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“Promoting” or “inhibiting”: the nonlinear impact of rural digitization on the rural enterprises’ resilience
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Financial development and mortality rates
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Life satisfaction along the urban-rural continuum: a global assessment
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How can pilot free trade zones affect regional technology innovation? –evidence from China at the city level
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Accounting executives and readability of 10-K reports
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Do innovator CEOs matter in IPOs?
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of innovator CEOs on their firms' IPO underpricing, long-run performance and post-IPO innovation. Firstly, we find that IPO firms led by innovator CEOs experience lower first-day returns (indicating lower IPO underpricing). This phenomenon can be attributed to a CEO's innovative ability, as it plays a pivotal role in mitigating information asymmetry within the IPO market. Secondly, we observe that IPO firms with innovator CEOs have greater IPO long-run performance. Lastly, our analysis reveals that IPO firms led by innovator CEOs demonstrate greater firm-wide innovation up to 4 years after the IPO. Overall, our study highlights the effect of CEO characteristics on firm performance in the IPO market.
Leveraging adversity during pandemics: the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals of self and others in mental health outcomes among students
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 90-102, March 2024.
Researchers have paid limited attention to the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals in conferring resilience. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of positive appraisals of problem-solving ability and social support on mental health outcomes. A random sample of students at a university in South Africa (n = 322) participated in the study. They completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Problem-Solving Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Mediation analysis found that problem-solving appraisal and social support jointly and separately mediated the effects of perceived stress on hopelessness. The combined effect of social support and problem-solving appraisal on life satisfaction was significant; however, only social support was found to mediate the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction. The findings indicate that adaptive appraisals of self and others are potential sources of resilience that can buffer individuals from the adverse impact of stressful life events.
Researchers have paid limited attention to the role of adaptive cognitive appraisals in conferring resilience. In this study, we demonstrate the influence of positive appraisals of problem-solving ability and social support on mental health outcomes. A random sample of students at a university in South Africa (n = 322) participated in the study. They completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Problem-Solving Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Mediation analysis found that problem-solving appraisal and social support jointly and separately mediated the effects of perceived stress on hopelessness. The combined effect of social support and problem-solving appraisal on life satisfaction was significant; however, only social support was found to mediate the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction. The findings indicate that adaptive appraisals of self and others are potential sources of resilience that can buffer individuals from the adverse impact of stressful life events.
Artificial intelligence (AI) in psychology: a commentary on AI’s emerging role and the ensuing conversation
South African Journal of Psychology, Volume 54, Issue 1, Page 130-137, March 2024.
This brief commentary explores the opportunities and challenges presented by the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence in the field of psychology in South Africa. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise teaching and learning, research, content production, and professional services, but it also presents some challenges to academic and professional psychology in South Africa. While some generative artificial intelligence can produce written work, such as assignments, literature reviews, and theses, they currently cannot replace human reasoning and the critical thinking abilities required to argue a particular point (at this stage). Artificial intelligence chatbots can also act as teaching assistants and even provide complex psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy. In research and publication, artificial intelligence can increase efficiency and provide new insights and perspectives by detecting patterns and relationships that may have been overlooked by human researchers. However, the use of artificial intelligence raises ethical concerns, particularly around ownership and authorship of artificial intelligence–generated content, potential biases, and errors. The commentary concludes that as artificial intelligence technology continues to evolve, and with the human–artificial intelligence partnership continuing to unfold, it is important to recognise the risks associated with its use in academic writing and ensure that psychology students develop appropriate research skills.
This brief commentary explores the opportunities and challenges presented by the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence in the field of psychology in South Africa. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise teaching and learning, research, content production, and professional services, but it also presents some challenges to academic and professional psychology in South Africa. While some generative artificial intelligence can produce written work, such as assignments, literature reviews, and theses, they currently cannot replace human reasoning and the critical thinking abilities required to argue a particular point (at this stage). Artificial intelligence chatbots can also act as teaching assistants and even provide complex psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy. In research and publication, artificial intelligence can increase efficiency and provide new insights and perspectives by detecting patterns and relationships that may have been overlooked by human researchers. However, the use of artificial intelligence raises ethical concerns, particularly around ownership and authorship of artificial intelligence–generated content, potential biases, and errors. The commentary concludes that as artificial intelligence technology continues to evolve, and with the human–artificial intelligence partnership continuing to unfold, it is important to recognise the risks associated with its use in academic writing and ensure that psychology students develop appropriate research skills.
Family control, institutional investors, and financial distress: Evidence from China
Abstract
The effect of family control on corporate governance and risk-taking behaviours remains disputed worldwide. We examine how family control affects the financial distress of firms listed on the Chinese stock market. Our empirical findings suggest that family firms, particularly those with descendant CEOs, face significantly higher financial distress risk. Higher debt levels and more diversified acquisitions of family firms can partially explain their higher financial risk. Further analysis indicates that institutional investors help reduce the financial distress risk of Chinese family firms. We contend that institutional investors play vital roles in enhancing the corporate governance of family firms in China. Taken together, our study urges attention to the financial distress risk of family firms in a transient economy.