Transparent Communication Research Articles

From Motivating to Manipulative: The Use of Deceptive Design in a Game's Free-to-Play Transition

Over the last decade, the free-to-play (F2P) game business model has gained popularity in the games industry. We examine the role of deceptive design during a game's transition to F2P and its impacts on players. Our analysis focuses on game mechanics and a Reddit analysis of the Overwatch (OW) series after it transitioned to an F2P model. Our study identifies nine game mechanics that use deceptive design patterns. We also identify factors contributing to a negative gameplay experience. Business model transitions in games present possibilities for problematic practices. Our findings identify the need for game developers and publishers to balance player investments and fairness of rewards. A game's successful transition depends on maintaining fundamental components of player motivation and ensuring transparent communication. Compared to existing taxonomies in other media, games need a comprehensive classification of deceptive design. We emphasize the importance of understanding player perceptions and the impact of deceptive practices in future research.

Sustainable Marketing Strategies: Aligning Brand Values with Consumer Demand for Environmental Responsibility

Sustainable marketing has become an essential component for businesses aiming to meet growing consumer demand for environmental responsibility. This paper explores how companies can align their brand values with sustainability efforts to foster long-term customer loyalty and market competitiveness. It examines key sustainable marketing strategies, including eco-friendly product design, transparent communication, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The study emphasizes the importance of authenticity, as consumers are increasingly wary of "greenwashing" tactics and seek brands that genuinely prioritize environmental stewardship. Case studies from various industries demonstrate successful integration of sustainability into brand identity, resulting in enhanced brand reputation, consumer trust, and business growth. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that includes stakeholder engagement, sustainable supply chains, and marketing campaigns that educate consumers on eco-friendly choices. By aligning brand values with consumer expectations for environmental responsibility, companies can create a competitive advantage while contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Optimizing Education: How Dual Teacher Technology, Communication, and Decision-Making Drive Performance?

In the complex environment of academic institutions, optimizing organizational effectiveness is a paramount concern. Driven by a growing awareness of the need for tailored organizational strategies in academic settings, this study seeks to uncover the dynamics shaping the relationships among these key variables. The primary purpose of this research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how efficiency orientation, information exchange, decision-making structures, and talent management collectively influence continuous performance improvement within academic institutions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture the multifaceted nature of the studied variables. The research targets educators from Sichuan Film and Television University and Sichuan University of Media and Communications. A sample size of 435 respondents participated in the survey, and eight interviewees were selected for in-depth qualitative insights. Statistical analyses reveal intricate correlations among efficiency orientation, information exchange, localization of decision-making, talent management, and continuous performance improvement within academic institutions. Streamlined processes positively influence talent management, emphasizing the importance of organizational efficiency. Transparent communication channels play a pivotal role in effective talent management, underscoring the significance of information exchange. Decision-making structures impact talent management strategies, necessitating a balanced approach. Talent management emerges as a proactive strategy, influencing and being influenced by continuous performance improvement efforts. This research contributes to organizational theory by offering context-specific insights into the relationships among key variables within academic institutions. The study's originality lies in addressing research gaps, providing a nuanced understanding of decision-making dynamics, and uncovering the reciprocal relationship between talent management and continuous performance improvement.

Public deliberation to assess patient views on biosimilar medication switching for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

BackgroundBiosimilars are highly similar, but not identical, versions of originator biologic medications. Switching patients to biosimilars presents an opportunity to mitigate rising drug costs and expand patient access to important biologic therapies. However, decreased patient acceptance and adherence to biosimilar medications have been reported, which can lead to loss of treatment response, adverse reactions, and inefficient resource utilization. Understanding patient perceptions of biosimilars and biosimilar switching is needed to inform patient-centered care strategies that promote efficient resource utilization.MethodsWe used democratic deliberation methods to solicit the informed and considered opinions of patients regarding biosimilar switching. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; n = 29) from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) participated in 5-hour deliberation sessions over two days. Following educational presentations with experts, participants engaged in facilitated small group discussions. Transcripts and facilitators’ notes were used to identify key themes. Participants completed surveys pre- and post-deliberation to collect sociodemographic and clinical features as well as to assess IBD treatment knowledge and attitudes toward care and approaches to biosimilar switching.ResultsFive major themes emerged from the small group discussions in the context of biosimilar switching: 1) concerns about adverse consequences and unclear risk-benefit balance; (2) importance of communication and transparency; (3) desire for shared decision making and patient involvement in treatment decisions; (4) balancing cost-saving with competing priorities; and (5) advocating for individualized care and prioritization based on risk levels. These views led participants to favor approaches that prioritize switching the sickest patients last (i.e., those with poorly controlled disease) and that offer patients control and choices around biosimilar switching. Participants also expressed preferences for combining elements of different approaches to maximize fairness.ConclusionsApproaches to biosimilar switching should consider patients’ desires for transparency and effective communication about biosimilar switching and engagement in their medical decision-making as part of patient-centered care. Incorporating patient preferences around biosimilar switching is critical when navigating the quality and affordability of care in resource constrained settings, both within the VHA and in other healthcare systems.

Can High-Quality Interactions Reduce the Regulatory Inquiries Received by Firms? Evidence from Interactive Investor Platforms in China

ABSTRACT Utilizing data from online interactive investor platforms (IIPs) in China, we find that high-quality interactions between investors and listed companies significantly reduce the incidence of regulatory inquiries. This reduction is primarily achieved through alleviating information asymmetry and enhancing corporate governance. Our conclusions have proven robust across various tests. Additional analysis finds that a higher response ratio, greater detail in responses, clearer readability, and timeliness in replies correlate with fewer regulatory inquiries. The reduction effect is more pronounced in firms with weaker external monitoring and more sophisticated board secretaries. Furthermore, our findings indicate that interactions on IIPs can mitigate adverse market reactions to regulatory inquiries. These insights underscore the importance of fostering transparent and effective communication channels between investors and firms, highlighting their significant implications for improving the information environment in capital markets.

Generic Food Safety Assessment: A Framework to Evaluate Food Safety Hazards Emerging from Change(s) in the Primary Production System – A Case Study Involving Intercropping

Food safety is a shared responsibility of all actors along the food supply chain. Changes in the primary production system can affect food safety hazards along the supply chain. This highlights the need for a framework that enables primary producers (i.e., farmers) to assess the potential food safety hazards and, if needed, to apply control measures. This paper presents a generic food safety assessment (GFSA) framework that has been developed based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). The proposed framework was applied to a case study, i.e., the transition from sole cropping of oats to intercropping of oats with lupins. The application of the GFSA framework enabled the evaluation of potential changes in food safety hazards from this transition and the establishment of appropriate control measures. In addition, GFSA users can employ the results to support decision-making process. Our case study showed that implementing GFSA can be challenging for smallholder or individual farmers and may need coordinated action. Finally, effective and transparent communication is critical for managing food safety along the food supply chain, including when changes are implemented in primary production.

Community-engaged research: Bringing the science of developmental psychopathology into the real world.

The science of developmental psychopathology has made outstanding progress over the past 40 years in understanding adaptive and maladaptive developmental processes across the life span. Yet most of this work has been researcher driven with little involvement of community partners in the research process, limiting the potential public health significance of our work. To continue to advance the field we must move beyond the physical and conceptual walls of our research laboratories and into the real world. In this article, we define and describe the importance of community-engaged research, and present our overarching principles for engaging the community including practicing respect, shared power and decision-making, prioritizing the needs of the community, and engaging in consistent and transparent communication. We present several associated recommendations for best practice and highlight examples from our own research that is grounded in a developmental psychopathology perspective to illustrate these practices. Recommendations for the future of the discipline of development and psychopathology, with emphasis on training and continuing education, are described.

Public Communication Strategy in the Protest of Garbage Collector Workers

Background: Public perception is vital for government trust and communication. Specific Background: Protests by waste collectors in Sidoarjo impacted the government's image due to controversial waste management fees. Knowledge Gap: Few studies explore the role of government communication in shaping public perception during local policy protests. Aims: This study analyzes the Sidoarjo Communication Office's efforts to maintain a positive image post-protests. Results: The office's inadequate response, especially its failure to engage protestors, worsened negative media coverage. Novelty: The study underscores the importance of transparent crisis communication. Implications: Local governments must strengthen communication strategies to manage public sentiment and maintain credibility during crises. Highlights : Transparent communication prevents negative public sentiment. Lack of engagement worsens media narratives. Robust strategies are needed to maintain government credibility. Keywords: public perception, crisis communication, waste management, local government, Sidoarjo protests

Building Trust and Trustworthiness in Public Institutions: Essential Elements in Placing Trust at the Heart of Health Policy and Systems Comment on "Placing Trust at the Heart of Health Policy and Systems"

In this commentary, I argue that societies are facing major crises in trust that extends well beyond health systems, outlining actions that can enhance trust in public institutions and benefit health systems. There are also areas where strengthening health systems can serve to build broader trust and social cohesion, such as by providing social protection and health services that are responsive to people’s needs. Understanding the dimensions of "trustworthiness" for different actors in a health system also provide insights on how to build, restore, and maintain trust. Whereas research evidence claims a foundational role for trustworthy intervention among health professions, other factors may be more influential for others. These include the credibility of the source, participation in the intervention with observably fair distribution of the benefits, the ethical behavior of key actors, reliability in service delivery and its results, transparent and consistent communications, and addressing breaches in trust.

The 6 Biggest Mistakes Leaders Make When Motivating Employees

Abstract: This article examines key factors that demotivate employees based on research in organizational psychology and leadership theory. It identifies a lack of feedback and praise, unclear or misaligned goals, limited autonomy and decision-making power, insufficient opportunities for skills development and growth, unrealistic workload expectations, and poor communication as universal demotivators across organizational contexts. Specific examples from the automotive industry illustrate how these issues negatively impact motivation. The article maintains that while individualized approaches are needed, certain demotivating behaviors should be avoided, such as not providing regular performance feedback or recognition. It advocates for goal setting, autonomy-enhancing problem solving, targeted skills training programs, reasonable workload calibration, and transparent communication as evidence-based ways to meaningfully boost employee engagement. The conclusion reiterates that leadership equipped with motivation science can focus on empowering rather than discouraging employees through these best practices.

Trusting Employees to Deliver Results in Times of Change

Trusting Employees to Deliver Results in Times of Change explores the research foundation showing that building trust is key to empowering high performance, especially during periods of organizational change and uncertainty. Drawing from literature in psychology, management, and organizational behavior, the article discusses factors that contribute to developing organizational trust, with a focus on the pivotal role of managers as "trust anchors." Practical strategies are provided for fostering trust through transparent communication, participative decision-making, skill development support, and empowering teams with autonomy. The article also shares examples from the retail banking and technology industries to illustrate how trust-based approaches aided successful navigations of major transformations. The conclusion reinforces that trusting employees to problem-solve enables engagement and results, even amid disruption.

Perspectives and lived experiences of survivors and caregivers of COVID-19 patients in a teaching hospital in a tribal district of Chhattisgarh, India

ABSTRACT Background: The rural–urban healthcare disparity in India was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the second wave hitting rural areas particularly hard due to weak infrastructure. A study in Chhattisgarh aims to explore the experiences of severely ill COVID-19 survivors and caregivers to inform patient-centric care delivery in primary settings. Methods: In this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with seven patients and seven caregivers during home visits or telephonically to understand lived experiences of receiving care for COVID-19 in an ICU in the public health system. Socioecological model was used to guide the qualitative inquiry. Results: COVID-19 patients faced stigma due to their diagnosis. The survivors felt lonely due to isolation, uncertainty about their illness, and fear of death. Poor mental health during ICU stay affected their physical health. Patients with caregivers felt supported despite visitor restrictions. Transparent communication with health providers reduced distress. Conclusion: The study in Chhattisgarh, India, highlights ICU survivors’ and caregivers’ experiences, revealing fear and loneliness among patients. Effective communication and caregiver presence improve outcomes, emphasizing holistic support. There’s an urgent need for palliative care integration, caregiver inclusion, and comprehensive post-discharge follow-up by primary-level practitioners in rural settings. Lack of state-level palliative care policy emphasizes the need for comprehensive initiatives to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Community recruitment of underrepresented populations to the AHEAD 3-45 preclinical AD trial using novel partnerships with nursing and community-based organizations: Lessons and outcomes.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects minoritized populations who remain underrepresented in AD trials. We partnered with local nursing community-based organizations to implement a culturally tailored educational intervention and recruit Hispanic/Latino American, Filipino American, and Korean American adults aged 55 to 80 for the AHEAD study, a preclinical AD trial, at the University of California, Irvine. We engaged 654 individuals across 21 events, leading to 71 prescreenings: 21.1% Filipino, 11.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 67.6% Korean adults. Ineligibility due to age and language barriers was common among Hispanic/Latino and Korean adults, respectively. Filipino adults often withdrew interest or were lost to follow-up. Ultimately, 25 participants enrolled: eight Filipino, two Hispanic/Latino, and 15 Korean adults. Tailored, culturally relevant content significantly contributed to the engagement success. This study demonstrates the value and impact of novel partnerships with health-related provider organizations that provide trusted care and access to underrepresented communities. Six hundred and fifty fourunderrepresented individuals were reached, and 25 enrolled in the AHEAD 3-45 trial. Twenty-one community events were held via partnerships with nursing and community organizations. The study engaged 21% Filipino, 11% Hispanic/Latino, 68% Korean adults. Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles enhanced the recruitment process. Transparent communication and joint planning were key.

The impact of risk factor disclosure on the initial return of IPO companies amidst a pandemic

The capital market has increasingly become a pivotal avenue for enterprises seeking additional capital for expansion or operational enhancements. In raising funds through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), the company must publish its risk disclosure in the prospectus. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of risk disclosure on the initial return of Indonesian companies undergoing IPOs during the pandemic. Using data from 136 out of 164 companies that went public between 2020 and 2022, sourced from the Indonesian Stock Exchange and company websites, the study employs the ordinary least squares method to estimate the impact of risk disclosures on initial returns during the pandemic. The findings reveal that external and overall risk disclosures significantly influence IPO initial returns. Specifically, Indonesian investors were particularly attentive to external and overall risks when evaluating IPOs during the pandemic. This heightened concern suggests that comprehensive risk disclosure can affect investor behavior and financial outcomes for companies going public in uncertain times, highlighting the importance of transparency in risk communication to support investor decision-making and market stability.

The Influence Of Accounting On Fundraising In Civil Society Organizations: A Theoretical And Practical Approach

This article explores the influence of accounting on the fundraising process for civil society organizations (CSOs), emphasizing its strategic importance for financial sustainability. Through an in-depth analysis of literature and theoretical approaches, the study identifies the main challenges faced by CSOs in obtaining funding, including compliance with accounting standards, transparency in financial statements and communication of their social impacts. It highlights that robust accounting practices are essential for building funders' trust, boosting donations and maximizing efficiency in the use of resources. The article also examines emerging accounting strategies aimed at donors, who seek clear and reliable information on how their social investments are managed. We conclude that the application of improved accounting practices can significantly improve the credibility of CSOs, facilitating fundraising and building long-term partnerships. This research contributes to filling theoretical and practical gaps, providing guidelines for CSO managers and accountants seeking to strengthen their financial strategies and improve their relationships with donors and social investors

A systematic review on social media utilization by health communicators in India: Insights from COVID-19 pandemic

Social media has become a vital tool for facilitating health communications, particularly during emerging health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize evidence regarding the benefits and barriers associated with the utilization of social media by health communicators in India for disseminating health-related information. A comprehensive search of databases like CINAHL, Google Scholar, PubMed, and WHO Global Index Medicus databases yielded a total of 13 relevant studies. The narrative analysis revealed six key benefits attributed to the usage of social media by health communicators, including the widespread adoption of social media platforms for health communications, health communicators leveraging social media as an information source, fostering the development of protective behaviors, aiding prompt and transparent health communication, promoting participatory communication and empowerment, and employing social media as a tool for monitoring public sentiments and mental well-being. Conversely, challenges such as the proliferation of misinformation and communication inequalities were identified as significant barriers in social media health communications. While social media platforms hold immense potential in advancing crisis communication agendas, health communicators are advocated to adopt a multifaceted approach by prioritizing digital inclusivity, combating misinformation, and fostering synergetic collaborations between governmental bodies and community entities.

Strengthening Donor Trust via Enhanced Performance and Transparency in Zakat Management

General Background: Lazismu, an extension of Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infaq Sadaqoh Muhammadiyah, plays a crucial role in facilitating charitable donations and maintaining donor trust in the humanitarian sector. Specific Background: Despite its importance, Lazismu faces challenges regarding the management of zakat funds and transparency in financial reporting, which has led to diminished donor trust. Previous studies have inadequately explored the relationship between performance recognition and donor trust in zakat institutions. Knowledge Gap: This research aims to fill this gap by quantitatively examining how various independent variables—human resource performance enhancement, financial report transparency, and interpersonal communication within the fundraising division—impact donor trust at Lazismu in Mojokerto. Aims: The study specifically investigates the influence of these independent variables on donor trust in Lazismu, with a focus on enhancing organizational performance to regain donor confidence. Results: The findings reveal that enhanced human resource performance, transparent financial reporting, and improved interpersonal communication significantly contribute to increasing donor trust. Novelty: This research introduces a structured approach to evaluating zakat management performance through quantitative measures, offering insights into the dynamics of donor engagement and trust. Implications: The results underscore the necessity for zakat institutions to prioritize financial transparency and effective communication strategies to foster stronger relationships with donors, ultimately leading to increased zakat contributions and enhanced community support. Highlights: Trust Boost: Performance and transparency enhance donor confidence significantly. Engagement: Strong communication improves donor relationships and trust. Methodology: Quantitative research analyzes zakat institution performance effects. Keywords: Lazismu, donor trust, zakat management, financial transparency, interpersonal communication

The Relevance of Rewards in Performance- Based Management Control

This study aims to increase the understanding of how employees in different or-ganizational contexts and hierarchical levels explain and appreciate, i.e. under-stand, their organisation's reward systems. Two different schools of thought have dominated the debate of how to conceptualize the role of rewards in performance management and organisation psychology literature: agency theory and self-determination theory. This study combines these schools and take both monetary aspects into account in line with what is prescribed in agency theory and more non-financial aspects that self-determination consider. The study applies a case study approach based on interviews and publicly available information from five Finnish organisations. The organisations analysed operate in different sectors, have different organisational structures, and use different reward systems. From a careful investigation of the five different organisations, a cross-sectional picture emerges showing the role of reward systems in companies, and their perceived importance as management control tools. The findings show that reward transpar-ency and fair communication are the most significant factors affecting the experi-ence of employees towards performance-based management control system that is used to allocate rewards. Monetary rewards should also be complemented and linked with social non-financial rewards to reach the decent management control acceptance and understanding in the organisation.

Conceptual framework for considering animal welfare in sustainability assessments of foods

In recent years, many studies analyzed the environmental, health and economic implications of the production and consumption of different foods – and, on this basis, evaluated their sustainability. However, associated impacts on animals have remained largely unexamined and existing assessment approaches are still immature and often lack reflection on their normative assumptions and resulting implications. As animal welfare concerns increase, this represents a shortcoming, leaving a critical sustainability issue without due consideration. To address this, we develop a conceptual framework that guides the key decisions for assessing animal welfare impacts of foods. The framework is derived from an integrative literature review and revised following external feedback from expert focus groups. It bridges the research fields of food system modeling, animal welfare science and animal ethics and can guide researchers in developing assessment approaches and assessing animal welfare impacts of foods, from individual food items to whole diets. The framework also directs transparent communication of the most important assessment decisions. We outline key considerations for animal welfare assessments of foods, highlight associated challenges and discuss quality criteria as well as technical and normative strategies to address them. Our contribution provides a basis for future research to integrate animal welfare into sustainability evaluations of food and investigate tradeoffs and synergies with environmental, social or economic issues. Following this framework in future assessments facilitates the integration of animal welfare into food-related policy assessments and public decisions.

Expressions of uncertainty in online science communication hinder information diffusion.

Despite the importance of transparent communication of uncertainty surrounding scientific findings, there are concerns that communicating uncertainty might damage the public perception and dissemination of science. Yet, a lack of empirical research on the potential impact of uncertainty communication on the diffusion of scientific findings poses challenges in assessing such claims. We studied the effect of uncertainty in a field study and a controlled experiment. In Study 1, a natural language processing analysis of over 2 million social media (Twitter/X) messages about scientific findings revealed that more uncertain messages were shared less often. Study 2 replicated this pattern using an experimental design where participants were presented with large-language-model (LLM)-generated high- and low-uncertainty messages. These results underscore the role of uncertainty in the dissemination of scientific findings and inform the ongoing debates regarding the benefits and the risks of uncertainty in science communication.