Team Research Articles

Factors that influence the adoption of a school-based eHealth alcohol prevention program among Spanish personnel: a mixed methods study

BackgroundEvidence-based research has shown that using eHealth interventions effectively reduces risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption, a public health problem worldwide. However, despite its benefits, there has been a poor intention to adopt such innovations, and limited resources exist to understand factors influencing the uptake decision to use school-based eHealth alcohol prevention programs. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the adoption of a computer-tailored eHealth alcohol prevention program among school personnel in Spain.MethodsA cross-sectional study employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was carried out. First, interviews were conducted with ten Spanish school counselors to assess factors influencing the adoption of the school-based eHealth program by exploring participants' awareness and salient beliefs concerning attitudes, social influences, and self-efficacy. Second, an online quantitative questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative research findings. Third, the new questionnaire was administered to Spanish school personnel (N = 100), including the school management team, school counselors, and teachers. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Integrated Change Model frameworks were used as theoretical bases for understanding the adoption process.ResultsSchool personnel with a strong intention to adopt the program (intenders) perceived significantly more advantages and positive innovation attributes, than those participants with a weaker intention to adopt (non-intenders). Intenders perceived a higher personal relevance and responsibility towards using the program, more self-efficacy (e.g., ability to understand, manage time and incorporate the program) and positive social influences from their colleagues, as well as greater willingness in preparing action plans, such as monitor students’ alcohol consumption and discussing the program with coworkers, than the non-intenders group. Advantages and social support were found to explain a significant portion of the variance in the adoption intention.ConclusionsThis study suggests that health intervention researchers should develop strategies to enhance educators' pro-innovation attitudes, personal relevance and responsibility, and perceived ease of use towards adopting an eHealth program. Furthermore, our results highlight that fostering school personnel's acceptance of the intervention and planning goal-oriented actions are crucial elements in optimizing adoption promotion of eHealth programs in school settings.

How do corporate social responsibility and green information technology capital influence environmental performance? Investigating the role of top management teams' green commitment

PurposeThe information and communications technology (ICT) industry is revolutionizing the world. However, achieving net zero emissions and sustainable development goals is equally important. This study uses intellectual capital-based and natural resource-based theories to determine whether green information technology capital (GITC) mediates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental performance. The role of the top management teams (TMT) green commitment as a moderator between CSR and GITC is also hypothesized.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using multi-wave and multi-respondent strategies from 275 ICT firms to examine these relationships. Structural equation modeling was used for analysis.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that CSR significantly and positively impacts environmental performance, with GITC significantly mediating this relationship. Furthermore, the statistical results confirm that TMT’s green commitment significantly strengthens the connection between CSR and GITC.Originality/valueThe significance of TMT’s green commitment as a boundary condition that enhances the effectiveness of strategically aligned CSR practices provides novel theoretical insights to extend the CSR literature. Additionally, it offers practical implications for the managers of ICT firms, which are discussed in detail.

Survival determinants of Fintech firms in Malaysia-moderating role of Fintech experience

PurposeFinancial technology (Fintech) has become a prominent research area due to its transformative impact on the economy and consumers' lives. Fintech refers to companies that leverage advanced and innovative technologies to deliver financial services. This research examined the factors influencing the survivability of Fintech firms in Malaysia, focusing on three categories of Fintech characteristics: industry-specific, firm-specific, and Fintech-specific. Industry-specific characteristics included the independent variables of pressure intensity and regulatory support. Firm-specific characteristics encompassed variables such as firm size, size of the management team, and internationalization scope. Fintech capabilities, IT capabilities, and business process management capabilities represented Fintech-specific characteristics. Additionally, Fintech experience was examined as a moderating factor between Fintech capabilities and the survivability of Fintech firms. Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was employed using a questionnaire survey method to gather data. The study's population consisted of 233 Fintech companies, selected from the Fintech industry in Malaysia as the unit of analysis. Stratified random sampling was utilized to select 187 companies from the population. The questionnaire was distributed to 187 Fintech companies, resulting in 102 responses. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and SmartPLS version 4. The study's hypotheses were tested using SmartPLS version 4 as it meets the measurement and complexity criteria of the study's data scale. FindingsThe results showed that regulatory support, Fintech capabilities, IT capabilities, and business process management capabilities significantly affect the survivability of Fintech firms. Fintech experience moderates the relationship between Fintech capabilities and firm survivability. However, pressure intensity, firm size, management team size, internationalization scope, and Fintech capabilities do not significantly influence Fintech firms' survivability. OriginalityThis study offers several important implications. First, it addresses gaps in the existing literature and provides valuable insights to enhance the survivability of Fintech firms in Malaysia. Additionally, the findings may benefit policymakers seeking to strengthen support for the Fintech sector.

Quality Assurance of Depression Ratings in Psychiatric Clinical Trials.

Extensive experience with antidepressant clinical trials indicates that interrater reliability (IRR) must be maintained to achieve reliable clinical trial results. Contract research organizations have generally accepted 6 points of rating disparity between study site raters and central "master raters" as concordant, in part because of the personnel turnover and variability within many contract research organizations. We developed and tested an "insourced" model using a small, dedicated team of rater program managers (RPMs), to determine whether 3 points of disparity could successfully be demonstrated as a feasible standard for rating concordance. Site raters recorded and scored all Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) interviews. Audio files were independently reviewed and scored by RPMs within 24 to 48 hours. Concordance was defined as the absolute difference in MADRS total score of 3 points or less. A MADRS total score that differed by 4 or more points triggered a discussion with the site rater and additional training, as needed. In a sample of 236 ratings (58 patients), IRR between site ratings and blinded independent RPM ratings was 94.49% (223/236). The lowest concordance, 87.93%, occurred at visit 2, which was the baseline visit in the clinical trial. Concordance rates at visits 3, 4, 5, and 6 were 93.75%, 96.08%, 97.30%, and 100.00%, respectively. The absolute mean difference in MADRS rating pairs was 1.77 points (95% confidence interval: 1.58-1.95). The intraclass correlation was 0.984 and an η2 = 0.992 (F = 124.35, P < 0.0001). Rigorous rater training together with real-time monitoring of site raters by RPMs can achieve a high degree of IRR on the MADRS.

Striving for superiority: A status perspective on the relationship between top management team demographic faultline strength and managerial risk-taking

Striving for superiority: A status perspective on the relationship between top management team demographic faultline strength and managerial risk-taking

Do venture capital-driven top management changes enhance corporate innovation in private firms?

Using hand-collected data from Form Ds on executives in venture capital (VC)-backed private firms, I show that VC-driven top management changes lead to a significantly greater quantity and quality of innovation, which potentially occurs through new management teams hiring more and higher quality inventors. My evidence demonstrates that both founder replacements and non-founder management changes are associated with enhanced innovation. Further, adding top managers with general managerial skills enhances innovation, whereas changing managers with a prior technical background does not. Finally, top management changes lead to the adoption of an exploitative (rather than explorative) innovation search strategy by private firms.

Disease management teams in oncology: State of the art and the experience of a scientific institute of hospitalization and treatment (IRCCS) in Rome, Italy.

This article analyzes the main coordination needs linked to the diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases, presenting the various integration tools that our healthcare organization adopted to guarantee continuity of care at the IRCCS IFO (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri) in Rome. The object of investigation is the disease management team (DMT) organization for the diagnosis and treatment of people suffering from oncological disease and the consequences in terms of improving their management. The study focuses, in particular, on the analysis of the different organizational methods chosen for the management of activities related to diagnosis and treatment paths. The results, although preliminary, highlight a great variability in the adoption of integrated organizational models by the different DMTs compatible with the heterogeneity of oncological diseases. The results of this study have highlighted that, despite the diversity of the different DMTs created for different oncological pathologies, DMTs guarantee a patient-centered approach and the creation of shared databases, which facilitates the evaluation of progress and the identification of areas for improvement. This analysis has allowed us to obtain a useful map of the models used by the different DMTs, also laying the foundations for more precise evaluations of their effectiveness. The correct evaluation of the effectiveness of DMTs acquires great importance today, especially if we consider that empirical evidence is not yet in agreement on the real effectiveness of this tool with respect to both the qualitative dimension and the efficiency of interventions.

The effectiveness of a program based on differentiated instruction strategies to develop entrepreneurial skills among students

This study investigates the effectiveness of a program based on Differentiated Instruction (DI) in developing entrepreneurial skills among third-grade female students. A quasi-experimental design with experimental and control groups was used to achieve this objective. The study sample consisted of 60 randomly selected students: 30 students in the experimental group and 30 students in the control group. The study tools included a DI-based program of 15 sessions with three sessions dedicated to each skill (planning, decision-making, team management, innovation and responsibility) for the experimental group. In addition, an entrepreneurial skills test comprising 25 items distributed across five main skills was used. The study results show statistically significant differences at 0.05 between the mean scores of the students in the entrepreneurial skills test in favor of the experimental group after calculating the validity, reliability, difficulty, and discrimination indices. This result indicates the program's effectiveness in developing entrepreneurial skills among third-grade female students. The study recommends the inclusion of entrepreneurial skills in the curricula of the early grades in elementary education and the employment of DI strategies in the educational process. The findings highlight the potential for early introduction of entrepreneurial education and provide actionable recommendations for integrating such skills into elementary curricula.

Various dimensions of the board of directors and firm performance in SMEs: A multistage theoretical framework and empirical investigation

This study aims to develop a comprehensive, multistage theoretical framework and investigate the impact of board composition, its effectiveness, and its strategic and control roles on small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) financial and social performance. This research is based on primary data obtained by conducting a telephone survey or personal interviews with a single respondent from the executive management team of 63 SMEs. Data collection took place over six months, from February to August 2024, filling out the questionnaire to measure the relationships between independent variables, such as board composition and roles, and dependent variables, including financial and social performance outcomes. The results confirm that board composition—including size and independence—does not explain SME performance. Instead, human capital on board significantly affects board positions and performance. Besides, the study reveals that the board's strategic role is more important than its control role, underscoring the significance of forward-thinking strategies. The study eventually indicates the most important theoretical, practical and policy implications of a successful board, which depend on real results like better financial performance and finding strategic opportunities. It also measures how effective boards are by looking at how much they contribute to the overall performance of the company, both financially and socially.

Politics of school evaluation during quality assurance policy implementation in selected secondary schools in Dodoma, Tanzania

Purpose This study aims to examine the nature and extent of political dynamics (power struggles and contestations) among internal and external school stakeholders in the school evaluation processes and their influence on the objectivity and consistency of evaluations. Design/methodology/approach This study used a purposive sampling method to examine seven secondary schools in Dodoma Region, which were key in piloting the School Quality Assurance (SQA) policy implementation in 2018. The selected schools were government boarding institutions with long histories, managed by School Management Teams and Governing Boards that influenced school decision-making. These schools had regular SQA visits and produced School Self-Evaluation and Whole-School Evaluation reports, which served as the primary data sources. Data were analysed using a method that involved sorting, coding, identifying patterns and applying theory to interpret the findings. The analysis focused on discrepancies and power dynamics in school evaluations, particularly how internal and external evaluators’ roles were represented in the reports. Ethical considerations were ensured through confidentiality, pseudonymizing participants and obtaining clearance from relevant authorities. This study’s reliability and trustworthiness were enhanced through consistent data collection protocols, a transparent coding framework and triangulation of sources. This research offers insights into the politics of SQA policy implementation, highlighting tensions and power dynamics in school evaluations and revealing gaps between policy and practice. Findings This study identifies the SQA policy discourses that were tools and sites of power struggles and contestations among internal and external evaluators in all six quality domains. These political dynamics impacted the objectivity and consistency of evaluation outcomes due to subjectivity among evaluators. Internal evaluation had a positive image by offering higher quality indicators than external evaluation in most case study schools. Research limitations/implications Policy documents provide a high-level overview, often missing the nuanced realities of school implementation. While updated periodically, they may not reflect current practices or challenges. These documents typically present an idealized vision of education, which might not align with actual outcomes. Analysing them alone can overlook the perspectives of teachers, students, parents and other stakeholders directly impacted by the policies. Informal practices and adaptations in response to policy directives may not be documented, and the interpretation of such documents can vary widely, leading to subjective analysis. In addition, policy documents lack empirical data on the effectiveness and impact of the policies. Practical implications This study highlights the need for clear and consistent evaluation criteria to reduce discrepancies between internal and external evaluators. It also underscores the importance of training and support for school-based evaluators to ensure reliable assessments. Moreover, this study calls for addressing political dynamics influencing evaluation objectivity, ensuring that evaluations genuinely reflect school performance. Finally, the findings advocate for involving all stakeholders in the evaluation process to enhance transparency and accountability. Social implications This study has important social implications. It reveals how political dynamics can affect the fairness and transparency of school evaluations, potentially impacting stakeholders’ trust in the education system. This study highlights the need for equitable and unbiased evaluation practices to ensure that all schools are fairly assessed and supported. This can lead to better educational outcomes, as schools receive appropriate feedback and resources. Moreover, involving community members in the evaluation process can foster greater accountability and community engagement in educational development. Originality/value This study provides original value by addressing the intersection of political dynamics and educational evaluation. It uniquely examines how power struggles and political influences affect the objectivity and consistency of quality assurance practices. By highlighting discrepancies between internal and external evaluators, this study offers fresh insights into the challenges of implementing educational policies. This research contributes to the broader discourse on educational reform by advocating for more transparent and equitable evaluation processes, thereby enhancing policy effectiveness and educational outcomes.

An Overview of Early Psychosis Care in New Zealand-A Need for Culturally Adapted Service Models.

It has been over 20 years since a review of early psychosis services in New Zealand was completed, and it is unclear if services now meet international best practice. Furthermore, significant disparities in psychosis experiences exist in New Zealand, and it is unclear whether service structure might contribute to such disparities. Given the current restructuring of the health system in New Zealand, now is the optimal time to understand strengths and weaknesses in early psychosis care provision. All early psychosis services in New Zealand (n = 12) were surveyed. Leads from each service completed a survey on the general elements of their service, alongside the First-Episode Psychosis Services Fidelity Scale, which allows comparison with international early psychosis services. Specific services are provided across 11/20 districts, leaving 9 without any dedicated early psychosis care. Service strengths included short wait lists, comprehensive assessments, good provision of case managers, team managers and psychiatrists and good length of care. Relative weaknesses included provision of therapy, limited age ranges, high numbers of inpatient referrals, poor Clozapine usage and limited family participation. There was also a lack of services for people at risk for psychosis. Lack of cultural support staff, models and confidence in meeting cultural needs was also evident. While New Zealand early psychosis services are relatively comparable to international services, certain areas of weakness need to be addressed by decreasing variability in service eligibility, increasing care for those at-risk, wider availability of therapy and family involvement and improved cultural services.

P-1883. Evaluation of IVEnsure Device and Care Platform for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring in OPAT: Interim Analysis of a Pilot Study

Abstract Background Data on medication non-adherence in outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) and the implications on clinical outcomes are lacking. Remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) might offer additional insights into OPAT adherence. We present here a pre-planned interim analysis of a pilot study of IVEnsure, an RTM device, in patients receiving OPAT. Methods This prospective study is recruiting adult patients discharged from a tertiary care center on OPAT starting July 2023. After consent, patients are enrolled in an RTM program, including the use of the IVEnsure device, and follow up with a case management team (Figure 1). This FDA-exempt and Medicare-approved healthcare remote monitoring device attaches to the tubing set of any IV medication and transmits infusion-related data in real-time via cellular transmission to generate weekly adherence reports. The study aims to analyze the effect of RTM on hospital readmission outcomes in patients on OPAT, compared to contemporaneous controls in an intention-to-treat analysis. Results The interim analysis includes 44 patients (out of 90 planned) and 74 controls. Baseline characteristics are overall similar between both groups (Table 1). Adjusted for patient age at discharge, insurance status, infection class, presence of diabetes, and discharging service, RTM with IVEnsure is associated with a significant decrease in 90-day readmission rate related to the original infection or OPAT (4% vs. 23%, adjusted OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02-0.54, p=0.01, Tables 2-3), leading to estimated cost savings of $213,825 in the IVEnsure arm, or $4,860 per patient (Table 4). Within the IVEnsure group, 45% of the patients required an intervention by the study team, 75% of which occurred in the first week of OPAT, resulting in improved or sustained adherence in 73% of the patients (Table 5). Conclusion RTM with IVEnsure significantly reduced infection-related readmissions and associated costs in patients on OPAT. Study accrual continues to evaluate additional readmission-related outcomes. Disclosures Mitchell Berenson, MPH, Community Infusion Solutions: CEO|IVEnsure, Inc.: CEO Jacob K. Dozier, BS, Community Infusion Solutions: COO|IVEnsure, Inc.: COO Debbie N. Meyer, MS, IVEnsure, Inc.: Chief Technology Officer Joseph Sassine, MD, Ansun BioPharma: Grant/Research Support|Cidara Therapeutics: Grant/Research Support|Community Infusion Solutions: Grant/Research Support|F2G: Grant/Research Support|Shionogi: Grant/Research Support

P-1890. Implementation and outcomes of a fully remote tele-ID and tele-OPAT program at a regional medical center

Abstract Background Infectious diseases (ID) consult services and outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programs have traditionally been restricted to well-equipped academic medical centers. However, the integration of telehealth technologies into ID specialty care now allows for the expansion of ID expertise to underserved medical communities, including non-academic medical centers, and community and rural hospitals. Our initiative pioneered a comprehensive tele-ID service, encompassing both inpatient consultations and a tele-OPAT service for post-discharge management. Herein, we describe the program structure and outcomes from the first year of our integrated tele-ID and tele-OPAT program, implemented at a 144-bed community hospital in Vermont. Methods The program featured an inpatient tele-ID consult service supported by local nurse tele-presenters who would facilitate physical exams for a remote ID physician using videoconferencing technology. Patients deemed appropriate for OPAT were referred to the remote tele-OPAT team which consisted of a nurse coordinator, an ID pharmacist, and the current ID physician attending the inpatient service. The nurse coordinator's responsibilities included communicating with the local case management team, home health, and post-discharge facilities to ensure orders were placed, and communications were triaged for the tele-OPAT team. The ID pharmacist reviewed OPAT regimens for appropriateness and monitored outpatient labs for safety and dose adjustments. Tele-OPAT patients were seen locally by the ID physician in a pre-existing clinic with the assistance of a nurse tele-presenter. Results Ninety patients were enrolled in the tele-OPAT program in the first twelve months. Of these, 62 (68.9%) completed therapy without adverse event (AE) or 30-day readmission. 30-day readmission occurred in 14 patients (15.6%) and 20 patients (22.2%) had a documented AE during therapy, with 10 patients (11.1%) experiencing line-related issues. Conclusion Our telehealth initiative successfully expanded ID expertise to an underserved community hospital, with a majority of patients completing therapy without AEs or readmissions, demonstrating the efficacy and safety of remote ID consultations and tele-OPAT services. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

P-1446. Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Infectious Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Amputation

Abstract Background Studies have demonstrated the impact of SDOH on outcomes following vascular surgery, but few have focused on risk factors for infectious complications following major amputation. Odds Ratios (Confidence Intervals) for Infectious Outcomes Based on Social Determinants of Health Methods Local data for the Society Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative, a multicenter registry of quality improvement, were queried for demographics, clinical, procedure, and outcomes of 371 patients with amputation as index procedure 6/1/2015 to 7/31/2023. Zip codes were used to derive CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). The impact of SDOH and SVI on surgical outcomes with a focus on infection was evaluated by logistical regression with R v4.3.2. Primary outcomes for univariate analysis included surgical site infection (SSI), readmission for infection, composite infection-related outcome, organ system complications during index admission, mortality at 30 days, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years, and composite surgical adverse outcome inclusive of infectious and non-infectious complications. Significant variables were selected for multivariate regression. Odds Ratios (Confidence Intervals) Additional Factors and Surgical Outcomes Based on Social Determinants of Health Results SDOH correlated with multiple parameters in univariate analysis (Fig 1, 2). Male patients had higher ASA score and uncontrolled infection as indication for amputation but were less likely to incur an SSI, or require above trans-metatarsal amputation. Publicly insured patients were more likely to be wheelchair bound or bedridden, or residing in a facility preoperatively, and had the highest risk of readmission for infection (OR=8.09), along with a higher risk of 2 year mortality. Patients with ongoing tobacco use had increased mortality at 1 (OR=1.9) and 2 years (OR=1.7). In multivariate analysis, male gender was associated with SSI (OR 0.25 CI 0.06-0.96). Composite infectious complication was associated with emergent procedure status (OR 2.96 CI 1.22-6.97). There was no significant difference in survival for SDOH derived subgroups (Fig 1) or composite surgical adverse outcome. Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis for subgroups based on SDOH parameters Conclusion Association between demographic, clinical, and peri-operative complications, with focus on infection, provides opportunity to identify high-risk patients, and serves as a framework for additional interventions, such as close post-operative follow up, and robust involvement of social work and care management teams. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Establishing robust infection control at a new hospital: the AIIMS Rajkot experience

The establishment of robust infection control practices is crucial in any new healthcare facility to ensure patient safety and prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rajkot, a newly inaugurated medical institution in Western India, faced the significant challenge of implementing these practices from the ground up, beginning with its Outpatient Department services initiation on 31 December 2021. The AIIMS Rajkot initiated its infection control program by forming a Hospital Infection Control Committee and appointing dedicated Infection Control Officers and Infection Control Nurses. This initiative was supported by comprehensive training programs, the implementation of advanced infection control measures such as bundle care, HAI surveillance, and the development of outbreak investigation teams. Furthermore, the hospital focused on the continuous improvement of these practices through routine audits and the use of a digital Infection Control Risk Assessment form. The institution successfully integrated a structured infection control framework that includes rigorous training sessions, the implementation of a Hospital Infection Control Manual, and the establishment of a robust needle stick injury management team. These measures have led to improved compliance with infection prevention protocols, as evidenced by hand hygiene audits and reduced incidence of HAIs. The journey of establishing infection control practices at AIIMS Rajkot highlights the importance of a structured approach in new healthcare settings. The successful integration of these practices not only enhances patient and staff safety but also sets a standard for future healthcare facilities. The AIIMS Rajkot’s proactive measures and continuous improvement efforts serve as a model for effectively addressing the challenges of infection control in a dynamic healthcare environment.

The effects of perceived trust in coach on performance in soccer team: Mediating role of team climate

This study examined the effect of trust in coach as perceived by soccer players on team climate and team performance. The survey was conducted using a combination of in-person and online and responses were collected through a self-report questionnaire, allowing participants to provide answers based on their own experiences and perceptions. A total of 202 soccer players (N = 202, male: 135, female: 67) registered with the Korea Football Association (KFA) responded to the survey. The age range of the participants was between 14 and 29 years, with a mean age of 18.43 years. Furthermore, Participants’ team levels were categorized as middle and high school (74.7%), university (17.8%), and professional (7.5%). Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to verify the normality of the data, while correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between variables. In addition, regression analysis was conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS macro to examine the mediating effects. As we expected, trust in coach was significantly related to team climate and team performance. Trust in coach was found to predict the team climate and team performance positively. Also, the mediating effect of team climate in the relationship between trust in coach and team performance was significant. These findings underscore the importance of trust and positive climate within sports teams, indicating the necessity of establishing trust between coaches and players and fostering a positive team climate for effective team management.

Contribution of Infrastructural Availability for School Growth and Sustainable Improvement in Academic Performance in Selected Secondary Schools in Tororo District

ABSTRACTThe study sought to establish the contribution of infrastructural availability to school growth and sustainable improvement of academic performance in selected secondary schools in Tororo District. The study employed a qualitative approach, and data were collected from school administrators, the management team and teachers using open‐ended questions based on interviews. Results were analysed thematically and presented verbatively. Findings showed that teaching aids, such as lesson plans, blackboard rulers, chalkboards, and textbooks are available and help improve academic performance, but overcrowded classrooms, poor ventilation and small space compared with the number of learners for a particular class are linked to lower levels of student engagement and learning. Noise levels have a significant impact on both teacher and student performance, and proper levels of natural illumination increase test results and teacher and student moods. Lack of commitment leads to skipping school and failing to complete assessment tasks. It was concluded that the Ugandan government supports the building of classrooms, libraries and laboratories in schools; teaching aids, such as textbooks lesson plans, blackboard rulers and chalkboards, raise teachers' morale to hold classes consistently, which helps schools expand and sustain improvements in academic performance. However, classrooms have poor ventilation and are overcrowded because of large enrolments. It is recommended that the government should improve the school infrastructure by renovating the classrooms, providing desks for children, making supplementary funding available to low‐performing schools and providing teachers with accommodations at schools to check the late coming, early departure and regular absenteeism of teachers on duty.

Violence Perpetrated by Learners and Management Towards Early-Career Educators in South African Township Schools

The reality in South Africa is that township school environments are not safe for early-career educators. According to South Africa’s Constitution in the Bill of Rights, every learner has the right to a free, reputable education. Although educators are obligated to facilitate this free education, the right to education does not supersede the right to safety because, without protection, more rights will be violated. This study aimed to explore forms of violence perpetrated by school management teams and learners against early-career educators in township schools in Soshanguve, South Africa. A qualitative research method was used to access deeper information on the topic. Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information. The major findings of this study revealed four forms of violence experienced by early-career educators, which included physical and verbal violence, financial violence and sexual violence. This study recommends that parents should make a habit of checking their children’s schoolwork. This will hold learners accountable for their work. Parents should minimise engaging in conflict in the presence of their children, as this can have adverse emotional and psychological effects on them. They should provide a supportive environment for their children, which can foster a positive parent–child relationship. In addition, the community should play a proactive role in combating substance abuse by ensuring that substances are not accessible to children.

From the backroom to the boardroom: Health care chief information officers, stereotypes, and strategic leadership in the digital transformation era.

The digital transformation of the U.S. health care system is underway, but the role of health care chief information officers (HCIOs) in that transformation has been unclear. As the landscape of health care technology continues to expand, there is an increasing need to understand the influence of HCIOs, who are in a unique position to impact key strategic decisions. We seek to demonstrate the strategic importance of HCIOs in meeting the needs of digital transformation, by managing the emergence and strategic implementation of health care technologies to benefit health care organization performance. We also propose that profession-based stereotypes inhibit HCIOs as they may be viewed as behind-the-scenes technicians rather than strategic leaders. Upper echelons (UE) theory demonstrates how HCIOs' unique perspectives gained through education, experience, and the strategic decision-making process also can influence organizational performance. We build on UE to conceptualize the degree to which profession-based stereotypes moderate the decision-making of top management teams). We present two theoretical contributions. First, we introduce a profession-based stereotype moderated model of UE specific to HCIOs. Second, we offer an analysis of the role of HCIOs as strategic leaders in the digital transformation era. We call upon health care scholars and practitioners to examine HCIOs' influence and their roles in health care organization decision-making, top management team interactions, and organizational outcomes as the digital transformation in health care continues.

Is Liability of Foreignness Always Bad for Firms? A Study of the Influence of Top Management Team Foreignness on Corporate Greenwashing

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the impact of top management team (TMT) foreignness on corporate greenwashing. Drawing on social identity theory, we argue that foreign TMT members, suffering more from individual liability of foreignness (LOF), adopt a more cautious approach to uncertain environmental disclosures and are more concerned with preventing corporate misbehaviors. These lead foreign TMT members to communicate companies' environmental initiatives in a more honest manner, thereby effectively reducing corporate greenwashing. We further propose that the negative relation between TMT foreignness and greenwashing will be strengthened when a firm faces higher earnings pressure and operates in a less marketized environment, as these conditions exacerbate individual LOF on foreign TMT members. Empirical analysis of a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2022 confirms our arguments, suggesting that hiring foreign executives can be an effective strategy for mitigating greenwashing, particularly in contexts where individual LOF is more pronounced.