Online communication self-disclosure and intimacy development on Facebook: the perspective of uses and gratifications theory

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsun Lin ◽  
My Giang Chu

PurposeMotivating users to revisit a social networking site (SNS) by developing a long-term relationship with them is critical for SNS operators to enhance market control and competitiveness. By conceptualizing loyalty intention as an indicator of the long-term relationship, the present study, based on uses and gratification (U&G) theory, aims to explore the role played by online intimacy development with respect to loyalty intention when individuals have gained gratifications through using the SNS.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a questionnaire measuring six types of Facebook gratifications as well as measuring self-disclosure breadth, self-disclosure depth, intimacy with Facebook, intimacy with Facebook friends and loyalty intention. Data, collected from the University of Economics in Vietnam, were analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) approach.FindingsThe results support several findings: (1) the gratifications including entertainment, network extension, recognition and emotional support provided by Facebook may stimulate the users' intimacy with Facebook and/or Facebook users; (2) intimacy with Facebook and intimacy with Facebook friends facilitate users' loyalty intention; (3) having a sense of emotional support influences users to engage in self-disclosure with breadth and meaningful depth, thus leading them to develop a sense of intimacy with Facebook friends.Originality/valueThe study contributes to U&G research, intimacy theory and the SNS literature by offering an understanding of users' online communication self-disclosure and intimacy development, wherein the self-disclosure and intimacy stem from the users' gratifications via using specific SNS services and, in turn, create their loyalty intention toward that SNS.

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-103
Author(s):  
Eustache Mêgnigbêto ◽  
Khadidjath Kouboura Osseni Bachabi

Purpose This paper aims to describe the response of students to the shortage of materials at the Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Republic of Benin). Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted with over 2,000 students of the Université d’Abomey-Calavi in 2014, and the data were analysed. The paper deals with two questions related to the university library services they use. Findings To satisfy their information and documentation needs, students visit several university library services even on different campuses. Practical implications The study recommends the setting up and the implementation of a long-term development plan for the University of Abomey-Calavi libraries. Originality/value The study describes the behaviour of students of a developing country when faced with a lack of relevant information and documentation resources.


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor A. Aletich ◽  
Gerard M. Debrun ◽  
Mukesh Misra ◽  
Fady Charbel ◽  
James I. Ausman

Object. Reports in the literature have offered discussions of the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of balloon-assisted Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) placement in wide-necked intracranial aneurysms, which was first described by Jacques Moret as the “remodeling technique.” In this article the authors summarize their results in a subset of aneurysms treated with GDCs using the remodeling technique.Methods. This report contains a retrospective analysis of 72 patients with 75 aneurysms who underwent 79 endovascular procedures performed using the remodeling technique. Morphological outcome was determined at the end of each procedure and by reviewing available follow-up angiograms. Clinical assessments and outcomes are reported using a modified Glasgow Outcome Scale.Coils were placed in 66 (88%) of 75 aneurysms selected for treatment. In eight aneurysms (11%) treatment failures occurred due to the tortuosity of the vessel used to reach the aneurysms or because of balloon inadequacies.Incorporating all available follow-up data the authors found that 50 (78%) of 64 aneurysms were completely or subtotally (> 95%) occluded and eight (12%) of 64 were incompletely (< 95%) occluded. Since the time of coil placement, eight aneurysms have progressed to complete occlusion and another five have exhibited progressive thrombosis on follow-up angiograms. In three aneurysms there has been neck remnant growth. Surgical clipping was performed to treat six aneurysms after an initial coil placement procedure. Permanent incidences of morbidity were limited to four patients and there were three deaths directly related to the procedure.Conclusions. The remodeling technique shows promise in increasing the number of cerebral aneurysms amenable to treatment by endovascular coil placement, and offers an alternative approach to aneurysms that have met with failed surgical treatment or are surgically inaccessible. Long-term follow-up review is needed to determine the final outcome of aneurysms treated by this technique.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Charlotte Bivall ◽  
Maria Gustavsson ◽  
Annika Lindh Falk

PurposeClinical placement is an important formalised student activity for linking healthcare education and healthcare practices. The purpose of this study is to investigate the organising of clinical placements by examining conditions for collaboration between higher education and healthcare organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on interviews with central actors at a university and two healthcare organisations with official duties of organising clinical placements.FindingsThe findings indicate that collaboration in the organising of clinical placements is a complex matter of interconnected actors in different organisational positions, at both strategic and operative levels. The university and the healthcare organisations approached the clinical placement with a shared commitment.Practical implicationsThe findings provide important guidance for improving collaboration in the organising of clinical placements. This may have an impact on how contextual conditions of the educational framing and daily healthcare practices are viewed and how the interdependency between the long-term strategic issues and the short-term needs of healthcare organisations is approached.Originality/valueThis research emphasises the need for careful consideration of the collaborative practices on an organisational level between higher education and healthcare organisations as different needs, motives and logics have to be considered.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 202-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanna Mariani ◽  
Ada Carlesi ◽  
Alfredo Antonino Scarfò

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss academic spinoffs (ASO) as an expression of the value creation of university technology transfer (TT) investments. More recently, scholars have emphasised intellectual capital’s (IC) importance, also for universities in obtaining competitive advantages and by creating value. Such spinoffs are key to regional development, as a primary aspect of universities’ IC. Design/methodology/approach The authors tested the aim through a sample of the University of Pisa’s spinoffs. The authors measured the value the university’s third mission investment generates on the area by means of entrepreneurship through two different approaches. First, the authors defined a multiplier of the TT investment (university TT multiplier) and then explored the IC components’ contributions to the ASOs’ enterprise value (EV). Findings The results show that the University of Pisa’s TT investments positively impact the local community through the spinoff system, both in economic terms and in IC. In the long term, these investments can enrich scientific humus and entrepreneurial mindsets. Research limitations/implications This is an exploratory study of the University of Pisa’s impacts on the local economy. The results are limited to the context of Pisa and to the TT policy. Another limitation is the subjectivity of the EV estimation. Practical implications The results can have some practical implications. The large portfolio of university stakeholders (policymakers, families, students, companies, financiers, etc.) ask for information, especially on long-term results: in a simple way, the multiplier is able to communicate important feedbacks to support their decision-making process. Social implications With the multiplier, the authors give a tool to measure the social enrichment. Originality/value In the study, the authors propose a new tool to measure the impact of the investment in TT on the local community.


2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 137-142
Author(s):  
Philip Gregory Kent

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine usage trends during the first four years of the implementation of the Springer Book Archives (SBA) at the University of Melbourne. The paper assesses the benefits of the SBA against perceptions at the time of purchase and seeks to evaluate the long-term value of the purchase. Design/methodology/approach The methodology included a literature search to identify issues in the adoption of large backlists of ebooks, examination of detailed usage data supplied in COUNTER complaint spreadsheets and tables by Springer, validating findings with librarians and academics and positing next steps. Findings Usage of ebooks, like other electronic resources, is difficult to predict. Resources expected to be used, may not be and vice versa. Access to large aggregations of electronic content creates new opportunities for teaching and research, additional economies and benefits, as well as unexpected outcomes. Research limitations/implications Detailed data on user profiles were not available and an evaluation of user perceptions was not possible at this time. Originality/value The literature review suggests that this is the only published study of institutional usage of the SBA at this time.


Facilities ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (13/14) ◽  
pp. 744-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thor-Erik Sandberg Hanssen ◽  
Gisle Solvoll

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the influence of higher education institution (HEI) facilities on overall student satisfaction, and to identify the distinct facilities that most strongly influence student overall satisfaction with HEI facilities. Design/methodology/approach – A tailor-made questionnaire is developed to measure student perception about student life, including their perceptions about the facilities at the HEI they attend. Two econometric models are estimated using OLS regression analysis. Findings – The factor that most strongly influences student satisfaction with university facilities is the quality of its social areas, auditoriums and libraries. Conversely, it is determined that computer access on campus does not influence student satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – The sample includes data only from a single university. Moreover, only Norwegian students at the university participated in the survey. Practical implications – Based on our findings, the most effective strategy to improve student overall satisfaction with the facilities at an HEI is to improve the quality of social areas, auditoriums and libraries. Such a strategy will result in students who are more satisfied with the HEI they are attending and, thereby, increase the HEI’s chances of long-term success. Originality/value – To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the facilities that most strongly influence the overall satisfaction of students with the facilities at HEIs.


2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
María Alvarez Sainz ◽  
Ana M. Ferrero ◽  
Arantza Ugidos

Purpose The knowledge society determines a work scenario in which it is essential to manage time efficiently; a non-innate skill that should be learned at the university. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach This research analyzes the attitude, habits and time management of the Economics and Business students of the UPV/EHU, in order to propose/design/specific activities for its achievement. Through a self-administered questionnaire, the sample data are obtained, which are analyzed at a descriptive and multivariate level. Findings The decisive factor is not the amount of time available but the management that is made of it. In general, students pay attention to short-term planning and lack habits and attitudes in the long term. Practical implications Unaware of the advantages of a correct use of time, students do not develop skills such as self-organization, prioritization of objectives and activities, etc., which is why the intervention of the educational system is necessary in order to develop this skill. Originality/value This study focuses on the importance of developing skills, beyond the strictly technical, essential in professional performance regardless of the function assigned in the organizational chart/organization. It is about assessing time management as an integral part of higher education, competence expressed on paper, but not developed in practice. The originality and novelty of this research consists of defining new dimensions of time management and proposing some specific actions to be implemented to get a better time management.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith Starbuck ◽  
Sharon Purtee

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a three-year case study of the extent with which altmetrics compare to traditional metrics in certain subject areas for selected departments at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine (COM). Design/methodology/approachA three-year analysis of peer-reviewed papers and invited editorials from 2009 to 2013 written by tenure-track faculty from 20 COM departments was done to explore what subject areas received the highest altmetric scores. Research output was searched in PubMed; articles were quantified by subject area, times cited in Scopus, and its altmetric score over each of three successive years. FindingsThe topics of the highest scored altmetric papers (n = 40) sample focused on stroke, obesity, and diabetes for all three years. Analysis of high initial altmetric scores over the course of the three years shifted from a possible predictor of future impact in the second year to no indicator of long-term interest in the scientific community as the public interest waned over time. Research limitations/implicationsThe authors used Scopus Times Cited and Altmetrics.com to gather data. Originality/valueInitially assessed a total of 3,678 unique publications and worked with the 40 highest altmetric scores in subsequent years. Data showed that subjects of interest to the public receive the highest altmetric scores and the topic areas did not change over the course of the study. These initially high altmetric scores do not indicate long-term interest by the scientific community.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 441-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiye Han ◽  
Steven Yates

Purpose Monash University Library (MUL) has embraced eLearning as a strategy in its contribution to information research and learning skills development within the university. The purpose of this paper is to describe an evaluation of the implementation of the strategy with recommendations for sustaining and improving practice. Design/methodology/approach The evaluation is divided into four categories using a mixed methods methodology for evidence gathering. Quantitative and qualitative data are obtained from both primary and secondary sources for an enriched understanding of practices. Findings Findings suggest that library staff have gained knowledge and skills indicating a sustainable strategy. However, further work is required to sustain staff development and support staff requirements in the long term. Research limitations/implications This research is limited by its wide focus. Although this is mostly resolved through the use of multiple data collection methods, the thoroughness of the evaluation may have suffered while attempting to be comprehensive. Practical implications The conclusions of this evaluation as well as methods of its execution can be shared with other institutions wishing to produce eLearning resources in a sustainable and effective manner. Originality/value MUL develops its eLearning resources in-house, whereas many other institutions outsource. The findings of this case study could be viewed as a positive indication of this in-house practice, which in turn might inform other organisations who are looking for a financially beneficial eLearning alternative.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebele N. Anyaoku ◽  
Anthonia U. Nwabueze Echedom ◽  
Ebikabowei Emmanuel Baro

Purpose The purpose of the study is to investigate the digital preservation practices in institutional repositories (IRs) in Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from the IRs developed in university libraries in Africa, and it was done in two phases. The phases are website investigation to identify the university libraries in Africa that have developed IR and online questionnaire. Findings Results from the study showed that the majority of IRs in Africa used DSpace software to manage their digital contents, and more than half of the IRs engage in information migration. The study also revealed that the majority of the responding institutions provide long-term digital preservation in their IR. Interestingly, the majority of the IRs has developed digital preservation policy to guide the implementation of digital preservation for IR contents. Finally, the majority of the respondents indicated that they do not have long-term funding and lack the necessary technical staff with required skills to handle and manage the IR. Research limitations/implications Because of language barriers, data were collected from only universities in English speaking countries in Africa. Practical implications The findings of this study will make librarians in universities in Africa and other developing countries understand the key issues relating to digital preservation and longevity. Originality/value The findings of this study will inform information professionals, librarians in developing countries that are planning to create IRs and provide long-term digital preservation of electronic resources in their institution.


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