenched belief system discourages Balinese women from pursuing child custody. A co-parenting model, allowing both parents to remain actively involved, can help reconstruct child custody arrangements to serve the child's best interests better.

ANCIENT ROOTS TO MODERN SOCIETY: INDIAS SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Indias social transformation is a journey marked by the interplay of ancient traditions and modern influences. This paper explores the evolution of Indias social fabric from its early Vedic roots to its current standing as a dynamic and diverse society. The analysis delves into the enduring impact of religious, cultural, and philosophical traditions on contemporary social structures, highlighting how these ancient legacies have shaped the modern Indian ethos. By examining key historical milestones, such as the contribution of empires, colonialism, and the independence movement, the study reveals the complex ways in which India has navigated the challenges of modernity while preserving its rich heritage. The discussion also addresses the ongoing struggles and adaptations within Indian society, including caste dynamics, gender roles, and the quest for social equity, emphasizing the continuous process of negotiation between tradition and modernity. Through this exploration, the paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Indias social transformation, underscoring the nations ability to adapt and innovate while remaining rooted in its ancient cultural wisdom.Indias social transformation encompasses changes in various societal aspects, including institutions, structure, culture, and philosophy. The goals of social transformation in India are evolutionary in strategy but revolutionary in content. Leaders of the Indian independence movement understood that social structure, history, and tradition form the foundation of society, setting the parameters for social reform plans, objectives, and methods.

Challenges and Barriers to Commercialization of Health Sciences Research Results: A Qualitative Study

Background: In today's world, due to intense competition and the rapid pace of production, exploiting knowledge and converting it into economic returns has become a critical management issue for academics and capital owners. Commercialization activities can impact the educational and research programs of universities, potentially leading to resistance against them. Objectives: The current study was conducted to identify the challenges of the commercialization process in health science research. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between June and December 2022 in Tehran province, Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 22 key individuals, including university management and technology experts, as well as CEOs and experts from knowledge-based companies, selected through purposive sampling. The interview guide was designed based on four in-depth interviews, theoretical foundations, and comparative study findings. The obtained data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method in MAXQDA 10 software. Results: The challenges of the commercialization process for health sciences research results were categorized into six main themes and 16 sub-themes. The main themes identified in this study were rules and regulations, societal culture, university management and infrastructure, human resources, financial systems, and organizational cooperation with industry. Conclusions: Policymakers, especially senior health managers, can create a suitable platform for the optimal use of resources and the expansion of targeted relationships between universities and industries by incorporating economic insight into academic services. By compiling relevant laws and guidelines, optimizing resource management, achieving financial independence for universities, and increasing the productivity of health research, the high costs associated with the commercialization of academic research projects can be reduced.

Women in Islamic thought and philosophy in Baghdad and Andalusia for two centuries (5-6 AH/11-12 AD

Due to the extensive discourse and scholarly investigation pertaining to the status and involvement of women within the academic and cultural hubs of this particular area, the ongoing disparities and vehement confrontations between adherents and detractors of Islamic ideology regarding the standing and contributions of women persist. Consequently, it is imperative to approach this matter with a discerning outlook that is devoid of prejudiced perspectives and is situated within the framework of the historical epoch. Intellectuals, professionals in the field, and even members of the general public frequently engage in a wide range of discussions regarding women's rights and how their status among Muslims challenges this perception. Our study makes an academic and scientific effort to examine this problem from a Muslim point of view. During the period spanning the fifth and sixth centuries AH, which correspond to the eleventh and twelfth centuries AD, an examination of the historical contexts of Baghdad and Andalusia reveals significant developments. Through meticulous research and thorough analysis of various sources, it is essential to elucidate the perspectives held by Islamic groups and movements on the subject of women. It is imperative to gauge the extent to which societal cultures and traditions permeate religious attitudes towards women. Based on this foundation, a comparative analysis of the viewpoints espoused by Islamic religions and movements in both regions under scrutiny will be undertaken. The study presents the views of scholars and Philosophers in Baghdad and Andalusia, and explains the participation of women in public and cultural activities in both regions.

The Influences of Ambidexterity, New Public Management and Innovation on the Public Service Quality of Government Organizations

This study assesses the influences of organizational ambidexterity and new public management (NPM) innovations on public service quality in the under-researched and changing context of the Arabian Peninsula Gulf States. The data used were obtained from government organizations in the Sultanate of Oman and were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that exploitation is associated with public service quality and this relationship is partially mediated by public service innovation. The results show an indirect relationship between NPM practices and service quality mediated by service innovation. Moreover, the relationship between exploration and service quality is fully mediated by service innovation. This study extends the existing research on ambidexterity in government organizations and contributes to the international public administration reform and innovation literature by examining the applicability of Western practices in changing societal and politico-administrative cultures.

Determinants of career choice among secondary school students in Enugu east education zone

This study examined determinants of career choice among secondary school students in Enugu East Education Zone. The study specifically examined the influence of parental factors on the choice of career among secondary school students in Enugu East, ascertained the influence of societal culture on the choice of career among secondary school students in Enugu East, evaluated the extent peer groups influence the choice of career among secondary school students in Enugu East and also investigated the influence of the school environment on the choice of career among secondary school students. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. Related literature was reviewed under the conceptual framework, theoretical studies, theoretical framework, related empirical studies, and summary. The study adopted a census survey research design. The study was conducted among secondary schools in Enugu education zone. The population for the study was 334 students. There was no sampling of the study because of the manageable size of the population. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection and was designed to elicit appropriate information from the respondents. To ascertain the face validity of the instrument, the questionnaire was given to two experts in the Department of Educational Management and one expert from Measurement and Evaluation in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Education all from the Faculty of Education, ESUT. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was calculated using the Cronbach Alpha method. The results of the analysis indicated reliability indices of 0.85, 0.81, 0.76, 0.83, and 0.84 for clusters A, B, C, D, and E. The overall reliability index was 0.82 which made the instrument reliable. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed among others that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings regarding the influence of parental factors on the choice of career between male and female students. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others that parental impositions regarding their children's choice of career often result in career failure. In realization of this, parents should guide their children through the decision-making process. Parents are advised to allow their wards free hands in their career choices that will relate to their interests, aptitude, passion, and ability.

Features of Societal Culture in Modern Painting

Culture in all its forms is the integrated fabric or system that contains the manifestations of life in its entirety, as well as its forms of knowledge, arts, beliefs, behaviors and prevailing values, a set of features that distinguish one society from another. Therefore, the concept of culture in its societal boundaries was characterized by keeping pace with all the variables taking place in society or the environment with its political, economic, social and cultural limits, which is a manifestation of civilization and a form of culture and for the early days of the first expression of the culture of peoples, whether in music, art or drama. The importance of this study comes from the fact that it deals with the subject of (features of societal culture in modern painting). Which made him of great importance in influencing the productions of artists, as he helped to study the characteristics of community culture in: 1- Returning to the features of the ancient societal culture and drawing inspiration from its vocabulary in contemporary works of art. 2-Identify the features of culture in European painting. 3-Shedding light on some artists in the field of European painting, whose artworks were associated with their social culture. The current study aims to identify the features of societal culture in modern painting and features of societal culture in modern painting at the period 1888-1937 in Europe.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF LITERARY LANGUAGE THROUGH THE AGES

Many factors, including societal shifts, technology, culture, and history, contribute to literary language's gradual but steady development. Literary language has changed throughout history to reflect new social and intellectual paradigms, and this research follows that change from antiquity to the present day. Examining the written traditions of classical antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance follows an examination of the oral traditions of ancient civilizations when storytelling played a crucial role in preserving history and culture. Literary language differs between periods due to the influence of prevalent linguistic conventions, philosophical ideas, and technological developments. Moving from verbal to written communication is a watershed moment because it paves the way for textual standardization and preservation. Greek and Latin were the de jure languages of the classical period when many literary genres and styles flourished. Various vernacular languages emerged during the Middle Ages when oral and written traditions mingled. A more sophisticated and nuanced use of language was one of the many benefits of the Renaissance, which saw an upsurge in creative activity and a return to classical study. Making books more widely available and aiding in linguistic standardization, the printing press was invented in the fifteenth century and profoundly impacted the distribution of literary works. Examining how the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Industrial Revolution affected literary language, the research delves further into how these eras mirrored more significant social shifts. As a result of increased communication across borders, new technologies, and the proliferation of online media, literary vocabulary has become more diverse than at any time in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Literary language's evolution demonstrates how human expression is ever-changing, adjusting to novel situations and technological advances. A thorough analysis of this development is given in this work, which sheds light on the complex interplay of literature, language, and society.

Glass ceiling in Nigeria’s banking sector: perspectives of senior male employees

PurposeThis study aims to examine senior male employees’ perspectives on the glass ceiling in the Nigerian banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected qualitatively using interviews with 43 senior male employees in four Nigerian banks.FindingsThis study finds that senior male employees acknowledge the challenges their female counterparts face concerning promotion. Senior male employees’ views on the value of gender-diverse leadership underscore the illusion of a “level playing field” because of a gender-neutral performance policy and a family–friendly policy for women. Nonetheless, the study notes a divergence in senior male employees’ perspectives about the professional progression of female employees (based majorly on age and ethnicity). The study concludes that the organisational culture and leadership that underpin poor female career progression are embedded in and driven by the culture in the empirical context.Originality/valueThe examination of senior male employees’ perspectives on the glass ceiling in the Nigerian banking sector offers significant theoretical and practical contributions to the extant literature on gendered occupational segregation by providing unique insights into how patriarchal societal and occupational culture, as well as (limited) family–friendly policies for women, influence the configuration of men’s views of gendered occupational segregation in the Nigerian banking sector.

Parenting Patterns and Social Deviations of Adolescents from a Structural Perspective (Case Study in Malaku Village Community, Utara Seram District, Central Maluku District)

Backgrounds: Children or teenagers, as is known, are greatly influenced by their social environment, so that crimes or deviations that occur are not only influenced by the educational style of parents, but also by social environmental conditions and irregular norm behavior in community life. This is caused by various factors such as societal conditions, relationships, political economy, culture, lifestyle, family conditions, and changes in norms, which indirectly contribute to high crime rates. Objective: Analyzing parenting patterns applied by parents to teenagers, the influence of family structure on parenting patterns and deviations, analyzing forms of social deviations in teenagers and the impact of parenting patterns on social deviations in teenagers on society. Methods: This research method uses a qualitative approach with a case study method, adopting the technique of deliberately selecting informants to select teenagers under the age of 21 who often commit social deviations, their parents, community leaders, religious leaders, and residents of Malaku Village, North Seram District, Central Maluku Regency, with a data collection process through observation, interviews and data analysis using the Mode/Miles and Huberman approach, involving a total of 20 informants consisting of teenagers, parents, community leaders, the community and local officials. Results: The parenting patterns applied by parents to teenage children in Malaku Village can be divided into two, namely permissive parenting and democratic parenting. However, in cases of social deviance, the influence of the social environment, especially friendship, is often more dominant than the parenting style applied by parents. Social deviations committed by teenagers in Malaku Village can be divided into two, namely ordinary delinquency and criminal delinquency. Conclusion: The impact of wrong parenting patterns and a bad social environment on social deviance among teenagers in Malaku Village includes the growth of teenagers who lack quality, are apathetic and have an aggressive nature. This is caused by minimal education and a lack of moral values instilled by parents and the surrounding environment.

Crucial and fragile: a multi-methods and multi-disciplinary study of cooperation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addressing global pandemics, robust cooperation across nations, institutions, and individuals is paramount. However, navigating the complexities of individual versus collective interests, diverse group objectives, and varying societal norms and cultures makes fostering such cooperation challenging. This research delves deep into the dynamics of interpersonal cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, using an integrative approach that combines qualitative and experimental methodologies. Through a series of retrospective interviews and a lab-in-the-field experiment, we gained insights into the cooperation patterns of healthcare and manufacturing workers. Within healthcare, professionals grappled with escalating emergencies and deteriorating work conditions, resisting the "new normalcy" ushered in by the pandemic. Meanwhile, manufacturing workers adapted to the altered landscape, leveraging smart working strategies to carve out a fresh professional paradigm amidst novel challenges and opportunities. Across these contrasting narratives, the centrality of individual, institutional, and interpersonal factors in galvanizing cooperation was evident. Key drivers like established relational dynamics, mutual dependencies, and proactive leadership were particularly salient. Our experimental findings further reinforced some of these qualitative insights, underscoring the pivotal role of recognition and the detrimental effects of uncertainty on cooperative behaviors. While contextual and sample-related constraints exist, this study illuminates vital facets of cooperation during crises and lays the groundwork for future explorations into cooperative decision-making.

From HR Practices to HR Performance: A Psychological Ownership Meta-Analysis Across Cultures

This study utilizes psychological ownership theory as theoretical framework to examine high-performance work practices, and attitudinal and behavioral performance as associations of psychological ownership on the population level. Psychological ownership describes a mindset which allows individuals to experience ownership feelings for a target (e.g., organization) regardless of legal ownership rights. Further, psychological ownership theory is integrated with and extended by contingency theory to analyze the moderation effects of societal culture. These effects have been assumed for over 30 years but hardly backed by empirical evidence from cross-cultural samples. Thus, this study analyzes data from 351,919 individuals who participated in 139 published and unpublished studies, using rigorous and advanced meta-analytic techniques. The results show that compensation and benefits, job and work design, and communication practices foster psychological ownership, which in turn enhances constructive deviant behavior, task performance, and favorable attitude while weakening unfavorable attitude. Societal culture significantly strengthens these relationships.

Critically Investigating the Factors and Hurdles Contributing to Graduate Unemployment: A Case Study of the Economics Faculty, Jawzjan University

The foundation of any thriving society is rooted in its youth, whose growth and development are profoundly influenced by the educational institutions they attend. Universities, often regarded as the crucible for shaping this foundational element, hold a pivotal role in not only imparting technical knowledge but also in nurturing a high-quality societal culture. In this descriptive study, a sample of 100 students was drawn from a pool of 150, with 90 questionnaires returned and analyzed, shedding light on pertinent issues surrounding youth unemployment. This study underscores the pressing nature of the challenge facing university graduates as they transition into the workforce. The findings underscore the significant impact of corruption and prejudice on exacerbating youth unemployment, illuminating the intricate web of socio-economic factors at play. Additionally, the study reveals a collective acknowledgment of the capacity to address these challenges, signaling a glimmer of hope amidst the adversity. However, the identification of government policies as a substantial contributing factor to youth unemployment serves as a clarion call for targeted interventions and policy reforms to alleviate this societal concern. The study's insights emphasize the critical need for concerted efforts to address the multifaceted barriers hindering young individuals from realizing their full potential and contributing meaningfully to society.