Media use, political trust and attitude toward direct democracy: empirical evidence from Taiwan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Chun Chang
Keyword(s):  
Direct Democracy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Political Trust ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Political Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government

PurposeThis study examines the roles of the Internet and other types of media use in explaining the support for direct democracy and further investigates the mediation of political trust in the relationship between media use and the attitude toward direct democracy.Design/methodology/approachUsing data drawn from Taiwan Social Change Survey 2014 and the approach of structural equation model framework, this study identifies the indirect effects of the Internet and other types of media use on the attitude toward referendums.FindingsThe results of this study show that the frustration resulting from the process of representative politics dominated by political elites is associated with the support for direct democracy as an effective alternative to generate political influences in the formation of public policies.Originality/valueThe advances in the Internet and information technology have expanded the possible platforms of obtaining political information and enabled people to rapidly access political information at lower costs. It is expected that Internet use has altered the relationships among citizens, political parties and the government, potentially influencing citizens' political trust and their attitude toward direct democracy.

The nexus between the increasing involvement of youth in betting games and unemployment: the Nigerian perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbemi Oladipo Olaore ◽  
Bimbo Onaolapo Adejare ◽  
Ekpenyong Ekpenyong Udofia
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Industry ◽  
Youth Involvement ◽  
Technology Advancement ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
The Government ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Betting games have become a global industry worth billions of dollars providing employment to millions and contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP) of several countries. While there are debates and controversies surrounding betting games discourse, a growing body of literature shows that it has been exacerbated by growing unemployment rates. This paper aims to examine the nexus between the increasing involvement of youth in betting games and unemployment from the Nigerian perspective. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts simple random and stratified sampling techniques to select participants for the study. Three hypotheses were tested for this study and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. Findings The three hypotheses tested in this study were coined from previous literature. The study established a direct link between technology advancement, promises of winning big coupled with bonuses while unemployment was not significant to youth involvement in betting games. The study also showed that playing betting games provides another source of income to the youth, who are already engaged in one form of work or another. Finally, youth involvement in betting games has created awareness regarding different sports in the world, while contributing to Nigeria’s economy. Practical implications As betting games centre as a business in Nigeria has contributed substantially and positively to unemployment in Nigeria; the Government of Nigeria are encouraged to streamline and regulate the activities of the sector such that they can contribute significantly to the country GDP and provide employment opportunities to the youths. Originality/value The research shows that the reason why betting games have a massive turnaround of youths in Nigeria is not majorly because of unemployment but as another means to a substantial financial individual/family income. Thus, Nigerian youths see betting games as an avenue to make more money. The study is the first of its kind to examine the nexus between betting games, technology and unemployment hence, its contribution to knowledge.

An apposite framework for green cities development in developing countries: the case of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caleb Debrah ◽  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Quantitative Methodology ◽  
City Development ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Cities ◽  
Green City

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a framework to guide green cities development in developing countries. The study adapted and validated indicators that can be adopted, to predict, estimate, depict and measure green city development in developing countries. In using a covariance-based structural equation model (CBSEM), the study developed a framework for green cities development in developing countries using Kumasi city (Ghana) as a case study. Design/methodology/approach To test the proposed framework, a quantitative methodology was used, in which, data was collected using research questionnaires that targeted a sample of 200 green city experts. In total, 154 useable questionnaires were retrieved, representing a response rate of 77%. The confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were adopted in a CBSEM. Findings The indices reported were indicative that the model/framework is a good fit for the data. This points to the direction that the model for measuring green city development was statistically significant and acceptable. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis revealed a robust fit of the indices, as they met the standardised cut-off points and as such the model fits the data. Practical implications This novel research is one of the few studies investigating green cities development in Ghana which could serve as a lesson for other developing countries. The proposed green city framework will serve as a guide to stakeholders in identifying the key indicators/factors that are critical to green city development in developing countries, especially Ghanaian cities. Originality/value This study proposed a green city framework to guide the development of green cities based on the local context of Ghana.

COVID-19 complications and entrepreneurial intention among the entrepreneurs of Pakistan: evidence from the second wave of the pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahadur Ali Soomro
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Government ◽  
Second Wave

Purpose At present, nearly the whole globe is facing a severe threat of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the COVID-19 complications and entrepreneurial intention among the entrepreneurs of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach The study used a deductive approach. An online survey is conducted to collect cross-sectional data from entrepreneurs of Pakistan. Convenience sampling is applied to target the respondents. In total, 278 usable answers proceed for final analysis. The structural equation model (SEM) is used to infer the results. Findings The findings of the study highlight a significant negative effect of fear of COVID-19 (FO19), perceived susceptibility (PSU) and perceived severity (PSE) on entrepreneurial intention (EI) among the entrepreneurs. Practical implications The study would provide the guidelines for policymakers and planners to combat the barriers of fear, PSU and PSE during a pandemic. The findings of the second wave of COVID-19 may provide a warning to the government to take preventive measures to face the severe effect of the pandemic. Finally, the outcomes of the study may enrich the depth of COVID-19 literature globally. Originality/value This study is the first study highlighting factors such as fear, PSU and PSE toward EI in COVID-19 second wave.

Empirical study on improving international dry port competitiveness based on logistics supply chain integration: evidence from China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Li ◽  
Ru Yan ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Borui Yan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Western China ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Port Operation ◽  
Port Competitiveness ◽  
The Government

PurposeThe importance of international dry port integration in the supply chain has received a great deal of attention and been widely discussed in the literature. This study empirically examines the relationship among dry port logistics supply chain integration (DPLSCI), its operational performance (OP) and dry port competitiveness (DPC) in the context of China.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a structured questionnaire based on the supply chain integration (SCI) theory and resource-based view, and collected data from the dry port operation enterprises and their stakeholders in central and western China. A structural equation model (SEM) is used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe results demonstrate that DPLSCI has a positive effect on logistics cost performance (LCP) and service quality performance (SQP), which further improves DPC. Meanwhile, OP (LCP and SQP) is a full mediator between DPLSCI and DPC.Practical implicationsThis paper provides guidelines for dry port operators and their stakeholders to integrate supply chain resources and develop the OP for improving the overall competitiveness of an international dry port. The government could also invest in physical infrastructure and system platform to strengthen the OP of a dry port and further enhance its competitiveness.Originality/valueThe authors emphasise that the international dry port is a proactive and integrated system in providing a supply chain logistics service. This study fills up a research gap in the extant literature on theoretically proposing and empirically testing a new theoretical model. It also contributes to dry port stakeholders by providing useful guidelines to enhance OP and dry port competitiveness.

Examining the intention to stay home due to COVID-19: a pandemic's second wave outlook

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahadur Ali Soomro ◽  
Naimatullah Shah
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Intention To Stay ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
At Home

PurposeAt present, almost the whole globe is facing a severe threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study examines the intention to stay home due to COVID-19 during a second wave of the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a deductive approach based on cross-sectional data. An online survey is conducted from citizens of Pakistan. A convenience sampling is applied to target the respondents. In total, 238 useable responses proceed for final analysis. The structural equation model (SEM) is used to infer the results.FindingsThe findings of the study highlight a positive and significant effect of fear of COVID-19, attitudes to stay at home behaviour (AtSHB), knowledge about COVID-19 (Ka19) and health consciousness (HC) on the intention to stay at home (ItSAH).Practical implicationsThe study would provide the guidelines to policymakers and planners to develop the policies which may establish the individual's ItSAH. This strategy would restrict the spread of COVID-19. The government should also formulate the plannings to reduce the fear about COVID-19 and health concerns to combat the pandemic. The government should launch awareness programs regarding the spread and cure of COVID-19.Originality/valueThis study is the first study which highlights the factors such as fear, HC, attitudes and knowledge towards ItSAH. The study may be unique in the COVID-19 perspective, particularly in the Pakistani context.

Predicting intentions to purchase organic food: the moderating effects of organic food prices

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong-Da Liang
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Organic Foods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Relational Embeddedness ◽  
The Government ◽  
Organic Food Industry

Purpose – Organic food represents the fastest growing sector in the food market, with outstanding performance in both production and sales. However, existing studies on organic food have lacked a strong theoretical foundation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships among purchase intention and the properties, certification mechanisms, retail channels, and prices of organic food from multiple theoretical perspectives. Design/methodology/approach – Using a rigorous sampling design, 507 valid questionnaires collected from consumers at four well-known organic food markets, and the hypotheses were tested based on a linear structural equation model. Findings – The results of the structural equation model analysis showed the following: consumer attitudes toward organic food labeling/certification institutions had a positive impact on the trust in food labeling; channel dependence positively influenced the relational embeddedness in a channel; the effect of the nutritional value of organic food on environmental protection also had a positive impact on attitudes toward organic foods; attitudes toward trust in the organic label, relational embeddedness in a channel, and attitudes toward organic foods had a positive impact on consumer purchase intentions; and in relation to low-price scenarios, consumers required more confidence to purchase higher-priced goods, meaning that the relational embeddedness in a channel exerted more influence on purchase intentions. By contrast, compared to the high-price scenarios, consumers tended to choose lower priced goods based on personal preferences, e.g., making the purchase decision based on trust in the organic label and attitudes toward organic food. Originality/value – The contributions of this study include the following: the relationships among the variables were investigated comprehensively from multiple theoretical perspectives; and the results can help the government and the organic food industry to understand their respective responsibilities in promoting organic food to reduce the waste of resources, in which the government can provide basic information on organic food, e.g., a certification mechanism and related definitions, while the organic food industry provides specific knowledge about organic foods, e.g., product features.

How China’s internet commonweal platform improves customer participation willingness? An exploratory study of Ant Forest

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangdong Shen ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Xiangmeng Huang ◽  
Shuai Yang
Keyword(s):  
Latent Variables ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Customer Participation ◽  
Public Welfare ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of internet commonweal characteristics on consumers’ participation willingness, mainly predicated on the stimulus-organism-response model. Furthermore, co-creation value is tested as a mediator of the relationship between internet commonweal characteristics and consumers’ participation willingness, by using the project of Ant Forest issued by Ali-pay as an example. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire survey was conducted among Ant Forest’s consumers with a final sample of 584 valid data. Moreover, to test the hypotheses in the relationship among latent variables, structural equation model analysis was used in this study. Findings The findings show that openness and interactivity as two kinds of characteristics of internet commonweal have positive effect on customers’ co-creation value; while co-creation would mediate the relationship between internet commonweal characteristics and customers’ participation willingness. As a result, more co-creation value would be created between the companies and their customers for higher level of internet commonweal to gain a sustainable image. Practical implications Two managerial implications derived in this paper to explain how to manage the internet public welfare platform and how to promote the social public welfare undertakings. In short, consumers’ co-creation value, green value, personal achievement value and social relationship value would be aroused by the internet commonweal characteristics and will finally affect consumers’ participation willingness. Originality/value The originality and value in this paper is enriching the importance of customers’ co-creation value in the field of internet commonweal. And demonstrating that openness and interactivity of internet commonweal characteristics would increase customers’ co-creation value.

Political factors influencing residents’ support for tourism development in Kashmir

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aasif Ali Bhat ◽  
Kakali Majumdar ◽  
Ram Kumar Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Social Exchange ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Political Trust ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Policy Formation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between the perceptions of local residents concerning political factors and support for tourism development in the Kashmir region. Design/methodology/approach Primary data have been collected (n = 650) from the residents of the top five tourist destinations (Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Sonamarg and Kokernag) through a pre-tested questionnaire by multistage sampling method. In presence of non-normal data, the partial least squares structural equation model is applied for analysis. The study is based on the theoretical framework of social exchange theory (SET) and institutional theory of political trust (ITPT). Findings Results suggest that trust in government, the perceived economic performance of government and level of power are negative determinants of support for tourism development, which nullifies SET for politically disturbed regions. Originality/value The results of this study are useful for the local government and tourism institutions in policy formation and fill the vast gap in tourism literature with a theoretical base. This study is also an addition to the existing literature on city tourism for the politically disturbed region.

Food “buycott” as an ethical choice against mafia in Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 490-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Rivaroli ◽  
Arianna Ruggeri ◽  
Roberta Spadoni
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Type Systems ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Marketing Ethics ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Italian Law ◽  
Critical Choice

Purpose As indicated in the Italian law (No. 109-1996), agri-food co-operatives can also play a role in combatting mafia-type systems by choosing to grow their food products in lands confiscated from mafia-type organisations. These food products provide individuals with a new opportunity to fight criminal organisations on the marketplace. The purpose of this study is to explore how people react to a social marketing initiative devoted to promoting food “buycotting” to counteract mafia-type organisations in Italy. Design/methodology/approach The data were obtained from a convenience sample of 339 Italians, and the study adopted a model inspired by the general theory of marketing ethics. A structural equation model was applied to estimate both the parameter and coefficient functions. Findings Individuals recognise the ethical value of “buycotting”. However, they perceive this form of critical choice as not yet being fully effective in counteracting mafia-type systems in Italy. Practical implications The results suggest that promotional and psychological approaches from marketing literature can be effectively used to influence the consumer’s ethical judgement by selectively communicating and emphasising the benefits of the critical consumption investigated. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to address consumers’ ethical judgments and their reactions towards buycotting food as a critical choice to reward socially responsible corporations.

scholarly journals Extending the Group Actor-Partner Interdependence Model: MSEM Applications

2021 ◽  
pp. 104649642110124
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Bonito
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Group Composition ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Input Process ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Actor Partner Interdependence Model ◽  
Size Number ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Multilevel Structural Equation ◽  
Multilevel Structural Equation Model

The Group Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (GAPIM) conceptualizes group composition as a relational construct and provides methods for estimating the effects of compositional characteristics on outcomes of interest. This paper extends the GAPIM to a multilevel structural equation model framework, which expands the range of research questions the GAPIM might address, including those based on input-process-outcome models. Simulations, based on group size, number of groups, effect size, and compositional skewness, provide guidance for designing studies to maximize power to detect compositional effects. Discussion addresses composition in general, especially how “deep” characteristics become manifest and meaningful during interaction.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document