Foundations of subjective well-being in turbulent times

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antti Kouvo ◽  
Pekka Räsänen
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Cultural Factors ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
Welfare States ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Differences

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the individual and aggregate level foundations of subjective well-being (SWB). In particular, the authors focus on the institutional differences between the welfare states as possible explanatory sources of SWB. Design/methodology/approach – The data come from the Finnish, British, German and Greek sections of the European Social Survey Round 5, 2010 (n=10,046). The methods consist of multilevel and linear regression models. Findings – The results indicate that the effects of many background variables are somewhat constant in the selected countries, even though the countries are different from each other in terms of their institutional characteristics. SWB can be explained relatively well by individuals’ social networks, health and socio-demographic factors. However, the detected cross-country differences also point to the fact that the institutional differences among the countries have significance in this instance. Research limitations/implications – The research approach was built on cross-sectional data on Finland, Germany, the UK, and Greece only. While these countries represent different types of European societies it is not possible to make broader conclusions on the variation caused by societal or cultural factors in the global sense. Social implications – The findings are significant regarding the current economic situation in many European countries. Originality/value – Previous studies have addressed the direct effects of the background factors in contemporary Europe. Beyond these determinants also lies the possible impact of institutional and cultural factors.

scholarly journals Patterns of Trust and Subjective Well-Being Across Europe: New Insights from Repeated Cross-Sectional Analyses Based on the European Social Survey 2002–2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 148 (2) ◽  
pp. 417-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Glatz ◽  
Anja Eder
Keyword(s):  
Social Trust ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
Institutional Trust ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Aggregate Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Survey ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Positive Effect

Abstract This paper offers elaborate analyses regarding the effects of social- as well as institutional trust as parts of social capital on subjective well-being (SWB) by using data from the European Social Survey, including 36 countries and eight time-points between 2002 and 2016. We analyze (1) The development of trust and SWB on the aggregate level; (2) The effect of trust on SWB on the individual cross-sectional level; and (3) The longitudinal and cross-sectional effect of trust on SWB on the aggregate level while considering control variables based on previous research. We observe a weak positive trend regarding social trust as well as SWB over time, but no significant change in institutional trust. However, trends are far from homogeneous across countries. In accordance to previous studies, we find a positive effect of social trust on SWB. This effect holds on the individual cross-sectional level for every participating country, but also on the longitudinal level. In view of institutional trust, we see a positive effect on SWB on the individual and aggregate cross-sectional level, but not over time. Thus, this study particularly sheds new light on this relation, indicating that it´s cross-sectional relation is due to confounding variables. Moreover, we observe no relation between economic growth and SWB after controlling for unemployment, but a positive effect of decreasing unemployment and inflation on SWB. Our data suggests that establishing an environment with high social trust across Europe would be rewarded with a happy society.

The relationship between transformational leadership and effort-reward imbalance

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva-Ellen Weiß ◽  
Stefan Süß
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effort Reward Imbalance ◽  
Reward Imbalance ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Individualized Consideration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership and effort-reward imbalance as well as the moderating role of overcommitment and subjective well-being. In particular, the study focuses on the transformational leadership component individualized consideration and its relationship with effort-reward imbalance. Design/methodology/approach – Using linear hierarchical regression analyses, the authors tested four hypotheses on a broad sample of 229 German employees. Findings – The results confirm the expected relationship between transformational leadership and effort-reward imbalance and that the strongest relationship exists with individualized consideration. However, there is no support for the hypothesized moderating effects. Research limitations/implications – First, the recruitment of the sample via fora and periodicals may bias the results. Second, the dependent and the independent variables were assessed with the same method, thus facilitating a common method bias. Third, the study underlies a cross-sectional design which does not allow drawing conclusions on causality. Practical implications – The findings provide implications for leaders by showing that the most effective leadership behaviours are those encompassed by the transformational leadership component individualized consideration when it comes to reducing negative health effects of adverse working conditions. Furthermore, the results suggest that overcommitment plays a major role for employees’ effort-reward imbalance and should thus be addressed by specific training measures. Originality/value – Researchers have devoted little attention to revealing how effort-reward imbalance can be avoided or reduced by leaders. The study attempts to fill this gap by exploring the relationship between effort-reward imbalance and transformational leadership.

Psycho-economic aspiration and subjective well-being

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 698-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Necati Aydin
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Muslim Country ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hybrid Culture ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Previous research using the Aspiration Index (AI) suggests that intrinsic goals are positively, but extrinsic/materialistic goals are negatively associated with subjective well-being (SWB). The purpose of this paper is to extend the scope of previous research by exploring the pursuit of different goals in conjunction with SWB in a country with a culture mixing western and traditional values. Several hypotheses regarding the effects of extrinsic, intrinsic, hedonic, and self-transcendent values on SWB were tested. Design/methodology/approach An extended AI survey was conducted among randomly selected cross-sectional sample of 878 Turkish adults in Istanbul. The survey data were analyzed to explore the relationship between 14 aspiration domains and SWB using both correlation coefficients and several different regression models. Findings The study confirms the basic assumptions of the AI research in a Muslim society with a hybrid culture of materialistic and spiritual aspirations. The study found weak supporting evidence for the contribution of two newly added domains (i.e. aesthetic appreciation as well as honesty and fairness) to SWB, whereas the evidence for the positive contribution of intellectual life was overwhelming. Paradoxically, although the evidence from both correlation and regression coefficients supported a positive relationship between household income and SWB, after dividing the sample into two groups based on their income level, the low-income earners turned out to have relatively higher life satisfaction, holding everything else constant. More importantly, the study reveals that the impact of materialistic aspirations on SWB is still negative even if they are pursued in a hybrid culture. Research limitations/implications The study included three new domains in the conventional AI model. Although the findings confirmed the importance of two domains, it is important that they be replicated in other studies, particularly in different cultural settings. Originality/value This study makes a significant contribution in terms of testing the effect of materialist and spiritual values on SWB in a Muslim country.

Educational mismatch and job aspirations

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria del Mar Salinas-Jiménez ◽  
Joaquín Artés ◽  
Javier Salinas-Jiménez
Keyword(s):  
Conditional Distribution ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Educational Mismatch ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantile Regression Model ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Education Effects ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between education, job aspirations and subjective well-being. This analysis is done across the entire well-being distribution and taking account of educational mismatches that could condition individuals’ satisfaction if education generates certain aspirations which are not met by the individuals. Design/methodology/approach – Using data from the European Social Survey, a quantile regression model is estimated. This approach allows one to assess the impact of the education variables at different points of the happiness conditional distribution. Findings – The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the impact of education on subjective well-being varies across the distribution, with education effects lower at the top of the happiness distribution. It is also found that education generates certain aspirations among individuals in regard to the job they expect to hold and that people suffer a psychological cost when those aspirations are not met. This “aspiration mechanism” seems however to weaken as one moves along the distribution. Originality/value – The central contribution of this paper lies in the treatment of job aspirations through different variables of educational mismatch. Although rising aspirations have often been highlighted as the main mechanism that could explain the weak relationship between education and subjective well-being, this mechanism has barely been analyzed empirically. Moreover, the effects of educational mismatch on individual satisfaction have only been analyzed at the mean of the conditional distribution. The value of this study is therefore twofold, focussing on the analysis across the entire well-being distribution of the aspiration mechanism generated by education in regard to the job an individual expects to hold.

Is procrastination a “friend or foe”? Building the relationship between fear of the failure and entrepreneurs’ well-being

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahadur Ali Soomro ◽  
Naimatullah Shah
Keyword(s):  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Fear Of Failure ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose In the present era, entrepreneurs’ well-being is considered a significant factor owing to its strong relationship with entrepreneurship. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between fear of failure and entrepreneurs’ well-being through the mediating effect of procrastination. Design/methodology/approach This study is descriptive, with cross-sectional data obtained through a survey questionnaire distributed randomly in Pakistan. Overall, data from 346 valid cases were used to achieve suitable study outcomes. Findings This study’s empirical findings highlight the negative effect of fear of failure on subjective well-being. Fear of failure is found to have a significant positive effect on procrastination. Furthermore, procrastination has a negative effect on subjective well-being. Finally, procrastination has a negative role in mediating the relationship between fear of failure and subjective well-being. Practical implications The conceptualization of the fear of failure and procrastination (direct and indirect) in relation to subjective well-being may offer a novel contribution in terms of a framework, policymaking and practice. Policymakers, top management and the government may consider the hindering effects of procrastination and fear of failure on entrepreneurs’ well-being and ventures’ success. The study findings may also enrich views in the literature on entrepreneurship and management, particularly in the developing country context. Originality/value This study could be helpful in eradicating the traps of procrastination and fear of failure, raising entrepreneurs’ confidence and levels of activity.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurs’ personal values and CSR orientations: evidence from SMEs in Zambia

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 545-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Progress Choongo ◽  
Leo Jasper Paas ◽  
Enno Masurel ◽  
Elco van Burg ◽  
John Lungu
Keyword(s):  
Personal Values ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Self Transcendence ◽  
Significant Positive Influence

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurs’ personal values and corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientations among small- and medium-sized enterprises in a developing country, Zambia. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through questionnaires. Two linear regression models were used to test the hypotheses. Findings Self-transcendence values have a significant positive influence on socially oriented CSR but do not influence environmentally oriented CSR. Self-enhancement values do not affect social and environmental CSR orientations. Conservation values have a marginally positive influence on environmentally oriented CSR but no influence on socially oriented CSR. Finally, openness to change has a significant positive influence on environmentally orientated CSR but no influence on socially oriented CSR. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study relates to the sector from which the sample was drawn, other predictors of CSR orientations, use of cross-sectional data, and the replication of this study to validate its findings. Practical implications The findings inform policy-makers, scholars, educators, and regulators on the importance of aligning personal values with environmental and social concerns, thereby influencing entrepreneurs’ CSR orientations for the well-being of society and the natural environment. Originality/value This paper shows the influence of personal values on CSR orientations among entrepreneurs in a hardly researched Sub-Saharan Africa country.

International mobility and well-being of public sector expatriates

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stine Waibel ◽  
Tim Aevermann ◽  
Heiko Rueger
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Family Formation ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Family Needs ◽  
International Mobility ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the health-related well-being of public sector expatriates paying particular attention to the family situation. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the entire staff of the German Foreign Service (GFS), resulting in a response rate of 35.5 percent (analytical sample n=1,390). Partnership status, childlessness, and experiences of partnership break-ups were analyzed by gender and by age. Using OLS regression, the authors examine how gender and individual perceptions of conflict between international relocation and family stability and formation contribute to subjective well-being. Findings The results show that females are significantly over-represented among GFS employees who experience partnership instability as well as among single and childless employees. Yet barriers to partnership and family formation appear to be increasing for younger cohorts of male employees. Practical implications Unstable families can jeopardize the well-being of employees highlighting that expatriates’ relationship and family needs are insufficiently met in high mobility contexts. Originality/value The focus on family formation challenges in non-corporate expatriation makes a novel contribution to the literature and practice of expatriate management, as the system-wide rotational staff mobility of public service institutions has received minor attention.

scholarly journals Leader-member exchange and subjective well-being: the moderating role of metacognitive cultural intelligence

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huong Le ◽  
Zhou Jiang ◽  
Katrina Radford
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Cultural Intelligence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Leader Member Exchange ◽  
Conservation Of Resources ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Member Exchange ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study examines employees' metacognitive cultural intelligence as a moderator in the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and employees' subjective well-being.Design/methodology/approachWe tested the conceptual model using regression analysis from a sample of 462 migrant workers in Australia.FindingsThe results demonstrated that employees' metacognitive cultural intelligence moderated the relationship between LMX and employees' subjective well-being in such a way that the effect was stronger among those employees with lower levels of metacognitive cultural intelligence.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional design, with self-reporting at one point in time, could affect a causal relationship among variables, although each relationship was built on strong theoretical perspectives. However, prior research emphasizes that a single source is not considered to be an issue when interactions are examined.Practical implicationsOne way to improve metacognitive cultural intelligence for global leadership effectiveness could be through the introduction of diversity and cross-cultural training, such as didactic programs provided either in-house or by external institutions.Originality/valueDrawing on Conservation of Resources theory, this paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating that employees' metacognitive cultural intelligence is a boundary condition that alters the strengths of the LMX–subjective well-being relationship.

scholarly journals The Day of the Week Effect on Subjective Well-Being in the European Social Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 229 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Gnambs
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
European Social Survey ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Survey ◽  
Interviewer Effects ◽  
Individual Participant ◽  
Day Of The Week

Abstract. In large-scale social surveys, respondents are typically interviewed on different days of the week. Because previous research established systematic daily fluctuations of people’s mood, it was hypothesized that subjective well-being ratings might be similarly affected by the day the interview takes place. Therefore, an individual-participant meta-analysis of 221 representative samples from the European Social Survey including 408,637 participants is presented. The random-effects meta-analysis found a negligible day of the week effect on life satisfaction and happiness ratings, even after accounting for selection and interviewer effects. Although significantly different ratings were observed on Sundays, the size of the obtained effects was trivial. These findings provide little evidence that the interview day has a meaningful impact on subjective well-being research in cross-sectional, large-scale studies.

Economic drivers of dwelling satisfaction

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Frank ◽  
Takao Enkawa
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Social Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediated Effects ◽  
Aggregate Income

PurposeSociologists are discussing whether or not economic growth enhances subjective well‐being. To complement their research from a housing perspective, the purpose of this paper is to investigate whether aggregate income enhances dwelling satisfaction over time. While cross‐sectional studies have only examined the direct influence of income on dwelling satisfaction, this paper suggests that there are additional influences mediated by other social indicators.Design/methodology/approachBased on data from Germany, correlation and regression analyses examine the impacts of aggregate income and other social indicators on dwelling satisfaction. Path analysis is used to test for the existence of mediated relationships.FindingsThe paper finds that aggregate income positively influences dwelling satisfaction. Environmental satisfaction, customer satisfaction and satisfaction with family relations also positively impact dwelling satisfaction and mediate influences of aggregate income. The mediated effects are stronger than the direct effect of aggregate income on dwelling satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe longitudinal availability of aggregate customer satisfaction data is still limited. Future research on dwelling satisfaction is encouraged to account for customer satisfaction and to reexamine the analyses of this study with future data.Practical implicationsStimulating economic growth is a good strategy to improve dwelling satisfaction. Policies improving the environment, family support and shopping opportunities are also effective.Originality/valueThis paper is original in that it examines the impacts of economic growth and customer satisfaction on dwelling satisfaction. While the extant literature has only analysed direct effects of income on dwelling satisfaction, this study also accounts for mediated effects.

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