An integrative approach to identifying factors related to long-term career commitments

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark H. Jordan ◽  
T.J. Gabriel ◽  
Russell Teasley ◽  
Wendy J. Walker ◽  
Mike Schraeder

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine an initial set of characteristics and traits that may reduce officer recruitment turnover by increasing a cadet’s decision to contract vs those that do not contract (contracting represents a written commitment to commission into an US Armed Services Organization after graduation). This paper is the first of a larger, long-term project. The factors of particular interest in this initial study are generalized self-efficacy, grit, and perceived organizational support (POS). Design/methodology/approach – Computer-based surveys containing variables of interest were administered to a random sample of freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior cadets over a period of three years. Data for 517 cadets responding to the survey were analyzed using logistical regression to test hypotheses examining whether or not self-efficacy, grit, and POS were positively related to cadets’ decisions to contract. Findings – Logistical regression results indicated that self-efficacy and grit were not significantly related to contracting decisions. However, cadets’ decisions to contract were significantly related to POS. Research limitations/implications – A significant limitation of this study is the fact that data were collected using a self-report, single survey methodology. However, there were no patterns of significant correlations between self-report variables that seemed to indicate that this was a major issue in the current study. The primary implication of this study is that cadets’ perceptions of support (i.e. POS) provided by the organization do seem to influence their decisions to contract, with this influence being particularly notable in their freshmen year. Originality/value – The current study represents a unique context where individuals are making decisions to commit to an organization for a minimum of four years after graduation. Further, the commitment is being made to a military organization. The initial findings of this analysis provided the organization in this study with keen insight regarding possible factors to address or be aware of in relation to cadets’ decisions to contract. This approach and these findings can be extended to other organizations in understanding factors impacting decisions related to long-term commitments of individuals.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Obay A. Al-Maraira ◽  
Sami Z. Shennaq

Purpose This study aims to determine depression, anxiety and stress levels of health-care students during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic according to various socio-demographic variables. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was conducted with 933 students. Data were collected with an information form on COVID- 19 and an electronic self-report questionnaire based on depression, anxiety and stress scale. Findings Findings revealed that 58% of the students experienced moderate-to-extremely severe depression, 39.8% experienced moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety and 38% experienced moderate-to-extremely severe stress. Practical implications Educational administrators can help reduce long-term negative effects on students’ education and mental health by enabling online guidance, psychological counseling and webinars for students. Originality/value This paper is original and adds to existing knowledge that health-care students’ depression, anxiety and stress levels were affected because of many factors that are not yet fully understood. Therefore, psychological counseling is recommended to reduce the long-term negative effects on the mental health of university students.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 2937-2960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Leuchtmann ◽  
Anne Milek ◽  
Katharina Bernecker ◽  
Fridtjof W. Nussbeck ◽  
Sabine Backes ◽  
...  

Negative and positive conflict communication predicts long-term relationship satisfaction. However, some studies show harmful effects and others show beneficial effects of negative conflict communication on long-term relationship satisfaction. One reason for the heterogeneous results might be that most studies focused on aggregated behaviors across a conflict interaction but neglected the temporal dynamics within such an interaction. This study examined whether individual initial levels and temporal trajectories of negative and positive communications predict long-term relationship satisfaction, and whether self-efficacy beliefs about clarity of other’s feelings (CoF) alter initial levels and temporal trajectories of negative and positive communications. Negative and positive communications were measured based on sequentially coded conflict discussions of 365 couples; self-efficacy beliefs about CoF and relationship satisfaction were measured by self-report questionnaires at baseline and at four annual follow-up assessments. Results revealed that women’s initial positive communication predicted higher intercepts of both partners’ relationship satisfaction, and stronger decreases in women’s negative communication predicted a higher intercept of relationship satisfaction in women. Additionally, less steep decreases in women’s trajectories of negative communication predicted greater maintenance in women’s relationship satisfaction over time. Additionally, men’s self-efficacy beliefs about CoF predicted decreases in men’s negative communication, increases in women’s negative communication, and higher initial levels of women’s positive communication. The current study highlights the relevance of dynamic aspects of partners’ communication behaviors.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos A. Sandoval ◽  
Olaf N. Rank

Purpose Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, the main purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of cognitive factors on the intention of a small and medium size enterprise (SME) manager to pursue the expansion of their firm’s export activities. Design/methodology/approach The authors created a research model and collected empirical data among owners and top managers of 127 Costa Rican SMEs. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques to reveal the relative significance and strength of the effects of every hypothesized relationship. Findings The results suggest that the perception of benefits and self-efficacy influence managers’ intentions to expand export activity. Managers’ intention to expand export activity, in turn, is associated with the levels of export commitment exhibited by the SMEs. None of the control variables seem to impact managers’ intentions. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study underline that the export development of a SME is to a large extent only possible if the manager’s perception of control over the export achievements is perceived to be high. SME managers need maximize their perceived level of controllability over firm’s export operations and achievements. This study relied on self-report data. Self-reports are the conventional method for assessing constructs regarding beliefs, and motivations of an individual. Its use in entrepreneurship research is proved to be reliable. However, the authors have to acknowledge that using self-report data carries the risk of common methods bias. Practical implications SMEs managers might benefit from strengthening the sense of self-efficacy regarding international business based on the results of this study. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence suggesting that a manager’s cognitive characteristics play a crucial role in understanding export expansion of a SME. The results encourage future research to incorporate cognitive theoretical frameworks to examine factors determining international entrepreneurial intentions.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Abaasi Musenze ◽  
Thomas Sifuna Mayende ◽  
Abbey Kalenzi ◽  
Rehema Namono

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of the interaction effect of perceived organizational support (POS) and self-efficacy (SE) with work engagement (WE) within the primary education industry.Design/methodology/approachThe paper relies on structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS (V.22) to test and resolve the conditional hypothesis that fusion of POS and SE is necessary for WE.FindingsThe scale of effect of POS on WE depends on SE; hence, the assumption of nonadditivity is achieved. Precisely, the interaction of POS and SE is necessary for WE.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was based on a single research methodological approach, namely quantitative research methodology, which could have been affected the outcome of this investigation. Future studies could investigate WE interaction model through qualitative lens in order to provide a triangulation opportunity. Moreover, the findings from the current study are cross-sectional, and data were collected at a snapshot. Therefore, future research should consider the multiplicative effects studied in this paper across time.Practical implicationsAttempts to heighten WE levels, among government primary school teachers in Uganda, would require that management regularly ventures into finding a more practical and feasible fusion of POS with SE in order to provide significant levels of WE among employees of primary education industry.Originality/valueThis is the first study that tests the interactive effects of POS and SE on WE in Uganda's primary education industry.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 317-330
Author(s):  
Bochra Nourhene Saguem ◽  
Zeineb Bouzaâbia ◽  
Amel Braham ◽  
Selma Ben Nasr

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to assess empathy dimensions in Tunisian psychiatry trainees and to evaluate their relationship with relevant professional and extra-professional factors. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire survey was administered to the psychiatry trainees affiliated in the four faculties of medicine of Tunisia (n = 120). It comprised, in addition to sociodemographic and professional variables, the interpersonal reactivity index, a multidimensional instrument that evaluates perspective taking, empathic concern, personal distress and fantasy. Other self-report measures were used to assess emotion regulation, social support and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Findings The response rate was 71%. Descriptive statistics showed that personal distress’ scores were lower than the other empathy dimensions’ scores. Perspective taking scores were negatively correlated with emotion regulation difficulties. Personal distress scores were positively correlated with emotion regulation difficulties. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that being an only child significantly contributed to perspective taking and having an extra-professional activity significantly contributed to less personal distress. Perceived stress, social support and having a master’s degree were significant predictors for empathic concern. Self-efficacy was a significant predictor of perspective taking, with emotion regulation difficulties mediating this relationship. Practical implications Interventions dedicated to improve psychiatry trainees’ empathy should focus not only on clinical practice and medical education but also on emotional support and recovery activities. Originality/value A unique feature of this study is the investigation of the potential impacts of emotion regulation difficulties and perceived self-efficacy on empathic abilities of psychiatry trainees.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1159-1162
Author(s):  
Candace S. Brown ◽  
Richard Sloane ◽  
Miriam C. Morey

Behavior change theory was used to explore predictors of long-term adherence (≥2 years) to exercise. A retrospective analysis of data from participants ( N = 97) who reached a 6-month follow-up, which served as the baseline, was evaluated for completion of yearly follow-up surveys. Variables examined at baseline, which included age, race, gender, body mass index (BMI), and self-report of comorbidities, symptoms, physical function, and a Barriers Specific Self-Efficacy Scale, were examined with significance set at p < .05. Lower BMI (29.1 ± 5.1 vs. 31.6 ± 6.5, p = .047) and higher self-efficacy to overcome environmental barriers ( p = .016) and social isolation ( p = .05) were associated with long-term adherence. Self-efficacy to overcome environmental and social barriers, such as inclement weather, access to exercise site, and opportunities for group-based exercise, should be addressed to promote long-term adherence to exercise among older adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Abaasi Musenze ◽  
Thomas Sifuna Mayende ◽  
Ahmed Jowalie Wampande ◽  
Joseph Kasango ◽  
Ongario Ronald Emojong

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and work engagement and the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the POS–work engagement relationship.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to a sample of primary school teachers drawn from the education industry.FindingsAnalysis of the data supports a strong positive relationship between the extent of POS and work engagement. This study also found that self-efficacy mediated the relationship between POS and work engagement.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has important implications for managers. First, it motivates managers, by providing justification for provision of support to employees for increased engagement at work. Based on the results of this study, POS is associated with enhanced work engagement levels. Second, evidence from this study illustrates to the organization the importance of developing an environment of support to further enhance work engagement. When employees do not acknowledge and feel supported from their respective organizations, work engagement levels may be sub-optimal. This research is limited, as the data were collected at one point of time, and this has implications for employees and organizations.Originality/valueThere is increasing recognition of the importance of POS in enhanced work engagement levels. Within this context, no previous research has empirically examined the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between POS and work engagement in the setting of primary education sector.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-21
Author(s):  
Manjiri Kunte ◽  
Parisa Rungruang

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesized relationships between job demands, job resources and personal resources toward work engagement, by utilizing a cross section of Thai employees.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a group of employees (n=416) responded to a set of self-report surveys on job demands, job resources, personal resources and work engagement.FindingsThe results of the hierarchical regression analysis supported the relationships between job demands (i.e. workload and role conflict), job resources, personal resources (self-efficacy) and work engagement. In addition, the results supported the role of (positive) self-esteem as moderator in the role ambiguity and work engagement relationship, and the role of self-efficacy in buffering the effect of role conflict and workload on work engagement. The final model explained 43 percent of the variance in the dependent variable.Research limitations/implicationsThis study will help managers in understanding employee expectations and providing appropriate feedback. Devising effective jobs, which lead to perceptions of meaningfulness, safety and availability leading to improved engagement.Originality/valueThis is the first study employing the job demands resources model in a cross-sectional study in Thailand.


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 750-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Brunetto ◽  
Stephen T.T. Teo ◽  
Rodney Farr-Wharton ◽  
Kate Shacklock ◽  
Art Shriberg

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether management supports police officers adequately, or whether police have to rely on their individual attributes, specifically psychological capital (PsyCap), to cope with red tape and stress. Work outcomes/consequences examined were discretionary power, affective commitment and turnover intentions. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional design using a survey-based, self-report strategy was used to collect data from 588 police officers from USA, who are most engaged with the public. The data were analysed using AMOS and a structural model to undertake structural equation modelling. Findings Two significant paths were identified Path 1: management support to red tape to discretionary power to affective commitment and turnover intentions; and Path 2: supervisor relationships to PsyCap to stress to affective commitment and turnover intentions. Further, management support predicted PsyCap, red tape and police stressors. Red tape increased police stressors and turnover intentions. Research limitations/implications The use of self-report surveys is a limitation, causing common methods bias. Using Harmon’s one-factor post hoc test, the authors were able to provide some assurance that common method bias was of no major concern. Originality/value As far as is known, this study is the first to examine, for police officers, how PsyCap impacts upon negative factors (stress and red tape) and enhances positive drivers for employees. Examining the impact of an individual attribute – PsyCap – provides an important piece of the organizational puzzle in explaining the commitment and turnover intentions of police officers. By examining the impact of both organizational and individual factors, there is now more knowledge about the antecedents of police outcomes.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inge van Seggelen - Damen ◽  
Karen van Dam

Purpose – How does self-efficacy affect employee well-being? The purpose of this paper is to increase insight in the underlying process between employee self-efficacy and well-being at work (i.e. emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction) by investigating the mediating role of employees’ engagement in reflection and rumination. Design/methodology/approach – A representative sample of the Dutch working population (n=506) filled out an online questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the measurement model and research model. Findings – As predicted, self-efficacy was significantly related to emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction. Rumination mediated the self-efficacy-exhaustion relationship. Reflection did not serve as a mediator; although reflection was predicted by self-efficacy, it was unrelated to exhaustion and job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – This cross-sectional study was restricted to self-report measures. Longitudinal research is needed to validate the findings and to further investigate the relationship between reflection and rumination. Practical implications – Organizations might try to support their employees’ well-being through interventions that strengthen employees’ self-efficacy, and prevent or decrease rumination. Originality/value – This study increases the understanding of the role of reflection and rumination at work. The findings indicate that self-reflection can have positive as well as negative outcomes.


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