Showing papers in "Systems Research and Behavioral Science in 2013"
TL;DR: It is argued that, while bored, attention to the current task is reduced, the experience of boredom is negative and aversive, and that boredom increases autonomic arousal to ready the pursuit of alternatives.
Abstract: Boredom is frequently considered inconsequential and has received relatively little research attention. We argue that boredom has important implications for human functioning, based on emotion theory and empirical evidence. Specifically, we argue that boredom motivates pursuit of new goals when the previous goal is no longer beneficial. Exploring alternate goals and experiences allows the attainment of goals that might be missed if people fail to reengage. Similar to other discrete emotions, we propose that boredom has specific and unique impacts on behavior, cognition, experience and physiology. Consistent with a broader argument that boredom encourages the behavioral pursuit of alternative goals, we argue that, while bored, attention to the current task is reduced, the experience of boredom is negative and aversive, and that boredom increases autonomic arousal to ready the pursuit of alternatives. By motivating desire for change from the current state, boredom increases opportunities to attain social, cognitive, emotional and experiential stimulation that could have been missed. We review the limited extant literature to support these claims, and call for more experimental boredom research.
226 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a case study in a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve is used to demonstrate its application to effectively address complex and sustainability issues, and a systems model has been developed, and various tools, processes and techniques of systems thinking have been used in the study.
Abstract: The nature and practice of sustainability is very complex, multi-dimensional and dynamic. Traditional and reductionist approaches have shown their inability to address sustainability issues. Increasing complex issues and challenges related to sustainability requires a fresh approach to address the multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary nature of complexity. In this paper, systems thinking is used in a case study in a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve to demonstrate its application to effectively address complex and sustainability issues. A systems model has been developed, and various tools, processes and techniques of systems thinking have been used in the study. The systems model and its associated systems archetypes are qualitatively analysed to provide insights into potential system behaviour and to facilitate the identification of leverage points and systemic intervention strategies that are required for the sustainable development of the Biosphere. The unique approach used in this study has significant potential to apply globally considering the comprehensive network of Biosphere Reserves around the world, as well as the various sustainability and other complex issues that our society is facing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
144 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an updated review on how OR has been applied in the service sector in recent years and what directions the study of OR will be carried forward in the near future.
Abstract: The share of gross domestic product from the service industry reflects the competitiveness of a nation; the service industry in the USA accounts for around 80% of its gross domestic product, and it has been increasing gradually. Continual innovations and advances in enabling technologies for the service industry are crucial for developed countries to sustain their leading positions in the globalized economy. To clarify future research directions of operations research (OR) in the service industry, the state of art of OR has been examined systematically, the new requirements of OR are identified for its applications in service industries in comparison with those in manufacturing industries, and the limitations of existing methodologies and tools have been discussed. This paper was intended to provide an updated review on how OR has been applied in the service sector in recent years and what directions the study of OR will be carried forward in the near future. Under a proposed research framework, recent OR-related articles were collected from 17 leading OR journals and classified into the five most active sectors, that is, transportation and warehousing, information and communication, human health and social assistance, retails and wholesales, and financial and insurance services. The conclusions on the limitations of existing studies and the demanding ORs in the service have been drawn from our summaries and observations from a comprehensive review in this field. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
102 citations
TL;DR: This paper aims to provide a broad overview of the structure and purpose of systems science, to present a set of key systems principles and relate them to theoretical streams, and to describe aspects of systems-oriented methodologies within a general process cycle.
Abstract: Systems thinking is considered a much-needed competence to deal better with an increasingly interlinked and complex world. The many streams within systems science have diversified perspectives, theories and methods, but have also complicated the field as a whole. This makes it difficult to understand and master the field. Short introductions to fundamental questions of systems science are rare. This paper is divided into three parts and aims to do the following: (1) to provide a broad overview of the structure and purpose of systems science; (2) to present a set of key systems principles and relate them to theoretical streams; and (3) to describe aspects of systems-oriented methodologies within a general process cycle. Integrative visualizations have been included to highlight the relationships between concepts, perspectives and systems thinkers. Several new attempts have been made to define and organize system concepts and streams in order to provide greater overall coherence and easier understanding. © 2013 The Author. Systems Research and Behavioral Science published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
88 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a hybrid model integrating the advantages of ARIMA and ANNs in modeling the linear and nonlinear behaviors in the data set was proposed, which is tested on three sets of actual data, namely, the Wolf's sunspot data, the Canadian lynx data and the IBM stock price data.
Abstract: Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model has been successfully applied as a popular linear model for economic time series forecasting. In addition, during the recent years, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been used to capture the complex economic relationships with a variety of patterns as they serve as a powerful and flexible computational tool. However, most of these studies have been characterized by mixed results in terms of the effectiveness of the ANNs model compared with the ARIMA model. In this paper, we propose a hybrid model, which is distinctive in integrating the advantages of ARIMA and ANNs in modeling the linear and nonlinear behaviors in the data set. The hybrid model was tested on three sets of actual data, namely, the Wolf's sunspot data, the Canadian lynx data and the IBM stock price data. Our computational experience indicates the effectiveness of the new combinatorial model in obtaining more accurate forecasting as compared to existing models. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
87 citations
TL;DR: The processes for unravelling complexity through participatory systems analysis and the interpretation of systems structures to identify leverage points for systemic interventions are described and the promotion of effective change and the enhancement of cross-sectoral communication and collaborative learning are demonstrated.
Abstract: Policy makers, managers and leaders in organizations, governments and business institutions are under increasing pressure to make the right management decisions in the face of a continually changing political and socio-economic landscape. To make matters more challenging, the complex environmental, socio-economic, business-financial issues that decision makers need to deal with tend to transcend the jurisdictions and capacities of any single organization. There is a multitude of difficult, long-term global challenges ahead, almost all of which are coupled with the most pressing concerns of different countries at national and local levels. Despite many efforts to deal with these complex issues facing our society, the solutions so far have seldom been long lasting, because ‘treating the symptoms’ and ‘quick fixes’, using traditional linear thinking, are the easiest way out, but do not deliver the solutions. This paper describes the processes for unravelling complexity through participatory systems analysis and the interpretation of systems structures to identify leverage points for systemic interventions. It further demonstrates the promotion of effective change and the enhancement of cross-sectoral communication and collaborative learning. This learning focuses on finding solutions to complex issues by applying an iterative, systems-based approach, both locally—Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (ELLab)— and globally—Global Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (GELL). A generic framework and processes for implementing and institutionalizing ELLabs are described, and how these become part of the GELL for managing complex issues is explained. Four case studies are used to demonstrate diverse examples of the application and implementation of the ELLab approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
87 citations
74 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that fMRI studies of memory deficits in schizophrenia are far from universal, however, the current literature does suggest that alterations are not isolated to a few brain regions, but are characterized by abnormalities within large-scale brain networks.
Abstract: Schizophrenia is a complex chronic mental illness that is characterized by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. Cognitive deficits are most predictive of long-term outcomes, with abnormalities in memory being the most robust finding. The advent of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has allowed exploring neural correlates of memory deficits in vivo. In this article, we will give a selective review of fMRI studies probing brain regions and functional networks that are thought to be related to abnormal memory performance in two memory systems prominently affected in schizophrenia; working memory and episodic memory. We revisit the classic “hypofrontality” hypothesis of working memory deficits and explore evidence for frontotemporal dysconnectivity underlying episodic memory abnormalities. We conclude that fMRI studies of memory deficits in schizophrenia are far from universal. However, the current literature does suggest that alterations are not isolated to a few brain regions, but are characterized by abnormalities within large-scale brain networks.
58 citations
TL;DR: A dynamic security strategy that is about authorizing user ID and roles dynamically and conducting real-time mapping via agent or proxy technologies and has the following advantages: low cost, high performance, easy to implement, and strong security control pattern.
Abstract: After analysing the security conditions in current Enterprise Systems (ES), this paper proposes a systematic framework that is based on the Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL-VPN) for improving security management. This framework takes account of several key aspects such as channel strategy, network pattern, workstation authentication, identity authentication, security workflow, etc. The proposed framework has the following advantages: low cost, high performance, easy to implement, and strong security control pattern. In addition, this paper proposes a dynamic security strategy that is about authorizing user ID and roles dynamically and conducting real-time mapping via agent or proxy technologies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
57 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that two dimensions of variation (expectation and preparedness) are sufficient for such optimal decisions to be made and a useful step toward being able to predict moods (and the effect of moods) using an optimality approach.
Abstract: Moods can be regarded as fluctuating dispositions to make positive and negative evaluations. Developing an evolutionary approach to mood as an adaptive process, we consider the structure and function of such states in guiding behavioural decisions regarding the acquisition of resources and the avoidance of harm in different circumstances. We use a drift diffusion model of decision making to consider the information required by individuals to optimise decisions between two alternatives, such as whether to approach or withdraw from a stimulus that may be life enhancing or life threatening. We show that two dimensions of variation (expectation and preparedness) are sufficient for such optimal decisions to be made. These two dispositional dimensions enable individuals to maximize the overall benefits of behavioural decisions by modulating both the choice made (e.g., approach/withdraw) and decision speed. Such a structure is compatible with circumplex models of subjectively experienced mood and core affect, and provides testable hypotheses concerning the relationships that occur between valence and arousal components of mood in differing ecological niches. The paper is therefore a useful step toward being able to predict moods (and the effect of moods) using an optimality approach.
54 citations
TL;DR: It is shown how despite its generic formulation, geometric representations of the proposed algebraic model exhibit the spontaneous emergence of complex hierarchical and modular patterns characterized by structured addition of complexity and fractal nature—which closely correspond to the distinctive architectural traits of the fractal social organizations.
Abstract: We introduce fractal social organizations—a novel class of socio-technical complex systems characterized by a distributed, bio-inspired, hierarchical architecture. Based on a same building block that is recursively applied at different layers, said systems provide a homogeneous way to model collective behaviors of different complexity and scale. Key concepts and principles are enunciated by means of a case study and a simple formalism. As preliminary evidence of the adequacy of the assumptions underlying our systems here, we define and study an algebraic model for a simple class of social organizations. We show how despite its generic formulation, geometric representations of said model exhibit the spontaneous emergence of complex hierarchical and modular patterns characterized by structured addition of complexity and fractal nature—which closely correspond to the distinctive architectural traits of our fractal social organizations. Some reflections on the significance of these results and a view to the next steps of our research conclude this contribution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: The study contributes to a view of psychological detachment as less subject to individual differences than to the imposition of stressors in the given context.
Abstract: We investigated the mediating versus moderating role of psychological detachment in the relationship between job stressors and psychological strain. Our sample consisted of 173 university students invested in challenging programs of advanced professional studies, who could find it difficult to detach from work. Hierarchical regression analyses of cross-sectional survey data affirmed the role of psychological detachment as a mediator in the relationship between job demands and perceived stress. Detachment also mediated the relationship between job demands and satisfaction with life, although the association disappeared when controlling for negative affectivity. Detachment did not mediate relationships between job demands and cognitive failures. Psychological detachment did not moderate any of the investigated relationships. The study contributes to a view of psychological detachment as less subject to individual differences than to the imposition of stressors in the given context.
TL;DR: The Appreciative Inquiry method (AIM) as discussed by the authors is an approach to "finding out" about issues of concern and has been used in a variety of situations where the issue to be investigated is well defined and accepted by the stakeholders.
Abstract: The Appreciative Inquiry method (AIM) is an approach to ‘finding out’ about issues of concern. The method has been used in a variety of situations where the issue to be investigated is well defined and accepted by the stakeholders. We have also found that the method provides a framework for undertaking research in the field or action research. The new researcher undertaking action research can find such an undertaking to be daunting. The dilemma is finding an approach that will enable insight into a situation without the method used distorting its findings. We have found that thinking about the underlying philosophy and the approach to be adopted is a key decision to be made in advance before embarking upon the research. In this paper, we consider the contribution that AIM can make to action research by providing examples of the outcomes of enquiry into several distinctly different areas of interest. Although springing from research ideas about knowledge elicitation, there have been several developments that enhance its capability for enquiry and as a consequence its potential as a method for action research. Since its conception, AIM has been used in a number of projects and developed through several research programmes and has shown its usefulness in supporting the researchers' investigations. This paper provides a summary of the developments with reference to some applications that have contributed to the idea and in moving its application forward. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: This review will discuss neurophysiological and neuroanatomical aspects of memory formation and how they relate to memory impairment in schizophrenia and the relationship between schizophrenic declarative or relational memory deficits, working memory deficits and the clinical symptoms of the syndrome.
Abstract: Memory impairment is a consistent feature of the schizophrenic syndrome. Hippocampal dysfunction has also been consistently demonstrated. This review will discuss neurophysiological and neuroanatomical aspects of memory formation and how they relate to memory impairment in schizophrenia. An understanding of the cellular physiology and connectivity of the hippocampus with other regions can also aid in understanding the relationship between schizophrenic declarative or relational memory deficits, working memory deficits and the clinical symptoms of the syndrome.
TL;DR: In this paper, a shift from a pre-complexity mindset to a mindset founded in an understanding of complexity is needed to analyse today's conflict, to prevent them, and to act so as to make them develop along non violent constructive paths rather than along violent destructive ones.
Abstract: Since the end of the Cold War, we have been witnessing the emergence of new types of conflicts. These are progressively more complex, but are, still too often, conceptualised and approached simplistically, using a linear type of reasoning. Complexity is disregarded, and the need for systemic thinking is underestimated, not rarely leading to disastrous results. Feedbacks are most often ignored, and the complex dynamics which make a conflict to change over time, following often unpredictable paths, are rarely taken into account. A shift from a precomplexity mindset to a mindset founded in an understanding of complexity is necessary. In the paper, using concrete examples, we will try to show how a systems thinking approach is essential to analyse today's conflict, to prevent them, and to act so as to make them develop along non violent constructive paths rather than along violent destructive ones. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: It is argued that newborns are able to abstract information, to compare different inputs and to match them across different sensory modalities, and these two levels can be considered high-level cognitive abilities: they constitute the foundations of human cognition.
Abstract: Research on neonatal cognition has developed very recently in comparison with the long history of research on child behavior. The last sixty years of research have provided a great amount of evidence for infants’ numerous cognitive abilities. However, only little of this research concerns newborn infants. What do we know about neonatal cognition? Using a variety of paradigms, researchers became able to probe for what newborns know. Amongst these results, we can distinguish several levels of cognitive abilities. First, at the perceptual or sensory level, newborns are able to process information coming from the social world and the physical objects through all their senses. They are able to discriminate between object shapes and between faces; that is, they are able to detect invariants, remember and recognize them. Second, newborns are able to abstract information, to compare different inputs and to match them across different sensory modalities. We will argue that these two levels can be considered high-level cognitive abilities: they constitute the foundations of human cognition. Furthermore, while some perceptual competencies can stem from the fetal period, many of these perceptual and cognitive abilities cannot be a consequence of the environment surrounding the newborn before birth.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate how equifinality has been used in management research, the reasons for the discontinuous application of systems thinking, and examines the ways to embed equifi-ciality in project management, arguing how holism, control, boundary management and causal complexity are critical to the application of system thinking in project managements.
Abstract: Surveys reveal that the majority of innovation projects do not achieve their goals and waste resources. Notorious examples are the National Health Service's National Programme for IT project and many multibillion European Union funded projects. Academics and practitioners suggest that this failure is because conventional project management methods fail to capture the serendipitous, evolutionary and experimental nature of complex innovation projects. Results from previous research based on European Union healthcare innovation projects revealed that we need to develop a robust method based on the systems thinking construct of equifinality to understand and manage complex causality in projects. This paper critically evaluates how equifinality has been used in management research, the reasons for the discontinuous application of systems thinking and equifinality and examines the ways to embed equifinality in project management, arguing how holism, control, boundary management and causal complexity are critical to the application of system thinking in project management.
TL;DR: Personal reflections on the difficulty of teaching the behaviorist perspective in the psychology classroom are offered and suggestions are provided for instructors on how to present to their students an accurate portrayal of behaviorism.
Abstract: This article offers some personal reflections on the difficulty of teaching the behaviorist perspective in the psychology classroom. The problems focus on the inadequacy of introductory textbooks—which mischaracterize behaviorism, only present the most extreme behaviorist positions, make no mention of the neobehaviorist perspective, fail to discuss that there is no accepted criteria for determining what type of behavior is cognitive, and provide a definition of cognition that is, not only inconsistent across texts, but so broad as to overshadow the behaviorist contributions. Suggestions are provided for instructors on how to present to their students an accurate portrayal of behaviorism.
TL;DR: Based on social cognitive theory and social capital theory, this article employed a survey questionnaire for the empirical study and adopted the two-stage confirmatory factor analysis method to construct a structural equation model for identifying the influential factors in knowledge sharing in emergencies.
Abstract: Knowledge sharing on emergency events in virtual communities is a significant information source for emergency management. Based on social cognitive theory and social capital theory as well as the consideration of the characteristics of emergency events, we employ a survey questionnaire for the empirical study and adopt the two-stage confirmatory factor analysis method to construct a structural equation model for identifying the influential factors in knowledge sharing in emergencies. Through conducting a detailed data analysis, our study reveals that that some emergency event characteristics have significant effects on both the quality and quantity of knowledge sharing. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this paper, a new systemic mediation approach is proposed, based on the idea that the most important thing for many participants in mediation is to have their moral reasoning understood and appreciated, which is frequently more important to people than financial reparation.
Abstract: This paper outlines a new systemic mediation approach, based on the idea that the most important thing for many participants in mediation is to have their moral reasoning understood and appreciated This is frequently more important to people than financial reparation We compare our mediation approach with others to demonstrate that many previous approaches share the assumption that once the interests of a participant have been identified, these should not be questioned In contrast, our systemic mediation approach encourages participants to explore their own and other people's moral frameworks to enable critical reflection on their interests Indeed, the concept of an 'interest' can be reframed as the boundary that a participant uses to delimit his or her concerns, and boundaries can be shifted in response to moral reasoning Our mediation approach aims to generate both personal insights and improvements in mutual understanding The mediator plays a facilitative role but cannot be neutral: the morality of the mediator unavoidably influences his or her facilitative interventions Therefore, personal reflection by the mediator on his or her own moral framework is essential, so that its influences can be made visible and the facilitator can thereby be held accountable for them in dialogue with his or her peers Tools are provided in our systemic mediation approach to support reflection on moral frameworks and boundaries of concern, and a practical example of their use in Colombian mediation practice is provided
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of top management team (TMT) heterogeneous background and behavioral attributes on firm's performance were evaluated using data collected from 527 new ventures in China.
Abstract: Using the data collected from 527 new ventures in China, this research evaluates the effects of top management team (TMT) heterogeneous background and behavioural attributes on firm’s performance. Behavioural aspects of cognitive and emotional conflicts within the team are served as mediators. The results of the study indicate that the TMT functional background heterogeneity is positively related to both cognitive conflicts and emotional conflicts within the TMT. Moreover, team conflicts are found to mediate the effects of TMT functional background diversity on new ventures’ performance. However, TMT functional background diversity alone is not significantly related to financial performance or growth performance of new ventures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Results seem to indicate that variables such as students' time of day usage, the last time students access the VLE and the number of document hits by staff are the best predictors of student progression.
Abstract: This paper proposes the use of data available at Manchester Metropolitan University to assess the variables that can best predict student progression We combine virtual learning environment (VLE) and management information systems student records datasets and apply the Random Forest (RF) algorithm to ascertain which variables can best predict students' progression RF was deemed useful in this case because of the large amount of data available for analysis The paper reports on the initial findings for data available in the period 2007–2008 Results seem to indicate that variables such as students' time of day usage, the last time students access the VLE and the number of document hits by staff are the best predictors of student progression The paper contributes to VLE evaluation and highlights the usefulness of RF, a technique initially developed in the field of biology, in evaluating an educational and learning environment Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the factors from nested system perspective by investigating the effects of manager's wealth-oriented and career-oriented incentives (COIs) on firm's external knowledge acquisition and the moderating effects of technological uncertainty.
Abstract: Although an extensive body of literature has stressed the firm-level barriers or drivers for knowledge acquisition, little attention has been paid to the barriers and/or drivers nested within manager–organization subsystem. This article aims to explore the factors from nested system perspective by investigating the effects of manager's wealth-oriented and career-oriented incentives (COIs) on firm's external knowledge acquisition and the moderating effects of technological uncertainty. Four hypotheses are proposed and tested by the data from 607 Chinese firms. We find that COI has a positive effect, whereas wealth-oriented incentive has an inverse U-shaped effect on external knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, we also find that the effects of wealth-oriented and COIs are contingent on technological uncertainty. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, three ways to rethink systems thinking are proposed: parts and wholes snapshots, social and ecological, and phronesis for the living and non-living, based on interactions with a variety of systems communities.
Abstract: Much of systems thinking, as commonly espoused today, was developed by a generation in the context of the 1950s–1980s. In the 2010s, has systems thinking changed with the world in which it is to be applied? Is systems thinking learning and coevolving with the world? Some contemporary systems thinkers continue to push the frontiers of theory, methods and practice. Others situationally increment the traditions of their preferred gurus, where approaches proven successful in prior experiences are replicated for new circumstances. Founded on interactions with a variety of systems communities over the past 15 years, three ways to rethink systems thinking are proposed:
‘parts and wholes’ snapshots → ‘learning and coevolving’ over time
social and ecological → emerged environments of the service economy and the Anthropocene
episteme and techne → phronesis for the living and nonliving
These proposed ways are neither exhaustive nor sufficient. The degree to which systems thinking should be rethought may itself be controversial. If, however, systems thinking is to be authentic, the changed world of the 21st century should lead systems thinkers to engage in a reflective inquiry. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the fitness needs of normal individuals be kept in mind when trying to understand emotional behavior, and described the various facets and neuroendocrine mechanisms of each basic emotion can provide a framework for understanding the normal and pathological development of each emotion.
Abstract: This paper argues for invoking evolutionary, functional thinking in analyzing emotions. It suggests that the fitness needs of normal individuals be kept in mind when trying to understand emotional behavior. This point of view is elaborated in sections addressing these topics: defining emotion; applying comparative analysis to the study of emotions; focusing on the elicitors and resulting motivated behaviors mediated by the various affects; recognizing that not all emotions have prominent, distinct facial expressions; acknowledging all of the basic emotions and not just some exemplars; crediting the more sensible Cannon-Bard theory over James-Lange; recognizing the more ancient, fundamental role of the limbic system in emotion compared with that of the neocortex; and analyzing socio-emotional interactions as they occur naturally, not just individual emotional behavior studied under artificial conditions. Describing the various facets and neuroendocrine mechanisms of each basic emotion can provide a framework for understanding the normal and pathological development of each emotion. Such an inventory, or ethogram, would provide a comprehensive list of all of the observable behavioral tendencies of our species.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered formal strategic planning and humanistic culture as drivers of corporate social responsibility (CSR) at multinational and multi-divisional organizations in South Asia, with data collected from CEOs of 800 randomly selected organizations in Pakistan.
Abstract: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has captured significant attention of managers and executives especially at multinational and multi-divisional firms. However, links between CSR's drivers (strategic planning, firm culture) and CSR have seen little or no empirical verification, particularly in South Asia. The present study aims to test two antecedents if they contribute in shaping firms' CSR. This study considers formal strategic planning and humanistic culture as drivers of CSR. Data were collected from CEOs of 800 randomly selected organizations in Pakistan, with 21.5% response rate. Results from hierarchical regression indicate that formal strategic planning and firm's humanistic culture, over and above the impact of formal strategic planning, are linked positively with CSR. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: In this article, service science offers fresh perspective to reorient the debate on what is progress and whether or not it is slowing down, and if so, what might be done to reframe progress at the speed limit of what is possible with universities.
Abstract: Service science offers fresh perspective to reorient the debate on what is ‘progress’ and whether or not it is slowing down, and if so, what might be done to reframe progress ‘at the speed limit of what is possible’ with universities. When it comes to the ‘rate of progress’, universities can play a greater role in improving the deeply interconnected societal measures of innovativeness, competitive parity, sustainability and resiliency. During the current ‘great recession’, much is now being written about progress slowing down. From education levels to scientific discoveries to technical innovations to economic and environmental collapse, rhetoric about progress slowing down or nearing collapse or becoming uncompetitive in developed economies is on the rise. Boulding suggested in ‘the skeleton of science’ that over-specialization could create communication barriers between scientific specialists slowing down profitable talk. We propose that a service science reframing of progress with universities as essential institutional actors might positively reorient the debate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: Assessment of the psychological consequences of accidents occurring in several occupational settings suggests that occupational accidents may result in a disabling psychopathological condition, and that a brief psychological evaluation should be included in the assessment of seriously injured workers.
Abstract: Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder frequently occur as a consequence of occupational accidents. To date, research has been primarily focused on high-risk workers, such as police officers or firefighters, and has rarely considered individuals whose occupational environment involves the risk of severe, but not necessarily life-threatening, injury. Therefore, the present study was aimed at assessing the psychological consequences of accidents occurring in several occupational settings (e.g., construction and industry). Thirty-eight victims of occupational accidents (injured workers) and 38 gender-, age-, and years of education-matched workers who never experienced a work accident (control group) were recruited. All participants underwent a semi-structured interview administered by a trained psychologist, and then were requested to fill in the questionnaires. Injured workers reported more severe anxious, post-traumatic and depressive symptoms, and poorer coping skills, as compared to controls. In the injured group low levels of resilience predicted post-traumatic symptomatology, whereas the degree of physical injury and the length of time since the accident did not play a predictive role. The results suggest that occupational accidents may result in a disabling psychopathological condition, and that a brief psychological evaluation should be included in the assessment of seriously injured workers.
TL;DR: It is concluded that cognition is indeed fundamentally cultural, and that consideration of its cultural dimension is essential for a comprehensive understanding.
Abstract: A prevailing concept of cognition in psychology is inspired by the computer metaphor. Its focus on mental states that are generated and altered by information input, processing, storage and transmission invites a disregard for the cultural dimension of cognition, based on three (implicit) assumptions: cognition is internal, processing can be distinguished from content, and processing is independent of cultural background. Arguing against each of these assumptions, we point out how culture may affect cognitive processes in various ways, drawing on instances from numerical cognition, ethnobiological reasoning, and theory of mind. Given the pervasive cultural modulation of cognition—on all of Marr’s levels of description—we conclude that cognition is indeed fundamentally cultural, and that consideration of its cultural dimension is essential for a comprehensive understanding.
TL;DR: The research examined different types of risk through interviews with experts to find the relationship among risks and combined with the analytic network process to select the optimal measures for reducing risks.
Abstract: The research examined different types of risk through interviews with experts. The risks studied include business interruption risk, process interdependency risk and system security risk. The decision making trial and evaluation laboratory is used to find the relationship among risks and combined with the analytic network process to select the optimal measures for reducing risks. The results indicate that information technology (IT) consultants prefer the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP). They usually use the remote replication or High Availability (HA) to protect data. IT personnel believe that all of the IT risk controls are important. Auditors indicate that data access control is very important because users have to execute data access every day. Users of IT express a preference towards data input/output control as the most important control. The results achieved from all experts indicate that the most important controls overall are data input/output control, data access control and so on. Managers need to consider these risks to avoid any potential problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.