An investigation of undergraduate-level academic performance mediators

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikash Rowtho
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating roles of absenteeism and continuous assessments on the overall academic performance at undergraduate level using structural equation modelling (SEM). Design/methodology/approach Pragmatic worldview with a mixed-method approach was used in this study. Data were collected using a variety of tools. Subsequent analyses used both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Interviews and documentary analyses were used to identify the dimensions of student disengagement while SEM was used to determine mediation among selected variables. Findings The results of this study showed that absence rates mediated the relationship between performance on continuous assessments and grade point average (GPA). Absence rates also mediated the relationship between personal circumstances and GPA and finally, course selection impacted on GPA with performance on continuous assessments as the mediator. H3 were not supported and the implications are discussed. Research limitations/implications The research was conducted in a single institution, was cross-sectional in nature and the variables used were contextualised. However, the tools used in this study can be adapted to identify the risk factors leading to poor student performance in other settings and to address them. Practical implications The outcomes of the current study can be useful to policymakers and practitioners in in addressing student performance-related issues. Social implications On a broader perspective, societal challenges associated with student dropouts resulting from poor academic performance can be minimised. Originality/value This study shows academic performance in a different perspective where mediators reveal the complex nature of the determinants of academic performance.

The effects of using social network sites on academic performance: the case of Qatar

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Al-Yafi ◽  
Mazen El-Masri ◽  
Ray Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Social network sites (SNSs) have been common applications attracting a large number of users in Qatar. Current literature remains inconclusive about the relationship between SNS usage and users’ academic performance. While one stream confirms that SNS usage may lead to addiction and seriously affect individuals’ academic performance, other studies refer to SNS as learning enablers. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, it investigates the SNS usage profiles among the young generation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) represented by Qatar; second, it examines the relationship between the identified SNS usage profiles and their respective users’ academic performance. Design/methodology/approach The study follows a quantitative survey-based method that was adapted from Chen’s internet Addiction Scale to fit the context of social networks. Data were collected from students of two universities in Qatar, one private and another public. Respondents’ grade point average was also collected and compared across the different usage profiles to understand how SNS usage behavior affects academic performance. Findings Results reveal that there is no linear relationship between SNS usage and academic performance. Therefore, this study further investigates SNS usage profiles and identifies three groups: passive (low usage), engaged (normal usage) and addicted (high usage). It was found that engaged users demonstrate significantly higher academic performance than their passive and addicted peers. Moreover, there is no significant difference in the academic performance between passive and addicted users. Research limitations/implications This study is cross-sectional and based on self-reported data collected from university students in Qatar. Further research venues could employ a more general sample covering a longer period, differentiating between messaging tools (e.g. WhatsApp) and other pure SNS (e.g. Twitter), and to cover other aspects than just academic performance. Originality/value This study complements research efforts on the influence of technology on individuals and on the society in the GCC area. It concludes that engaged SNS users achieve better academic performance than the addicted or passive users. Contradicting the strong linear relationship between SNS and performance, as claimed by previous studies, is the main originality of this paper.

Generation “X” and “Y” knowledge sharing behaviour

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Nuraihan Mat Daud ◽  
Hasliza Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Institutions ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between employee motivation and intention for knowledge sharing behaviour. Inter-generational differences (generations X and Y only) were assumed to moderate in the relationship between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour of non-academic staff of higher learning institutions. This research also aims to test the role of behavioural intention as mediation between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This research tested a conceptual framework derived from widely accepted theories. This study was carried out on non-academic staff working at the different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Respondents from private and public higher learning institutions in Peninsular Malaysia were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. This research also applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this inquiry. Findings Results indicate that non-academic staff knowledge sharing behaviour was significantly mediated by intention between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour relationship. More specifically, inter-generational differences (generations X and Y) play a significant moderation role between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour. Research limitations/implications The generalizability of this cross-sectional study can be strengthened by adopting a longitudinal approach in the next phase of the study. Practical implications The results of this research highlighted that the higher learning institutions need to institutionalize knowledge sharing behaviour among their non-academic staff (executive and non-executive) by facilitating knowledge sharing-oriented work environment. Originality/value This paper has attempted to furnish a comprehensive understanding of knowledge sharing behaviour among the non-academic staff of higher learning institutions.

scholarly journals Stereotype threat and older worker’s attitudes: a mediation model

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Oliveira ◽  
Carlos Cabral Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Work Attitudes ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Work ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Taking a social identity approach, the purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which age-based stereotype threat mediates the relationships between older workers’ negative age-based metastereotypes and two negative work attitudes: organizational disidentification and work disengagement. Design/methodology/approach A two-wave cross-sectional design was adopted to collect data from 423 blue-collar older workers of the Portuguese manufacturing sector. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediation model. Findings The analyses show that age-based stereotype threat partially mediates the relationship between negative age-based metastereotypes and negative work attitudes. Moreover, findings suggest that older workers respond to negative age-based metastereotypes through threat reactions, and undesirable work attitudes. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by showing the importance of negative age-based metastereotypes and age-based stereotype threat in workplace dynamics. It also provides evidence that age threats impair the relationship older workers keep with their organization and their work.

The individual side of ambidexterity

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 592-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Salas Vallina ◽  
Maria D. Moreno-Luzon ◽  
Anna Ferrer-Franco
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Exploration And Exploitation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Learning Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine whether inspirational leadership of heads of specialized medical units is related to individual ambidexterity of their dependent physicians; and second, to study the possible mediating role of organizational learning capability (OLC) in the relationship between inspirational leadership and individual ambidexterity.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling was used on a sample of 194 medical specialists from Spanish public hospitals.FindingsResults show that inspirational leadership is positively related to individual ambidexterity among healthcare physicians. In addition, the results of the study revealed that the relationship between inspirational leadership and individual ambidexterity is mediated by conditions that facilitate learning, namely, OLC.Research limitations/implicationsThis study uses cross-sectional data, which do not guarantee causality relationships among the examined variables.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper suggest first that heads of healthcare units should inspire followers to achieve both exploration and exploitation. Second, it is also necessary to consider that inspirational leaders promote those conditions that facilitate learning, which should be particularly taken into account to enhance both physician’s exploration and exploitation.Originality/valueIn stressing an evident gap in the relationship between leadership and ambidexterity at the individual level, this paper attempts to advance in the leadership literature by revealing how the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions, and enhancing enthusiasm and confidence, empowers physicians to both explore and exploit knowledge. The results also indicate that the inspiration transmitted by the heads of medical services, facilitate physician’s perceived learning conditions which, in turn, fosters their individual ambidexterity.

Social media and student performance: the moderating role of ICT knowledge

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-219
Author(s):  
Robert Kwame Dzogbenuku ◽  
George Kofi Amoako ◽  
Desmond K. Kumi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Computer Technology ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Technology Knowledge ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to determine the impact of social media usage on university student’s academic performance in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method was used for the study. With the aid of a simple random sampling technique, quantitative data were obtained from 373 out of 400 respondents representing 93 per cent of volunteered participants. Data collected was analysed using structural equation modelling to establish the relationship among social media information, social media entertainment, social media innovation, social media knowledge generation and student performance. Findings The findings of this study indicate that social media information, social media innovation and social media entertainment all had a significant positive influence on social media knowledge generation, which has wide learning and knowledge management implications. Also, the study indicated that information computer technology knowledge moderates the relationship between social media and student performance. Research limitations/implications The sample taken was mainly cross-sectional in nature rendering the inference of causal relationships between the variables impossible. Future researchers should adopt a longitudinal research design to examine causality. Finally, the study was limited to only university students in Accra, Ghana. Future research can extend to a bigger student population and to other West African and African countries. Practical implications This paper will serve as a profitable source of information for managers and researchers who may embark on future research on social media and academic performance. The findings that social media information, innovation and entertainment can likewise enhance social media knowledge generation can help managers and university teachers to use the vehicle of innovation and entertainment to communicate knowledge. Social implications The findings of this study will help policymakers in education and other industries that engage the youth to realise the important factors that can make them get the best in the social media space. Originality/value Social media usage in academic performance is increasingly prevalent. However, little is known about how social media knowledge generation mediates between social media usage and academic performance and, furthermore, whether the information computer technology knowledge level of students moderates the relationship between social media knowledge generation and academic performance of university students in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ghana. Theoretically, the findings of this study provide clear research evidence to guide various investigations that can be done on the relationships of the variables under social media usage, knowledge generation and university student performance, which advances the diffusion of new knowledge.

The mediating effects of psychological contracts on the relationship between human resource management systems and organisational performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1012-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia A. Katou
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Psychological Contracts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of human resource management (HRM) systems (expressed by content, process and climate) on organizational performance through the mediating role of psychological contracts (expressed by employer and employee promises fulfilment). Design/methodology/approach – The study examines theoretical relationships in the Greek context, based on structural equation modelling (SEM) estimation, using a sample of employees from both private and public sector organizations. Findings – The study finds that the impact of HRM content on organizational performance is less strong compared to its impact through HRM process. Additionally, the study finds that psychological contract partially and positively mediates the HRM – performance relationship, where the impact of HRM on organizational performance through employee promises fulfilment is stronger than that through employer promises fulfilment. Research limitations/implications – The study does not allow for appropriately investigating dynamic causal inferences due to the cross-sectional nature of data. Additionally, considering that Greece is experiencing a severe economic and financial crisis, the findings from this unique context may not generalize across borders. Practical implications – For improving organizational performance, managers and decision makers should make their HRM systems more visible, understandable, legitimate and relevant. At the same time they should make HRM systems more instrumental, valid and consistent of HR messages. Originality/value – Investigations into the relationship between HRM systems and organizational performance have become increasingly common. Nevertheless, empirical studies that measure the influence of HRM systems, which integrate both content and process, on organizational performance are still rare. This paper partially fills this gap.

scholarly journals Antecedents and outcomes of brand love: utilitarian and symbolic brand qualities

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 656-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristela Maia Bairrada ◽  
Filipe Coelho ◽  
Arnaldo Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Information Processing Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Brand Love ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Premium Price ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Brand love is associated with consumer behaviours that are key for organisational performance. However, research on the antecedents of brand love is sparse. The current research draws on the information processing model as well as on the experiential approaches to consumer behaviour to develop a model comprising a novel set of antecedents. Design/methodology/approach To test the research hypotheses, we resort to two samples, which implied the collection of usable 1,018 questionnaires. For hypotheses testing, we resort to structural equation modelling. Findings Both functional constructs as well as more symbolic/emotional ones are positively associated with brand love. In addition, constructs with a more functional nature tend to have an indirect effect on brand love, whereas constructs with a higher level of abstraction tend to mediate the effects of more specific brand qualities. Finally, brand love is related with important outcomes, including loyalty, word of mouth and willingness to pay a premium price. Research/limitations implications This research has a cross-sectional nature. Moreover, we rely on a single informant, but the procedural remedies as well as the statistical tests we conducted suggest that common method variance is not a concern. Practical implications The findings suggest that managers should emphasise both functional as well as emotional/symbolic aspects to strengthen the links between brands and consumers, which will be beneficial for both sides. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate the relationship between a number of symbolic and functional brand aspects and the development of brand love feelings.

The moderating effect of career stage on the relationship between job embeddedness and innovation-related behaviour (IRB)

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhmmad Rafiq
Keyword(s):  
Professional Growth ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Job Embeddedness ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Career Stages ◽  
Career Stage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the moderating effect of career stage on the relationship between job embeddedness and innovation-related behaviour (IRB). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from a sample of 310 Chinese media organisation employees and were analysed using moderated structural equation modelling. Findings Career stage significantly moderated the relationship between job embeddedness and IRB; individuals who experienced high job embeddedness in their early career stage were found to be engaged in more IRBs than those who experienced low job embeddedness in their early career stage. Moreover, the author also found that individuals who experienced high job embeddedness at mid-late career stages were less engaged in IRB, as compared to those at earlier career stages. Research limitations/implications These findings contribute to the understanding of the relationship between employee job embeddedness and IRB at different career stages. The findings are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data. Originality/value This study demonstrates that individuals at a mid-late career stage may define their work roles differently to those at an early career stage. Employers often expect individuals in the mid-late career stage to facilitate the work of others and to assist junior colleagues in their professional growth (Super et al., 1996).

Sexualization of the work environment and emotional exhaustion

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-573
Author(s):  
Hong T.M. Bui ◽  
Jonathan Pinto ◽  
Abhishek Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between sexualization of the work environment and emotional exhaustion, and develop some key antecedents of sexualization of the work environment. It was conducted in an emerging society, India, which has a high rate of crime against women, particularly related to sexual harassment and sexual assault. Design/methodology/approach To test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling was performed. The hypotheses were tested with data from 1,098 white collar workers in India in three ways. Findings Contact with other gender and flexible work arrangements were positively associated with sexualization of the work environment; and sexualization of the work environment was positively associated with emotional exhaustion. In addition, sexualization of the work environment mediated the relationship between the two antecedent variables and emotional exhaustion. Research limitations/implications There is a possible bias arising from the use of cross-sectional data. However, a number of methods were implemented to minimize it, including survey design and data analysis. Practical implications The study offers some important suggestions for workplaces with a greater proportion of young male employees, particularly in a societal context like India. Originality/value The paper provides evidence of the negative impact of sexualization of the work environment, and thereby contributes to current understanding of the “dark side” of behavior at work that might have significant impact on society.

The moderating effect of motivations on the relationship between obtaining ISO 9001 certification and organizational performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 503-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Changiz Valmohammadi ◽  
Mohsen Kalantari
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Iso 9000 ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Service Industries ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is threefold, first to investigate if ISO 9001 certified companies in an Iranian province (Kermanshah) perform better than non-certified ISO 9001. Second, what is the main motivation of the manufacturing companies of Kermanshah province on obtaining ISO 9001 certification, i.e., internal or external motivations. And finally, if ISO 9001 certified companies with high scores of internal motivations, show better levels of performance in comparison with certified companies obtaining low scores of internal motivations. Design/methodology/approach – A survey questionnaire was distributed to the 350 companies with ISO 9000 certification, and a total of 287 usable responses were returned. Using a structural equation model, this study empirically examines the relationship between ISO 9000 implementation and firm performance, and the moderating role of firm motivation on organizational performance. Findings – The results demonstrate that ISO 9001 certified companies show better organizational performance than non-certified ISO 9001 companies and internal motivations play more important role on obtaining ISO 9001 certificate than external motivations. Also ISO 9001 certified companies with high scores of internal motivations show better levels of performance than those ISO 9001 certified companies with low scores of internal motivations. Research limitations/implications – The sample is restricted to only a single region and manufacturing, so it would be strongly recommended that data be gathered from various parts of Iran including both manufacturing and service industries. As in this study the data gathered were cross-sectional, it is recommended in order to gain deeper understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship among the variables data to be gathered longitudinally. Originality/value – This study represents a first attempt to construct a conceptual framework that integrates the motivations behind implementing ISO 9000 certification, and ISO 9000 performance in the context of Iran and gives a particular focus on the Iran manufacturing companies.

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