HUMAN BEHAVIOR, DEVELOPMENT and SOCIETY

Australian Teachers’ Voices on Religiosity, Spirituality, and Their Link to Job Satisfaction

Mark Vodell — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper is the second of a two-part report on a mixed methods study that examined the job satisfaction of teachers who worked in faith-based schools. In part one (Vodéll, 2023), 11 independent variables were identified through quantitative data analysis that impacted the dependent variable of overall job satisfaction (OJS). This led to the development of a model illustrating the factors influencing OJS. In part two, the teachers’ voices are recorded from an unframed perspective. Qualitative data were collected from a sample that consisted of nine faith-based schools in Australia. A thematic analytical approach was applied to the qualitative data (N = 94), and it was found that three major themes emerged as having a major impact on OJS: People, Processes, and Purpose for Teaching. The data from both sources was then triangulated to integrate the findings using a convergent design process. It was found that religiosity impacted OJS directly and indirectly via the mediating element of spirituality. Also, spirituality itself indirectly influenced OJS via the purpose-for-teaching element. Finally, the data indicated that OJS increased when there were positive relationships (students and colleagues) and perceived organisational efficiency within the workplace.

The Mediating Role of Perceived Behavioral Control on the Relationship Between Financial Knowledge and Saving Intention

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Young people, particularly university students, are often believed to desire a lifestyle associated with complete enjoyment, leading to money saving issues. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of financial knowledge on the saving intention of Generation Z university students majoring in business and economics in Vietnam, as well as the mediating role of perceived behavioral control in this relationship. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The primary data was collected from respondents (N = 625) majoring in business and economics and in Vietnam and analyzed. The results indicated that while financial knowledge did not exert a direct influence on saving intention, perceived behavioral control mediated the relationship between financial knowledge and saving intention. Additionally, there were differences in saving intention among demographic groups, namely, gender, income, financial support from family, and household living arrangement. The results have relevance for educational institutions, financial organizations, and individuals, especially students in the disciplines of business and economics.

Effect of Organizational Support in Terms of Training, Autonomy, and Technology on Work Engagement at Private Universities in Bangkok, Thailand

Liqian Yang — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

With rapid changes in technology, working styles in universities have also changed from traditional face-to-face to online and hybrid teaching. This study focused on the work engagement of faculty and staff at three private universities in Bangkok. The focus of the investigation was on how organizational support, in terms of training, autonomy, and technology, influenced the work engagement of faculty and staff in adopting new working styles. A self-administered questionnaire was used in the study. Valid questionnaire responses (N = 329) received were subjected to ordinal linear regression analysis. The results obtained indicated that organizational support in terms of training, autonomy, and technology was positively associated with work engagement (p = .009, .009, and .000 respectively). It is suggested that the universities need to provide sufficient training, autonomy, and technological know-how to their faculty and staff to help them transition to new ways of working smoothly. Finally, some managerial implications arising from the study are provided.

Have Your Say! Malaysian X (Twitter) Users Speak Their Minds About COVID-19 Vaccination

Nor Eisya Shabila Ismail, Su-Hie Ting — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In this study, Malaysian X (formerly Twitter) users’ views were examined on COVID-19 vaccination. The specific objectives were to identify issues that were important to X users, and identify changes in views on COVID-19 vaccination. Tweets were collected from 1 January to 31 December 2021; altogether 5,766 tweets (199,900 words) were collected, and 150 tweets (5,200 words) were systematically selected for analysis. Thematic analysis showed that the tweets were more concerned about administration of the COVID-19 vaccine (56.7%) than its impact (35.3%) or COVID-19 control measures (8%). Positive sentiments increased during the 12 months. In Phase 1 (1 January–23 February 2021), the public were uncertain and sceptical while waiting for vaccination. In Phase 2 (24 February–24 September 2021) when vaccination was underway, the tweets reflected an informed stance, and X users were even proactive in promoting vaccination benefits and correcting misinformation. By Phase 3 (25 September–31 December 2021) when vaccination for teenagers and s booster shot program began, there was a dilemma of wanting to return to normal life vis-à-vis prioritizing health and safety. The study data indicated more anti- than pro-vaccination tweets, but the X community had self-correcting mechanisms when vaccine hesitancy surfaced.

Exploring Factors Influencing In-Service Teachers' Motivation to Teach English in Thailand

Chrystal Uohna Naltan, Atipat Boonmoh — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The motivation of in-service English language teachers in Thailand was examined through the lens of possible language teacher selves. With English as a lingua franca and Thailand's emphasis on English proficiency, understanding teacher motivation is crucial. The qualitative narrative approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with three participants having a minimum of three years of teaching experience. The study addressed the gap in literature regarding English teachers' possible selves and retention. The findings revealed the interplay of intrinsic and altruistic motives, self-concept, and career aspirations. Participants' motivations aligned with their ideal, actual, ought-to, and feared possible selves. Their reasons for teaching were in harmony with their aspirations, current self-perception, perceived obligations, and the desire to avoid negative outcomes. The findings have relevance for tailored professional development, student-centered approaches, recognition of non-native speaker strengths, and strategies to enhance teacher well-being. While limited by sample size and design, this research contributes to understanding teacher motivations and their implications for educational institutions.

Intimate Partner Violence and Suicide Attempt Among Women in the Philippines

Sharisse May Barra — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Intimate partner violence is among the leading women’s health issues globally. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to determine if intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a significant risk factor in suicide attempts, and whether such an association is moderated by help-seeking behavior. A predictive correlational design was employed to determine associations between the variables of interest. The study sample consisted of 1,413 currently married or cohabiting Filipino women with exposure to IPV. In the direct effects model, physical IPV, psychological IPV, and sexual IPV emerged as significant risk factors for suicide attempts. In the moderation analysis, help-seeking behavior did not demonstrate a significant interaction with IPV in predicting suicide attempts. The current data highlight the importance of identifying and screening IPV-abused women in communities who may be at risk of attempting suicide. Additionally, suicide prevention strategies must consider the potential role of help-seeking behavior in increasing the risk of suicide among IPV-abused women.

Multiple Perspectives of Working From Home

Rachaniphorn Ngotngamwong, Ricardo Lucio Ortiz — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the varied experiences of professionals working from home in eight different countries (Asia, Australia, Brazil, and the USA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-depth structured open-ended interviews (10) were conducted using online video calls in 2022. Most people shifted to working from home (WFH) during the lockdown. The participants responded differently to this new working norm, reporting different productivity levels and distractions. Participants in IT departments experienced heavy workloads and long working hours. Many organizations transitioned from traditional to digital work methods as they found new ways to meet organizational goals. Some respondents preferred the hybrid working mode after the lockdown ended, while two preferred working entirely from home and four working entirely onsite. One participant moved his IT department to remote work to save office leasing costs as his employees preferred WFH after the pandemic. Some businesses were negatively impacted, and one restaurant closed permanently. This study provided valuable insights from the participants’ WFH experiences and their post-pandemic working preferences.

The Cointegration Behavior and Diagnostic Stability of Philippine Monetary Policy Implementation During the Period From 1990 to 2022

Eric J. de Sera Nasution — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The observations made in this study were used to evaluate the diagnostic stability of the Philippine Central Bank’s selected monetary policy targets, namely, the Gross Domestic Product and inflation, with money supply, credits, interest rates, and exchange rates, as independent variables, using the autoregressive distributed lag and error correction model analysis. The co-integrating behavior depicted that all p-values of less than the 5% significance level generated different behaviors. However, analysis of the Central Bank’s performance showed that there were no unit roots at all (p > .05) that signified a strong indication of cointegration behavior. The diagnostic stability of the Philippine monetary policy implementation was established over the period from 1990 to 2022. Further, money in circulation caused increases in domestic prices, interest rates, and inflationary pressure, and ultimately affected GDP (ppp). Understanding cointegration behavior is an imperative implication for policy makers to observe and take into consideration.

Digital Human Resource Professionals

polwasit lhakard — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this research was to study the skills and desirable characteristics of human resource professionals in the digital age, with the aim of enhancing their competitiveness. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in the study. A sample size of 380 was available for the quantitative portion, while the sample size was 10 in the qualitative section. The results of the research indicated that human resource professionals need to possess various skills in the digital age. These include entrepreneurial and business skills, knowledge and abilities, digital skills, human relations skills, and leadership skills. Furthermore, the overall characteristics required of human resource professionals in the digital age were identified. These include characteristics and duties, organizational management, knowledge, personal qualities, and organizational communication. Based on these findings, guidelines were generated for cultivating desirable skills and attributes in human resource professionals. Employers ideally should implement a framework that facilitates the development of these skills and characteristics at a high level. Also, strategic management practices should be incorporated to assess forthcoming trends and enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

In Two Different Worlds

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

As a result of the most recent global health crisis, academic institutions have made significant transitions towards virtual platforms, enabling students to pursue their studies from remote locations while being physically situated elsewhere. Such separation can create a cross-cultural psychological dilemma. The investigation of this phenomenon centered on 12 Filipino senior high school students residing in the United Arab Emirates who studied virtually in educational institutions in the Philippines. They were selected using a purposive, convenience sampling technique. The findings obtained indicated that participants encountered various difficulties during their distance education experiences, such as time zone discrepancies, cultural and linguistic barriers, technological problems, and interruptions from their surroundings. Notwithstanding, the students derived personal advantages from their immersion in the academic and cultural milieu of the Philippines, such as development of their identity and connections, readiness for advanced education, and personal values. Additionally, participants realized the benefits of broadened social networks and developed a heightened recognition of the importance of ongoing education. The findings of this research can be utilized to create effective approaches and support mechanisms to improve the quality of distance education and cross-cultural pedagogical practices.

Acculturation and Openness of Generation Z Consumers to New Cultural Goods and Services

Noah Anburaj Balraj — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Acculturation is the process of signifying the human potential to adapt and grow for productive living. What implications does acculturation have on Generation Z consumer’s willingness to explore new cultural goods and services? Gen Z consumers’ receptivity to cultural products and services comes via acculturation benefiting marketers utilizing transformants to achieve success of a firm. The purpose of this research was to comprehend the process by which Gen Z adjusts to and embraces various cultures in a diversified setting, and to establish a framework that relates this acculturation with consumer enthusiasm for cultural products and services. Twelve respondents in a multicultural setting who were going through the process of acculturation were surveyed. Ideas about how acculturation affects consumer readiness for new experiences were developed through a qualitative approach that employed grounded theory analysis techniques. The level of Gen Z individuals’ openness to seek new experiences offered by other cultures (appreciating new goods, different value systems, and approaches to life), to learn new languages, and travel were significant findings of the study. A model termed the “Hierarchy of Acculturation-Needs Cycle” was constructed with the aim of advancing research and discussion on the topic of acculturation.

Navigating the Academic Maze

Jesse Sessoms — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Academic advising is an integral component of higher education that impacts student achievement, university retention, and graduation rates. Given the current competitive arena in Thai higher education, advising plays an increasingly critical role in students’ and universities’ success. However, advising is a complex process, and what actually occurs, with whom, when, and where is complicated. Furthermore, little is known of the current state of advising in Thai higher education as in the extant literature there are as yet no articles in English on the subject. The present article presents an auto-ethnographic reflection of the author’s lived experience in conducting advising at a university in Thailand between 2020 and 2022. The purposes of this article were to shed light on the current state of advising in Thai higher education by sharing the author’s lived experience, and to connect this experience to broader issues in advising at Thai universities. Suggestions are given to further the professionalization and quality of advising in Thai higher education, including a call for a paradigmatic shift from a traditional, prescriptive approach to a developmental, holistic one. Given the lack of English literature on advising in Thailand, this paper provides needed insights into the subject.

Letter from Editor

Chomphunut Phutikettrkit — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Human Behavior, Development and Society

Chomphunut Phutikettrkit — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700