Leadership for learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Paletta ◽  
Fabio Alivernini ◽  
Sara Manganelli
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
School Context ◽  
School Principal ◽  
Process Variables ◽  
Additional Element ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Educational Climate ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Autonomous Province

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between the school context, the leadership of the school principal, and a set of process variables related to teachers and the educational climate, which have been shown to mediate the effects of the principal’s leadership on schools and students. The authors examined the following research questions: does the school context influence the principal’s leadership? When the influences of the school context are controlled for, does the principal’s leadership influence the process variables related to teachers and educational climate? Design/methodology/approach The research questions are analysed in a multilevel context by developing two models regarding the hypothesized relationships between the study variables. With the use of multilevel structural equation modelling techniques the models were empirically tested on data from Italian teachers and students from a sample of schools in Italy. The database include 1,566 teachers from 47 schools of different types and levels from the Autonomous Province of Trento. Findings In those schools which have the highest leadership scores, the authors also find a greater degree of job satisfaction among the teachers, higher levels of self-efficacy of teachers, and a better educational climate, which is more respectful of the basic rules of coexistence existing within the school. An interesting additional element is that the positive relationship between the exercise of leadership and the process variables related to academic success is still present, even if the effects of the school context are controlled for. Research limitations/implications It should be observed that the results of this study, particularly due to the non-representative nature of the sample considered, should be considered as preliminary evidence that will require further confirmation, and which cannot be immediately generalized. The results obtained can be influenced by the specific territorial area in which this search has been conducted. The Autonomous Province of Trento, from the rest of Italy, is characterized by a highly centralized education system, with a relative homogeneity of the conditions of the context in which schools have achieved so widespread high levels of student learning. Originality/value When studying leadership it is important to consider the school context, particularly the role of the initial level of learning of the students, as this study shows that in schools where the prior knowledge of students is greater, teachers are generally more satisfied with their job and they report a better educational environment. If the influence of the context were not taken into account, this could easily be mistaken for that of the actions of the principal.

The scale of school organizational culture in Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1582-1595
Author(s):  
Burhanuddin Burhanuddin
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
School Context ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Cultural Construct ◽  
Complex Project

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a measurement model in order to investigate sorts of organizational cultures (OCs) existing in school organizations. Design/methodology/approach This study involved 300 teachers of Primary Schools in the Malang City, East Java Indonesia. It used a quantitative approach with structural equation modelling to develop a measurement model of school OC. To enable the measure of this variable to work, OC scale was constructed and validated employing a confirmatory factor analysis. Findings Results suggest items of the scale are conceptualized as unidimensional measure. The scale, thus, could be used to examine and properly identified types of OCs within a school setting. Research limitations/implications This study developed e-scale to measure OC within a school context. The measure was tested in referring to the data derived from a limited sample of primary school teachers in Malang City, Indonesia. Practical implications This study recommends that school principals are expected to create an OC to ensure the improvement of individual capacities is carried out effectively. Originality/value The investigation focused on a school OC as a complex project. Since not many research studies developed the scales to measure this specific cultural construct, the findings add to the theory in this area.

How do avatar attractiveness and customization impact online gamers’ flow and loyalty?

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gen-Yih Liao ◽  
T.C.E. Cheng ◽  
Ching-I Teng
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Important Process ◽  
Process Variables ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flow Theories

Purpose Avatars are known to be influential in gaming communication. However, little is known about how avatar attractiveness and customization impact online gamers’ flow, i.e., the experience of total concentration with intrinsic enjoyment and loyalty. Grounded in social identity and flow theories, the purpose of this paper is to construct a model to explain how avatar attractiveness and customization can impact online gamers’ flow and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach The responses of 1,944 online gamers are collected. Structural equation modeling is used for analyses. Findings The analytical results indicate that avatar attractiveness and customization are positively related to avatar identification, which is positively related to flow, and then to online gamer loyalty. In addition, avatar identification and flow are important process variables in the above relations. Originality/value This study is novel in being the first attempt to apply social identity and flow theories to explain how avatar attractiveness and customization contribute to online gamers’ flow and loyalty.

Developing a reverse logistics competency

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler R. Morgan ◽  
Robert Glenn Richey Jr ◽  
Chad W. Autry
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Reverse Logistics ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Relationships ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of collaboration and information technology (IT) on the reverse logistics competency of firms. Through collaboration firms can improve their ability to handle returns, but this research introduces IT as providing a moderating influence over the impact of collaboration in the advancement of a reverse logistics competency. Design/methodology/approach – A survey was administered to employees involved with supply chain relationships. Empirical evidence from 267 respondents is analyzed with structural equation modeling. Findings – Support is found for the positive moderating influence of an IT competency on the relationship between collaboration and a reverse logistics competency. Additional benefits for logistics performance are also realized. Research limitations/implications – This research provides theoretical implications for the development of a reverse logistics competency through an application of resource-based theory/resource-based view of the firm. The study is limited to the selected research questions and sample of predominantly US firms. Practical implications – This research assists managers as they attempt to develop a reverse logistics competency to address the growing problem of returns through collaboration with supply chain members and the development of an IT competency. Originality/value – The framework developed in this research provides insights regarding the handling of product returns. Specifically, the moderating influence of an IT competency is addressed as it enhances the impact of collaboration on the development of a reverse logistics competency.

Examination of social workers' attitudes towards sustainable development and environment in the focus of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Filiz Yildirim ◽  
Hatice Öztürk ◽  
Bilge Abukan
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the views of social workers concerning theoretical and practical courses covering their professional responsibilities, focussing on sustainable development and the natural environment. It also investigates the impact on their attitudes towards sustainable development referencing their adoption of ecocentric or anthropocentric attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This study used a structural equation model to answer six research questions, while the descriptive statistics answered one of the research questions through an online survey conducted with 315 social workers. Findings This study demonstrated the need to consider attitudes to sustainable development focussing on the ecocentric and anthropocentric attitudes, as well as the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Originality/value This study is the first initiative to examine attitudes towards sustainable development and the natural environment from a social work perspective focussed on the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, it is the first to emphasise the responsibilities of social workers in relation to micro, meso and macro level interventions during and after the global pandemic.

Creating a school context of success

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 626-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxanne M. Mitchell ◽  
Brenda J. Mendiola ◽  
Randall Schumacker ◽  
Xaviera Lowery
Keyword(s):  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
School Achievement ◽  
School Context ◽  
School Level ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Individual Student ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Achievement Data ◽  
The Usa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to use SEM to explore the effects of enabling school structure (ESS) and academic optimism (AO) on school achievement (SA). Design/methodology/approach A sample of 58 urban schools, including 42 elementary schools and 16 middle schools in a southeastern district in the USA were included in this study. Structural equation modeling was used to test the effects of three exogenous predictor variables (ESS, elementary status, and socio-economic status (SES)) on a latent mediating variable (AO) and a latent dependent variable (academic achievement). Findings Findings confirm that three factors; collective efficacy, faculty trust in clients, and academic emphasis come together to create the general latent construct referred to as AO by Hoy et al. (2006). Findings also support the importance of ESS in establishing a culture of AO. Together ESS, AO, elementary school level, and SES explained 77 percent of the variance in SA, with AO having the most significant effect above and beyond the effects of SES. Research limitations/implications This study was based on a sample of schools in the Southern portion of the USA. Findings may not be generalizable to other areas. The lack of availability of individual student achievement data prevented the use of hierarchical linear modeling. Practical implications Findings from this study point to the importance of administrators establishing flexible rules and regulations and engaging in a leadership style that is collaborative. It appears that ESS not only promotes the establishment of AO but contributes to increased SA and is likely to be critical for upper levels of schooling. Social implications Reform efforts need to involve parents and community members. AO may provide an appropriate lens to further explore parent and community perceptions of reform efforts and relationships with administrators and teachers. ESS may assist in creating the structures necessary for increased parent and community involvement as well as increased perceptions of AO. Originality/value This study is one of only three studies known to explore the effects of ESS on AO and is one of the first known studies to explore these effects in a middle school setting.

Teachers’ individual citizenship behavior (ICB): the role of optimism and trust

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitza Schwabsky
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Sem Analysis ◽  
Citizenship Behavior ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Projective Measures

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of teachers’ optimism and trust in their individual citizenship behavior (ICB), and the extent to which teachers’ optimism is related to teachers’ ICB, and mediated by teachers’ trust. ICB is a concept coined by Hoy et al. (2008). The concept refers to teachers’ voluntary and discretionary behavior directed toward colleagues, students, and the students’ parents, that exceeds the formal job expectations. The primary aim of ICB is to enhance students’ academic success. Design/methodology/approach – In all, 370 teachers from public elementary schools in northern Israel completed questionnaires, assessing teachers’ optimism, trust, and ICB; the category was examined both by direct and projective measures. Factor and reliability analyses; a bi-variate correlation Pearson test; a hierarchical regression analysis; and a structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis were conducted to analyze the data. Findings – The research hypotheses were partially supported: teachers’ optimism, trust, and ICB were positively correlated; teachers’ optimism and trust predicted ICB; trust in students and their parents mediated the association between optimism and ICB, whereas trust in teachers mediated the association between optimism and the projective measure of ICB. Originality/value – The study results confirm that optimism and trust in students and their parents, and in other teachers have a significant presence in teachers’ ICB; emphasize the importance of a positive school environment; emphasize the importance of teachers’ ICB toward students’ and their parents; indicate the potential benefit of using direct and projective measures; and show support for the mediating model.

Developing strategies for communities of practice

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 751-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric C.K. Cheng ◽  
John C.K. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
School Context ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Content Strategy ◽  
Joint Enterprise ◽  
Process Strategy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore strategies to develop communities of practice (CoP) to improve teaching in a school context. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional questionnaire is developed to collect data from participants in a project that aims to cultivate a CoP to improve their small class teaching skills. A total of 125 teachers from 35 primary schools participated in the survey. A structural equation model is used to explore the predictive power of the strategies on all three of the CoP elements. Findings – Content strategy is confirmed as the predictor of all the CoP elements, while process strategy is a predictor only for joint enterprise and shared repertoire. Practical implications – The application of these strategies to develop a CoP in schools involves designing a reflective and collaborative learning content, as well as monitoring, regulating and streamlining the learning process. Originality/value – The study contributes an empirical framework to the research of CoP and practical guides for school leaders to facilitate knowledge sharing in CoPs.

Registration patterns, student characteristics and dual enrollment success in Georgia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reanna Berry ◽  
Mark Allen Partridge ◽  
Tracey King Schaller ◽  
P. Wesley Routon
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Dual Enrollment ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
School Students ◽  
Content Type

PurposeDuring 2016–2020, the number of high school students enrolled at Georgia postsecondary institutions increased by over 110% and public spending on dual enrollment more than doubled (Georgia Student Finance Commission, 2020). Benefits to dual enrollment students include improved college performance and shorter time to graduation (An and Taylor, 2015; Blankenberger et al., 2017), which translates into significant tuition cost savings and higher potential wages (Partridge et al., 2020). In light of these economic benefits, this paper examines the subject-taking patterns of dual enrollment students and factors associated with successful outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyzed longitudinal records of 1,931 dual enrollees at a public, four-year institution in metro-Atlanta during and between the 2015–16 and 2018–19 academic years. They performed a descriptive analysis, partial least squares structural equation modeling and regression analysis to examine the relationships between subject enrollment patterns, academic success and student demographics.FindingsFemale students fair better academically as dual enrollees than male students. Black students enroll in fewer and less varied courses. The same is true for students from more affluent neighborhoods, who may feel less need to take advantage of dual enrollment as a pathway to collegiate success. Neighborhood affluency does not appear related to dual enrollment success. Younger dual enrollment students, unsurprisingly complete more courses but do no better or worse academically in the average course. Some academic subjects are much more strongly related to the longevity of a student's dual enrollment than others.Originality/valueThere is limited published research on specific subject-taking patterns and success for dual enrollment students.

Linking procedural memory with organizational learning through knowledge corridors

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1503-1522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro ◽  
Anthony Wensley ◽  
Daniel Jimenez-Jimenez ◽  
Antonio Sotos-Villarejo
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Peripheral Vision ◽  
Procedural Memory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Needs ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Potential Shifts

Purpose This paper argues that the combination of factors that facilitate focal and peripheral vision represent two distinct types of knowledge corridors. While focal vision may help detect signals that relate to the current objectives of the firm, peripheral vision is directed to non-central issues that may provide signals that relate to emerging trends in the external environment. Ambidexterity vision refers to the tension between these two different business visions within the same organization. This paper aims to examine the significance of procedural memory to an organization’s ambidexterity vision, along with investigating the impact procedural memory has on organizational learning. Design/methodology/approach The research conducted in this study addresses the following two questions: Does the enhancement of procedural memory result in the development of superior ambidexterity vision? Does the simultaneous development of both focal and peripheral vision enhance organizational learning? These research questions are studied by conducting an empirical investigation involving data provided by 203 banking employees. These data are analysed using a structural equation modelling approach. Findings Analysis of the data provides support for the existence of a relationship between ambidexterity vision and organizational learning. Practical implications The findings suggest that the re-direction of managers’ perceptions to supporting and enhancing an ambidexterity vision is likely to result in an improvement in their ability to identify emerging trends, new and emerging customers and potential shifts in customer needs and tastes. Originality/value This work suggests that the re-direction of managers’ perceptions to supporting and enhancing an ambidexterity vision is likely to result in an improvement in their ability to identify emerging trends, new and emerging customers and potential shifts in customer needs and tastes.

Diffusing fashion information by social media fashion influencers: understanding antecedents and consequences

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-152
Author(s):  
Pedro Quelhas-Brito ◽  
Amélia Brandão ◽  
Mahesh Gadekar ◽  
Sofia Castelo‐Branco
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Purchasing Decisions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fashion Leadership ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Antecedents And Consequences ◽  
Perceived Usability

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedents and consequences of social media fashion influencer's (SMFI) diffusion of fashion information. This study proposes and examines following research questions: What motivates SMFI to share fashion information? In what way shared fashion information impact SMFI?Design/methodology/approachThis study uses semi-structured interviews with SMFI to learn about their relationships with followers. It then conducts a survey of 510 SMFI in Portugal. The data are analyzed by structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate that intrinsic motivation can develop a SMFIs' fashion leadership, while the SMFIs' perceived usability of fashion blogs does not. The authors also find a self-serving bias among SMFI.Research limitations/implicationsSMFIs' fashion leadership is associated with the intrinsic motivations of sharing and helping other consumers make fashion decisions, which indicates that marketers can improve their results through using opinion SMFI to assist fashion consumers in purchasing decisions. Further studies should explore the processes adopted by fashion consumers to evaluate SMFI.Originality/valueThis study helps to understand the antecedents and consequences of fashion diffusion by SMFIs. In particular, the research helps the marketers to understand how the bonds between SMFIs and followers are nurtured.

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