The Journal of Behavioral Science

Identity Leadership and Knowledge Sharing in University Administration: The Mediating Role of Team Identification and Ingroup Bias

Binghang Lyu, Xuemei Sun — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background/problem: In contemporary Chinese university management, fostering knowledge sharing is critical for achieving collaboration against reduced human resources. While leadership as an antecedent to facilitate knowledge sharing has been extensively studied, identity leadership has not yet been addressed.

Objective/purpose: The study aimed to examine the mediating role of team identification between identity leadership and knowledge sharing behaviors. It also proposed to investigate the effect of team identification on ingroup bias and the potential influence on knowledge sharing.

Design and Methodology: This quantitative study collected the data from 385 administrative staff members of Chinese universities using quota sampling. Data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Results: The findings revealed a positive effect of identity leadership on team identification (β = .65, p < .001), of team identification on knowledge sharing behaviors (β = .38, p < .001), and on ingroup bias (β = .39, p < .001). Team identification mediated the effect of identity leadership and knowledge sharing behaviors (β = .23, p < .001), while the ingroup bias failed to show positive mediation between team identification and knowledge sharing behaviors (β = -.02, p = .34).

Conclusion and Implications: The study highlights the role of identification on knowledge sharing and ingroup bias. The findings indicate that while advancement of team identification by engaging identity leadership benefits ingroup knowledge sharing, ingroup bias that has been introduced with overly strong identification should be balanced. It reflects the attitudinal degrading towards the outgroup but failed to promote knowledge sharing among the ingroup.

Policy Research for Microaggression Management Among LGBTQ+ Youth in Thailand

Wilasinee Fondee, Nanchatsan Sakunpong, Kanchana Pattrawiwat — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background/problem: Microaggression is a form of discrimination commonly experienced by LGBTQ+ youth in the form of verbal insults or actions, either intentionally or unintentionally. These often impact the mental health and wellbeing of the victims.

Objective/purpose: The objectives of this research were, 1.) to study the experiences of microaggressions among Thai LGBTQ+ youth; and 2.) and to generate and validate policy suggestions to manage microaggressions for LGBTQ+ youth in schools.

Design and Methodology: This study employed policy research and was conducted in two phases. In phase one, researchers examined the experiences and effects of microaggressions on ten LGBTQ+ youths from four regions of Thailand. Phase two focused on developing policy suggestions for effectively managing microaggressions. In phase two, the researcher divided the discussion into two focus groups, each group had 8 members, with a total of 16 members.

Findings: The findings indicated that the forms of microaggressions among LGBTQ+ youth could be divided into seven categories, including devaluation, privacy violation, degrading or ending a relationship, disrespect, neglect/ignorance, stereotyping, and secondary microaggressions. Furthermore, policy suggestions were developed and these were divided into four aspects related to counseling management, knowledge promotion management on sexuality and gender diversity, facility management and management of freedom of expression and activity.

Conclusion and Implications: The policy suggestions from this research could serve as guidelines for achieving equality and creating safer spaces in school for LGBTQ+ youth in Thailand.

Effects of Comprehensive Activity Training Program on Cognitive and Physical Abilities Among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Chutima Thongwachira, Teeranut Harnirattisai, Diana Lynn Morris — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background/ problem: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults often progresses to dementia, leading to reliance on assistance for physical abilities and daily living. Implementing an activity training program is essential for preserving cognitive and physical abilities.

Objective/ purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a comprehensive activity training program on cognitive and physical abilities among older adults with MCI in Thailand.

Design and Methodology: This study used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design. The comprehensive activity training program (CATP) was developed based on the social cognitive and self-efficacy theories. The participants were 124 older adults with MCI meeting the inclusion criteria and registered at the neurological clinic at a Thai university hospital. The experimental group (EG) received 14 CATP sessions, whereas the control group (CG) performed their daily living activities. Cognitive and physical abilities assessments were collected at baseline and at weeks 8 and 16. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

Results: The sample mean age was 69.48 years, with 77.42 percent of participants being female. The cognitive and physical activities at weeks 8 and 16 were significantly better for the EG than for the CG. A repeated measures MANOVA between groups revealed a large effect size (h²= .19).

Conclusion and Implications: The 14-week CATP significantly improved cognitive and physical abilities among older adults with MCI. Thai healthcare professionals can implement the CATP to enhance and sustain cognitive and physical abilities and thereby promote independent living within communities and gerontology-focused clinics.

Health Literacy and Health Behaviors of University Staff in Thailand: A Causal Mediation Analysis

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background/problem: Health literacy and adopting healthy behaviors are essential components for university staff to sustain their well-being, improve productivity, avert illness, and cultivate a supportive, health-oriented workplace atmosphere.

Objective/purpose: This study seeks to investigate the causal determinants influencing the health literacy and health behavior of staff at universities in Thailand.

Design and Methodology: Cluster sampling was employed, using a quantitative research design, involving 320 university personnel in Thailand. The research tools used were questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and component-based structural equation modeling.

Results: Results of the study demonstrated that 1) health empowerment positively effects both health literacy (β = .60, p < .001) and health behavior (β = .39, p < .001); 2) social support has a positive effect on health literacy (β= .28, p < .001) and health behavior (β = .11, p = .04), and 3) health literacy positively effects on health behavior (β = .38, p < .001). The factor loadings of all observed variables were significantly different from zero at a statistical significance. Health empowerment and health literacy exhibit a statistically significant indirect effect on health behavior through health literacy (β = .23, p < .001), suggesting that health literacy serves as a partial mediator.

Conclusion and Implications: This study highlights the effect of health literacy on health behavior and finds that health empowerment is a crucial factor in promoting health behavior. Recommendations from this research suggest promoting health literacy and empowering university staff to effectively use health information to make informed decisions.

The Impact of Proactive Human Resource Functions on Sustainability in The Gambia During COVID-19: Organizational Agility as a Mediator

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background/problem: The reliance on tourism in The Gambia, was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and revealed critical vulnerabilities in organizational sustainability. While sustainable human resource management (SHRM) aligns human resource (HR) practices with long-term goals, limited research explores its human-centered outcomes. This study addresses the gap in HR management research on the human and social dimensions of sustainability, focusing on how proactive HR functions and organizational agility contribute to SHRM in resource-constrained contexts like The Gambia.

Objective/purpose: This research aimed to evaluate the influence of proactive HR functions on SHRM during the COVID-19, with a particular focus on examining the mediating role of organizational agility.

Design and Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative approach, utilizing data from 222 directors and managers of private businesses in The Gambia, and applied structural equation modeling for hypotheses testing.

Results: The results reveal that proactive HR function has a significant direct effect on sustainable HRM (β = .14, p < .001) and organizational agility (β = .54, p < .001). Additionally, organizational agility demonstrates a strong and significant direct relationship with sustainable HRM (β = .54, p < .001). Furthermore, proactive human resources function indirectly influences sustainable HRM through the mediation of organizational agility (β = .40, p < .001).

Conclusion and Implications: This study highlights the critical role of proactive HR functions in fostering SHRM and organizational agility. By integrating resource-based theory, social cognitive theory, and organizational development principles, it is recommended that proactive strategies need to optimize resources, enhance employee behavior, and cultivate adaptability. Hence, this provides insights for building resilient and sustainable organizations.

Behavioral Drivers of Food Waste Reduction in Urban Vietnam

Thi Thuy Giang Nguyen, Gia Hung Nguyen — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background/Problem: Rapid urbanization in Vietnam has intensified challenges in household food waste management, contributing to environmental and economic burdens. Understanding behavioral factors influencing waste reduction is essential for effective interventions.

Objective: This study investigates the role of perceived behavioral control (PBC), attitudes, subjective norms and lack of concern within an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework in shaping food waste reduction intentions and behaviors.

Design and Methodology: Data were collected from 425urban households in Ho Chi Minh City through an online survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the relationships between the variables.

Results: The perceived behavioral control emerged as the strongest predictor of food waste reduction behaviors (β = .26, p < .001), surpassing the influence of attitudes (β = .15, p < .001) and subjective norms (β = .23, p < .001). Lack of concern negatively affected PBC (β = -.37, p < .001) and waste reduction intentions (β = -.31, p < .001), highlighting significant psychological barriers.

Conclusion and Implications: The findings underscore the centrality of PBC in driving sustainable household practices and the critical role of addressing barriers such as lack of concern. This study advances the TPB by contextualizing behavioral drivers in rapidly urbanizing economies. Practical insights for policymakers include enhancing food management skills and integrating behavioral insights into policies to promote effective waste management and broader sustainability goals.

The Role of Learning in Self-Management, Family Coping, and Financial Security among Muslim Families in Southern Thailand: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

Nachima Bakoh, Muhammadafeefee Assalihee — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background/ problem: Rising household debt among young Thai Muslim families stems from multiple factors. To achieve financial stability, these families need to develop better learning and self-management skills.

Objective/ purpose: This study aimed to examine how learning influences self-management and family coping strategies, and how these factors impact household financial security among young Muslim families.

Design and Methodology: This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 510 young families (couples with at least one child) in Yala Province, Southern Thailand, selected through multistage random sampling. The measurement tools used a 5-point rating scale with reliability coefficients between .66 and .94.

Results: The findings demonstrated that learning significantly influenced self-management (β = .81, p < .001) and family coping strategies (β = .78, p < .001), which in turn impacted household financial security (β = .44, p < .001). The structural equation model analysis revealed a strong model fit with the data: χ²(96) = 183.02, p < .001, χ²/df = 1.91, RMSEA = .04, CFI = .99, GFI = .97, AGFI = .92. The model explained 57% of the variance in learning (R² = .57), 90% in self-management and family coping (R² = .90), and 67% in household financial security (R² = .67).

Conclusion and Implications: This study recommends integrating culturally sensitive financial education into community programs, emphasizing Islamic values and transformative learning to enhance self-management, family coping, and financial security in Muslim families.

Digital Gaming Media and Aggression: Exploring the Moderating Effects of Self-Esteem and Moral Identity

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background/Problem: Gaming media exposure has been linked to aggressive behavior, but the roles of self-esteem and moral identity in this relationship are not fully understood. Prior studies largely focus on Western populations, overlooking culturally specific contexts.

Objective/Purpose: This study investigates how moral identity impacts the relationship between gaming media exposure, self-esteem, and aggressive behavior.

Design and Methodology: A quantitative online survey was conducted with 384 participants aged 18-24 years from Klang Valley, Malaysia, an urban region with high internet usage and active gaming communities. Data analysis utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine moderation and path relationships.

Results: Gaming media exposure positively influences aggression (β = .44, p = .00). In contrast, self-esteem (β = -.24, p = .00) and moral identity (β = -.13, p = .00) significantly reduce aggression. However, moral identity did not significantly moderate the relationships between gaming media exposure and aggression (β = -.08, p = 1.39) or self-esteem and aggression (β = -.07, p = 1.19).

Conclusion and Implications: Moral identity plays a critical role in reducing aggression independently but does not buffer the effects of gaming exposure or self-esteem on aggression. Strategies to strengthen moral identity should be prioritized alongside exploring other influences, such as emotional regulation, for managing aggression in culturally specific contexts. These findings contribute to understanding aggression and inform interventions targeting youth in urban gaming communities.