Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

The impact of corporate social responsibility on student engagement in sports activities in universities

Purpose This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in its four dimensions – ethical, environmental, economic and philanthropic – on student engagement in sports activities within Lebanese universities. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative method was used where a structured questionnaire was developed to gather information about the specific tactics and CSR initiatives implemented by universities, as well as the perceptions and involvements of students regarding these efforts. Cross-sectional data was gathered from students from various universities in Lebanon. A random sampling was used, and a sample of 443 students was obtained. Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypotheses. Findings The results indicate that economic responsibility significantly enhances student engagement in sports activities, suggesting that students place a high value on economic considerations in their participation. Contrarily, ethical, social and philanthropic responsibilities do not show significant impacts, particularly amid the turmoil in Lebanon. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to investigate the direct impact of the four CSR dimensions on student engagement in sports within universities in Lebanon, and it offers a new perspective on the role of CSR in universities. As the context of this study is a resource-constrained region, this study highlights the vital role of economic responsibility that challenges traditional CSR frameworks and stresses the importance of tailoring initiatives to specific economic conditions and designing more efficient CSR strategies.

Consumer and Economic Influences on Electric Vehicle Adoption: The Mediating Role of Attitudes and the Moderating Effect of Demographics

This study explores economic and consumer factors impacting electric vehicle (EV) adoption through consumer attitude mediation and moderation by demographic factors in the Jordanian context. The study aims to fill an important knowledge gap about EV adoption mechanisms. The study analyzes the insufficient attention given to demographic indicators including age and income and educational level because they affect how economic premiums alongside psychological preferences lead to behavioral electronic vehicle adoption. The study used an online survey with 288 valid EV owner and drivers respondents in Jordan targeted to test the research model using structural equation modeling via SmartPLS. The analysis validates that economic variables relationship with EV adoption rates through consumer attitudes and demographic characteristics play a key role as influencing variables. Study presents actionable implications which policymakers and manufacturers can use to boost EV adoption rates. The results demonstrate that education programs combined with awareness campaigns about EV financial gains and environmental advantages need to become primary factors for developing positive consumer attitudes toward these vehicles. The different consumer segments require targeted marketing strategies because demographic characteristics serve as essential moderators in the adoption process. Older consumers with lower incomes need experiential information about EVs along with financial incentives since younger university-educated consumers already show interest in EV technology. Policy makers should use adjustable financial incentives to encourage adoption among groups that show low interest in electric vehicles because this approach will boost the impact of economic incentives toward wider adoption.

Investigating the factors affecting the intention to separate e-waste among mobile phone repairers in an emerging economy: A hybrid structural equation modelling and artificial neural network approach

The growing number of mobile phone users on a global scale has led to enormous amounts of electronic waste (e-waste) being generated annually. Insufficient knowledge of e-waste separation causes individuals to dispose of e-waste along with other waste. As a result, this cannot be used in the recycling process. The aim of this study is to determine the elements that significantly impact the intention of mobile phone repairers to carry out separation of e-waste. The integrated model incorporates Self-Determination Theory (SDT) factors (viz., amotivation, external regulation, identified regulation, intrinsic motivation, introjected regulation and integrated regulation) and Institutional Theory (IT) factors (viz., coercive pressure, mimetic pressure and normative pressure). Empirical data were collected through a printed questionnaire survey, with a total of 198 valid respondents. Moreover, this research utilized a hybrid data analysis method, using partial least squares structural equation modelling and artificial neural network to assess the model. The findings of this study indicate that all the SDT and IT factors are supported, except coercive pressure. This research adds to the existing body of knowledge on e-waste separation by shedding light on the problem from the viewpoint of mobile phone repairers, offering useful information to governments and waste recycling companies to understand the intentions of repairers with respect to e-waste separation and formulate such strategies that can enhance the involvement of repairers in e-waste separation activities.

Digital Administration Acceptance for Mountain Climbers in Mount Merbabu National Park

Adoption of e-government is one of the government's ongoing efforts to improve the standard of public services. Mount Merbabu National Park (BTNGMb) established an online climbing registration system and assessed the carrying capacity of the area. This is also an effort to protect natural areas for conservation. Users continue to voice complaints about the system. Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine the factors influencing the frequency of usage of the online climbing registration system available from the Mount Merbabu National Park Office. The analytical tool was the Unified Model of Electronic Government Adoption (UMEGA). In this study, associative quantitative methods and convenience sampling are employed. The questionnaire was given to one hundred participants, each of whom was registered and led a climbing group. The acquired data was evaluated using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique using the SmartPLS 4.1.0.3 application. The results show that the UMEGA model can predict the interest of 73.5% of respondents in using BTNGMb's online climbing registration system, while factors outside the scope of this study affect the remaining respondents. The five UMEGA variables—user attitudes, societal influence, business expectations, performance expectations, and facility circumstances—have a favorable effect on interest in using BTNGMb's online registration system. Perceived risk has little effect on enthusiasm in using BTNGMb's online climbing registration system in the interim. These findings can be used, particularly for the Mount Merbabu National Park Office, as evaluation material and input while developing an online climbing registration system.

Onset of low back pain and teleworking conditions during lockdown in France: a structural equation modelling approach

Abstract Background Following the health restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, about a third of French workers experienced mandatory teleworking during the lockdowns. The objective of this study is to examine the complex relationships between teleworking conditions, depressive symptomatology, and the onset of low back pain (LBP) during France’s third lockdown in spring 2021. Methods Based on the online CoviPrev survey, 466 workers from the French general population who teleworked at least one day a week during lockdown and were free of LBP at the start of lockdown were included in this study. A conceptual model was developed in which relationships between teleworking conditions, depressive symptomatology, and the onset of LBP were assumed. Structural equation modelling was used to test the model. Results The model showed that teleworking conditions (both material conditions of teleworking and the amount of telework) have a substantial direct and indirect impact on the onset of LBP. The theoretical model proposed 2 pathways for the effect of the teleworking conditions on the onset of LBP: a direct pathway, of a biomechanical nature, and an indirect pathway, mediated by satisfaction with teleworking conditions and depressive symptoms. Conclusions This study suggests that there are complex relationships between teleworking conditions, depressive symptomatology, and the onset of LBP, which are essential to characterize to better understand the chain of determinants for the onset of LBP. They also highlight the importance of good working conditions to reduce the impact of teleworking on health, including the prevention of sedentary behaviours.

Perceptions and motivating elements of bank customers for adoption of interest-free banking services: commercial bank of Ethiopia case

Abstract The study explored perceptions and motivating factors for adoption of interest-free banking in Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, a multi-stage sample of 357 interest-free window customers with a questionnaire survey was conducted in 32 Ethiopia Commercial Bank branches in Addis Ababa, for the year 2023. Both descriptive and quantitative methods of analysis were used. The study was driven by the decomposed theory of planned behaviour and tested using a structural equation model. The findings reveal that all exogenous variables were statistically significant and positively predicted the endogenous variables. Perceived Compatibility, Peer-influence, and Self-efficacy were the highest predictors of Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioural Control, respectively. Likewise, Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioural Control were found to have a positive significant influence on the customers’ intention to use, and the mediation analysis shown in this study was partial mediation among attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behaviour and behavioural intention to use keeping thus managers in interest-free banking should exert their strateigic effort on the most important factors. Moreover, policymakers and interest-free bank managers must apply improved schemes and make suitable product and service features to gain customers’ intention to use. The government on its side should realize the wider demands of its citizens’ cry for financial services compatible with their religion. Future research should extend the decomposed theory of planned behaviour to other settings to catch up on the unexplained factors by this study.

Impact of renal function impairment on kappa free light chain index.

To investigate whether renal function impacts CSF κ-FLC concentration and/or κ-FLCindex. Patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases were eligible. κ-FLC index was calculated as (CSF κ-FLC/serum κ-FLC)/albumin quotient. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the direct influence of GFR on serum κ-FLC concentration and albumin quotient (Qalb), and via these two variables the indirect influence on CSF κ-FLC concentration. A total of 129 patients with a median age of 65years and 42 % females were included. κ-FLC index ranged from 0.57 to 3.56 and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ranged from 17 to 128 mL/min/1.73 m2. While a correlation of GFR with CSF κ-FLC concentration was observed (r=-0.52, p<0.001), there was no statistically significant correlation with κ-FLC index (r=0.14, p=0.113). SEM revealed that higher age was associated with lower GFR (β=-0.53), which led to higher serum κ-FLC concentration (β=-0.45) and higher Qalb (β=-0.17), while CSF κ-FLC concentration increased with serum κ-FLC concentration (β=0.75) and Qalb (β=0.39), indicating that GFR did not directly influence CSF κ-FLC concentration (RMSEA=0.043). CSF κ-FLC concentration is not directly affected by renal function. The κ-FLC index compensates for renal function effects by factoring in serum κ-FLC concentration and Qalb. κ-FLC index can be interpreted without considering renal function.

Intrinsic and extrinsic knowledge-sharing motivations as microfoundations of marketing capabilities and firm performance

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic knowledge-sharing motivations on marketing capabilities such as pricing and distribution and the effects of these capabilities on firm performance. In addition, it explores the mediating role of marketing capabilities in the relationship between intrinsic-extrinsic knowledge-sharing motivations and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach This research was conducted using quantitative methods. Data were collected through a survey administered to 2,590 firm managers in Türkiye’s manufacturing and service industries and analyzed using Smart PLS4 software and Structural Equation Modeling. Findings The findings indicate that intrinsic and extrinsic knowledge-sharing motivations positively influence pricing and promotion capabilities. The authors also found that pricing and promotion capabilities positively affect firm performance. Furthermore, they confirmed that pricing and promotion capabilities mediate the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic knowledge-sharing motivations and firm performance. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the roles of intrinsic-extrinsic knowledge-sharing motivations as a psychological construct in the microfoundations of marketing capabilities and firm performance and the mediating role of marketing capabilities in the relationship between these motivations and firm performance.

Serum uric acid may be a mediator of risk factors in metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease.

In recent years, we have witnessed a sharp growth of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). How to achieve early prevention of MASLD is imminent. We aimed to determine the dietary pattern and other factors influencing MASLD, to explore whether it mediated by serum uric acid (SUA) or not. A total of 4,038 adults attending the Health Management Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between October 2018 and May 2019 were surveyed using a questionnaire and underwent physical measurements. Structural equation model (SEM) was used to verify the risk factors and determine the path affecting MASLD. A total of 3,589 participants were studied. The standardized prevalence of MASLD was 47.8%. Three dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. The SEM showed that SUA was positively associated with MASLD (standardization coefficient 0.285). In rank order, sex, SUA, dyslipidemia, age, a high-protein diet, and a fast-food diet were risk factors for MASLD. Sex, dyslipidemia, and a fast-food diet had positive and indirect effects on NAFLD through SUA, while age and a high-protein diet had negative and indirect effects on MAFLD through SUA. SUA may be an important mediator of the risk of MASLD. People with abnormal SUA, especially men, should limit their intake of fried and cured foods and desserts; have their blood lipid profiles monitored carefully; appropriately increase their consumption of high-quality protein sources, such as eggs, milk, and beans; and be aware of their MASLD risk.

Artificial Intelligence Social Responsibility in the Consumer Market: Dimension Exploration and Scale Development

ABSTRACTThis study explored the conceptualization, dimensional structure, and measurement of artificial intelligence (AI) social responsibility in the consumer market. Data were collected through semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 32 respondents. A grounded theory research approach was employed to construct a structural model of AI social responsibility that included the dimensions of ethics, safety, applicability, credibility, and reflexivity. Subsequently, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted on 305 questionnaire data collected through an online survey as well as a confirmatory factor analysis on 325 questionnaire data. The analyses led to the development of an AI social responsibility scale consisting of 18 items and demonstrating good reliability and validity. Moreover, using structural equation modeling, strong nomological validity was demonstrated. The results indicated that AI social responsibility and its dimensions significantly predicted flow experience and experience satisfaction. The findings enhance understanding of the conceptual meaning and dimensional structure of AI social responsibility in the consumer market, as well as provide a psychometrically reliable and valid measurement tool for use in future research. Furthermore, the findings not only facilitate the design and implementation of AI technologies, but they also offer crucial insights for companies and their stakeholders to devise and refine AI social responsibility strategies and other marketing tactics—thereby augmenting CSR 3.0 management practices.

Testing a comprehensive model of employee IS misuse in a developing economy context

Purpose This study aims to investigate employees’ information systems (IS) security deviant behavior and attempts to forecast intentions to misuse IS, emphasizing pragmatic prevention of behavioral security issues. This study explicitly fills research gaps in the developing economy context such as Ethiopia, where security issues are prevalent and context-specific security strategies and policies are lacking. Design/methodology/approach This study used a hypothetical scenario survey involving 292 employees and used partial least squares structural equation modeling with the SmartPLS 4.0 tool for data analysis. The methodology sought to explore the relationship between various rationality-based theories and security countermeasures on employees IS misuse. The authors developed a comprehensive theoretical model to address security challenges. Findings The findings revealed that neutralization techniques, excluding condemnation of the condemners, significantly predicted IS misuse. In addition, rational choice based deterrence was found to mediate the relationship between countermeasure awareness and IS misuse. Interestingly, deterrence tends to predict intentional IS misuse to a certain extent, with greater security awareness enhancing its effectiveness, which underlines the crucial influence of awareness on curbing IS misuse. Research limitations/implications The results of the study are limited by the geographical focus and cross-sectional nature of the sample and may not be generalizable in all contexts. The study needs to be replicated to examine the model across different geographical and sociocultural contexts. The study’s findings inform implications to practice and theory. Originality/value This study explores IS security deviant behavior in a developing economy where context-specific countermeasures are limited. Integrating neutralization and rational choice deterrence theories, this study suggests a new comprehensive IS misuse prediction model. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of enhanced countermeasure awareness in averting IS violations, offering new theory and practice contributions.

Cracking the Code of Cyberbullying Effects: The Spectator Sports Solution for Emotion Management and Well-Being Among Economically Disadvantaged Adolescents

This study explores the relationships among cyberbullying, emotion management, and well-being, with a focus on economically disadvantaged students. Employing a reflective factor model, we disentangle emotion management into four dimensions and explore how cyberbullying impacts these facets, influencing academic success and well-being. We also investigate the moderating role of sport spectatorship. Using survey data collected from 846 economically disadvantaged students in grades 7 to 12, within a racially diverse Texas school district (USA), we employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine relationships among the measured variables. The students were in grades 7 to 12, categorizing participants into spectatorship-adherent and non-spectatorship groups based on their sports-watching habits. Our findings emphasize the importance of addressing cyberbullying’s impact on emotion management and underline the potential for sport spectatorship to mitigate these effects. Our findings reveal that cyberbullying victimization significantly impairs adolescents’ emotion management (β = −0.33, p &lt; 0.01), contributing to increased school absences (β = 0.41, p &lt; 0.001) and offenses (β = 0.19, p = 0.02). Notably, sports spectatorship appears to buffer these negative outcomes for economically disadvantaged youth, enhancing overall well-being (β = 0.29, p &lt; 0.01). This study ventures into the unexplored territory of sport viewership as a cost-effective intervention strategy, offering valuable implications in supporting adolescent well-being.

Assessing Economic and Infrastructure Constraints on Electric Vehicle Purchase Decisions: A Demographic-Moderated Analysis in Emerging Markets

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is gaining global attention; however, economic and infrastructure barriers remain critical challenges in emerging markets. This study examines the impact of economic constraints (high purchase costs, maintenance expenses, and spare parts availability) and infrastructure limitations (Charging Infrastructure Availability, charging time, and spare parts supply chain inefficiencies) on EV purchase decisions in Jordan. The study further investigates the moderating role of demographics (age, gender, and education level) in shaping consumer responses to these constraints. The research employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as a quantitative method to examine data obtained from Jordanian EV consumer prospects. The adoption of EVs depends heavily on economic and infrastructure factors where infrastructure play a dominant role. The demographic characteristics determine how consumers handle obstacles that prevent them from adopting electric vehicles. The research enhances theoretical EV adoption frameworks through economic and infrastructure analysis combined with demographic variables which improves our understanding of purchase choices in developing markets. The implementation of policy needs to concentrate on building charging infrastructure along with supply chain optimization and targeted incentives for different groups of people. The research provides strategic guidance for policy makers as well as businesses and industry stakeholders to accelerate sustainable transportation adoption in emerging market settings.

Subsurface application of organic ameliorant in saline soils increases microbial necromass accumulation in mineral-associated organic matter

Subsurface application of organic ameliorant is a novel strategy for stimulating salt leaching out of profile and increasing saline soil fertility and microbial activities. However, it is unclear how microorganisms regulate the contribution of microbial-derived C to SOC sequestration under subsurface organic ameliorant in saline soils. Thus, a 3-year field experiment was done and included three treatments (control, surface organic ameliorant (humic acid (4.5 t ha−1) and manure (30 t ha−1)) at 0–15 cm (SF), and subsurface organic ameliorant application at 15–30 cm (SSF)) organized into a randomized complete block design. SSF increased soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks at 0–30 cm, while SF only affected SOC at 0–15 cm. SOC stock at 0–45 cm under SF increased by 13% and under SSF by 22% relative to the control. The accumulation of SOC was explained by high fungal necromass C under organic amendments. Random forest and structural equation modeling revealed that increased fungal and bacterial necromass C at 0–30 cm soil under SSF and SF is caused by high microbial C use efficiency, the dominance of r-strategist bacteria, and increased fungal richness. The increase of microbial necromass C at 0–30 cm under SSF was higher than under SF (27–45 vs 25–37% compared to Control), which was explained by the raised bacterial necromass and its incorporation into mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM). High amounts of root exudates in deep soil under SSF also promoted fungi turnover and accelerated fungal necromass formation at 30–45 cm. Overall, subsurface amelioration of saline soils enhanced C sequestration by stabilizing microbial necromass in MAOM.Graphical

Developmental Coordination Disorder: Emotional and Cognitive Implications on Adults' Quality of Life.

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) may persist into adulthood, reduce function, participation, and quality of life (QOL). The negative impacts of DCD are mainly studied in children. Purpose. To explore the interrelations between factors affected by DCD in adults, with a focus on emotional/cognitive burdens, self-efficacy, and examine their direct/indirect effects on QOL. Methods. Based on Adult Developmental Co-ordination Checklist (ADC) cutoff scores, 240 adults were divided into three groups: (1) suspected DCD (s-DCD), (2) probable DCD (p-DCD), and (3) normal motor coordination. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21, General Self-Efficacy scale, Daily Living Questionnaire (functional cognition), and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire brief form. Structural equation modeling examined mediation effects. Findings. The p-DCD group had the lowest emotional status, functional cognition, self-efficacy, and QOL and significantly differed from the s-DCD group in functional cognition. Emotional distress and self-efficacy mediated between motor coordination and QOL. Conclusion. The emotional-cognitive burdens in adults with DCD are related to motor deficits severity, reduced self-efficacy, and lower QOL. DCD should be screened and treated in adults to reduce daily life restrictions and elevate QOL.

"I Can't Overcome It": Exploring the Relationship Between Bullying Victimization and NSSI Among College Students Through the Lens of Emotion-Driven Mechanism.

With its susceptibility in victimized populations and the potential for suicidality, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is among the most severe health concerns in college students, indicating an urgency to explore its antecedents and interventions. The present study aims to examine the relationship between bullying victimization and NSSI and the mediating roles of internal shame, external shame, depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms based on the general strain theory, the vulnerability-stress theory, and the transactional stress theory. By adopting a three-time-point design with 6-month intervals, hypotheses were tested using data from 634 Chinese college students (374 female; Mage = 18.97). Through a structural equation modeling approach, the study found that bullying victimization was positively correlated with NSSI via internal shame and depressive symptoms. However, this study found no evidence for the mediating association of either external shame or PTSD symptoms in the examined relationship. Through a lens of emotion-driven mechanism, this study contributes to understanding the roles of internal shame and depressive symptoms in NSSI intervention strategies among victims of bullying. The results also illuminate the differentiation of the mechanisms of internal and external shame and the discrepancy between depressive symptoms and PTSD symptoms as two types of post-traumatic symptomatology.

Measuring preservice teacher beliefs about mathematics and mathematics teaching: an evaluation of the TEDS-M beliefs scale

Abstract Debates about effective teaching practices, whether explicit instruction or inquiry-based, have resurfaced. A recent national report on teacher education in Australia has strongly advocated for explicit modelling as one of the effective pedagogical practices. There is a need for a valid instrument to examine preservice teachers’ beliefs and whether they are changing. Different approaches have been utilised to conceptualise and measure beliefs, including survey tools for large-scale studies. One of the influential beliefs surveys was developed in the Teacher Education and Development Study in Mathematics (TEDS-M) international study to measure preservice teachers’ beliefs across 17 countries. The purpose of the current study is to validate the instrument in a sample of 760 preservice teachers from two universities in a metropolitan area in Australia. The results show that the preservice teachers in Australia tend to endorse the beliefs of mathematics as a process of inquiry more than mathematics as a collection of facts and rules. In addition, the preservice teachers tended to support the active role of students in learning mathematics but only 12.33% endorsed learning mathematics through teacher direction. The confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modelling showed that a four-subscale structure with the deletion of one item in the achievement subscale provides a reliable model. In addition, the results suggest that the use of an average of responses across items in each of the subscales is appropriate in reporting the data. The survey may provide a useful tool to examine changes in beliefs about teaching pedagogy and practice as policy recommendations regarding high-impact teaching practices become more deeply embedded in initial teacher education programs.

Exploring Healing Bonds: The Mediator Role of Relational Needs in the Relationship Between Childhood Traumas and Psychological Distress and Well-Being

ABSTRACT Erskine’s Relational Needs Model, a core component of Relationally focused and Developmentally based Integrative Psychotherapy, emphasizes that relational needs are intrinsic to human nature, highlighting their vital role in shaping our emotional well-being and interpersonal interactions. When these needs are met, individuals may experience feelings of importance and love, but when they remain unfulfilled, negative emotions can adversely impact their well-being. These needs develop at the beginning of life and are influenced by childhood experiences. This study’s primary objective was to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma, relational needs, psychological distress, and well-being. We also tested a model incorporating relational needs as a mediator. Measures related to childhood trauma, relational needs, psychological distress, and well-being were administered to a total of 364 adults. Pearson correlation results demonstrated a negative association between the satisfaction of relational needs, childhood traumas, depression, anxiety, and stress, while also revealing a positive correlation with well-being. Structural equation modeling results confirmed the mediating role of relational needs in the relationship between childhood trauma and psychological state (distress and well-being). Our findings are consistent with the theoretical framework of the Relational Needs Model, suggesting that childhood maltreatment negatively affects current relational needs satisfaction, thereby increasing psychological distress and reducing well-being. This study is the first to empirically demonstrate the connection between Erskine’s model and key variables, highlighting the importance of addressing relational needs in psychotherapy to promote client well-being.

Exploring the nexus between public sector entrepreneurial orientation and local entrepreneurship: A Polish local government example

This research examines the impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) within Polish local governments (LGs) on local entrepreneurship, focusing on the dimensions of innovativeness, risk-taking, and proactiveness. Data for this study were collected through a survey administered to Polish municipalities, supplemented with secondary data from the Local Data Bank. Initially, the Confirmation Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to validate the constructs of EO, ensuring robust measurement of these latent variables. Subsequently, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to explore the effects of these validated EO dimensions on local entrepreneurship activeness. Findings reveal that innovativeness and risk-taking are strongly associated with increases in new business registrations and community entrepreneurial engagement. The research findings underscore the significance of innovativeness as a primary factor influencing local entrepreneurship, while also suggesting that risk-taking and proactiveness, despite their smaller direct effects, can play a crucial role through their indirect effects. Therefore, a holistic approach to supporting entrepreneurship, encompassing all three dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation, is essential for the sustainable development of local communities. The study contributes to the literature on public sector entrepreneurship by demonstrating the practical implications of EO in enhancing local entrepreneurship offering valuable insights for policy-making.

Understanding the structural relationship between the built environment of new rural areas and community sustainability evaluation

ABSTRACT As China’s New Rural Movement progresses, peri-urban villages in the Pearl River Delta, particularly in Guangzhou, have integrated rural supply and marketing cooperatives, establishing village-level community service centers. These centers are vital for public services and community activities, playing a key role in the region’s development. However, existing sustainability assessment tools are too complex and unclear for widespread use in rural China. This study aims to develop a more streamlined and applicable evaluation method based on shared characteristics of rural communities. Using structural equation modeling, the research examines four main factors in the built environment of these centers: spatial environmental quality, cultural perceptions, spatial efficiency, and spatial usage. Findings show that spatial usage has a direct and significant impact on community sustainability. The evaluation indicators of the built environment also correlate with sustainability outcomes in environmental, economic, social, and institutional dimensions. The study concludes that the built environment of these centers is a strong indicator of overall community sustainability. Beyond New Rural Construction areas, both the findings and methodological approach demonstrate generalizability to resource-constrained rural regions and areas experiencing rapid urbanization.