Times Of Crisis Research Articles

Temporary employment and financial distress in times of crisis

Temporary employment and financial distress in times of crisis

COVID-19, lockdowns, and the mental wellbeing of LGBTQ people in Australia.

LGBTQ communities around the world entered the COVID-19 pandemic with generally high rates of poor mental health and faced additional challenges including stigma, discrimination, and barriers to care. This study sample was drawn from a survey of 3135 LGBTQ adults residing in Australia during the pandemic. Regression analysis was used to explore individual differences in psychological distress and perceived change in mental wellbeing since the onset of the pandemic as well as the impact of lockdowns, by taking advantage of a natural experiment comparing the states that experienced more extensive lockdowns (Victoria and New South Wales) to the rest of Australia. The burden of mental health was found to vary across gender, sexual orientation, age, and area of residence. While no impact of lockdowns on psychological distress was observed, participants living in the states of Victoria (β = -0.15; 95% CI = -0.23, -0.07) and New South Wales (β = -0.13; 95% CI = -0.21, -0.05) self-reported a more negative impact of the pandemic on their mental wellbeing compared to the rest of the country. The findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the mental wellbeing of LGBTQ populations, particularly among those who experienced extensive lockdowns and highlight the need for increased efforts to enable access to mental health supports during times of crisis.

Delivering citizen science online and hybrid: impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on recruitment and engagement

This small-scale study explores the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on running and delivering a large-scale, international participatory citizen science project. In doing so, it seeks to identify the challenges posed by the pandemic for the research and practitioner community, as well as suggesting useful strategies, tools and helpful approaches for meeting similar challenges in the future. WeCount was a citizen science project aimed at empowering citizens to take a leading role in the production of data, evidence and knowledge around mobility in their own neighbourhoods. The project was originally designed around in-person engagement and interaction with citizens in five European case studies, but it was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this pilot study, we conducted seven email interviews with internal project members. Data were analysed using content analysis, and five main themes emerged from the interviews: Recruitment (overall and of specific groups); Uncertainty; Logistics; Digital skills; and Blended approach. We report on the lessons learnt about online citizen recruitment and engagement to support future citizen science and other participatory research projects, not only during times of crisis, but also in deciding when it is and is not a good time to use online methods of recruitment and engagement.

‘My life is not to be called a failure’: how family reputation in the origin affects return considerations among South Asian migrants in the Gulf

ABSTRACT Families are an important factor to consider when trying to understand if and when labor migrants decide to return to the origin. Research has mainly focused on how families provide incentives to return. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, stories about return migration decisions among male South Asian migrants in the Gulf reveal that families can exert substantial pressure on migrants to stay abroad, even during times of crisis. Using in-depth interviews with maigrants in the UAE, returnees and family members between 2020 and 2022, we find that social expectations of migrants to maintain or build family reputation through actions abroad, in the context of broader communities of origin, is a key factor in deterring migrants from returning. Migrants and their families in the origin often seek to continue signaling a successful migration project, particularly by telling stories of entrepreneurial success or of being embedded in the destination through strong and resourceful networks. Returning early from a migration project, even during the pandemic, can be interpreted as a failure and risks negatively impacting the family's reputation. We observe that those who return early, despite family pressure to stay, face significant social sanctions from family and community.

Methodology for a time of eco-social planetary crisis: Action research helping transformations happen

Methodology for a time of eco-social planetary crisis: Action research helping transformations happen

Comprehensive examination of support needs and mental well-being: a mixed-method study of the Austrian general population in times of crisis

IntroductionIn the recent years, the Austrian general population has faced a confluence of multiple crises. This study investigates the support wishes and mental health parameters of the Austrian general population aiming to comprehending the unmet needs and providing guidance for future psychosocial interventions and research endeavors.Methods1,031 participants attended the online survey and one third (n = 332) wished for further support to improve mental well-being in April 2022. A total of 280 participants accompanied their support wish with written accounts. Participants’ mental health status was evaluated using the PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), ISI (insomnia), PSS-10 (perceived stress), CAGE (alcohol abuse), WHO-5 (well-being), and the SCOFF (eating disorder) questionnaires. Data analysis employed a mixed-methods approach.ResultsThe preeminent support wish identified was the need for professional mental support (29.3%), followed by communication (21.6%), other professional support except mental and medical support (13.9%). In line with these findings, participants expressing a support wish experienced increased mental health distress across all assessed parameters.ConclusionThe findings indicate the presence of a vulnerable population within the Austrian general population, which may benefit from targeted support interventions. Consequently, this study contributes to the identification of unmet support needs among the Austrian populace during times of crisis, facilitating the development and enhancement of precisely tailored intervention strategies.

Collaboration in the midst of chaos: perspectives of inpatient occupational and physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has affected over 700 million people globally, straining healthcare systems and highlighting the need for interprofessional collaboration. The aim of this study was to describe interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) experiences from the perspectives of occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) who were employed in a medical center both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study, conducted from July 2020–November 2021, delved into the lived experiences of occupational and physical therapists in an inpatient setting during the pandemic through analysis of semi-structured interviews and journal entries. The pandemic prompted fear, uncertainty, and ethical dilemmas among therapists, affecting patient-centered care. Roles expanded, and teamwork challenges emerged in defining boundaries, while communication dynamics were transformed by virtual technologies. The pandemic affected therapists’ values and ethics, and evolving roles brought expanded tasks. The crisis showcased both collaboration potential and the need to address team disparities. This study highlights the significance of values, roles, teams, and communication for occupational and physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic providing valuable insights into interprofessional collaboration’s effect on healthcare delivery in times of crisis and beyond.

Lighthouse in the Mist

Previous research has explored the interactions between public leaders and citizens through social media channels. However, there is a gap in our understanding regarding the communication of limited information to the public during times of crisis. This study focuses on the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic as a crisis scenario and investigates how state governors utilized Twitter to communicate with the public, as well as the subsequent impact on citizens' responses. Employing computational social science techniques, this research analyzes a dataset comprising 47,831 tweets posted by U.S. state governors during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning from March to August 2020. The results affirm the crucial role of social media in crisis communication and offer insights into effective social media strategies for public communication.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on calls to an alcohol and drug helpline in Victoria, Australia, for alcohol, methamphetamine and cannabis use concerns.

Helplines are often the first contact with the alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment system. We examined call data from an AOD helpline in Victoria, Australia, to explore the association between COVID-19 lockdown measures and frequency of calls. This was a retrospective analysis of AOD helpline data collected between January 2018 and September 2020, for alcohol, methamphetamine and cannabis use concerns. Linear and logistic regression analyses examined differences in pre-COVID-19 (January 2018 to March 2020) and during COVID-19 (March 2020 to September 2020) caller characteristics, and interrupted time-series analyses examined changes in frequency of calls relative to lockdown measures. There were 14,340 calls for alcohol (n = 10,196, 71.10%), methamphetamine (n = 2522, 17.59%) and cannabis (n = 1622, 11.31%). Relative to pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19 there was an increase in the rate of change over time in number of alcohol calls (b = 0.39), increase in first-time alcohol callers (OR = 1.29), and reduction in first-time methamphetamine callers (OR = 0.80). During COVID-19, alcohol callers had lower Socio-Economic Indicators for Areas scores (b = -3.06) and cannabis callers were younger (b = -2.07). During COVID-19, there were reductions in alcohol calls involving counselling/support (OR = 0.87) and information provision (OR = 0.87), cannabis calls involving information provision (OR = 0.71) and methamphetamine calls involving referral (OR = 0.80). In the first 6 months of the pandemic, frequency of alcohol-related calls increased over time, and first-time alcohol-related callers increased. The number of calls for cannabis and methamphetamine remained stable. Results suggest the helpline was not used to its full capacity, suggesting a role for further promotion during times of crises.

Leadership Generativity and the Social, Emotional, and Pragmatic Pivot from Crisis to Post‐Crisis

During a time of cascading crises within organizations and societies, those engaged in leadership are called upon to respond to the pressures of the moment and to advance change that will contribute to individual and collective vitality. The work of leadership generativity becomes particularly pronounced in the social, emotional, and pragmatic pivot from crisis to post‐crisis. In response to these many internal and external pressures and opportunities, this article addresses key questions and considerations for global leadership in the aftermath of crisis. Specifically, as presented in a forthcoming book on the subject, the article introduces five leadership practices that are recognized as especially critical for post‐crisis leadership: (a) encourage learning, (b) cultivate resilience, (c) stimulate meaning‐making, (d) pursue reinvention, and (e) advance renewal.

Instigators of New Innovation Ideas for Improving A Bank’s Effective Market Performance in Times of Crisis

Instigators of New Innovation Ideas for Improving A Bank’s Effective Market Performance in Times of Crisis

Mediation of work-and-family conflict in the relationship between social-and-organizational support and teaching self-efficacy: The case of parent-teachers working remotely

AbstractIn times of crisis (e.g., during the COVID-19 pandemic), teachers face the dual responsibility of caring for their own children, while adapting to remote instruction. This study explores the interplay between social and organizational support, teaching self-efficacy, and the mediating effect of work-family conflict in remote teaching. The participants were 472 teachers who are parents of children aged 0–12. This mixed-methods study revealed that low levels of family-work and work-family conflict were associated with higher levels of social and organizational support, and teaching self-efficacy. A mediation effect revealed that social and organizational support predicted family-work conflict, which in turn predicted teaching self-efficacy. Qualitative findings highlighted the challenges and coping strategies used while working remotely. This research enhances our understanding of the work-family conflict encountered by parent-teachers, with important implications for teacher education. Such understanding facilitates effective management of family-work conflict during remote work, future epidemics, military conflicts, or natural disasters.

Consulting through crisis

Veterinarians play a vital role in the VCPR for many reasons, but during times of true crisis when so many variables are out­side of any one person’s control, we often are leaned on heavily. This is not a skill we are necessarily equipped with in our for­mal training. This presentation will focus on addressing theses situations beyond our control that impact the well-being of our livestock and those responsible for their care, while also giving insight into protecting the overall health of the entire industry by connecting with consumers who may have concerns about certain crisis in animal agriculture that they may be exposed to by the media.

RISK MANAGEMENT IN INSURANCE INDUSTRY AMID THE HEALTH CRISIS: A STUDY OF A SAMPLE OF DAMAGE INSURANCE COMPANIES IN ALGERIA

Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of risk management in the insurance industry in light of the health crisis of the Algerian insurance companies, which are estimated at 24 companies. Methodology: In this study, we used a questionnaire tool that includes closed questions, containing four axes, and we want to analyze the fourth axis, which consists of six questions. The response of 13 damages insurance companies was analyzed using the statistical program SPSS, using various statistical methods. Finding and Conclusion: The study concluded that insurance companies rely on allocating participatory committees for all specializations to predict future risks, and this is explained by the presence of statistical significance in the level of identifying alternatives and choosing the appropriate method, in addition to most of the answers agreeing at a rate of 100% and ranked first according to the ranking of the sample phrases of the study. Originality/Value: The findings of this study provide the dynamic adaptability of the insurance sector in response to global challenges, demonstrating its critical role in maintaining economic stability and facilitating growth during times of crisis. The findings from this study not only reflect the resilience of the sector but also underscore the importance of continuous innovation and strategic foresight in navigating the complexities of the modern economic landscape.

Adaptive leadership in times of crisis: Exploring situational responses and contingent factors at sub-national levels

Adaptive leadership in times of crisis: Exploring situational responses and contingent factors at sub-national levels

Social Responsibility and Financial Performance in The Covid-19 era: Support for the Experience of Moroccan SMB

Objective: The objective seems to be to explore the importance of the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a means of crisis management and performance lever allowing companies to withstand current financial and economic shocks. Theoretical Framework: The text mentions the intention to provide a historical overview of CSR, define CSR, financial performance, SMB, the role of SMB on economic growth, and cite organizational theories related to the importance of CSR in times of crisis. This section constitutes the theoretical framework by linking CSR to different economic concepts and organizational theories. Method: this article suggests a theoretical and descriptive approach, analyzing the economic impact of health measures and proposing recommendations, which involves documentary and theoretical analysis. Results and Discussion: The text focuses on presenting the topic and theoretical framework without providing specific results or data analyses. Research Implications: e research aims to highlight the importance of CSR for crisis management and financial performance of companies, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. The implications could concern strategies business, public policy, and managerial theory. Originality/Value: The originality of this research could lie in its analysis of the impact of CSR during the COVID-19 crisis, a relatively new and current topic. The combination of crisis management, financial performance and health measures from the perspective of CSR can constitute an original contribution to the existing literature on the subject.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMUNICATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: COMPARISON BETWEEN BRAZILIAN AND BRITISH COMPANIES

The beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic brought numerous changes to lifestyle, which led to the adoption of new consumption habits and new challenges to the market. Consumers have adapted their habits and especially consumption behavior, in this way organizations have also started to adapt their processes for their own survival and to support society to overcome this crisis. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze the communication of socially responsible companies about CSR initiatives in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to analyzing the reflection of cultural differences between Brazil and the United Kingdom in this communication. To achieve this objective, descriptive research was carried out by means of content analysis with secondary data from the websites of 62 Brazilian organizations indexed on the ISE B3 and British organizations indexed on the DJSI Europe. The companies' communications on their websites were analyzed using the OEEC Model, which is divided into 64 items in four categories: orientation, structure, ergonomics and content. The research concludes that the communication of CSR initiatives in response to Covid-19 are as effective as the communication of the organization's other CSR initiatives in both countries. Brazilian companies and British companies demonstrated average values within satisfactory performance of their website’s communication toward Covid-19 initiatives. Among the theoretical contributions of the study, the expansion of the discussion on Hofstede's cultural dimensions stands out. However, the present study also contributes to expanding the knowledge regarding to CSR practices in times of crisis.

Exploring the Changing Landscape of the HR Role in Managing and Addressing the Unique Challenges Faced by Frontline Workers during Covid-19 Pandemic

Exploring the Changing Landscape of the HR Role in Managing and Addressing the Unique Challenges Faced by Frontline Workers during Covid-19 Pandemic

Theoretical and legal analysis of the operation of law during martial law in Ukraine

The article examines the theoretical and legal aspects of the operation of law during martial law in Ukraine, which arose in connection with Russian aggression in 2022. The author analyzes the constitutional foundations and peculiarities of the operation of law under martial law, and examines the peculiarities of legislation and its application in Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to restrictions on constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens under martial law, such as freedom of movement, the right to peaceful assembly, and others. The article contains proposals for improving the legal regulation of martial law in Ukraine in order to ensure national security and protect the rights and interests of citizens. In continuation of the analysis of the theoretical and legal aspects of the operation of law during martial law in Ukraine, the article examines the mechanisms of institutions responsible for implementing legislation in times of crisis. Particular attention is paid to the role of the authorities in ensuring compliance with the rights and obligations of citizens during martial law, as well as the importance of defining procedures and control over the restriction of constitutional rights and freedoms during this period. Additionally, the article analyzes international experience and standards in this area in order to offer recommendations for improving Ukraine's domestic legislation in the context of protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens during martial law. Such an approach is aimed at ensuring national security and ensuring law and order in a crisis situation arising from aggression. The main task of law during martial law is to ensure national security and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens. However, this must be done in compliance with the basic principles of the rule of law, including transparency, legality, proportionality of measures and guarantees of judicial protection of citizens' rights. Only such an approach will ensure the effectiveness of management measures in a crisis situation, while preserving the basic values of the legal system.

Small Opposition Parties in a Westminster System: How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Participation, Decision-Making and Oversight in the UK House of Commons?

Opposition parties are a key feature of parliamentary democracies, but their participation rights differ markedly. In the UK House of Commons, the institutional operation of the Westminster model facilitates a marked distinction between the rights afforded to the Official Opposition party compared to smaller opposition parties. During times of crisis, these Westminster model dynamics can shift, impacting opposition rights. This article uses a case study of the COVID-19 pandemic to assess institutional inequalities across opposition party groups. Drawing on an analysis of over 4000 contributions to parliamentary debates and interviews with MPs, we examine the pandemic’s impact on the roles of opposition parties beyond the Official Opposition. We find that the pandemic initially generated unprecedented cooperation between the government and small opposition parties but that this was short-lived. In the long term, the pandemic exacerbated existing institutional barriers and the size and geographical concentration of small opposition parties in the devolved nations brought disproportionate participation and oversight barriers. This suggests the need to guarantee formal opposition rights within Westminster systems beyond the Official Opposition party to ensure that all political parties have the capacity to carry out their functions during times of crisis.