SAGE Open, Volume 13, Issue 4, October-December 2023.
With the emergence of the sharing economy, Airbnb has become the poster child for the digital peer-to-peer accommodation market in the hospitality industry. The study explores the attributes influencing Airbnb user experiences in Sri Lanka by analyzing online guest reviews. The study uses an exploratory research design to examine a large data set of Airbnb user reviews utilizing text mining and sentiment analysis. According to the analysis, five key themes emerged from the review comments: “recommend,”“host,”“experience,”“room,” and “location.” Furthermore, the relationship between the host and the guest greatly impacts the Airbnb user experience in Sri Lanka. Most Airbnb user reviews are positive and primarily focus on the host, while negative ones typically focus on the property’s indoor environmental quality. The study contributes to the literature on the sharing economy by offering a structured and extensive analysis of actual online reviews from Airbnb customers to understand their experiences better while providing valuable insights for various stakeholders in the industry.
The Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation on SMEs’ Performance in a Transitional Economy: The Mediating Role of Differentiation Advantages and Innovation Capability
SAGE Open, Volume 13, Issue 4, October-December 2023.
EO literature suggests that the effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on performance is affected by studying context. There is a lack of study executed in transitional economies. In addition, the mediating role of differentiation advantages (DA) and innovation capability (IC) on the relationship between EO and performance remains underexplored. Thus, drawing upon resource-based view and contingency theory, this study examines the mediating effects of DA and IC on this relationship in the contexts of manufacturing SMEs located in Vietnam. A sample of 176 manufacturing SMEs currently operating in Vietnam was analyzed. Partial least square structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that DA and IC fully mediate the relationship between EO and performance. These findings permit four theoretical contributions to the literature. First, this study contributes to the EO literature by examining the effects of EO in a transitional economy as Vietnam. Second, this study also overcomes prior EO studies in term of the operationalization of the performance. Third, this study introduces to EO literature two novel mediators such as DA and IC. Last but not least, this study it also contributes to contingency theory in EO study by addressing mediating rather moderating effects. Regarding to practical implications, managers of manufacturing SMEs should aware that adopting EO is only beneficial to the performance when EO can be used to develop DA and IC.
EO literature suggests that the effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on performance is affected by studying context. There is a lack of study executed in transitional economies. In addition, the mediating role of differentiation advantages (DA) and innovation capability (IC) on the relationship between EO and performance remains underexplored. Thus, drawing upon resource-based view and contingency theory, this study examines the mediating effects of DA and IC on this relationship in the contexts of manufacturing SMEs located in Vietnam. A sample of 176 manufacturing SMEs currently operating in Vietnam was analyzed. Partial least square structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that DA and IC fully mediate the relationship between EO and performance. These findings permit four theoretical contributions to the literature. First, this study contributes to the EO literature by examining the effects of EO in a transitional economy as Vietnam. Second, this study also overcomes prior EO studies in term of the operationalization of the performance. Third, this study introduces to EO literature two novel mediators such as DA and IC. Last but not least, this study it also contributes to contingency theory in EO study by addressing mediating rather moderating effects. Regarding to practical implications, managers of manufacturing SMEs should aware that adopting EO is only beneficial to the performance when EO can be used to develop DA and IC.
Developing EFL Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices in Relation to Learner Autonomy Through Online Teacher Development Workshops
SAGE Open, Volume 13, Issue 4, October-December 2023.
The development of autonomy is acknowledged as a significant educational goal in language education, but it seems challenging in many schools. One of the reasons for this discrepancy is the lack of professional development addressing teacher beliefs and practices about learner autonomy (LA) as valid educational concerns. However, in teacher education research, limited attention has been paid to language teachers’ understandings and practices of promoting LA. Hence, this research project aims to develop in-service teachers’ beliefs, understandings, and practices about LA through teacher development workshops. First, an in-depth interview was used to gather five teachers’ beliefs about autonomy and teaching practices in secondary schools. Second, two workshops were conducted based on the literature and the initial interview to develop teachers’ LA-related beliefs, understandings, and practices. Third, a post-workshop evaluation was conducted through a focus group, the written reflection, and the researcher’s self-reflective journals to examine to what extent teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about LA have changed and developed. The findings revealed that the online workshops have made making teachers more aware of the concept of LA and its significance in language learning. Their LA-related beliefs and understandings of their teaching objectives, prior learning experiences, and teaching competence influenced their LA-related classroom practices. Some practical suggestions were provided for designing and implementing professional development workshops.
The development of autonomy is acknowledged as a significant educational goal in language education, but it seems challenging in many schools. One of the reasons for this discrepancy is the lack of professional development addressing teacher beliefs and practices about learner autonomy (LA) as valid educational concerns. However, in teacher education research, limited attention has been paid to language teachers’ understandings and practices of promoting LA. Hence, this research project aims to develop in-service teachers’ beliefs, understandings, and practices about LA through teacher development workshops. First, an in-depth interview was used to gather five teachers’ beliefs about autonomy and teaching practices in secondary schools. Second, two workshops were conducted based on the literature and the initial interview to develop teachers’ LA-related beliefs, understandings, and practices. Third, a post-workshop evaluation was conducted through a focus group, the written reflection, and the researcher’s self-reflective journals to examine to what extent teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about LA have changed and developed. The findings revealed that the online workshops have made making teachers more aware of the concept of LA and its significance in language learning. Their LA-related beliefs and understandings of their teaching objectives, prior learning experiences, and teaching competence influenced their LA-related classroom practices. Some practical suggestions were provided for designing and implementing professional development workshops.
Sustainable Leadership, Knowledge Sharing, and Frugal Innovation: The Moderating Role of Organizational Innovation Climate
SAGE Open, Volume 13, Issue 4, October-December 2023.
The present study aims to investigate the relationship between sustainable leadership styles and frugal innovation in SMEs in the Chinese context. We also investigate the role of knowledge sharing as a mediator in the relationship between SL-FI. Furthermore, this study introduces the situational variable organizational innovation climate to explore its moderating role between KS-FI. The data were collected from corporate employees of SMEs in China’s manufacturing and service industries, with a 67.7% response rate on the questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested in this study using SmartPLS 4.0.8.7, and the empirical findings of this study revealed that sustainable leadership positively affects frugal innovation, with the knowledge-sharing process serving as a partial mediating effect. In addition, the results revealed that a higher level of organizational innovation climate will result in a higher effect of knowledge sharing on frugal innovation. The results of the current study provide insights and empirical evidence on the importance of frugal innovation in emerging markets and the ability to improve firms’ frugal innovation through leadership practices and knowledge resources. The current study provides a new contribution as it links sustainable leadership, knowledge sharing, and frugal innovation in the context of China as an emerging country. The research findings contribute to expanding the literature in the area of leadership styles and innovation, and provide practical insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others in developing countries and emerging market SMEs.
The present study aims to investigate the relationship between sustainable leadership styles and frugal innovation in SMEs in the Chinese context. We also investigate the role of knowledge sharing as a mediator in the relationship between SL-FI. Furthermore, this study introduces the situational variable organizational innovation climate to explore its moderating role between KS-FI. The data were collected from corporate employees of SMEs in China’s manufacturing and service industries, with a 67.7% response rate on the questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested in this study using SmartPLS 4.0.8.7, and the empirical findings of this study revealed that sustainable leadership positively affects frugal innovation, with the knowledge-sharing process serving as a partial mediating effect. In addition, the results revealed that a higher level of organizational innovation climate will result in a higher effect of knowledge sharing on frugal innovation. The results of the current study provide insights and empirical evidence on the importance of frugal innovation in emerging markets and the ability to improve firms’ frugal innovation through leadership practices and knowledge resources. The current study provides a new contribution as it links sustainable leadership, knowledge sharing, and frugal innovation in the context of China as an emerging country. The research findings contribute to expanding the literature in the area of leadership styles and innovation, and provide practical insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others in developing countries and emerging market SMEs.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Health and Healthcare for Rural Veterans in Home-Based Primary Care
Journal of Applied Gerontology, Ahead of Print.
This qualitative study explored the impact of COVID-19 on older rural-dwelling veterans and their caregivers enrolled in home-based primary care (HBPC) through the Birmingham VA Health Care System (BVAHCS). Phone interviews were conducted with 16 veterans and/or their caregivers and rapid qualitative analysis of interview notes was performed. Average age of veterans was 77 (range = 69–97) and 93.7% were white males. Despite a significant number of co-morbidities, 68.8% reported minimal adverse impacts of COVID-19 on overall physical and mental health. Like many healthcare teams, the inter-disciplinary VA HBPC team incorporated Telehealth during COVID-19. Telehealth utilization varied among the 16 participants, with 50% using telehealth independently, 37.5% needing assistance, and 12% lacking access. Our findings are consistent with prior research that identifies resilient characteristics as potentially protective in this high-risk older veteran population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This qualitative study explored the impact of COVID-19 on older rural-dwelling veterans and their caregivers enrolled in home-based primary care (HBPC) through the Birmingham VA Health Care System (BVAHCS). Phone interviews were conducted with 16 veterans and/or their caregivers and rapid qualitative analysis of interview notes was performed. Average age of veterans was 77 (range = 69–97) and 93.7% were white males. Despite a significant number of co-morbidities, 68.8% reported minimal adverse impacts of COVID-19 on overall physical and mental health. Like many healthcare teams, the inter-disciplinary VA HBPC team incorporated Telehealth during COVID-19. Telehealth utilization varied among the 16 participants, with 50% using telehealth independently, 37.5% needing assistance, and 12% lacking access. Our findings are consistent with prior research that identifies resilient characteristics as potentially protective in this high-risk older veteran population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Difficulties of Families With Multiples Recognized by Regional Parenting Support Hubs: A National Public Health Service Study in Japan
SAGE Open, Volume 13, Issue 4, October-December 2023.
In comparison to a singleton birth, pregnancy, delivery, and child rearing in families with multiples is more complicated and is associated with more difficulties. This study sheds light on how parenting support hubs all over Japan recognize the difficulties of families with multiples, and how they support them. A questionnaire was distributed to regional parenting support hubs in Japan. The questionnaire coverage included rural to urban areas in all parts of Japan. The questionnaire was presented and answered using Google Forms, a website, a fax, or an e-mail attachment (n = 522). A factor analysis and t-tests were used to analyze the data. Regional parenting support hubs recognized that families with multiples have more difficulties and needs that require support than those with singletons, during both pregnancy and child rearing. However, they did not recognize any marked economic difficulties, which has been demonstrated to be an issue that affects families with multiples. Most regional parenting support hubs did not provide helpful support regarding speaking to parents of multiples, holding social events, or cooperating with other support groups, or rearing support hubs. When the helpful support measures that are recognized by parenting support hubs during the pregnancy/delivery period and the child-rearing period for families with multiple children are in comparison, such parenting support hubs recognized that families with multiples require more support during the pregnancy/delivery period. Parenting support hubs required information on the difficulties in supporting families with multiples and also required guidance on how such support should be provided. Parenting support hubs that cooperated with other hubs gave more support than those that did not. To link the recognition of the difficulties and needs of families with multiples to concrete measures, sufficient information on what is needed and how to support families with multiples should be provided. When presenting information on child rearing support for families with multiples, the importance of support during the child-rearing period should receive more attention. We found that cooperation is an important factor for enhancing parenting support.
In comparison to a singleton birth, pregnancy, delivery, and child rearing in families with multiples is more complicated and is associated with more difficulties. This study sheds light on how parenting support hubs all over Japan recognize the difficulties of families with multiples, and how they support them. A questionnaire was distributed to regional parenting support hubs in Japan. The questionnaire coverage included rural to urban areas in all parts of Japan. The questionnaire was presented and answered using Google Forms, a website, a fax, or an e-mail attachment (n = 522). A factor analysis and t-tests were used to analyze the data. Regional parenting support hubs recognized that families with multiples have more difficulties and needs that require support than those with singletons, during both pregnancy and child rearing. However, they did not recognize any marked economic difficulties, which has been demonstrated to be an issue that affects families with multiples. Most regional parenting support hubs did not provide helpful support regarding speaking to parents of multiples, holding social events, or cooperating with other support groups, or rearing support hubs. When the helpful support measures that are recognized by parenting support hubs during the pregnancy/delivery period and the child-rearing period for families with multiple children are in comparison, such parenting support hubs recognized that families with multiples require more support during the pregnancy/delivery period. Parenting support hubs required information on the difficulties in supporting families with multiples and also required guidance on how such support should be provided. Parenting support hubs that cooperated with other hubs gave more support than those that did not. To link the recognition of the difficulties and needs of families with multiples to concrete measures, sufficient information on what is needed and how to support families with multiples should be provided. When presenting information on child rearing support for families with multiples, the importance of support during the child-rearing period should receive more attention. We found that cooperation is an important factor for enhancing parenting support.
Exploring Differences in Home Modification Strategies According to Household Location and Occupant Disability Status: 2019 American Housing Survey Analysis
Journal of Applied Gerontology, Ahead of Print.
Home modification is essential in helping older adults age in place safely and independently. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of housing location and disability status on home modification projects among older adults using the 2019 American Housing Survey Data. The study found that recent home modification strategies were significantly different according to older adults’ housing locations and health status. Older adults in non-metropolitan areas and with disability were less likely to make home modifications, and when they did so, they spent less money on the modifications. The findings highlight the importance of providing adequate home modification programs and resources for home modifications, as well as support and education from community organizations, particularly for older adults in non-metropolitan areas. The results of this study can assist in developing housing policies and guidelines to address these current and future challenges in home modification implementation for the aging population.
Home modification is essential in helping older adults age in place safely and independently. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of housing location and disability status on home modification projects among older adults using the 2019 American Housing Survey Data. The study found that recent home modification strategies were significantly different according to older adults’ housing locations and health status. Older adults in non-metropolitan areas and with disability were less likely to make home modifications, and when they did so, they spent less money on the modifications. The findings highlight the importance of providing adequate home modification programs and resources for home modifications, as well as support and education from community organizations, particularly for older adults in non-metropolitan areas. The results of this study can assist in developing housing policies and guidelines to address these current and future challenges in home modification implementation for the aging population.
Mental Health of Older Adults by Sexual Minority Status: Evidence From the 2021 National Health Interview Survey
Journal of Applied Gerontology, Ahead of Print.
This study explored differences among older adults in mental health by sexual minority status. Data came from the 2021 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. The study sample included older adults (or those aged ≥50 years, N = 15,559), and of those, two percent (n = 380) self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Older LGB adults had significantly higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of depression and anxiety and experiencing serious psychological distress than older non-LGB adults. Additionally, older LGB adults reported higher odds of experiencing depression and anxiety more frequently than older non-LGB adults. Significant covariates included age, sex, housing, food security, and social support. Increased risk for mental illness may be long-term consequences of stigma and discrimination that this population has experienced over the life course. The combination of structural interventions and affirming mental healthcare that recognizes the cumulative negative experience among older LGB adults is necessary to achieve mental health equity.
This study explored differences among older adults in mental health by sexual minority status. Data came from the 2021 U.S. National Health Interview Survey. The study sample included older adults (or those aged ≥50 years, N = 15,559), and of those, two percent (n = 380) self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Older LGB adults had significantly higher odds of reporting a diagnosis of depression and anxiety and experiencing serious psychological distress than older non-LGB adults. Additionally, older LGB adults reported higher odds of experiencing depression and anxiety more frequently than older non-LGB adults. Significant covariates included age, sex, housing, food security, and social support. Increased risk for mental illness may be long-term consequences of stigma and discrimination that this population has experienced over the life course. The combination of structural interventions and affirming mental healthcare that recognizes the cumulative negative experience among older LGB adults is necessary to achieve mental health equity.
Entrepreneurial Passion Matters: The Relationship Between Proactive Personality and Entrepreneurial Intention
SAGE Open, Volume 13, Issue 4, October-December 2023.
The multiple mechanisms of entrepreneurial intention are still an open issue, and few have explored whether the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and proactive personality is influenced by entrepreneurial passion. This study aims to reveal the mediation role of entrepreneurial passion between proactive personality and entrepreneurial intention with the application of the classic structural equation modeling. A questionnaire survey was conducted on Chinese undergraduates and 647 questionnaires were collected for the further analysis. The main findings shed light on the mechanisms that underpin entrepreneurial passion and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on entrepreneurial intention and will raise implications for both academic entrepreneurial theory and practice.
The multiple mechanisms of entrepreneurial intention are still an open issue, and few have explored whether the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and proactive personality is influenced by entrepreneurial passion. This study aims to reveal the mediation role of entrepreneurial passion between proactive personality and entrepreneurial intention with the application of the classic structural equation modeling. A questionnaire survey was conducted on Chinese undergraduates and 647 questionnaires were collected for the further analysis. The main findings shed light on the mechanisms that underpin entrepreneurial passion and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on entrepreneurial intention and will raise implications for both academic entrepreneurial theory and practice.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Sport Model: Grounded Theory Approach
SAGE Open, Volume 13, Issue 4, October-December 2023.
A key feature of Iranian sporting clubs is the increased focus on the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). A large number of Iranian sporting clubs are employing CSR initiatives to support specific stakeholders and to leverage their societal positions. Nevertheless, there is limited research that has examined CSR in Iranian sports to guide policy and practice associated with CSR initiatives. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine CSR in the Iranian sports industry so as to support the advancement and evaluation of CSR initiatives in clubs. A developmental orientation was adopted in this qualitative research. Participants were selected using a combination of purposeful and snowball sampling methods. A total of 30 participants were involved including executive managers, university faculty members, and coaches of the Iranian Premier League clubs of Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Futsal, and Handball, as well as members of university sport management faculties. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were used to generate data. Data analysis procedures were conducted in line with the principles of grounded theory and involved open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. In this study, 64 open source codes were identified. Further, the use of the grounded theoretical approach led to the creation of a theoretical model comprised of causal conditions (five categories), contextual conditions (two categories), intervening conditions (six categories), strategies (two categories), and consequences (four categories) that describe the phenomenon of CSR in Iranian sport. Particular attention is given to the five key causal categories that were cultural, social, economic, policy, and institutional in nature. CSR activities were found to have the capacity to impact the promotion of the club through a number of concepts and categories, including fostering trust amongst the public, promoting ethical dimensions through sport, discovering and creating new markets, and attracting supporters. This analysis situated in the Middle East provides a way of considering CSR that is an alternative to the dominant Western approaches.
A key feature of Iranian sporting clubs is the increased focus on the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). A large number of Iranian sporting clubs are employing CSR initiatives to support specific stakeholders and to leverage their societal positions. Nevertheless, there is limited research that has examined CSR in Iranian sports to guide policy and practice associated with CSR initiatives. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine CSR in the Iranian sports industry so as to support the advancement and evaluation of CSR initiatives in clubs. A developmental orientation was adopted in this qualitative research. Participants were selected using a combination of purposeful and snowball sampling methods. A total of 30 participants were involved including executive managers, university faculty members, and coaches of the Iranian Premier League clubs of Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Futsal, and Handball, as well as members of university sport management faculties. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were used to generate data. Data analysis procedures were conducted in line with the principles of grounded theory and involved open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. In this study, 64 open source codes were identified. Further, the use of the grounded theoretical approach led to the creation of a theoretical model comprised of causal conditions (five categories), contextual conditions (two categories), intervening conditions (six categories), strategies (two categories), and consequences (four categories) that describe the phenomenon of CSR in Iranian sport. Particular attention is given to the five key causal categories that were cultural, social, economic, policy, and institutional in nature. CSR activities were found to have the capacity to impact the promotion of the club through a number of concepts and categories, including fostering trust amongst the public, promoting ethical dimensions through sport, discovering and creating new markets, and attracting supporters. This analysis situated in the Middle East provides a way of considering CSR that is an alternative to the dominant Western approaches.