Debasement of Merit: The Method and Experience of Political Discrimination by Public Employees in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

2021 ◽  
pp. 0734371X2110149
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Pérez-Chiqués ◽  
Ellen V. Rubin
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Political Identity ◽  
Court Cases ◽  
Public Employees ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Personnel Decisions ◽  
Partisan Polarization ◽  
Political Appointees ◽  
Merit System ◽  
Depth Interviews

While most democratic governments include some political appointees at the top of agencies for the sake of bureaucratic accountability, too much patronage decreases government performance. Puerto Rico has all of the components for a robust merit system on paper, but it is consistently undermined, with significant negative consequences for public employees. Based on an inductive analysis of 29 in-depth interviews with public employees and 50 political discrimination court cases, this article shows how an informal patronage system is implemented by incorporating political information into personnel decisions. The pervasiveness of this system results in employees being categorized as either insiders or outsiders, where outsider status is accompanied by harassment, ostracizing, and other negative changes in working conditions. These shifts in status sustain patronage practices by crystalizing political identity, which increases partisan polarization, and provides a rationale and justification for future politically discriminatory actions.

Exploring Modes, Strategies, and Psychosocial Consequences of Cyberbullying Perpetration and Victimization Among University Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 787-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hira Kanwal ◽  
Humaira Jami
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Cyber Victimization ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Psychosocial Consequences ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Depth Interviews

The purpose of the study was to explore modes, strategies, and consequences of cyberbullying perpetration and victimization among university students. In-depth interviews of 14 volunteer university students (8 male and 6 female) were conducted who volunteered to participate in the study in which 10 participants were “cybervictims” whereas 4 were “cyberbully-victim”. Interview guide was used for conducting unstructured interviews. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed different experiences in cyberspace with respect to gender and role (cybervictim and cyberbully-victim) in experiencing cyberbullying and cyber-victimization. Three themes emerged that is psychological consequences (emotional, behavioral, and cognitive), social consequences (family and peers), and change in lifestyle (online, offline, and academic). Facebook was found to be the most prevalent mode of cyberbullying. The cyberbully-victim participants derived more happiness while bullying and had revengeful attitude; whereas, cybervictims experienced more depression, increased family surveillance, social isolation, and became aware of negative consequences of social networking sites, became more vigilant and conscious in cyberspace. Moreover, the consequences reported by cyberbully-victim were distrust on security settings, low academic achievement, and their peers learnt from their cyberspace experience. Perception of cyber-victimization was different across gender and its psychological impact was more pronounced for girls than boys. The results and implications were discussed in Pakistani context.

scholarly journals The Conceptualization of Risk Tolerance and Scale Development for Measuring Publics’ Tolerance of Individual Health Risks

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 29-72
Author(s):  
Hyoyeun Jun ◽  
Yan Jin
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Scale Development ◽  
Risk Communication ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Risk Tolerance ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Individual Health ◽  
Psychometric Tool ◽  
Depth Interviews

Risk tolerance, identified by scholars over two decades ago as an essential concept in risk communication, has remained understudied without clear conceptual and operational definitions. As the first study developing a multiple-item scale for measuring at-risk publics’ tolerance of different risk types, this study refines the conceptualization of risk tolerance and advances its operationalization in the setting of individual health risks. Qualitative research (in-depth interviews: n = 28; focus group: n = 30) and two survey datasets (sample 1: n = 500; sample 2: n = 500) were employed for scale development and testing. Results identify that two types of individual health risk tolerance exhibited by at-risk publics: (1) Compulsive tendency toward risk taking (CTRT), as evidenced in their unwillingness to refrain from risky behaviors even if they know the negative consequences and (2) inertial resistance to risk prevention (IRRP), as indicated by their indifference toward or intentionally ignoring health messages advocating for behavioral changes. The two-factor 13-item scale’s reliability, factorial structure, and validity are further assessed. This risk tolerance scale provides a valid and reliable psychometric tool for risk communication scholars and practitioners to measure publics’ tolerance of different individual health risks in order to design effective messages to overcome it as a barrier.

scholarly journals Can a Home Care Package deliver a meaningful life? Challenges for rural home care delivery

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Pauline Marsh ◽  
Amelie Fuller ◽  
Judith Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Home Care ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Individual Autonomy ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Meaningful Life ◽  
Current Form ◽  
Life Challenges ◽  
Care Package ◽  
And Control ◽  
Depth Interviews

Objective: To explore the capacity and responsiveness of the Home Care Package (HCP) Program to deliver the promise of a meaningful life for rural residents.Methods: In-depth interviews utilising appreciative enquiry in two local government areas in rural/outer regional Tasmania (MM2-6). Participants: Rural staff and residents who were either receiving, seeking or delivering support through the HCP Program.Results: Interviews revealed that positive impacts of being assisted to stay at home resulted when staff were able to provide support that was appropriate to need, and enabled the continuation of rural community engagement, individual autonomy and control. When the HCP did not provide these, or even hindered them, there were negative consequences, and feelings of confusion, mistrust, and disappointment for staff and residents. The rural context creates specific challenges for the HCP Program in its current form, related to service availability and choice, staff recruitment, training and availability, and client/provider needs mismatch.Conclusions: Older rural people are variously impacted upon by the HCP Program. Factors of rurality, including workforce issues, hamper the Program’s potential to positively contribute to a meaningful life. As demand grows, changes are needed. There is a need to examine the Program design for urban-centrisms, and gain a greater awareness of older rural people’s needs and rural service challenges.

Invasive Syzygium jambos trees in Puerto Rico: no refuge from guava rust

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Burman ◽  
James D. Ackerman ◽  
Raymond L. Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Species Distribution Modelling ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Syzygium Jambos ◽  
Guava Rust ◽  
Invasive Tree ◽  
High Precipitation ◽  
Austropuccinia Psidii

Abstract:Biological invasions can have negative consequences for resident biota, particularly when disease-causing organisms are involved. Austropuccinia psidii, or guava rust, has rapidly spread through the tropics affecting both native and non-native Myrtaceae. In Puerto Rico, the rust has become common on Syzygium jambos, an invasive tree native to South-East Asia. What are the drivers of infection, and do refugia exist across a heterogeneous landscape? We address these questions using species distribution modelling and beta regressions. The realized and potential distribution of Syzygium jambos is extensive. The model produced an AUC of 0.88, with land-use categories and precipitation accounting for 61.1% of the variation. Predictability of S. jambos is highest in disturbed habitats, especially in mountainous regions with high precipitation. All 101 trees surveyed and measured across Puerto Rico showed signs of infection to varying extents. Infection severity was consistently associated with annual mean temperature in all top beta regression models, but was also commonly associated with tree size and precipitation variables. We found no safe sites for S. jambos. Many trees were extremely unhealthy and some were dead, suggesting that S. jambos may soon become extinct on the island or reduced to persistent stump sprouts. Native vegetation may benefit from the local demise of S. jambos. While the rust has not jumped to native Myrtaceae, vigilance is required, as host-shifts have occurred in other tropical regions.

The Fruition of Black Power

Free the Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 43-78
Author(s):  
Edward Onaci
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Political Identity ◽  
Fourteenth Amendment ◽  
Indigenous Nations ◽  
Political Relationships ◽  
Political Office ◽  
Intellectual Foundations ◽  
The U.S

Chapter 2 analyzes the movement’s intellectual foundations. It uses the theoretical power of the New Afrikan concept “paper-citizen” to explain the various founding documents, including the RNA Declaration of Independence, the New Afrikan Oath, and more. Highlighting the major ideas from these documents reveals several important concepts through which New Afrikans critiqued the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and organized around their concept of New Afrikan citizenship. Besides the question of citizenship, New Afrikan political identity, Third World solidarity, and the governmental—not organizational—apparatus anchored a significant portion of known New Afrikan activism. Specific actions, such as supporting the independence of Puerto Rico, seeking out political relationships with U.S. indigenous nations, and running for political office exemplify NAPS as a lived experience of ideology. An assessment of those outcomes and the ideas behind them prepare readers for a deeper exploration of how and when NAPS and everyday life intersected within individual persons. The term lifestyle politics captures this phenomenon.

Legal and Professional Standards Related to Assessment and Personnel Decisions

2010 ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
Jay C. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Professional Standards ◽  
Court Cases ◽  
Business Consulting ◽  
Personnel Decisions ◽  
Consulting Psychology

No other area of practice in organizational and business consulting psychology is as contentious as the development, validation, and collection of information used in personnel decisions. The competent OBC psychologist working in this arena must be cognizant of laws, regulations, court cases, and professional standards. This chapter outlines this area of knowledge but does not attempt to provide a definitive presentation of all these areas.

Challenging Stigma: Identity Talk among Male Sex Workers in a Recovery Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon S. Oselin
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Male Sex Workers ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Self Worth ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Recovery Program ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Management Tactics

Research shows that stigma can generate severe and prolonged negative consequences for particular groups. Affected populations often attempt to mitigate stigma and its effects by implementing various management tactics, such as concealment and resistance. Due to its illegality and the taboo surrounding it, people involved in street-based prostitution are especially susceptible to stigmatization. This article extends knowledge on how male sex workers cope with stigma by examining their use of identity talk—the ways in which they craft and avow personal identities that resuscitate self-worth and dignity. Identity talk unfolds within a service-provision organization, A Lift Up, and men’s relationship to this program and their views on prostitution influence their narratives. The findings highlight how identity talk shapes and is also influenced by behavior. The data consist of 21 in-depth interviews (male sex workers and staff members) and participant observations within this setting.

Outcomes of talent management: the role of perceived equity

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina R. Malik ◽  
Parbudyal Singh
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Employee Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Perceived Equity ◽  
Employee Equity ◽  
Depth Interviews

PurposeTo date, the effects of two approaches – inclusive and exclusive – to talent management (TM) on employee outcomes are largely unexplored. This paper explores the role of perceived equity and theoretically examines the process through which these TM programs impact employee outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on the job demands-resources model and equity theory and proposes a typology of employee outcomes in the context of different approaches to TM.FindingsBased on the theoretical framework, the paper argues that in the context of both inclusive and exclusive TM, perceived equity is a valuable resource that motivates employees and results in favourable outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsFuture empirical studies should test the propositions put forth in this paper. The multilevel research design would allow for an in-depth analysis of organisational contexts, and qualitative studies using in-depth interviews can provide greater insights into employees' experiences and perspectives of TM programs.Practical implicationsThe paper presents implications for managers and human resource (HR) and TM professionals regarding how to get the most out of their TM programs. These implications are important since employee equity perceptions can influence the effectiveness of TM programs.Originality/valueIn this paper, the authors add to the literature by examining the role of employee equity perceptions in the context of inclusive and exclusive TM and to highlight how perceived (in)equity could lead to negative consequences, even among high potential (HiPo) employees.

Gendered Boundaries, Cultured Lives: The Underexplored Dimensions of Duty (Kartavya) in the Indian Family Context

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-282
Author(s):  
Rachana Bhangaokar ◽  
Shagufa Kapadia
Keyword(s):  
Gender Roles ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Cultural Continuity ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Unpublished Manuscript ◽  
The Family ◽  
Coding Manual ◽  
Familial Context ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Gender Specific

The article highlights gender-specific elements in the notions of duty ( kartavya) in the Indian familial context. Using a hypothetical dilemma about gender roles and employment, in depth interviews were conducted with 120 respondents comprising young adults and their parents from the Maharashtrian community of Vadodara city, Gujarat, India. A majority of respondents, men as well as women, could recognize the unfairness (towards women) in the scenario but did not accord it enough importance because doing so could result in negative consequences (like family disharmony or social isolation) for the self as well as the family. Classifying the justifications under the Big Three Ethics of Autonomy, Community and Divinity (Jensen, 1996, Coding manual: Ethics of autonomy, community and divinity, Unpublished Manuscript) showed maximum use of the ethic of community, closely followed by autonomy. There was negligible use of the ethic of divinity. Indicating cultural continuity amidst social change, younger respondents and older women showed flexible mentalities about gender roles and corresponding responsibilities as compared to those of older men. At the interface of gender and culture, the article highlights complexities, which shape ideas of autonomy and fairness in the Indian context.

scholarly journals Chemsex among men who have sex with men in Germany: motives, consequences and the response of the support system

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels Graf ◽  
Anna Dichtl ◽  
Daniel Deimel ◽  
Dirk Sander ◽  
Heino Stöver
Keyword(s):  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Further Training ◽  
Considerable Time ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
German Cities ◽  
Sexual Feelings ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background In Germany, drug use in sexual settings (i.e. chemsex) among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increasingly been the subject of discussion for considerable time. At the same time, however, little is known about this practice. It is against this background that what is currently known about chemsex among MSM in Germany is discussed. Methods: The present study observations are essentially based on the results of two research projects of a qualitative–explorative nature. In-depth interviews with drug-using MSM (n = 14), as well as qualitative, problem-centred interviews with drug-using MSM (n = 75) and expert interviews (n = 27) were conducted within these research projects. Results: Chemsex is a minority behaviour among MSM in Germany. The reasons for using drugs in sexual settings are manifold. For the most part, the effects of the drugs are used to intensify sexual feelings and to achieve greater intimacy. Men who consider their consumption to be problematic, in particular, report a range of negative consequences, such as sexually transmissible infections. Even though chemsex is a minority behaviour, suitable offers of support are, hence, necessary, especially for these men. However, such offers are not yet available in most German cities. Conclusions: In order to close this gap in provision of support services, tangible practical steps, such as further training of people who work at drug and gay advisory services, are necessary, along with further research into the backgrounds and contexts of chemsex.

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