Search Results (283)

This study examines the effects of firm characteristics on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance among A-share firms listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Drawing on the resource-based view, legitimacy theory, and agency theory, this study examines both direct and indirect mechanisms connecting corporate profitability, firm size, and ownership concentration to enhance ESG performance. This research employs secondary panel data from the CSMAR, DIB, and WIND databases (13,911 observations) and estimates two-way fixed effects models with firm-clustered standard errors. The outcomes show that profitability, firm size, and ESG performance have positive relationships, but ownership concentration is a negative factor in ESG performance. Market share and managers’ risk preferences mediate the relationship between firm characteristics and ESG performance; however, these effects are interpreted as exploratory due to panel data constraints. Internal control enhances these relationships, which emphasize the importance of the process of sustainability itself. The study provides practical insights that managers, policymakers, or investment firms can apply to improve ESG integration accountability in the emerging markets context. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to identify caregivers’ perceptions, preferences, and intentions regarding the use of digital articulation therapy applications for children with DLD. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between August and September 2025 among 197 caregivers of children diagnosed with DLD. A 43-item questionnaire was structured into five domains addressing demographics, therapy experience, digital-therapy exposure, and preferences for application-based articulation therapy. Constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2, including performance expectancy (PE), social influence (SI), price value (PV), facilitating conditions (FC), and behavioral intention, were analyzed. Results: Most respondents were mothers (96%), and 78.7% of them resided in urban areas. Among them, 84.3% had prior speech therapy experience. Only 15.7% had used educational or therapeutic applications; the main dissatisfaction factors were lack of fun (51.6%) and feedback (19.3%). Caregivers preferred short, engaging sessions (20–40 min per day), video-based (75%) or game-based (64%) content, and feedback every 2 months, with a reasonable monthly cost (20,000–30,000 KRW). Regression analysis revealed that sex (β = −0.451, p = 0.013), PE (β = 0.381, p < 0.001), and PV (β = 0.212, p = 0.034) significantly associated with behavioral intention to use an articulation-therapy application, whereas SI and FC were not significant. Conclusions: Caregivers of children with DLD demonstrated strong willingness to adopt digital articulation therapy applications, particularly when these tools provide meaningful therapeutic outcomes at moderate cost and include motivating, interactive content. Future application design should prioritize treatment functionality, user engagement, and accessibility to enhance adoption and continuity of digital speech-language interventions. Full article

Background: Despite evidence of potential benefits, variability in exercise types, psychological outcomes, and methods hinders comprehensive cost-effectiveness evaluation, framed through Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) theory. In this context, Workplace Physical Activity-Based Programs (WPABPs) serve as environmental stimulation that influences employees’ emotional states, which in turn shape mental health outcomes and behavioral responses. Research Purpose: This systematic review examines WPABPs through the social dimension of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG-S) framework, with a focus on their impact on employees’ mental health. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, eligibility was assessed via the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework. The ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases were searched using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) aligned keywords and Boolean operators. Results: Of the 961 articles identified, 15 studies (2021–2025) met the inclusion criteria. WPABPs were found to improve employee mental health, reduce stress, and enhance well-being. Individualized interventions supported targeted psychological benefits, while group formats promoted social cohesion and engagement. Variations in type, duration, and delivery, as well as accessibility barriers for underrepresented employees, were noted. WPABPs enhance employee well-being and organizational outcomes, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Conclusions: Hybrid models combining individual and group approaches with managerial and digital support are recommended. Integrating WPABPs within ESG-S and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) frameworks can institutionalize sustainable workplace health promotion, while future research should focus on standardized, inclusive, and long-term evaluations. Full article

This study examines the public’s adoption preferences for China’s central bank digital currency (e-CNY) through an improved Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework. Analyzing 3509 consumer and 1630 retailer questionnaires, we investigate five psychological dimensions: perceived risk, cost, benefit, social influence, and marketing promotion. The findings reveal distinct adoption mechanisms: while perceived benefit drives both groups’ adoption intention, marketing promotion significantly influences consumers but shows a limited effect on retailers. Conversely, social influence substantially affects retailers while demonstrating minimal impact on consumers. Perceived cost negatively affects both groups, whereas perceived risk shows no significant deterrent effect. This research provides novel insights into CBDC adoption psychology and offers evidence-based guidance for differentiated promotion strategies targeting consumers and retailers, contributing to both technology adoption theory and CBDC implementation practice. Full article

Forest recreation is irreplaceable for the protection and sustainable development of urban environments. Understanding the structural characteristics of forest recreation networks in urban areas thus offers valuable theoretical and practical insights. Grounded in social network theory and spatial analysis of recreational behavior, this study leverages point of interest (POI) data for forest attractions, forest land cover data, and user-generated content (UGC) trajectory data to analyze the evolution of the forest recreation network in the Chang-Zhu-Tan Green Heart (CZTGH) of China—the world’s largest metropolitan ecological green heart area. Findings reveal that the forest recreation network of CZTHGH exhibits a multi-center, clustered spatial pattern, with a weakened radiative influence from core to peripheral areas. While recreational behaviors are increasingly fragmented and localized, this has not undermined the network’s overall function; instead, it has fostered systemic adaptability through multiple, functionally complementary clusters, accompanied by a marked shift in activity preference toward ecologically oriented spaces such as arbor forests, shrublands, and scenic forests, alongside a significant decline in non-forest recreation. Furthermore, a high degree of spatial alignment is observed among recreation supply nodes, public demand, and forest resources, indicating synergistic spatial coordination between recreational use and ecological conservation. Findings support an analytical framework integrating recreation supply, recreation demand, and forest resources, providing practical references for the sustainable use of ecological spaces in similar urban areas. Full article

Against the backdrop of efforts to improve the quality of urban spatial stock, assessments of spatial benefits driven by consumption preferences integrate subjective decision-making and objective environmental factors to provide quantitative evidence for urban planning and public investment. This study constructed a “environment-perception–behavior” analytical framework grounded in SOR (stimulus–organism–response) theory. We combined structural equation modeling with the hedonic pricing method to identify causal pathways and quantify the marginal value of spatial elements. XGBoost was employed to uncover consumption-preference thresholds, Coupling Coordination Degree (CCD) was used to identify spatial supply–demand relationships, and Social Return on Investment (SROI) was applied to evaluate multidimensional urban spatial benefits. The results showed that transportation accessibility, commercial diversity, green-space quality, and cultural ambiance significantly shaped distinct consumption preferences. Central urban areas approached supply saturation in commercial and daily consumption and exhibited diminishing marginal returns, whereas peripheral zones demonstrated greater potential for sports and cultural consumption. Based on these findings, we reveal the underlying logic of spatial benefit distribution and classify the study area into High-efficiency matching zones, transition matching zones, and potential zones. We further propose targeted optimization recommendations that can inform policy on urban spatial functional positioning and social investment and provide evaluation criteria for prioritizing interventions. Full article

Background: With rapid urbanization, mental health challenges such as depression and emotional distress are becoming increasingly common. Contact with natural environments has been shown to improve mental health, yet most studies focus on direct associations between environmental exposure and mental health. The behavioral mechanisms underlying these benefits remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate whether outdoor activity frequency mediates the relationship between individuals’ intention to engage in outdoor activities and depressive mood. Methods: We used data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and supported by Stress Recovery Theory (SRT) and Attention Restoration Theory (ART), we constructed a mediation model. Ordinary Least Squares regression, ordered logistic regression, and mediation analysis were applied to assess the relationships among outdoor activity intention, activity frequency, and depressive mood. Results: The analyses revealed three main findings. First, outdoor activity intention alone did not directly reduce depressive mood. Second, outdoor activity frequency significantly alleviated depressive mood, suggesting that actual behavioral engagement with nature is critical. Third, the effect of outdoor activity intention on depressive mood was fully mediated by activity frequency. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the mental health benefits of natural environments are not automatically derived from intention or preference but require active and frequent engagement. These findings provide empirical support for behavior-based interventions in urban mental health strategies and establish a theoretical foundation for future research on the pathways linking nature and mental health. Full article

Despite Türkiye’s high agricultural potential, consumer interest in organic foods remains limited. Understanding the motivations of Turkish consumers who prefer organic foods is crucial for expanding the domestic organic market. This research aims to explain consumers’ attitudes and purchasing behaviors toward organic agricultural products by utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theories and examining the impact of health, environmental, economic, and social motivations on these attitudes and behaviors. Research data were obtained from online surveys conducted with 952 adult consumers across Türkiye. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was used in the analysis of the data. Research results show that females purchase more organic agricultural products than males, and consumer aged 36 and over purchase more organic agricultural products than those aged 18–25. In the research, health-related, environmental, economic, and social motivations were found to be statistically significant in terms of consumer attitudes. It has been determined that social motivations are statistically significant in the purchasing behavior of organic agricultural products. The results show that a positive attitude towards organic agricultural products has been formed, but only social motivations can motivate consumers to purchase. The results indicate that the attitude and perceived behavioral control dimensions of the TPB, when considered in conjunction with the value- and norm-based explanations of the VBN, provide a more holistic explanation of organic product consumption. These findings highlight the importance of developing marketing strategies that center on social motivations and value-based communication. Furthermore, Turkish consumers’ economic constraints and product price differences also influence their purchasing decisions. In this context, incentives for low-income groups, such as discount campaigns and promotions, are recommended. Full article

The traditional multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) method easily ignores the interference effect among decision-makers (DMs), while quantum theory can effectively portray the uncertainty in the decision-making process and quantify the preference interference among DMs. The asymmetry of evaluation information in social networks can have a significant impact on decision-making. In this paper, a quantum MAGDM algorithm based on probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTSs) and a quantum-like Bayesian network (QLBN) is proposed (PL-QLBN), utilizing quantum theory and social network concepts and introducing a novel method for calculating interference effects based on belief entropy. Firstly, a complete trust network is constructed based on the probabilistic linguistic trust transfer operator and the minimum path method. A trust aggregation method, considering interference effects, is proposed for the QLBN to determine the DM weights. Next, the attribute weights are calculated based on the entropy weight method. Then, a probabilistic linguistic MAGDM considering interference effects is proposed based on the QLBN. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the provided method are verified through Hefei City’s selection of wastewater reuse alternatives. Full article

Women experience realistic and symbolic gender intergroup threats across diverse social contexts, which can profoundly influence their decision-making processes. Drawing on intergroup threat theory, this research investigated how perceived gender intergroup threats affect women’s intertemporal choice behavior and examined cognitive appraisal as a potential mediating mechanism. Study 1 (N = 281) found a negative correlation between gender intergroup threat perception and delay discounting through questionnaires. Study 2 (N = 154) experimentally manipulated threat perception and demonstrated that both realistic and symbolic gender threats enhanced consideration of future consequences, with cognitive appraisal serving as a complete mediator of these effects. Study 3 (N = 120) employed a recall paradigm, providing convergent evidence that heightened realistic threat perception and associated threat appraisal increased preferences for delayed, long-term outcomes. These findings suggest that perceived gender intergroup threats promote future-oriented decision-making among women, potentially as an adaptive strategy to manage threat-related risks, and the mediating role of cognitive appraisal further elucidates the psychological mechanisms underlying this behavioral shift. This research advances the theoretical understanding of how intergroup threat dynamics shape women’s economic behavior and extends knowledge of gender threat interactions in decision-making contexts. Full article

Generation Z is becoming a dominant market segment and an essential source of talent in the hospitality industry. Their digital fluency, sustainability expectations, and preference for meaningful and personalized experiences are increasingly reshaping service delivery, marketing strategies, and workforce management in the hotel industry. Following the PRISMA 2020 guideline, this review systematically analyzed 131 peer-reviewed studies published between 2011 and 2025. Performance analysis, science mapping through co-word and Leiden clustering, and trend analysis were conducted using VOSviewer (v1.6.20) and Biblioshiny in RStudio (v2025.09.2). The findings reveal a rapidly expanding but relatively young field, with key themes clustered around technology acceptance (AI, service robots), experiential and sustainable consumption, digital engagement (word-of-mouth, social media), workforce dynamics (person–environment fit, leadership, quiet quitting), and emerging topics such as experiential education, ethics, and self-efficacy. The study highlights the centrality of the Theory of Planned Behavior and technology acceptance models in explaining Gen Z’s decision-making, while also identifying substantial gaps in cross-cultural, ethical, and experiential research. Practical implications call hoteliers to integrate seamless digital services, robust sustainability initiatives, and adaptive talent management system to meet Gen Z’s evolving expectations. Full article

Background/Objectives: India’s private healthcare sector remains fragmented, with weak primary care, uneven secondary services, and tertiary care accessible to few. Fee-for-service payments and indemnity-style insurance distort prices and fragment accountability. This paper develops a conceptual, theory-driven framework for integrating financing and delivery so that prices reflect social opportunity costs and competition rewards value rather than volume. Methods: A comparative synthesis of international integration models covering Israel, the United States, Spain, Brazil, and the United Kingdom was undertaken. Each exemplar was analysed for ownership form, market maturity, and regulatory capacity, and interpreted using four strategic management theories: Contingency theory, the Resource-based view, Dynamic capabilities, and Institutional theory. These perspectives were combined to construct a contingency-based typology tailored to India’s mixed health system. Results: Two state-contingent integration pathways emerged. Hospital-first vertical integration suits hospital-dense, high-growth states such as Tamil Nadu and Delhi, where capital and regulatory depth permit managed-care scaling. Primary-care-first reverse integration is preferable in resource-constrained contexts such as Bihar and Chhattisgarh, leveraging community trust and lower capital intensity. Conclusions: Achieving universal health coverage in India requires regulatory conditions, such as ownership flexibility, solvency oversight, risk adjustment, and transparent outcomes reporting, to enable accountable payer–provider organisations to form. The framework extends contingency theory to mixed health systems and offers a transferable blueprint for emerging markets seeking sustainable, integrated managed care. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between materialism and pro-environmental behavior, focusing on the moderating role of narcissism in the attitude–behavior gap. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining a preference-based conjoint experiment with psychometric scales including the Material Values Scale (MVS), Recurring Pro-Environmental Behavior Scale (PEB), and Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire short scale (NARQ-S). A convenience sample of 71 participants evaluated pro-environmental behavior-related choices while also self-reporting their materialistic and pro-environmental values. Results revealed that profiles emphasizing low materialism and high pro-environmental attitudes were most preferred, supporting the hypothesized negative relationship between materialism and pro-environmental choices. The materialism–success dimension showed the strongest behavioral influence. However, narcissism did not significantly moderate the relationship between attitudes and behavior. These findings contribute to dual-attitude theory and impression-management literature by showing that materialists may endorse pro-environmental behavior when it supports social identity signaling. The results have implications for both marketers and policymakers in designing strategies that appeal to reputation-sensitive consumers. Full article

Purpose: This study examines the Chinese public’s preferences for corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures implemented by professional sports clubs, with a focus on identifying priority dimensions and heterogeneity across demographic groups. Approach: A choice-based conjoint analysis was conducted with 1043 residents across 22 Chinese cities hosting professional basketball or football clubs. Participants evaluated hypothetical CSR scenarios comprising six dimensions and 20 attribute levels. Cluster analysis was employed to analyze preference heterogeneity. Findings: Labor rights protection emerged as the most influential CSR dimension, ac-counting for 28.64% of the total importance. Subsequent dimensions, including Product/Service Quality (19.51%), Fair Sportsmanship (17.01%), Sports Development (14.07%), Economic Impact (12.73%), and Community Engagement (8.05%), also exerted substantial influence. Cluster analysis revealed five distinct preference segments: Labor Rights Prioritizers (24.5%), Performance-Driven Advocates (20.6%), Ethics-Focused Supporters (24.8%), Community-Embedded Participants (16.0%), and Economy-Boost Enthusiasts (15.1%). Notably, negative CSR practices (e.g., wage delays, match-fixing) significantly diminished public support, while proactive measures (e.g., employee development, community programs) enhanced preferences. Innovation: This study makes three incremental contributions compared with existing literature. First, it integrates both positive and negative CSR practices into a unified framework, whereas most prior studies examine only positive practices. Second, it expands CSR research beyond fan groups to include the broader public, thus enriching stakeholder theory applications in sports. Third, it adds empirical insights from developing countries to the academic community, thereby contextualizing CSR preferences within China’s unique institutional and cultural environment. Full article

Purpose: This study investigated the attributes of confession pages on Facebook, their role within social networks, and their impact on society. It also explored their defining traits, the need for confession pages and the effects of anonymity. Methodology: The research methodology involved coding 1280 posts extracted from select pages, and semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 prominent followers. Findings: Anonymity was found to be important because it helps individuals avoid social repercussions. Prominent recurring themes included formal behavior, relationships, and sexuality, topics that frequently involve social sanctions and penalties. The study also underscored the sense of community fostered by interaction between writers posting on confession pages and readers of these posts. The current study suggests that confession pages reflect society-level value preferences that shape interaction on social media according to Hofstede’s framework. Moreover, different confession groups serve to satisfy different needs, aligning with the theory of uses and gratifications in communication media. Practical implications: Engagement was shown by readers who extended offers to help and provided suggestions to support authors facing different challenges. Social implications: The motivations of anonymity for contributors to communities fostered through writer–reader interactions on the platform. Value: An in-depth examination of confession within contemporary society, redefining the contemporary landscape of confession, shedding light on its various perspectives within the public internet sphere, and thus contributing to comprehension of the different needs for anonymous expression. Full article