Search Results (155)

Grounded in motivation theory, this study examines the direct relationship between a supportive workplace environment (SWE) and employee performance (EP). The SWE has been identified into three dimensions, i.e., work recognition (WR), work motivation (WM), and career development (CD). Moreover, we focused on the mediating effect of employee engagement (EE) on the relationship between SWE and EP. A quantitative research method was used, and data were collected through a questionnaire survey. Data were collected from 349 respondents. The target population were the senior managers, middle managers, and administrative staff working in the semi-government organizations based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) software version 4.0. The results indicate that in the direct relationship, workplace recognition, workplace motivation, and career development are positively connected with EP. Similarly, the findings show that employee engagement positively mediates between an SWE (work recognition, work motivation, and career development) and EP. This study suggests that managers can establish practices acknowledging and appreciating employee contributions, leading to increased motivation and improved performance. Creating a work environment that fosters work motivation by addressing employees’ physical and safety, social, and egoistic needs can further enhance employee engagement and performance. The study highlights the significant role of work recognition, work motivation, career development, and employee engagement in influencing employee performance. This study also recommends some practical implications for the semi-governmental organizations. First, it was suggested that organizations create a workplace environment in which employees feel appreciated, valued, and happy. Second, the organizations introduce the employee engagement culture at the department level as well as at the organizational level. Third, the organizations also introduce flexible work schedules for middle-level and administrative staff. Finally, Saudi organizations recognize the output of their employees and provide them with monetary incentives. Full article

The rapid urbanization of the world has brought significant environmental, social, and economic challenges to human society. To build a sustainable county, there are many limiting factors, such as the environment, financial resources, and population. Based on this, the purpose of this study is to investigate how countries can empower their development through a sustainable design path for parks with the participation of all. The core of public participation in co-construction lies in the interactive relationship between the government, society, citizens, and many other groups. That is, “co-construction, co-governance, and sharing” is the basic content of the new pattern of social governance from the perspective of the park city; at its core is joint participation, division of labor, and cooperation. Using qualitative research methods, Kaiyuan, a county in Yunnan Province, was selected as a case study, focusing on the Phoenix Ecological Park and Happiness Lawn; citizens and managers were interviewed to explore paths for sustainable design in the counties. The contribution of this study is a research model of sustainable design for county parks with the participation of all the people. The study found that public participation should consider multiple co-constructions and formulate a sound sustainable design path from three dimensions: counties, managers, and citizens. Combined with the local characteristics of counties, the government has called on enterprises, organizations, and citizens to participate together in improving the quality of life and happiness of county residents. The results can be further verified in other counties. Full article

The long-term sustainability of seaports depends on various operational factors, including infrastructure efficiency, digital innovation, environmental management, and regulatory compliance, among which maritime pilotage plays a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation and minimizing environmental, economic, and social risks. This research employed the PRISMA-ScR framework to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of pilotage on the sustainability of seaports. The findings demonstrate efficient navigation and spill avoidance, which reduce emissions, safeguard marine biodiversity, and maintain water quality. Economically, it reduces delays, optimizes operational expenses, and increases port competitiveness by increasing maritime traffic. Moreover, pilotage improves navigational safety, local professional skill development, and community interactions via ecological conservation and operational efficiency. It also indicates how environmental initiatives benefit the economy, increase port competitiveness, and promote job security and community happiness. The results also emphasize the significance of pilotage in sustainable seaport operations by quantifying pollution reductions, cost savings, and safety. The result also suggests that successful pilotage enhances ports’ viability and responsibility in global shipping networks while addressing environmental, economic, and social concerns. Full article

The present pilot randomized control study examined the effectiveness of an 8-week stress management and health coaching intervention on perceived stress, healthy routines, sleep quality, self-efficacy, self-esteem and happiness. A total of 38 office employees were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG, n = 20) or the control group (CG, n = 18) and validated tools were used to assess outcomes. Statistically significant differences in the IG after the 8 weeks were observed in perceived stress (i.e., a decrease in PSS-14 score, p = 0.043), in “Daily Routine”, i.e., an increase in control over the consistent timing of meals and sleep (p = 0.001) and in “Social and Mental Balance”, i.e., an increase in inclination to socialize, balance leisure and personal time and adopt positive thinking or cognitive control over stressors (p = 0.003). These improvements were reflected in an increase in total healthy lifestyle and personal control score (HLPCQ, p = 0.048). Short time and stress management and coaching interventions at workplaces can empower employees to increase control over stressors and to take the first step in adopting healthy behaviors by recognizing bad habits. Furthermore, in building sustainable employment, an empowered employee would participate at an organizational level more actively. Our preliminary results strongly support the idea that primary health care professionals should be educated in health coaching and relaxation techniques. Full article

Background: The present research seeks to understand the impact of emotional intelligence on the psychological well-being of young graduates Well-being is closely linked to happiness and life satisfaction and occurs when individuals possess adequate psychological, social, and physical resources to manage life’s challenges. Emotional Intelligence, defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions, has been identified as a key factor influencing psychological well-being. Research highlights that individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to experience greater life satisfaction, lower stress levels, and improved mental health. However, the specific impact of emotional intelligence on the psychological well-being of young graduates remains underexplored, particularly in the Portuguese context, making this study highly relevant. Methods:To investigate this impact, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 209 young graduates in Portugal, which included emotional intelligence and psychological well-being items and a multiple regression model was used. Results: the results obtained indicate that emotional intelligence has a statistically significant influence on psychological well-being, where young people with higher levels of emotional intelligence showed higher levels of psychological well-being. Regarding age and sex, our data did not show a statistically significant relationship with emotional intelligence or psychological well-being. Conclusions: In summary, this study confirmed that young people with greater ability to manage their own emotions are more likely to experience higher psychological well-being. Full article

This study explores the passengers’ accessibility dilemma in Valparaíso, Chile, through field observations and laboratory experiments. The aim is to investigate the accessibility in metro stations based on the users’ emotional experience. Perceptions were reported through the emotions of passengers according to a circumplex psychological model and an accessibility ranking. Passengers reported their emotions (e.g., stress, sadness, relaxation, and happiness) during different trip moments. Results indicate that rearranging train seats parallel to movement creates a more spacious aisle, enhancing mobility and evoking positive emotions such as happiness. However, an unexpected rise in sadness suggests that social dynamics may influence emotional responses, warranting further investigation. Overcrowding increases stress and sadness, emphasizing the need for capacity management to improve passengers’ emotional experiences. Field observations reveal that early journey stages, such as walking to the station or waiting on the platform, are associated with unpleasant experiences due to poor infrastructure and accessibility barriers. In contrast, train rides foster more positive emotions, credited to better accessibility onboard. Passenger dissatisfaction arises from issues such as elevator malfunctions, inconsistent train schedules, and inadequate station accessibility. This study could help to understand passenger behavior when the accessibility conditions of metro stations and their surroundings are changed. Further studies will expand the concept of emotions by considering social and psychological factors and explore different types of stations and their surroundings considering a larger sample size in laboratory experiments and field studies. Full article

Background: The use of patient-reported outcomes is essential to understand and manage health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in youth with lifelong disabilities. This study evaluated HRQOL in youth with physical disorders and examined its relationship with mobility. Methods: We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective study in which we administered the parent-reported Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) and Gross Motor Function Measure section D (GMFM-D) to ambulatory youth aged 2–18 years with cerebral palsy (CP; Gross Motor Function Classification System II; n = 258), arthrogryposis (n = 138), achondroplasia (n = 102), and Morquio syndrome (n = 52) during clinical visits to a gait lab. The PODCI has two validated versions, child and adolescent, that assess perceptions about mobility, happiness, and pain. Differences in HRQOL between diagnostic groups, between age groups, and compared with non-disabled youth were examined using non-parametric tests. The relationship between GMFM-D and PODCI scores was analyzed with Pearson’s correlations. Results: Both age cohorts within all diagnosis groups demonstrated higher pain and lower mobility compared with non-disabled youth (p < 0.015). Happiness was lower for both age groups with CP and arthrogryposis, and for the child group with Morquio syndrome compared with non-disabled youth (p < 0.002). In diagnostic groups in both age spans, Global Function was higher (p < 0.0001) for those with achondroplasia compared with other groups. Despite functional differences, there were no significant differences between diagnostic groups in pain scores (p > 0.10). Happiness was lower in the group with CP compared with that with achondroplasia (p = 0.01). GMFM-D was related to PODCI mobility scores for all diagnoses (r = 0.31 to 0.79, p < 0.03) but was not correlated with happiness (r = −0.16 to 0.092; p > 0.14); GMFM-D and PODCI pain scores were associated only for the child group with achondroplasia (r = 0.355; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant limitations in HRQOL are present in youth with physical disabilities. Pain levels were higher than those of non-disabled youth, but pain was not related to lower motor function. Happiness was not related to gross motor function, suggesting the need to examine other factors when mental health concerns are present in youth with disabilities. Full article

As globalization accelerates and environmental awareness expands, it is imperative for organizations to align their business practices with sustainable development goals. This research examines the substantial connection between sustainable human resource management (SHRM) practices and employee happiness, with a focused emphasis on their direct impact on employee engagement. Quantitative research has been used for this particular research, employing both descriptive and causal research methods. It effectively analyzes a sample of 473 women workers from one of India’s largest tea plantations. The results clearly indicate a strong and positive relationship between SHRM practices, employee happiness, and employee engagement. Industries, particularly the tea plantation sector, must prioritize initiatives that foster employee engagement. By deliberately cultivating a work environment that promotes sustained joy and fulfillment, tea plantations can significantly enhance employee commitment and build long-term loyalty. These findings provide critical theoretical insights into the undeniable role of SHRM and employee happiness in driving employee engagement forward. Full article

The effects of air quality on health and cognition are well documented, but few studies have focused on its impact on emotions, leaving this area underexplored. This study investigates the influence of environmental factors—specifically particulate matter (PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀) and carbon dioxide (CO₂)—on students’ basic emotions in secondary school classrooms. For the collection of environmental data, we used low-cost sensors, which were carefully calibrated to ensure acceptable accuracy for monitoring air quality variables, despite inherent precision limitations compared to traditional sensors. Emotions were recorded via camera and analyzed using a custom-developed code. Based on these data, we found significant but modest correlations, such as the negative correlation between PM levels and happiness, and positive correlations of CO₂ concentrations with fear and disgust. The regression models explained between 36% and 62% of the variance in emotions like neutrality, sadness, fear, and happiness, highlighting nonlinear relationships in some cases. These findings underscore the need for improved classroom environmental management, including the implementation of real-time air quality monitoring systems. Such systems would enable schools to mitigate the negative emotional effects of poor air quality, contributing to healthier and more conducive learning environments. Future research should explore the combined effects of multiple environmental factors to further understand their impact on student well-being. Full article

This study proposes a methodology that combines Six Sigma and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure the quality of banking services. The proposed framework emphasizes seven essential quality dimensions: prompt response, efficient channels, fraudulence, processes, dependable service, credibility, customer satisfaction, and risk management. Integrating both techniques enables a holistic approach to quality evaluation and provides valuable information for the banking industry’s continual improvement. To validate the properties of the methodology, we developed a case study involving 25 Colombian banks. Using Six Sigma metrics, DEA models, and slacks analysis, the results provide a comprehensive study of the quality performance, identifying each bank’s relative strengths and weaknesses in several quality dimensions. The data indicate that some banks perform better on quality characteristics such as customer happiness, dependable service, and procedures. However, this study also reveals a promising finding: banks still have the potential for development, particularly in their response time, channel efficiency, fraud, and credibility, offering hope for the future of banking services. Full article

The acceleration of urbanization has resulted in a heightened awareness of the impacts of urban environments on residents’ emotional states. This present study focuses on the Lixia District of Jinan City. By using urban street view big data and deep learning methods, we undertook a detailed analysis of the impacts of urban color features on residents’ emotional perceptions. In particular, a substantial corpus of street scene image data was extracted and processed. This was performed using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) and semantic segmentation technology (PSPNet), which enabled the simulation and prediction of the subjective perception of the urban environment by humans. Furthermore, the color complexity and coordination in the street scene were quantified and combined with residents’ emotional feedback to carry out a multi-dimensional analysis. The findings revealed that color complexity and coordination were significant elements influencing residents’ emotional perceptions. A high color complexity is visually appealing, but can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and boredom; a moderate complexity stimulates vitality and pleasure; high levels of regional harmony and aesthetics can increase perceptions of beauty and security; and low levels of coordination can increase feelings of depression. The environmental characteristics of different areas and differences in the daily activities of residents resulted in regional differences regarding the impacts of color features on emotional perception. This study corroborates the assertion that environmental color coordination has the capacity to enhance residents’ emotions, thereby providing an important reference point for urban planning. Planning should be based on the functional characteristics of the region, and color complexity and coordination should be reasonably regulated to optimize the emotional experiences of residents. Differentiated color management enhances urban aesthetics, livability, and residents’ happiness and promotes sustainable development. In the future, the influences of color and environmental factors on emotions can be explored in depth, with a view to assist in the formulation of fine urban design. Full article

This study examines the impact of cultural involvement on brand enriching benefits and consumers’ willingness to pay a premium (WPP). Additionally, it explores the underlying mechanisms behind this impact. A partial least squares structural equation model was used to analyze the data collected from a pretest (N = 70) and an online survey (N = 1053) conducted in China. The moderating effect of brand type was examined using a multi-group analysis. The results indicate that cultural involvement has a significant and positive impact on brand enriching benefits, consequently enhancing consumers’ WPP. Additionally, brand happiness mediates the relationship between brand enriching benefits and WPP. Through a multi-group analysis, the impact of brand culture on brand equity is found to be more pronounced in functional brands compared with symbolic brands. Additionally, high perceived quality facilitates the transformation of brand enriching benefits into WPP. Managers value the ability of a brand culture to create brand equity and implement differentiation strategies based on different brand types. It is critical for managers to use a culture and its rich benefits wisely and to consider consumer happiness in the brand experience. Although brand culture and its impact on brands are crucial, previous studies have only focused on qualitative analyses, while empirical research on the direct link between brand culture and equity has been lacking. This study empirically tests a conceptual model that elucidates the relationship between brand cultural involvement, brand enriching benefits, brand happiness, WPP, brand type, and perceived quality. It extends previous research and offers suggestions for academics and brand managers interested in effectively leveraging brand culture for brand building. Full article

This study aims to explore the self-reported affective experiences of U.S. school personnel during 2021. This year found school personnel balancing remote learning, health emergencies, a global pandemic, and intense political upheaval. We contextualize school personnel experiences within the current sociopolitical context. In this sample, school personnel (n = 8052) represent all U.S. states and territories alongside representation of diverse racial and ethnic identities (n = 1901). Participants were surveyed before completing a free virtual course on emotion management. The survey included open-ended questions and scale items. Participants reported primary feelings, sources of stress and joy, and perceptions of personal and social and emotional support for themselves and students. Findings are presented in five cohorts of school personnel across the year. The primary feelings were being anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed, the stressors were lack of support, time, and resources, as well as COVID-19, and workload, and the sources of joy were students, coworkers, and teaching. Anxiety and gratitude decreased throughout the year while happiness increased. Responses differed across time and between racial groups, with Black and African American participants reporting the highest percentages of being stressed by COVID-19 and community fluctuated over time as a source of joy. Implications for the education system and opportunities for emotion management are discussed. Full article

The main purpose of this study is to analyze how stakeholders’ perceptions of sustainable land use and the management of natural parks affect land management planning, with a focus on park visitors. This study was carried out in July 2019, during a period of high visitor numbers at the Belgrade Forest nature parks, as reported by the park manager. It involved evaluating participants’ knowledge about the specific natural park they visit and the organization managing it. The results show that the mode of transportation significantly influences this knowledge. Visitors who walked or drove to the park demonstrated a greater understanding of the park and its management. A visit to a nature park typically involves anticipation, planning, the visit itself, participating in activities, returning, and reflecting on past experiences. Visitors are drawn to the Belgrade Forest nature parks because of their cleanliness, family-friendly atmosphere, peacefulness, proximity, uniqueness as a green space in Istanbul, wooded areas, and suitability for sports. The study also reveals that the characteristics of nature parks, such as park amenities, distance, transportation options, and reasons for visiting, contribute to visitors’ happiness, especially affecting younger visitors between the ages of 19 and 30. These findings highlight the varied nature of visitors’ impressions after their visit, depending on their individual characteristics. In conclusion, this detailed analysis offers valuable insights to guide strategic park management efforts aimed at promoting sustainability and enhancing visitor experiences in the Belgrade Forest areas of Türkiye. Full article

Oasis cities are central to the economic and social development as well as ecological sustainability in the arid region in Northwest China. This study aims to explore the balance between river health and human well-being of local residents in the Hexi River oasis, while also enhancing the effectiveness of water resource management within the basin. Utilizing the SMI-P method, we construct a ‘Happy River’ evaluation system that integrates goals, criteria, and indicators. We analyze the evaluation index system for ‘Happy River’ construction in the study area, specifically the Zhangye City section of the Heihe River Basin, and derive a comprehensive evaluation value for the ‘Happy River’ initiative. Additionally, we assess the fit attribute of the evaluation system using the coupled coordination degree model and harmony degree theory, thereby enhancing the rationality of the evaluation method and ensuring a more thorough examination process. The results indicate that from 2017 to 2021, the urban wastewater treatment rate and the degree of water quality excellence in the Zhangye City section of the Black River Basin represent the highest and lowest weights, respectively, within the evaluation system. This suggests that improving the quality of the urban water environment has emerged as the primary factor influencing the assessment of the Happy River during the construction of the Happy River and Happy Lake. Moreover, ecological health is identified as the most significant criterion in the evaluation system, serving as the main factor affecting residents’ perceptions of happiness related to rivers and lakes. Over the five-year period, the happiness level in the study area improved from “relatively happy” to “very happy”, while the coupling coordination degree increased from 0.605 to 0.687, indicating a gradual progression toward coordinated development. Simultaneously, the harmony degree rose from 0.527 to 0.601, suggesting a tendency towards a condition of basic harmony. Additionally, the happiness index increased from 76.71 to 81.97, transitioning from a state of happiness to one of very high happiness. The composite index also improved, rising from 0.459 to 0.526, which demonstrates the preliminary success of the ‘Happy River’ construction efforts in the study area. The evaluation system and model of the ‘Happy River’, along with the final results of this study, can serve as theoretical references for the development of similar initiatives in typical characteristic rivers within the arid region of Northwest China. Full article