The effect of power use on specific investments: the moderating role of interdependence structure

PurposePower use widely exists in buyer–supplier relationships (BSRs). Different directions of power use (i.e. buyer's power use and supplier's power use) intertwining with different types of power (i.e. coercive and noncoercive power) make it insufficient to regard power use as a single construct when examining its effect on a firm's following response. Besides, interdependence structure characterized by joint dependence and dependence asymmetry may influence the effect of a specific power use by shaping the firm's interpretation and cognition toward the relationship. Specifically, this study examines how four types of power use a buyer facing and an interdependence structure with its supplier affect its specific investments to the supplier.Design/methodology/approachThis study tests the proposed relationships using regression analysis, based on data from 240 manufacturing firms in China on their perceived relationships with their major suppliers.FindingsResults show that buyer's coercive power use (BCP) negatively affects buyer's specific investments while noncoercive power use (BNP) does not play a significant role. Both supplier's coercive power use (SCP) and noncoercive power use (SNP) are positively related to buyer's specific investments. Joint dependence positively moderates the effect of BNP and dependence asymmetry negatively moderates the effects of BCP and SNP on buyer's specific investments.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on power use by identifying different types of power use and their different roles in influencing buyer's specific investments. The study also contributes to the literature on interdependence structure by demonstrating the different roles of joint dependence and dependence asymmetry.

Math fluency from elementary to middle school: differentiating recognition from inferential fluency

Fluency in mental arithmetic is often regarded as a foundational math skill best measured as a single construct. Here we examine the potential benefits of distinguishing between inferential fluency and recognition fluency in elementary and middle school students. Depending on the problem at hand, a student’s fluency may reflect reliance on inferential versus recognition processes. Here we studied single digit arithmetic problems that appear in a widely used 3-minute math fluency assessment across a large (n=914), diverse cohort of 3rd- 7th grade students. A novel tablet-based paradigm enabled us to aggregate performance across different problem types by devising a simple yet objective heuristic to designate problems as likely to draw upon recognition versus inferential fluency in this population. Effects of fluency type were evident across accuracy, response time, and combined responses per minute (RPM) metrics. A novel yet theoretically informative interaction emerged between fluency type and the operation effect. Both fluency types showed sensitivity to grade effects, SES effects, and global achievement levels on state-mandated math assessments. Inferential fluency proved to be a stronger predictor of global achievement than either recognition fluency or more traditional aggregate raw scores. Finally, we demonstrate how differentiating these two fluency types provides novel insights into how relationships between SES and global math achievement are mediated by both inferential and recognition fluency, but not equally. We propose that differentiating inferential from recognition fluency is an initial step toward testing a proposed SIRPA (shift from inferential to recognition processes in arithmetic) model of math development.

The Science of Leadership: A Theoretical Model and Research Agenda

I review the empirical literature on leadership, focusing on papers published since 2010. To do so, I introduce a framework composed of two features: whether theories ( a) involve the study of leaders or leading (i.e., the person versus the process) and ( b) conceptualize leadership as a cause or a consequence (i.e., an independent versus dependent variable). This framework can enable future research to accumulate in a more programmatic fashion and help scholars determine where their own studies are located within the landscape of leadership research. I end the review by critically evaluating existing work, arguing that the most popular subcategory of leadership research—lumped conceptualizations of leading, in which scholars examine multiple leader behaviors within a single construct—has significant limitations and may need to be replaced by a greater focus on split conceptualizations of leading, wherein scholars isolate single leader behaviors. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, Volume 9 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Evaluation of a Novel Dorsal-Cemented Technique for Atlantoaxial Stabilisation in 12 Dogs

Dorsal atlantoaxial stabilisation (DAAS) has mostly been described to treat atlantoaxial instability using low stiffness constructs in dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and surgical outcome of a rigid cemented DAAS technique using bone corridors that have not previously been reported. The medical records of 12 consecutive dogs treated with DAAS were retrospectively reviewed. The method involved bi-cortical screws placed in at least four of eight available bone corridors, embedded in polymethylmethacrylate. Screw placement was graded according to their position and the degree of the breach from the intended bone corridor. All DAAS procedures were completed successfully. A total of 72 atlantoaxial screws were placed: of those, 51 (70.8%) were optimal, 17 (23.6%) were suboptimal, and 4 (5.6%) were graded as hazardous (including 2 minor breaches of the vertebral canal). Surgical outcome was assessed via a review of client questionnaires, neurological examination, and postoperative CT images. The clinical outcome was considered good to excellent in all but one case that displayed episodic discomfort despite the appropriate atlantoaxial reduction. A single construct failure was identified despite a positive clinical outcome. This study suggests the proposed DAAS is a viable alternative to ventral techniques. Prospective studies are required to accurately compare the complication and success rate of both approaches.

274Early adversity scale for schizophrenia (EAS-SZ) constructed and validated using linked register data

Background A range of adversities have been implicated as risks for schizophrenia. Adversities often cluster, with synergistic impact, which may vary by age of exposure. We expand on current understanding, and propose a method for ranking combinations of adversities associated with risk of schizophrenia, to derive a risk prediction measure. Methods We used prospectively collected data for 430,000 children born 1980–2001 in Western Australia, and their parents. Follow up continued until 2015 using linked State registers, identifying 1,620 children with schizophrenia. Five domains of adversity exposure to age 10 were considered. Using Cox modeling of a 40% training data subset, we categorised adversity exposure by associated rates of schizophrenia. Firstly, for each domain separately, numerous constructs of adversity exposure were screened for independent association with schizophrenia. Those with p < =0.2 were combined, using augmented backwards elimination, to define a minimal domain set of jointly associated constructs. Combination was summarised as the linear predictor corresponding to the optimum Cox model. Secondly, these domain summaries were combined with each other to form a global Cox model, predictive of association with schizophrenia. Harrell’s Concordance was calculated using a 30% assessment sample which did not overlap with our training sample. Prognostic categories were defined and tested. Results Harrell’s Concordance was 0.655. Dose response was observed. Conclusions Our scale combines many adversity measures into a single construct. It displays dose response and predicts association considerably above chance. Key messages EAS-SZ allows a range of adversity exposure profiles to be ranked according to association with schizophrenia.

Development and Testing of a Spiritual Resourcefulness Scale: Holistic Expansion in Operationalizing the Resourcefulness Construct

Purpose: Research supports holistic expansion of the construct of resourcefulness by adding spiritual practices to the existing personal and social dimensions. This study describes the development and testing of items to measure spiritual resourcefulness. Methods/Design: Study phases were: (1) focus group development of item stems and responses; (2) expert testing; (3) scale construction; (4) field testing in 234 family caregivers; and (5) psychometric analysis to identify items for inclusion in a final scale. Findings: A focus group developed 40 item stems with potential responses reflecting three conceptual components of spiritual practices (rational, ritualistic, and relational). Content experts selected the best response for each item. A six-point Likert scale consistent with the Resourcefulness Scale© was constructed. Data from field testing were factor analyzed. The best solution revealed two factors containing 12 items. Ritualistic and relational items loaded together (44.7% variance explained). Rational items loaded separately (19.5% variance explained). Higher-order factor analysis indicated the two subscales reflected a single construct (71.93% variance explained; r = .44, p < .001). Conclusion: Availability of a psychometrically sound measure of spiritual resourcefulness is critical to expand resourcefulness training interventions to be more holistic. Clinical interventions can be enriched by including strategies to enhance personal, social, and spiritual resourcefulness skills.

PERSONALITY TRAITS AND STRESS AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY MAKURDI

This study investigated personality traits and stress as predictors of psychological well-being among students in schools of nursing and midwifery, Makurdi. The study employed the ex post facto research design. The Big Five Personality traits Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Ryff’s Scale of psychological well-being were used to collect data from the participants. The participants constituted 25 (10.2%) males and 220 (89.8%) females with a mean age of 0.992. The study tested three hypotheses and each of the hypotheses tested six dimensions of Ryff’s psychological well-being using simple linear regression and multiple linear regressions. Result in hypothesis (1a) showed a significant outcome for conscientiousness, openness and neuroticism on psychological well-being (autonomy) [F (5,239) = 181.093, P < .001. Hypothesis (1b) likewise had a significant outcome for conscientiousness, openness and neuroticism on psychological well-being (environmental mastery) [F (5,329) = 44.720, P < .001. Hypothesis (1c) was accepted for conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness on psychological well-being (personal growth) [F (5, 237) = 71.964, P < .001. Hypothesis (1d) was confirmed for conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness on psychological well-being (positive relations with others) [F (5,239) = 77.131, P < .001. Hypothesis (1e) was accepted for all except extraversion on psychological well-being (purpose in life) [F (5,239) = 53.709, P < .001. Hypothesis (1f) was confirmed only for openness on psychological well-being (self-acceptance) [F (2,237) = 28.625 P < .001. Hypotheses (2a) to (2f) rejected the postulation of stress on all the dimensions of psychological well-being. Likewise, hypotheses (3a) to (3f) also rejected the joint predictions of personality traits and stress on psychological well-being among students. In conclusion, Personality traits significantly predicted psychological well-being of students in schools of nursing and midwifery, Makurdi. Particularly, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness personality traits found to influence psychological well-being while extraversion and agreeableness were the lowest personality traits influencing psychological well-being among students. In the contrary, stress rather positively predicted student’s psychological well-being as against earlier postulation that stress will negatively and significantly influence psychological well-being among students. Based on the findings, that personality traits and stress did not jointly influence psychological well-being among students in schools of nursing and midwifery, Makurdi. It was recommended that, more empirical research be geared towards student nurses’/midwives’ psychological well-being owning to their different personality traits in the course of their professional program. More so, research should be focused on Ryff’s dimensions of psychological well-being since psychological well-being is not a single construct but multidimensional to assist student nurses/midwives gain optimal psychological well-being.

Tracking and modeling public perceptions toward the reality of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria

The study tracked and modeled public perceptions toward the reality of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria over a 3 month period (10 May to 10 August 2020); 2580 Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones were selected to participate in the study. These participants were selected from various social media platforms and were requested to complete an online survey over a 3-month period. Data were analyzed in three phases: tracking, modeling, and forecasting. We first tracked the respondents’ perceptions in the form of a qualitative response, where seven thematic constructs emerged from content analysis. These constructs were confirmed in the modeling phase, using structural equation modeling after data transformation. The themes were forecast as a single construct to predict possible trends and patterns over the next 3 month period using an autoregressive integrated moving average. Our findings revealed that public perceptions toward the reality of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria fall into seven thematic constructs: “scam,” “fake,” “politics,” “business venture,” “exaggeration,” “real,” and “real but manipulated.” These constructs show a steady trend with a random walk pattern, suggesting that perceptions toward the reality of COVID-19 in Nigeria will remain relatively unchanged over the next 3 month period. We recommend, among other things, that massive and intensive sensitization and awareness programs are needed to change the public mindset concerning the reality of the pandemic in Nigeria.

The effects of internal, external and aggregated CSR practices on the firm's reputation and profitability

Purpose Contemplating the concerns often expressed by skeptics about the value generated by corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, this study aims to examine the effects of CSR practices on the firm's reputation and profitability in the distinct socio-economic context of Nepal. Design/methodology/approach The study used a simple random sampling method in collecting data from 168 listed companies in Nepal. The data were collected using structured questionnaires. Then, hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to test the stated hypotheses. Findings Results showed that all types of CSR practices positively affect the firm's reputation and profitability. However, a firm's reputation was better explained by the external CSR practices, and profitability was better explained by the internal CSR practices. Moreover, CSR practices were more strongly linked with the firm's reputation than profitability. Research limitations/implications Perceptual data on profitability may be seen as a limitation although it can capture the current profitability situation as well as a future prospect within a single construct. Practical implications Practicing managers can consider CSR as an important strategic issue to stay ahead in competition rather than simply a response to regulatory requirements or stakeholder pressures. Originality/value Perhaps this is the first study to examine the effects of internal CSR practices, external CSR practices, and aggregated CSR practices separately on the firm's reputation and profitability in the unique socio-economic context of Nepal.

Convergence of heteromodal lexical retrieval in the lateral prefrontal cortex

Lexical retrieval requires selecting and retrieving the most appropriate word from the lexicon to express a desired concept. Few studies have probed lexical retrieval with tasks other than picture naming, and when non-picture naming lexical retrieval tasks have been applied, both convergent and divergent results emerged. The presence of a single construct for auditory and visual processes of lexical retrieval would influence cognitive rehabilitation strategies for patients with aphasia. In this study, we perform support vector regression lesion-symptom mapping using a brain tumor model to test the hypothesis that brain regions specifically involved in lexical retrieval from visual and auditory stimuli represent overlapping neural systems. We find that principal components analysis of language tasks revealed multicollinearity between picture naming, auditory naming, and a validated measure of word finding, implying the existence of redundant cognitive constructs. Nonparametric, multivariate lesion-symptom mapping across participants was used to model accuracies on each of the four language tasks. Lesions within overlapping clusters of 8,333 voxels and 21,512 voxels in the left lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) were predictive of impaired picture naming and auditory naming, respectively. These data indicate a convergence of heteromodal lexical retrieval within the PFC.