Showing papers by "Paul Christodoulides published in 2023"

A dynamic capabilities perspective to socially responsible family business: Implications on social-based advantage and market performance

Abstract: Despite the significant role played by family business firms in the economy, society, and environment of almost every country, there is limited knowledge as to their socially responsible conduct. This article presents the results of a study focusing on the drivers and outcomes of both internal and external CSR strategies adopted by these firms. Based on a sample of 193 family business firms in Cyprus, we confirm that certain dynamic capabilities, namely sensing, adaptive, and strategic flexibility, have a favorable effect on the development of both internal and external CSR strategy in family business. The implementation of these CSR strategies was also found to generate a social-based competitive advantage, which was conducive to heightened market performance. This impact of social-based advantage on market performance was revealed to be positively moderated by both competitive intensity and social public concern.

Factors affecting the independence and reliability of Science and how these are perceived

Abstract: Science studies natural phenomena or uses laws, theories, models and mechanisms to explain them, which are revised when new evidence emerges. However, Science cannot give answer to all questions that may arise. The benefits of science are well known and there is no reason to expand on them. It is of interest though to examine the structure and factors that influence the scientific world and may hold it back from offering greater benefits to mankind. The current study is concerned with the question whether or not Science is independent and reliable. Social and political reasons can direct substantive research in specific areas, but they can also encourage the promotion of unfounded theories. External factors such as prejudice against new ideas and understanding of natural happenings can negatively affect the objectivity of Science. Such factors examined in this paper and influence Science are: Research funding, policy makers and industry; Journal editors; Dogma; Theories declared as Conspiracies; Mutual interests in Academia; Knowledge control, cover ups and war superiority. The above factors can be used negatively to restrain serious scientists from expressing educated opinions and publishing them in scientific journals. In this way healthy discussions between 'opposing parties' are restricted, with Science being the victim as no sound conclusions and consensus on important subjects are reached. To check how the above positions are perceived by the scientific community, a questionnaire was circulated among scientists in 11 countries. Analyzing the 106 responds that were anonymously received, indicated that the respondents were largely in line with the expressed positions of the present paper. It is proposed that the real answer to minimize the effect of the factors that influence Science negatively, is educating people's critical abilities and considering nothing for granted-especially under the influence of powerful Media-unless its validity is independently checked and verified.

Internalizing and externalizing problems in preschoolers at risk for specific developmental dyslexia

Abstract: BACKGROUND. Children at risk of Specific Developmental Dyslexia (SDD) experience early difficulties in the school environment, including language, cognitive and motor functions as well as reduced socio-emotional skills. These multilevel difficulties early affect both the life of the child himself and the functioning of the family system (parents, siblings). OBJECTIVE. The present study is a systematic literature review aimed to investigate the role of internalizing and externalizing problems regarding the early occurrence of SDD at preschool age. METHODS. 131 studies retrieved as relevant to this topic. 5 researches met the predetermined inclusion criteria, while 112 out of the 117 article of the original search were rejected. RESULTS Based on the studies overview, the following results have emerged: (i) a variance regarding the view that internalizing and externalizing problems are prognostic factors for SDD, (ii) a lacking number of reviews referring to the relation of conduct and emotional problems with SDD in preschoolers, and (iii) an absence of data concerning the role of early treatment of internalizing and externalizing problems as an inhibitory factor in the emergence of SDD. CONCLUSIONS. As a general conclusion, the relation between externalizing, internalizing problems and early identification of SDD is recognized, whereas the exact interaction mechanism is not clearly determined. Moreover, further research is recommended on the combined early treatment of psycho-emotional and behavioral problems along with comprehensive intervention in early reading and writing difficulties.