Search Results (122)

In crisis-stricken economies, leadership effectiveness increasingly hinges not on technical expertise alone but on emotional competence. While emotional intelligence (EI) has been widely acknowledged as a catalyst for effective leadership and employee outcomes, its role in volatile and resource-scarce contexts remains underexplored. This study addresses this critical gap by investigating the impact of five core EI dimensions, namely self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, on employee performance amid Lebanon’s ongoing multidimensional crisis. Drawing on Goleman’s EI framework and the Job Demands–Resources theory, the research employs a quantitative, cross-sectional design with data collected from 398 employees across sectors in Lebanon. Structural Equation Modeling revealed that all EI dimensions significantly and positively influenced employee performance, with self-regulation (β = 0.485) and empathy (β = 0.361) emerging as the most potent predictors. These findings underscore the value of emotionally intelligent leadership in fostering productivity, resilience, and team cohesion during organizational instability. This study contributes to the literature by contextualizing EI in an under-researched, crisis-affected setting, offering nuanced insights into which emotional competencies are most impactful during prolonged uncertainty. Practically, it positions EI as a strategic leadership asset for crisis management and sustainable human resource development in fragile economies. The results inform leadership training, policy design, and organizational strategies that aim to enhance employee performance through emotionally intelligent practices. Full article

Objective: There is growing interest in analyzing whether ethical climates influence the emotional states of organizational members. For this reason, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between a benevolent ethical climate, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization, taking into account the mediating effect of job autonomy. Methodology: To evaluate the research hypotheses, data were collected from 448 people belonging to six organizations in the Colombian electricity sector. Statistical analysis was performed using two structural equation models (SEMs). Results: The results show that a benevolent climate and its three dimensions (friendship, group interest, and corporate social responsibility) mitigate the negative effect of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. A work environment focused on people and society triggers positive moods that prevent the loss of valuable psychological resources. On the other hand, job autonomy is a mechanism that has a direct impact on the emotional well-being of employees. Therefore, being able to intentionally direct one’s own sources of energy and motivation prevents an imbalance between resources and demands that blocks the potential effect of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Practical implications: This study has important practical implications. First, an ethical climate that seeks to build a caring environment needs to strengthen emotional communication among employees through a high perception of support. Second, organizations need to grow and achieve strategic objectives from a perspective of solidarity. Third, a benevolent ethical climate needs to be nurtured by professionals with a clear vocation for service and a preference for interacting with people. Finally, job autonomy must be accompanied by the necessary time management skills. Social implications: This study highlights the importance to society of an ethical climate based on friendship, group interest, and corporate social responsibility. In a society with a marked tendency to disengage from collective problems, it is essential to make decisions that take into account the well-being of others. Originality/value: This research responds to recent calls for more studies to identify organizational contexts capable of mitigating the negative effects of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Full article

Digital competences (DC) are vital for improving employability, especially in tourism, where adapting to technology and communicating effectively are key. Proficiency in digital tools and a second language (SL) significantly enhances organizational performance and competitiveness, supporting sustainable development and innovation in dynamic business environments. This study explores the causal link between digital competences and employability dimensions, including second-language skills, in SMEs within the tourism sector in Quindío and Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Using a quantitative approach, data from 114 employees were collected through a semi-structured survey and analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to determine significant relationships. The results reveal that digital competences significantly enhance technological management, occupational experience (OE), anticipation and optimization (AO), and personal flexibility (PF). These skills contribute to sustainable tourism by promoting adaptability, innovation, and inclusive employability. Additionally, second-language proficiency demonstrates strong explanatory power in communication-related aspects. The findings highlight the need for tourism enterprises to prioritize digital upskilling, integrate research and innovation into job functions, strengthen adaptability to organizational changes, and view second-language development as a strategic resource. This study offers valuable insights for designing targeted training strategies aligned with the sector’s dynamic demands and advances the broader discourse on digital literacy in workforce development. Full article

Teachers’ work engagement and burnout are crucial for both teachers and students. Traditional interventions have reduced burnout and increased engagement. However, with the rise in digital interventions and their advantages in scalability, cost-effectiveness, higher reach, and fidelity, we aimed to explore these aspects further. Thus, our research questions were: What are the core components of teachers’ digital and digitized interventions for work engagement and burnout? How are these interventions implemented, focusing on the mode of delivery, support systems, fidelity, and dosage? We examined the core components and implementation factors, including the mode of delivery, support systems, fidelity, and dosage of digital interventions for teachers’ work engagement and burnout. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA reporting. Of 1761 studies, 15 were eligible, and six were included, but none examined work engagement as an outcome variable. Moreover, core components included mindfulness, stress management, emotional intelligence, social–emotional competencies, organizational skills, and technological competence, all targeting personal resource development. These findings align with Domitrovich et al.’s framework and JD-R theory, emphasizing support systems and personal resources. Using the Job-demands resources theory and Domitrovich et al.’s framework, we found that all six studies focused on burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Four reported significantly decreased emotional exhaustion, two increased personal accomplishment, and one decreased depersonalization. Two digital interventions showed no significant changes in the burnout dimension. The small sample size limits conclusions, but the results indicate a fundamental difference between digital and digitized interventions regarding design, and the necessary support systems. Our findings indicate that core components must target teachers’ personal and job resources and job demands. Moreover, fidelity, dosage, and duration measures are crucial, along with facilitated group discussions and technical assistance for successful outcomes on burnout. These findings are relevant for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers, extending beyond education. Future research directions and implications are discussed. Full article

This paper predicts offered wage rates and job requirements in the logistics industry by utilizing data from online job postings collected through two methods: search tools and web scraping. We apply conventional estimation techniques, such as ordinary least squares and kernel density estimation, to analyze the collected data. Additionally, for the first time, we employ nowcasting methods (linear regression, decision tree, and K-nearest neighbor methods) in this context to generate robust results. Our main findings are as follows: First, the average real wage derived from online job postings aligns with officially published GDP per capita data for the studied countries and regions. Second, we identify significantly positive causal effects of work experience on real wages in the logistics industry. Third, skill requirements exhibit year-over-year variations. Finally, the decision tree method generates the closest nowcasted results in line with the actual web scraped data. The proposed methodologies and their findings establish a reliable approach using search tools and web scraping to define and predict labor demand for stakeholders in this sector as well as others. Full article

Millions of young Africans earn a variety of qualifications annually, yet the majority return without prospects for employment. This challenge has become a catalyst for inequality, poverty, crime involvement, and international migration. Empirical discourse points to education—such as a pedagogy that is chiefly theory-oriented rather than aligned with a knowledge economy, mismatched skills, and irrelevant qualifications—as constraints that contribute to the unemployment of the continent’s vibrant young graduates. Amidst this surging issue, the call for transformation in higher learning has never been clearer. Focusing on rural landscapes, this case study analysed the contextual employability potential of graduates pursuing an entrepreneurial university trajectory in Africa, illustrating why the paradigm should be implemented. The findings, based on qualitative data collected using a semi-structured questionnaire through one-on-one and remote approaches from stakeholders in universities across five African countries, highlight three dimensions central to this pathway. These include (1) curriculum alignment to advance cutting-edge qualifications and skill development that resonate with industrial demand and local economic priorities; (2) stakeholder embeddings in which universities strive to partner with local organisations and established alumni to provide mentorship, job leads, and referrals; and (3) innovation hubs that offer a variety of entrepreneurial support, real-world experience, and Indigenous entrepreneurship practices, leading to unique new ventures and employment opportunities. Implementing this strategy will enable rural-based universities in Africa to innovate in promoting graduate employability, socioeconomic advancements, and sustainable development, ultimately shaping a brighter future for the continent. Further studies could test the assumptions for broader application using statistical analysis. Full article

Background: Digitalisation is becoming increasingly integrated into the field of dentistry; therefore, it is crucial to understand both the challenges it introduces and the opportunities it provides. By doing so, the research will offer insights into how digital tools can affect the work environment and contribute to the overall well-being and performance of dental professionals. Objectives: The present study aims to explore how dentists perceive the demands and resources within a digitalised dental practice. Methods: The present study adopted a qualitative design, incorporating guideline-based interviews. A total of 30 interviews were conducted with dentists from various German dental practices, with a focus on key topics such as job demands, job resources, digital stress factors, job satisfaction, and support needs in the context of digital dentistry. The interview data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings highlight that digital systems in dental practices offer benefits such as reduced errors and time savings, but also pose challenges, especially for less experienced users. While they improve efficiency, precision, and professional development, they can also lead to negative effects like dependence on technology, loss of manual skills, technical failures, and increased stress, particularly during the adaptation phase. These results suggest that successful integration of digital technologies requires adequate support to overcome initial learning curves and ensure long-term benefits. Conclusions: The results of the study underline the importance of effective implementation, comprehensive staff training, and technological reliability to maximise the benefits of digital tools and minimise their drawbacks. Maintaining a balance between digital stressors and resources is crucial to promoting a healthy work environment. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of training programmes and the integration of digital technologies into dental practices to increase their effectiveness in terms of job satisfaction and reduce potential risks. Full article

The veterinary profession is rapidly evolving, requiring curricular renewal to address emerging challenges and enhance graduate preparedness. A survey was conducted among students and alumni of the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (n = 279), Portugal, to evaluate the need for an updated veterinary curriculum. Respondents conveyed a strong preference for companion animal medicine, likely influenced by sociocultural factors and media representation. To address current and future demands, it was recommended to re-evaluate curricular structures (e.g., course duration and electives), incorporate non-technical skills, and enhance practical education. Additional reforms should be supported by feedback mechanisms and stakeholder consultations. Alumni expressed dissatisfaction with the job market, which should be addressed through continuous education and specialization and greater intervention of the Portuguese Veterinary Board. In summary, areas for improvement and increased stakeholder involvement were identified as opportunities for veterinary curricular renewal. Full article

The evolving labor environment underscores the critical role of cognitive and non-cognitive (soft) skills in fostering workforce adaptability and enhancing labor market outcomes. This study investigates the combined influence of these skills on the probability of employment, focusing on the Kenyan labor market, where high youth unemployment and job market mismatches persist despite government interventions and education sector reforms. Traditionally, emphasis has been placed on cognitive skills, with limited integration of non-cognitive skills into educational curricula, exacerbating the disconnect between youth competencies and market demands. Using binary logistic regression, this study evaluates factors influencing youth employment, highlighting the complementarity of cognitive and non-cognitive skills. Findings reveal that individuals possessing a blend of these skills have higher employment prospects, with notable improvements for young women possessing agreeableness and digital literacy. Additionally, factors such as marital status and higher education levels positively influence employability. These results underscore the equal importance of personality traits and cognitive abilities in labor market success. Policymakers are urged to prioritize curriculum reforms that integrate non-cognitive skill development and encourage employers to include assessments of these skills in hiring practices to address persistent labor market mismatches. Full article

This study uses Q methodology to examine the perception types of humanities majors during their employment preparation process. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies, traditional career paths for humanities majors are shrinking, leading to intensified job mismatches, psychological anxiety, and social bias. The study identified four perception types: (1) Social Support for Career Challenges, which emphasises the need for emotional and institutional support to overcome career-related anxiety and biases, (2) Building Practical Career Skills, which focuses on enhancing employability through practical job experience and technical skill development, (3) Graduation-related Career Constraints, which highlights the limitations caused by academic graduation requirements, calling for structural reforms and expanded certification support, and (4) Proactive Job Preparation, which reflects active efforts to adapt to technological advancements and competitive job market demands by emphasising digital skill acquisition and practical education. We analyse each type’s characteristics and support needs, offering valuable insights into how to address these challenges. The findings provide policy implications for career guidance and employment support, aiming to improve the employment success rates and job stability of humanities graduates. By offering empirical evidence for tailored support programmes, this study contributes practical recommendations to prepare humanities majors for the evolving job market. Full article

With the current downturn in the real estate and construction industries, the construction job market is saturated, and architects are facing an urgent employment crisis. Architectural education should understand the skill requirements of individuals in the labor market and make adjustments accordingly. This study examines the evaluation of and demand for skills from the perspective of employers. A research questionnaire was constructed based on the Kano theoretical model and distributed to 810 practitioners, and the results were analyzed. The results of the data analysis of demand attributes, importance, and group differences showed that the construction industry pays the most attention to strengthening professional soft abilities, while improving personal comprehensive abilities and maintaining professional hard abilities can support architects in maintaining strong competitiveness in the job market. Furthermore, different groups and regions have different needs for architectural skills. The cultivation of skills in colleges and universities must be targeted. This study provides an adjusted direction for architectural education and training and also provides guidance for architectural practitioners in improving their skills and expanding their career development with the trend of industry saturation. Full article

Most prior studies found that job well-being and job performance are in a linear relationship. Audit firms are a type of highly professional organization. Based on the affective events theory, this study argues that job well-being can accelerate the improvement of audit performance thus forming a curvilinear relationship. Additionally, auditing is a job that demands highly professional skills and responsibility. This study argues that an auditor’s passion for work can strengthen the relationship between job well-being and audit performance. The study employed a quantitative survey approach, collecting data from 178 auditors who are in a position of in-charge, deputy manager, and manager in the Big Four CPA firms in Taiwan. The empirical evidence confirmed that job well-being and audit performance are in a curvilinear relationship. In addition, the effect of job well-being on audit performance is greater in the presence of high passion and will diminish when the passion is low. According to the research results, the managerial implications for audit firms are provided. Full article

In Indonesia, there is a significant gap between the skills, creativity, innovation abilities, and job awareness of college graduates as well as the demands of the modern workforce. This gap originates from a curriculum and learning design that has not kept pace with the rapidly evolving needs of society. In an era characterized by digitalization and the rapid development of technology, content, infrastructure, human, and environmental resources, it is essential to create an open and pervasive learning environment (PLE). Therefore, this research aimed to describe the design process and determine the feasibility and validity of a PLE model that integrated formal and informal cooperative social learning. Research and Development (R&D) for Education model was adopted in this study following the phases of analysis, design, development, and evaluation (ADDIE). Furthermore, the research procedure included two main stages, namely the development of the PLE model and validation of the product. The product validation process further included 13 experts in material design, 15 experts in learning media, and 95 students from state and private universities across Indonesia. Subsequently, descriptive statistical analysis was used in analyzing the obtained data from the validation process. The results showed that the developed PLE model design has utilized the power of technology, social interaction, and everyday environment, both formally and informally. The developed learning model design was suitable for implementation in educational settings. This learning design model offers a comprehensive, flexible, and inclusive learning ecosystem that is tailored to the needs of the twenty-first century. Full article

Aim: To explore the challenges and strategies among new and experienced nursing leaders in mental healthcare; furthermore, to identify factors that support or hinder their leadership roles. Background: Strong nursing leadership is crucial for the quality of patient care and is associated with higher job security and better patient outcomes. Understanding what factors contribute to effective leadership is essential for the development of future leaders. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through interviews with 20 nursing leaders in mental healthcare in Norway, including 10 new leaders (<2 years in the role) and 10 experienced leaders (>10 years in the role). Data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis. Results: New leaders set high standards and faced demanding tasks, which made the role stressful. They experienced uncertainty and self-doubt about their effectiveness and expressed a need for support from mentors or colleagues. Experienced leaders focused on strategic leadership, task prioritization, and employee motivation, emphasizing the importance of being inspirational, patient, and accessible. Discussion: This study highlights the different challenges faced by new and experienced leaders in mental healthcare. New leaders need support to build confidence and manage the demands of their roles, while experienced leaders benefit from their strategic approach and ability to motivate staff. Conclusions and implications for nursing and/or health policy: The findings suggest that mentoring programs and support networks are essential for developing and motivating nursing leaders. New leaders should receive support to overcome self-doubt and stress associated with their roles. Experienced leaders can, through being mentors, expand their strategic skills and increase own insight and abilities regarding leadership. These insights have significant implications for health policy, which should include resources and programs aimed at supporting leadership development in nursing. Full article

Integrating geographical information systems (GIS) in various sectors has significantly increased the global demand for skilled professionals, particularly in South Africa. Despite integrating GIS methods into higher education curricula, challenges like resource limitations, curriculum updates, and competency standardization may limit practical training scope. This study explores the alignment of South African qualifications and practitioner registration standards, including the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), National Qualification Framework (NQF) requirement, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), and South African Geomatics Council (SAGC), with job market demands. A structured literature review of scientometric research from 2004 to 2023 was used to assess the current GIS educational programs in South Africa, identify training gaps and skills, and propose strategies to enhance their relevance. The results indicated that, despite adhering to policies and standards, the GIS curriculum’s capacity to meet market demands is uncertain due to insufficient job market research and disparities between higher education curricula and practitioner registration standards (HEC_PRS). The University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of South Africa (UNISA) are the top two South African institutions contributing significantly to GIS practice through published articles, with a few coming from affiliated research centres. The results revealed significant changes in higher education from 2004 to 2018, with teacher education becoming the most prominent theme. The 2019–2021 period emphasized interconnectedness between curriculum development, experiential learning, and 21st-century skills, while the 2022–2023 segment used curriculum as the most prevalent theme in this field. The prominence of key terms like “higher education”, “curricula”, “students”, and “teaching” highlights the role of educational institutions in preparing students for professional practice in GIS. These findings provide strategies for evaluating current GIS practices, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing modifications to enhance their effectiveness in practice. Full article