Search Results (1,233)

Most research on domestic dog (Canis familiaris) behavior has focused on pets with restricted movement. However, free-ranging dogs exist in diverse cultural contexts globally, and their interactions with humans are less understood. Tourists can facilitate unrestricted dog movement into wilderness areas, where they may negatively impact wildlife. This study investigated which stimuli—namely, voice, touch, or food—along with inherent factors (age, sex, sociability) motivate free-ranging dogs to follow a human stranger. We measured the distance (up to 600 m) of 129 free-ranging owned and stray dogs from three villages in southern Chile as they followed an experimenter who presented them one of the above stimuli or none (control). To evaluate the effect of dog sociability (i.e., positive versus stress-related or passive behaviors), we performed a 30 s socialization test (standing near the dog without interacting) before presenting a 10 s stimulus twice. We also tracked whether the dog was in the company of other dogs. Each focus dog was video-recorded and tested up to three times over five days. Generalized linear mixed-effects models revealed that the food stimulus significantly influenced dogs’ motivation to follow a stranger, as well as a high proportion of sociable behaviors directed towards humans and the company of other dogs present during the experiment. Juveniles tended to follow a stranger more than adults or seniors, but no effects were found for the dog’s sex, whether an owner was present, the repetition of trials, the location where the study was performed, or for individuals as a random variable. This research highlights that sociability as an inherent factor shapes dog–stranger interactions in free-ranging dogs when food is given. In the context of wildlife conservation, we recommend that managers promote awareness among local communities and tourists to avoid feeding dogs, especially in the context of outdoor activities close to wilderness. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect of organizational culture on employee-perceived performance and whether this relationship is mediated by perceived organizational support and moderated by employee motivation. Three hundred individuals working in organizations located in Portugal and Angola participated in this study. This is a quantitative, exploratory, correlational, and cross-sectional study. The results indicate that only goal culture, rule culture, affective organizational support perception, and identified motivation have a positive and significant effect on perceived performance. Supportive culture and goal culture have a positive and significant effect on affective organizational support perception. All dimensions of organizational culture have a significant effect on cognitive organizational support perception, with the effects of the supportive culture and the goal culture being positive and significant, while the effects of the innovative culture and the rule culture are negative and significant. The perception of affective organizational support has a total mediating effect on the relationship between goal culture and perceived performance. Intrinsic motivation and identified motivation have a moderating effect on the relationship between all dimensions of organizational culture and perceived performance. This study is expected to help human resource managers understand the importance of the type of organizational culture that prevails in their organization to enhance employees’ perception of organizational support and performance. Full article

This study investigates how young Chinese consumers across generational lines engage with wine, addressing three key research questions: What motivates their wine purchases? What sensory preferences do they exhibit? And through which channels do they prefer to buy wine? Based on a qualitative design combining focus groups and semi-structured interviews, the study identifies significant generational differences between millennials and post-millennials. Millennials treat wine as a social tool for networking and status, while post-millennials view wine as a medium of personal identity shaped by digital culture. Similarly, millennials prefer a balance of traditional and digital retail, whereas post-millennials favour online platforms. Experiential consumption follows the same pattern, from formal tourism to virtual tastings. By linking these findings to institutional and cultural theories of consumer behaviour, the study contributes to a nuanced understanding of wine consumption in an emerging market. It provides practical implications for wine marketers aiming to localize their strategies for younger Chinese segments. Full article

This essay provides a fine-grained analysis of selected passages of Giulio Aleni (艾儒略 1582–1649)’s translation of Catholic liturgy into classical Chinese in late imperial China. It focuses on the hitherto underexplored relationships between Aleni’s resort to medieval Aristotelianism and Thomism, as well as his translation-based introduction of Catholic Eucharistic theology into China. The case studies here revolve around Aleni’s Chinese translation of Aristotelian-Thomistic hylomorphism, with a focus on his interpretation of “anima” (i.e., the soul, which corresponds largely to linghun 靈魂 in Chinese), which is a multifaceted Western concept that pertains simultaneously to Aristotelian-Thomistic philosophy and Eucharistic theology. It is argued that in his overarching project of introducing Western learnings (i.e., 西學) to sixteenth- and seventeenth-century China, Aleni’s attention is centered primarily on the body-soul and form-matter relationship. This is, as understood here, motivated to a great extent by his scholarly awareness that properly informing Chinese Catholics of the Aristotelian-Thomistic underpinning of Western metaphysics enacts an indispensable role in introducing Catholic liturgy into China, notably the mystery of the Eucharist and Transubstantiation that would not have been effectively introduced to China without having the Western philosophical underpinnings already made available to Chinese intellectuals. Aleni’s use of medieval European cultural legacy thus requires more in-depth analysis vis-à-vis his translational poetics in China. Accordingly, the intellectual and liturgical knowledge in Aleni’s Chinese œuvres shall be investigated associatively, and the medievalism embodied by Aleni offers a valid entry point and productive critical prism. Full article

This study explores entertainment consumption patterns in Romania, a transitional digital culture characterized by high digital connectivity but underdeveloped physical infrastructure. Employing a dual qualitative coding methodology, this research combines inductive analysis of consumer focus groups with deductive analysis of expert interviews, enabling a multi-layered interpretation of both overt behaviors and latent emotional drivers. Seven key thematic dimensions, motivational depth, perceived barriers, emotional needs, clarity of preferences, future behavioral intentions, social connection, and identity construction, were analyzed and compared using a Likert-based scoring framework, supported by a radar chart and comparison matrix. Findings reveal both convergence and divergence between consumer and expert perspectives. While consumers emphasize immediate experiences and logistical constraints, experts uncover deeper emotional motivators such as validation, mentorship, and identity formation. This behavioral–emotional gap suggests that, although digital entertainment dominates due to accessibility, it often lacks the emotional richness associated with physical formats, which are preferred but less accessible. This study underscores the importance of triangulated qualitative inquiry in revealing not only stated preferences but also unconscious psychological needs. It offers actionable insights for designing emotionally intelligent and culturally responsive entertainment strategies in digitally saturated yet infrastructure-limited environments. Full article

Background and Objectives: Depression is a leading cause of disability globally, with treatment challenges including limited access, stigma, and poor adherence. Gamification, which applies game elements such as points, levels, and storytelling into non-game contexts, offers a promising strategy to enhance engagement and augment traditional treatments. Our research is the first study designed to explore the implementation of gamification within the Malaysian context. The objective was to explore the feasibility of implementation of gamification as an adjunctive treatment for adults with depression. Materials and Methods: Focus group discussions were held with five mental health professionals and ten patients diagnosed with moderate depression. The qualitative component assessed perceptions of gamified interventions, while quantitative measures evaluated participants’ depressive and anxiety symptomatology. Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) understanding of gamification as a treatment option, (2) factors influencing its acceptance, and (3) characteristics of a practical and feasible intervention. Clinicians saw potential in gamification to boost motivation, support psychoeducation, and encourage self-paced learning, but they expressed concerns about possible addiction, stigma, and the complexity of gameplay for some patients. Patients spoke of gaming as a source of comfort, escapism, and social connection. Acceptance was shaped by engaging storylines, intuitive design, balanced difficulty, therapist guidance, and clear safety measures. Both groups agreed that gamification should be used in conjunction with standard treatments, be culturally sensitive, and be presented as a meaningful therapeutic approach rather than merely as entertainment. Conclusions: Gamification emerges as an acceptable and feasible supplementary approach for managing depression in Malaysia. Its success depends on culturally sensitive design, robust clinical oversight, and seamless integration with existing care pathways. Future studies should investigate long-term outcomes and establish guidelines for the safe and effective implementation of this approach. We recommend targeted investment into culturally adapted gamified tools, including training, policy development, and collaboration with key stakeholders to realistically implement gamification as a mental health intervention in Malaysia. Full article

Sport volunteering plays an important role in achieving the goals of sustainable development by supporting the social dimension of sustainability, fostering social integration, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, there is a lack of systematic research in Poland on the motivations of sport volunteers, particularly in the context of mass endurance events. This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design involving 148 sport volunteers engaged in mass endurance events in Poznan, Poland. To measure motivation, the Polish adaptation of the VMS-ISE scale was used. Data analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that volunteer motivations were relatively homogeneous regardless of gender and education level, with the exception of passion for sport, which was significantly stronger among men (p = 0.037). Significant differences were found based on place of residence: residents of medium-sized cities demonstrated the highest motivation for personal development (p < 0.001), whereas individuals from rural areas exhibited stronger patriotism, a greater need for interpersonal interaction, and a higher valuation of external rewards (p < 0.05). The motivations of sport volunteers in Poland are complex and sensitive to environmental factors. Understanding these differences allows for better alignment of recruitment and volunteer management strategies, which can enhance both the effectiveness and sustainability of volunteer engagement. It is recommended to develop volunteer programs that take into account the demographic and socio-cultural characteristics of participants. Full article

As sustainable cultural heritage tourism increasingly demonstrates its unique value and appeal, effectively stimulating tourists’ emotional experiences and value co-creation behaviors has become a focal issue. This study investigates how multiple tourist motivations (self-enhancement, escapism, and social interaction) shape value co-creation through emotional mediators—namely aesthetic, nostalgic, and flow experiences. Data were collected from 470 valid responses from visitors to the UNESCO-listed Suzhou Classical Gardens in China and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that these emotional experiences significantly drive value co-creation behavior: self-enhancement motivation enhances all three experiences, escapism mainly promotes nostalgic and flow experiences, and social interaction primarily affects aesthetic experience. These findings clarify the psychological mechanisms through which tourists’ motivations and emotional experiences influence value co-creation behavior in cultural heritage tourism. This research advances our understanding of the motivation–experience–behavior framework and emphasizes that enhancing emotional engagement is key to fostering sustainable cultural heritage tourism practices. The study provides practical implications for designing experiences and strategies that balance visitor satisfaction with the long-term vitality of cultural heritage sites and local communities, thereby contributing to broader sustainable development goals. Full article

Due to globalization, companies are exposed to a culturally diversified workforce; therefore, great emphasis is placed on identifying the most effective leadership style that would be able to manage such a workforce. Although numerous studies have attempted to identify successful leadership styles in different cultural settings, none have focused on the perceptions of top managers who work in multinational corporations (MNCs) in culturally diversified surroundings. Thus, our research attempts to identify the most preferred leadership style and characteristics from the perspective of top managers in MNCs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The 13 leadership characteristics analyzed in this study were generated from the 21 characteristics found by Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) research. The participants, top managers in MNCs, needed to evaluate leadership styles by considering leadership characteristics. To ensure the objectiveness of the study, we analyzed their answers by applying the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. The results indicated that the most preferred leadership characteristics were visionary, inspirational, collaborative team-oriented, and performance-oriented. Moreover, the transformational leadership style emerged as the most preferred leadership style. The study’s findings show that top managers believe that employees in MNCs in the UAE seek a leader with a vision who will inspire, motivate, and help them fulfill their true potential. Full article

The aim of this article is to identify key factors shaping organizational agility as a determinant of the sustainable development of an organization in the conditions of Economy 5.0. The research used the survey method conducted in 2024 on a sample of 312 respondents. It analyzed the impact of decision-making processes, identification with the goals of the organization, tolerance of rapid changes, internal communication, internal motivation and implementation of the idea of work–life balance. Based on the results, an original mathematical model was constructed presenting the relationships between the analyzed variables. The research results confirmed a significant relationship between the level of organizational agility and the ability of the organization to implement the sustainable development strategy. It was identified that factors such as quick and accurate decision-making, strong identification of employees with the goals of the organization and efficient communication have the greatest impact on strengthening this ability. The limitation of the research was the homogeneity of the sample and the inability to fully take into account variables related to the industry and cultural context. The research highlights that enhancing organizational agility is crucial for achieving sustainable development and building lasting competitive advantage in the dynamic context of the Economy 5.0. Full article

The influence of social media personalities has grown significantly, especially among youth audiences who spend substantial time on platforms like TikTok. The emergence and popularity of different types of social media influencers accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries, including South Africa. In turn, this period also saw a surge in youth audiences following these influencers. This rapid growth of influencer followings among young people is largely driven by specific types of content that resonate with them, thus encouraging continued engagement. However, the benefits that these young followers gain from engaging with various influencers and the factors driving their preferences for specific influencers remain underexplored, particularly within the context of South African students within higher education. Therefore, this study explores the types of social media influencers most followed by university students at a South African University and investigates the key factors that drive their preferences. A structured online questionnaire was distributed, gathering both multiple-choice and open-ended responses from students. The data were analyzed using categorical frequency counts and thematic analysis. The data highlight how students actively turn to influencers as emotional anchors, role models, and sources of practical guidance. Their engagement reflects a deep need for connection, inspiration, and identity formation in a challenging academic and social environment. These patterns show that influencer content is not just entertainment but plays a critical developmental role. Understanding these motivations helps educators, policymakers, and brands to align better with youth values. The significance of these results lies in how influencer content is now coming in to fill the emotional, cultural, and educational gaps left by traditional systems among the young South African university students in this modern era. Full article

In this paper, we argue that what is sometimes at fault for the poor attendance and lack of engagement in schools observed from historically marginalized families is a missed opportunity to increase understanding or cultural relevance on the part of schools. In this paper, we use the construct of “counter stories” which has the potential to change the script on the instrumentalist demands of quantity versus quality in parent engagement. By providing examples of what we consider “quality” engagement techniques via the staff’s interpretation of their roles within one demographically rich early learning center, the strategies used to engage parents are documented. Counter-stories of practice show family-centrism as interpreted by school leaders. By describing one community context and its practices of building relationships with newcomer families, relationally driven parent engagement techniques are revealed. The authors highlight how inquiry-based methods surpass the generic approaches described in policy. When parent engagement “arises” from within parents’ motivations and informs authentic knowing (by teachers and school leaders), community systems are elevated. Professionals’ decisions about children and community groups that are informed by families’ knowledge are consequently meaningful and authentic. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the influence of local politics, village facilitators, recruitment of administrators, training and education, and organizational culture on work motivation and management performance. The study was conducted in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, utilizing primary data collected from 250 participants, including administrators of village-owned enterprises (BUMDES), community leaders, and representatives from the private sector. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with the LISREL program. The results indicated that the latent variables of local politics, village facilitator, recruitment of administrators, training and education, and organizational culture had a positive and significant impact on work motivation and management performance. These findings are valuable key indicators and provide essential insights for promoting and driving the BUMDES as a pillar of rural development strategies. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the local government revitalize the local political system, reorient the organizational culture of the BUMDES toward a modern business-oriented culture suited to rural conditions, and enhance the training and education of village facilitators to improve their motivation and performance. This recommendation will empower the BUMDES to promote rural economic improvement and sustainable rural development by enhancing work motivation and management performance. Full article

In the Chan Buddhism koan (gong’an 公案) tradition, the act of “slaying the snake” functions as a signature gesture imbued with complex, historically layered cultural meanings. Rather than merely examining its motivations, this paper emphasizes tracing the semantic transformations that this motif has undergone across different historical contexts. It argues that “snake-slaying” operated variously as an imperial narrative strategy reinforcing ruling class ideology; as a form of popular resistance by commoners against flood-related disasters; as a dietary practice among aristocrats and literati seeking danyao (elixirs) 丹藥 for reclusion and transcendence; and ultimately, within the Chan tradition, as a method of spiritual cultivation whereby masters sever desires rooted in attachment to both selfhood and the Dharma. More specifically, first, as an imperial narrative logic, snake-slaying embodied exemplary power: both Liu Bang 劉邦 and Guizong 歸宗 enacted this discursive strategy, with Guizong’s legitimacy in slaying the snake deriving from the precedent set by Liu Bang. Second, as a folk strategy of demystification, snake-slaying acquired a moral aura—since the snake was perceived as malevolent force, their slaying appeared righteous and heroic. Finally, as a mode of self-cultivation among the aristocracy, snake-slaying laid the groundwork for its later internalization. In Daoism, slaying the snake was a means of cultivating the body; in Chan Buddhism, the act is elevated to a higher plane—becoming a way of cultivating the mind. This transformation unfolded naturally, as if predestined. In all cases, the internalization of the snake-slaying motif was not an overnight development: the cultural genes that preceded its appearance in the Chan tradition provided the fertile ground for its karmic maturation and discursive proliferation. Full article

Urban wetlands are increasingly recognized for their ecological and cultural benefits, yet remain underutilized due to limited public awareness and environmental literacy. This study investigates how visitors’ perceptions of wetland ecosystem services influence their motivations to engage with a constructed wetland in Putrajaya, Malaysia. By integrating the ecosystem services framework with push-pull motivation theory, the research aims to bridge knowledge gaps and inform sustainable wetland tourism planning. A structured questionnaire was administered to 420 visitors, with 385 valid responses (response rate: 91.7%). Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman correlation) and multiple regression analysis. Results show that cultural and regulating services are perceived most positively, while emotional restoration and aesthetic appreciation emerged as key motivational drivers. Regression findings reveal that push factors are stronger predictors of ecosystem service engagement than pull factors. These insights highlight the importance of emotional and psychological connections to nature, offering practical implications for urban wetland management, visitor education and environmental communication strategies. Full article