scholarly journals Using structural equation modelling to untangle sanitation, water and hygiene pathways for intervention improvements in height-for-age in children <5 years old

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1992-2000
Author(s):  
Heather Reese ◽  
Sheela S Sinharoy ◽  
Thomas Clasen
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Piped Water ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Pathway Effect ◽  
Height For Age

Abstract Background Despite a strong theoretical rationale for combining water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) interventions to improve child health, study findings are heterogeneous with little understanding of the mechanisms for these effects. Our study objective was to demonstrate the utility of structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess intervention effects on height-for-age z score (HAZ) through the complex system of WaSH pathways. Methods We used data from a matched cohort effectiveness evaluation of a combined on-premise piped water and improved sanitation intervention in rural Odisha, India. Height/length was measured in children 0–59 months old (n = 1826) from 90 matched villages in February–June 2016. WaSH behaviours and infrastructure were assessed through household surveys and observation, respectively. We used SEM to calculate the standardized path coefficients and the total contributions of WaSH pathways to HAZ. Results Intervention improvements on HAZ were through the sanitation pathway (coverage → use β: 0.722; use → HAZ β: 0.116), with piped water coverage indirectly affecting HAZ through improved sanitation use (β: 0.148). Although the intervention had a positive association with handwashing station coverage, there was no evidence of a total hygiene pathway effect on HAZ or further direct effects through the water pathways. Conclusions This study demonstrates the utility of SEM to assess the mechanisms through which combined WaSH interventions impact HAZ as a system of pathways, providing a more nuanced assessment than estimation of the total intervention effect. Our finding, that water impacts HAZ through the sanitation pathway, is an important and actionable insight for WaSH programming.

scholarly journals Psychological Capital and Family Satisfaction among Employees: Do Occupational Stressors Moderate the Relationship?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12260
Author(s):  
Oi-Ling Siu ◽  
Qianting Kong ◽  
Ting-Kin Ng
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Family Satisfaction ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Occupational Stressors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Personal Resource ◽  
The Relationship

The COVID-19 pandemic has created more occupational stressors, particularly work–family interface issues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating role of occupational stressors in the relationship between a personal resource (psychological capital) and family satisfaction. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 787 employees (367 males, 420 females) from the Greater Bay Area of China between October and November 2020. Participants completed an online survey which included the Chinese version of the Psychological Capital Questionnaire, measures of occupational stressors from the Work Stress Management DIY Kit and a measure of family satisfaction. Latent moderated structural equation modeling revealed that family satisfaction was positively associated with psychological capital and negatively associated with occupational stressors. Furthermore, occupational stressors weakened the positive association between psychological capital and family satisfaction. These findings provided empirical evidence for the work–home resources model and may suggest that it would be beneficial to boost psychological capital and reduce occupational stressors of employees.

Understanding Critical Distance Learning Issues

2013 ◽  
pp. 268-283
Author(s):  
Stephen K. Callaway ◽  
Saad M. Alflayyeh
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Critical Distance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Course Format ◽  
Course Features ◽  
Distance Courses ◽  
Learning Issues

Distance education has been the topic of a substantial amount of research. However, prior studies have shown mixed results when trying to determine if a difference exists in student satisfaction between students in distance courses versus traditional courses. Prior empirical studies have been too narrow in scope, and a more comprehensive model is needed to better explain the factors influencing student satisfaction. Therefore, the current study includes student demographic factors, comprehensive measures of student motivation, and course format, as well as specific course features included, to fully explain student satisfaction. Structural equation modeling is used to test the model. Results indicate a positive association between demographics and motivation, between motivation and course format, between one demographic factor and course format, between course format and preferred features, between course format and satisfaction, and between course features and satisfaction.

Exploring the impact of being perceived as a socially responsible organization on employee creativity

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 2325-2340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moustafa Abdelmotaleb ◽  
Abdelmoneim Bahy Eldin Mohamed Metwally ◽  
Sudhir K. Saha
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Creative Process ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Employee Attitudes ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Telecommunication Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the emotional or affective mechanisms that underlie the relationship between employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee attitudes and behaviors. Drawing on affective events theory (AET), this study examines a sequential mediation model in which CSR perceptions influence positive affect (PA) at work which leads to employee engagement in the creative process that, in turn, affects employee creative behaviors.Design/methodology/approachTwo-wave data were collected from a sample of employees working in the telecommunication sector in Egypt (N=208). The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe study found a positive association between CSR perceptions and employee creative behaviors. The results also showed that CSR perceptions have induced PA, which, in turn, led to greater level of engagement in the creative process and eventually led employees to exhibit creative behaviors.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to use AET as a conceptual framework to explain the positive association between CSR and employee positive work outcomes (i.e. creativity). By integrating AET with CSR and employee outcomes literatures, this study contributes to the available knowledge regarding the affective or emotional mechanisms through which CSR perceptions could affect employee work behaviors.

scholarly journals Improvements in Neighborhood Socioeconomic Conditions May Improve Resident Diet

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea S Richardson ◽  
Rebecca L Collins ◽  
Madhumita Ghosh-Dastidar ◽  
Feifei Ye ◽  
Gerald P Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Natural Experiment ◽  
Group Testing ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Socioeconomic Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Individual Level

Abstract Neighborhood socioeconomic conditions (NSEC) are associated with resident diet, but most research has been cross-sectional. We capitalize on a natural experiment where one neighborhood experienced substantial investments, compared to a sociodemographically similar neighborhood that did not, in order to examine pathways from neighborhood investments to changed NSEC and changed dietary behavior. We examine differences between renters and homeowners. Data are from a random sample of households (n=831) in each of these low-income Pittsburgh neighborhoods who were surveyed in 2011 and 2014. Structural equation modeling tested direct and indirect pathways from neighborhood to resident dietary quality, adjusting for individual-level sociodemographics, with multi-group testing by homeowners versus renters. Neighborhood investments were directly associated with improved dietary quality for both renters (β, 95% confidence interval [CI]) =0.27, CI: 0.05, 0.50) and homeowners (β=0.51, CI: 0.10, 0.92). Among renters, investments were also associated with dietary quality through a positive association with commercial prices (β= 0.34, CI: 0.15, 0.54) and a negative association with residential prices (β=-0.30, CI: -0.59, -0.004). Among homeowners, we did not observe any indirect pathways from investments to dietary quality through tested mediators. Investing in neighborhoods may support resident diet, doing so through improvements in neighborhood commercial environments for renters, but mechanisms appear to differ for homeowners.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: A CASE STUDY ON THE HOTEL INDUSTRY IN BALI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 440-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Partiwi Dwi Astuti ◽  
Anis Chariri ◽  
Abdul Rohman
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Hotel Industry ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Structural Capital

Purpose: This study aims to examine the association between intellectual capital and competitive advantage in the hotel industry in Bali Province, Indonesia. The interrelationship between components of intellectual capital –human capital, relational capital, structural capital – were tested in this study, and testing was also carried out for the association of intellectual capital – represented by structural capital – with competitive advantage. Methodology: Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 172 questionnaires were sent to general managers of three-, four- and five-star hotels in Bali Province. A total of 109 questionnaires were returned and could be analysed (a 63% response rate). The analysis was performed using covariance-based structural equation modeling with AMOS 21.0 software. Main Findings: The findings show that between the components of intellectual capital there is a positive and significant association: human capital with relational capital, human capital with structural capital and relational capital with structural capital. The findings also show that structural capital has a significant positive association with a competitive advantage. Implications: Mobilising and utilising human capital as much as possible can create and enhance relational capital and structural capital. Willingness to realise, utilise, compile and develop organizational knowledge enables long-term competitive advantages to be achieved. Novelty: This study examines the association of intellectual capital – facilitated by structural capital – and competitive advantage, which researchers have not done before in the hotel industry.

scholarly journals The roles of patients’ authenticity and accepting external influence, and clinicians’ treatment styles in predicting patients’ dental anxiety and avoidance of dental appointments

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Elisabeth Münster Halvari ◽  
Hallgeir Halvari ◽  
Edward L. Deci
Keyword(s):  
Autonomy Support ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Moderated Mediation ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
External Influence ◽  
Indirect Association ◽  
Dental Appointments

A substantial proportion of adults suffer from high dental anxiety, which is related to poor oral health and functioning. Using authenticity theory and self-determination theory, we applied a model testing two moderated mediation hypotheses: (i) the negative indirect association between authenticity and avoiding dental appointments through dental anxiety would be more evident when clinicians provides higher levels of autonomy support; and (ii) the indirect positive association between accepting external influence and avoiding dental appointments through dental anxiety would be more evident when clinicians provides higher levels of controllingness. Participants (N = 208) responded to a survey with validated questionnaires. The model with hypotheses were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in LISREL and Conditional Process Modeling (moderated mediation). The results supported our hypotheses. The SEM model tested was found to fit the data well. Patient’s personality and dental clinic treatment environments predicted 38% of the variance in dental anxiety, which explained 38% of avoidance of treatment.

Are job seekers predisposed to job search strategies?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zia Ul Islam ◽  
Qingxiong (Derek) Weng ◽  
Zulqurnain Ali ◽  
Usman Ghani ◽  
Ataullah Kiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Job Search ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Search Strategies ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Job Seekers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Job Offers

PurposeThis study examines the associations among specific personality traits, job search strategies (JSSs) and job search outcomes.Design/methodology/approachTime-lagged data (three-waves) were collected from 528 Chinese graduating students. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe results revealed a positive association between conscientiousness and both a focused job search strategy (FJSS) and an exploratory job search strategy (EJSS). Neuroticism was positively related to a haphazard job search strategy (HJSS), but negatively associated with both a FJSS and an EJSS. Moreover, FJSS and EJSS were positively related to both the number of job offers (NJOs) and the number of satisfied job offers (NSJOs). However, compared with FJSS, EJSS explained more variance in NJOs but less in NSJOs. Additional analysis showed a significant positive association between conscientiousness and job search intensity (JSI), but no significant relationship between neuroticism and JSI. JSI had significant associations with both NJOs and NSJOs. Further, FJSS and EJSS mediated the association between focal personality traits and both NJOs and NSJOs. Additionally, JSI also mediated the association between conscientiousness and both NJOs and NSJOs.Originality/valuePrevious research has confirmed that JSSs (Stevens and Turban, 2001) are consequential for important job search outcomes. However, whether fresh job seekers are predisposed to the use of JSSs is yet to be explored. This study adds to the job search literature by filling this void.

scholarly journals Effect of Work Environment on Presenteeism among Aging American Workers: The Moderated Mediating Effect of Sense of Control

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianan Yang ◽  
Hubin Shi ◽  
Yuangeng Guo ◽  
Xuan Jin ◽  
Yexin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Status ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
The United States ◽  
Subjective Social Status ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Sense Of Control ◽  
Personal Mastery ◽  
Perceived Constraints

With the rapid increase of aging workforces, companies worldwide are concerned with improving the health and working status of older workers. Sense of control is an important psychological variable in sociology but has attracted less attention in studies of occupational health and management. This study examined the association of sense of control with presenteeism among aging workers in the United States. Data from the Health and Retirement Survey were analyzed, specifically, 2308 observations in 2012. Structural equation modeling was used to assess work environment, sense of control (measured in relation to personal mastery and perceived constraints), and associations with presenteeism. The moderating effect of subjective social status on the association between sense of control and presenteeism was examined with a moderated mediation model. In the final structural equation modeling model, work environment was directly inversely associated with presenteeism, and work environment was significantly inversely associated with perceived constraints. There was a direct positive association between work environment and personal mastery, a direct positive association between perceived constraints and presenteeism, and a significant inverse association between personal mastery and presenteeism. The significant indirect effects between work environment and presenteeism were significantly mediated by sense of control. Subjective social status inversely moderated the relation between presenteeism and perceived mastery, a dimension of sense of control. To increase the performance of aging workers in the United States, managers should create a work environment that facilitates access to job resources, as this might improve personal sense of control, particularly among those with high subjective social status.

Understanding Critical Distance Learning Issues

2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 61-76
Author(s):  
Stephen K. Callaway ◽  
Saad M. Alflayyeh
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Critical Distance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Course Format ◽  
Course Features ◽  
Distance Courses ◽  
Learning Issues

Distance education has been the topic of a substantial amount of research. However, prior studies have shown mixed results when trying to determine if a difference exists in student satisfaction between students in distance courses versus traditional courses. Prior empirical studies have been too narrow in scope, and a more comprehensive model is needed to better explain the factors influencing student satisfaction. Therefore, the current study includes student demographic factors, comprehensive measures of student motivation, and course format, as well as specific course features included, to fully explain student satisfaction. Structural equation modeling is used to test the model. Results indicate a positive association between demographics and motivation, between motivation and course format, between one demographic factor and course format, between course format and preferred features, between course format and satisfaction, and between course features and satisfaction.

Pathways to job engagement: evidences from the software industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumbul Zaman ◽  
Amirul Hasan Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Social Exchange ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Job Engagement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to broaden the link between workplace flexibility (WF) and job engagement (JE) while considering quality of work life (QWL) as mediator and the use of knowledge sharing (KS) as moderator. While numerous studies have focused solely on the importance of WF, QWL, KS and JE only exclusively, this study integrates them to delineate their association and to empirically assess the relationships. To advance an in-depth knowledge of these aspects, the study goes beyond the conventional findings. Design/methodology/approach In total, 378 employees from software firms in India participated in the questionnaire-based survey. It is a cross-sectional study. The proposed conceptual model and hypothesis were analyzed and tested by structural equation modeling and process macro. Drawing on the person environment (P-E) fit theory and social exchange theory, the authors discuss how QWL mediates and KS moderates the association between WF and JE. Findings Results indicate a positive association between WF and JE. Furthermore, it was found that QWL mediated and KS moderated this association. Practical implications Findings of the study will help the management to comprehend the significance QWL interventions in increasing their JE. This paper may encourage HR managers in the Information Technology (IT) industry to perceive the importance of KS. Moreover, the study accentuates flexible work options as essential phenomenon to positively impinge on the JE of employees in the IT sector. Originality/value The present study tries to enrich the extant research on WF and JE while it demonstrates the use of QWL interventions and KS as vital constructs that may significantly and positively influence JE.

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