The Responsiveness of Teacher Education Managers at an ODeL College to Resilience and the Well-Being of Staff Working from Home During COVID-19

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has increased anxiety and stress among teacher education managers and has given rise to the question of whether they have the competencies to execute their operational responsibilities productively. The theories of resilience and transformational leadership underpin this study in which teacher education managers’ resilience and their responsiveness to the well-being of staff executing their operational practices in an open distance e-learning context were explored. A qualitative approach was adopted and virtual video conferencing interviews with teacher education managers were used to explore how they mitigated their strategic and operational roles and their managerial functions to ensure the well-being and organisational performance of staff working from home. Results revealed the experiences of distance managers to have been positive in that they implemented organisational strategies to mitigate the challenges faced to ensure wellness and performance among staff working from a distance. Further research applying a mixed-method design should be undertaken to determine how resilient managers and staff working from home are. That may yield different results.</p>

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Six Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Working from Home in Europe during COVID-19

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041826 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1826

Author(s):

Christine Ipsen ◽

Marc van Veldhoven ◽

Kathrin Kirchner ◽

John Paulin Hansen

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Work ◽

Well Being ◽

Key Factors ◽

Differential Impact ◽

Home Office ◽

Negative Experience ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Working From Home ◽

And Performance

The number of people working from home (WFH) increased radically during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate people’s experiences of WFH during the pandemic and to identify the main factors of advantages and disadvantages of WFH. Data from 29 European countries on the experiences of knowledge workers (N = 5748) WFH during the early stages of lockdown (11 March to 8 May 2020) were collected. A factor analysis showed the overall distribution of people’s experiences and how the advantages and disadvantages of WFH during the early weeks of the pandemic can be grouped into six key factors. The results indicated that most people had a more positive rather than negative experience of WFH during lockdown. Three factors represent the main advantages of WFH: (i) work–life balance, (ii) improved work efficiency and (iii) greater work control. The main disadvantages were (iv) home office constraints, (v) work uncertainties and (vi) inadequate tools. Comparing gender, number of children at home, age and managers versus employees in relation to these factors provided insights into the differential impact of WFH on people’s lives. The factors help organisations understand where action is most needed to safeguard both performance and well-being. As the data were collected amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend further studies to validate the six factors and investigate their importance for well-being and performance in knowledge work.

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Cross-Cultural Differences in Perceptions of E-Learning Usability

Web-Based Education ◽

10.4018/978-1-61520-963-7.ch102 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. 1497-1517

Author(s):

Panagiotis Zaharias

Keyword(s):

Empirical Studies ◽

Cultural Perspective ◽

Learning Context ◽

Cultural Considerations ◽

Cross Cultural Differences ◽

Systems Research ◽

Information Systems Research ◽

E Learning ◽

South Eastern Europe ◽

And Performance

E-learning is gaining momentum in corporate settings as an alternative and supplementary solution to learning and performance problems. Users of e-learning applications and courses differ across regional, linguistic, and country boundaries and user requirements are strongly influenced by their local cultural perspective. Thus e-learning design needs to be sensitive to cultural parameters. Yet, there are very few empirical studies that investigate e-learningdesign and usability issues from a cultural perspective. This study: (a) discusses the cultural considerations in human computer interaction and information systems research and the specificities of usability in e-learning context, (b) focuses on the usability evaluation of e-learning courses within an international e-learning pilot initiative. Employees from four user organizations representing four countries in South Eastern Europe participated as users of the e-learning courses and evaluated their usability.

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Mindfulness Training for Coaches: A Mixed-Method Exploratory Study

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology ◽

10.1123/jcsp.2014-0038 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 116-137 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Kathryn Longshore ◽

Michael Sachs

Keyword(s):

Mixed Method ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

High Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Emotional Stability ◽

Mindfulness Training ◽

Division I ◽

Semistructured Interviews ◽

Mixed Method Design ◽

Time Point

Mindfulness-based research in sport has focused on athletes, while coaches remain unexplored. Research consistently shows that coaches experience high stress, which can lead to burnout, reduced performance, and emotional mismanagement. The present study developed and explored Mindfulness Training for Coaches (MTC), which is aimed at increasing mindfulness and emotional stability while reducing anxiety. Participants were 20 Division I coaches. The mixed-method design included trait and state measures of anxiety, mindfulness, and emotion, along with qualitative semistructured interviews. Trained coaches reported significantly less anxiety and greater emotional stability from pre- to posttraining. The state measures showed trained coaches were lower in anxiety and adverse emotions at each time point. Interviews showed six distinct positive impacts on coaches: anxiety and stress; emotions; mindfulness; coaching; athletes; and personal life. MTC is a promising intervention for coaches to reduce stress, improve well-being, and enhance coach-athlete interactions.

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A Model for e-Learning Systems Success: Systems, Determinants, and Performance

International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET) ◽

10.3991/ijet.v12i10.6680 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 4 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ismail M. Romi

Keyword(s):

Information And Communication Technologies ◽

Learning Systems ◽

Learning System ◽

Learning Context ◽

Learner Performance ◽

Learning Success ◽

Proposed Model ◽

System Components ◽

E Learning ◽

And Performance

E-learning is used by higher education institutions and corporate training institutes as a means of solving performance problems, and the accessibility to educational technology which considered as vital for acquisition and dissemination of knowledge to students, as well as interaction between instructors and students. To determine technological solutions for those institutions, an analysis to the literature, and related theories have been conducted depending on the context impact to e-learning system, as well as the interrelationship between e-learning system components and its impact on learner performance. The main findings show that e-learning system is composed of four components, mainly; the instructor, learner, course, and information and communication technologies (ICT), in addition to the context determinants of e-learning system success. The current study, proposed a model for e-learning success, which incorporates eight factors, mainly; e-learning context that include individual, institutional, and environmental determinants to e-learning success. In addition to e-learning components which include instructor, learner, course, and ICT. As well as the learner performance, that aims to measure e-learning success. The proposed model was designed to integrate prior research in the area of e-learning, where it adds set of determinants to e-learning systems success, and find out the best fit of e-learning system components. Moreover, educational institutions can use this proposed model.

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(Un)Healthy Lifestyles, Environment, Well-being and Health Capability in Rural Neighbourhoods: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-98459/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anabela Marisa Azul ◽

Ricardo Almendra ◽

Marta Quatorze ◽

Adriana Loureiro ◽

Flávio Reis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Method ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Loss ◽

Mixed Method Design ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of health loss worldwide, in part due to unhealthy lifestyles. Metabolic-based diseases are rising with an unhealthy body-mass index (BMI) in rural areas as the main risk factor in adults. Health loss risks in rural areas may be amplified by wider determinants such as socio-demography and surrounding environments. We assessed weather (un)healthy lifestyles and environment in rural neighbourhoods are reflected into metabolic risks and health capability, and how community circumstances may impact the self-ability for making balanced decisions.Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in fifteen Portuguese rural neighbourhoods (with high ageing index and high illiteracy) to describe individuals’ health functioning condition and to characterize the community environment. We followed a qualitatively driven mixed-method design, using a healthy lifestyle assessment toolkit, to gather evidence-based data and lifestyles (incorporated in eVida technology), within a random sample of 270 individuals; and 107 in-depth interviews to determine whether environment influence the capability for improving or pursuing heath and well-being.Results: Men showed to have a 75% higher probability of being overweight than women (p-value=0.0954); and the reporting of health loss risks was higher in women (RR: 1.48; p-value=0.122), individuals with larger waist circumference (RR: 2.21; IC: 1.19; 4.27), overweight and obesity (RR: 1.38; p-value=0.293) and participants aged over 75 years (RR: 1.78; p-value= 0.235; when compared with participants under 40 years old). Metabolic risks were more associated to BMI and physical activity than diet (or sleeping habits); participants strongly evidenced the adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern. From the interviews, we identified seven environmental circumstances reflecting health needs, health expectations and health capability: economic development, built environment, social network, health care, demography, active lifestyles, and mobility. And, while the starting point of the interview addressed community needs, participants expressed the value of natural environment in their neighbourhood as the main positive effect to pursuing health and well-being, with particular emphasis to lower exposure to air / noise pollution, daily routines linked to nature or land use, and diversity of nature experiences.Conclusions: Our qualitatively driven mixed-method design, involving the community, uncovers environment contextual-dependent circumstances influencing the ability of individuals to pursue healthy habits. The active participation of local representatives, with its degrees of negotiation and flexibility, contributed to adapt the health-related messages. The co-benefits from this co-designing community program advance the evidence to support academy-community driven interventions for pushing health and well-being at a broader social, health care and (natural) environment agenda in rural neighbourhoods.

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Impact of co-facilitated information programmes on outcomes for service users and family members: the EOLAS programmes (paper 2)

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/ipm.2015.69 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 29-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

A. Higgins ◽

D. Hevey ◽

P. Gibbons ◽

C. O’ Connor ◽

F. Boyd ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Method ◽

Family Members ◽

Well Being ◽

Positive Outcomes ◽

Mutual Support ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Irish Context ◽

Mixed Method Design ◽

Qualitative Component ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveThe present study evaluated the impact on psychosocial outcome of parallel clinician and peer-led information programmes for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and for family members within an Irish context.MethodsA sequential mixed method design was used. Quantitative data were collected using pre- and post-programme questionnaires followed by an integrated qualitative component involving semi-structured interviews after the programme. The questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes towards recovery, hope, support, advocacy and well-being. Interviews with participants, facilitators and project workers explored their experiences and views of the programme.FindingsWhile a number of the questionnaires did not show a statistically significant change, findings from the interviews suggest that the1 programmes had a number of positive outcomes, including increases in perceived knowledge, empowerment and support. Participants in both programmes valued the opportunity to meet people in similar circumstances, share their experiences, learn from each other and provide mutual support.ConclusionThe EOLAS programmes offer a novel template for communication and information sharing in a way that embodies the principles of collaboration and offers users and families a meaningful opportunity to become involved in service design, delivery and evaluation.

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University-Engagement Research: Application of a Mixed Method Design of Community-Based Participatory Research for Communities’ Well-Being

Re-envisioning Higher Education’s Public Mission ◽

10.1007/978-3-030-55716-4_6 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 97-118

Author(s):

Antigoni Papadimitriou ◽

Rosalyn W. Stewart ◽

Constantine Frangakis

Keyword(s):

Participatory Research ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Community Based Participatory Research ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Based ◽

Research Application ◽

Mixed Method Design ◽

University Engagement

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Escaping the Cubicle

Handbook of Research on Remote Work and Worker Well-Being in the Post-COVID-19 Era - Advances in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-6754-8.ch011 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 181-201

Author(s):

Elizabeth (Libby) J. Sander ◽

Alannah Rafferty ◽

Peter J. Jordan

Keyword(s):

Work Environment ◽

Well Being ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Physical Work ◽

Future Research ◽

Contingent Work ◽

Working From Home ◽

Technological Advances ◽

Physical Work Environment ◽

And Performance

A rise in contingent work, the increasing real estate costs for organizations, technological advances, and more recently, restrictions on movement emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a sharp increase in the number of employees working from home. These have significant implications for individuals, organizations, and society. Yet the physical work environment within the home has received little attention from scholars. Research on traditional office settings indicates that the physical environment influences a range of well-being and performance outcomes, indicating a critical need for researchers to consider the impact of the physical work environment at home. To address this issue, the authors briefly summarize the effects of the physical work environment and review existing research on working from home. They then propose directions for future research and emerging methodologies to undertake this research. Finally, they detail the practical implications that these changes bring for individuals, organizations, and society.

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Preliminary Study of Subjective Well Being in Adolescents: Qualitative Survey Analysis

Open Journal for Psychological Research ◽

10.32591/coas.ojpr.0402.05123h ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 123-136

Author(s):

Rahmah Hastuti ◽

Pamela Hendra Heng ◽

Naomi Soetikno

Keyword(s):

Mixed Method ◽

Positive Emotion ◽

Well Being ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Need Satisfaction ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Survey Analysis ◽

Qualitative Survey ◽

Mixed Method Design ◽

Preliminary Study

The subjective well-being on this study concerned on adolescents’ self-reported assessments of their own subjective well-being. It is an issue of concern of students. This study aims to examine the level of subjective well-being among students. We performed this descriptive study in Jakarta, from January to February 2020. This research was conducted on 134 teenagers aged 17 to 18 years living in Jakarta. There were 115 (85.8%) women and 19 (14.2%) men. In this study, adolescents’ view about their subjective well-being were gathered through open-ended questions. This study uses qualitative mixed method design. The form consists of three open-ended questions pertaining to views of adolescents regarding the concept of well-being. The answers are then combined and collected under the general header. Data analysis uses MAXQDA analysis tools to develop thematic coding and take the highest frequency. The results found that adolescents’ opinions about subjective well-being include: productivity, positive emotion, social oriented, need satisfaction, minor challenges, health, religiosity, and independent.

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