Search results

1 – 8 of 8
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 September 2022

Paulo C. Dias, Íris M. Oliveira, Anabela Rodrigues and Ricardo Peixoto

Firefighters are daily confronted with adverse, unpredictable and demanding situations. It is a dangerous profession that puts firefighters at risk of developing burnout. Although…

2108

Abstract

Purpose

Firefighters are daily confronted with adverse, unpredictable and demanding situations. It is a dangerous profession that puts firefighters at risk of developing burnout. Although the literature has already identified personal and work-related factors of burnout, the examination of specific factors explaining burnout among volunteer and career firefighters is still needed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the explaining role of personal and work-related factors on volunteer and career firefighters’ burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

A nonrandom convenience sample of 250 firefighters (67% volunteer; Mage = 31.88) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, the Proactive Coping Scale and a standard of living subscale item. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were tested. Fisher’s criterion was considered, with p-values lower than 0.05 interpreted as statistically significant.

Findings

Personal and work-related factors accounted for 18% of volunteer and 31% of career firefighters’ variations in burnout. Personal factors offered a greater contribution explaining volunteer and career firefighters’ burnout. Still, variations in the role played by age, family responsibilities, proactive coping and satisfaction with standard of living on burnout were found among volunteer and career firefighters. Taking the work-related factors into account, working in rotative shifts constituted a risk factor for career firefighters’ burnout.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances the understanding about the role of personal and work-related factors in volunteer and career firefighters’ burnout.

Originality/value

This study adds information about specific factors explaining burnout among voluntary and career firefighters. It deepens existing knowledge on variations in the role played by age, family responsibilities, work conditions, proactive coping and satisfaction with standard of living on the burnout of volunteer and career firefighters.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 31 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

João J. Ferreira, Mário L. Raposo, Ricardo Gouveia Rodrigues, Anabela Dinis and Arminda do Paço

The field of entrepreneurship is dotted across different paradigms. Measuring entrepreneurial intention automatically needs to incorporate insights from the psychological approach…

8118

Abstract

Purpose

The field of entrepreneurship is dotted across different paradigms. Measuring entrepreneurial intention automatically needs to incorporate insights from the psychological approach and behavioural approach. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a comprehensive structural equation model which combines both psychological and behavioural perspectives aiming to identify what variables have influence on entrepreneurial intention of secondary students.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was developed involving a sample of secondary students. The method of data collection was a survey by self‐administered questionnaire, to two secondary student classes, with several groups of questions related to demographic characteristics, behavioural and psychological constructs and entrepreneurial intention. Data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results show that need for achievement, self‐confidence, and personal attitude positively affect entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, subjective norms and personal attitude affect perceived behavioural control. These findings could have a significant impact on knowledge of the contributions of behavioural and psychological theories to the entrepreneurial intention.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding of the ways in which several psychological and behavioural characteristics influence the entrepreneurial intention could help to advance our knowledge of the entrepreneurial process. Educational systems need to be oriented to emphasize and value entrepreneurship in order to promote an enterprise culture. Methods to teach entrepreneurship should also be explored further.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to provide evidences of the entrepreneurial intention explained by several constructs related to psychological and behavioural characteristics in a 14‐15‐year‐old student population. Additionally, most studies of the entrepreneurial intention associated to these approaches have been mostly conceptual, and the few empirical studies have not used structural equation modelling. The use of these statistical tests helps to overcome the limitations evident in conceptual studies and provide evidence of the relationships between behavioural and psychological traits simultaneously.

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2013

Anabela Dinis, Arminda do Paço, João Ferreira, Mário Raposo and Ricardo Gouveia Rodrigues

The purpose of this paper is to test a model of entrepreneurial intentions among secondary students based on their psychological characteristics. Furthermore, this seeks to…

3495

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a model of entrepreneurial intentions among secondary students based on their psychological characteristics. Furthermore, this seeks to determine whether teenage students (14-15 years old) possess entrepreneurial characteristics and whether these characteristics correspond to entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of secondary students was chosen ranging from 14 to 15 years old. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analysed by univarite statistics and structural equations modelling (PLS) to measure the relationship between the psychological characteristics and entrepreneurial intentions.

Findings

The results demonstrate there is a relationship between (some) psychological characteristics and entrepreneurial intentions. The propensity to risk negatively influences entrepreneurial intentions, meanwhile self-confidence and the need for achievement positively influence the construct. The relationship between tolerance and ambiguity, locus of control and innovativeness with entrepreneurial intentions reported no statistical significance.

Research limitations/implications

The results reinforce the idea that psychological characteristics (trait approach) influence entrepreneurial intentions. However, the model needs further development through the incorporation of behavioural characteristics. This would allow for the understanding of whether behaviour and trait theories oppose or complement each other.

Originality/value

The paper provides important evidence for improving entrepreneurship education for young students. First, it is important to incite and develop some psychological characteristics in order to promote entrepreneurial intentions. Second, entrepreneurship curricula should jointly develop both entrepreneurial characteristics and the awareness among students about the viability of an entrepreneurial career. This may be achieved not only by presenting entrepreneurs as role models, promoting an entrepreneurial culture but also by developing entrepreneurial skills that improve self-confidence.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 55 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2015

Boumediene Kebaili, Saif Saeed Al-Subyae, Fahed Al-Qahtani and Zakariya Belkhamza

The purpose of this paper is to explore the major entrepreneurship barriers facing Qataris. Qatar has a very specific economic and cultural environment that is different from any…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the major entrepreneurship barriers facing Qataris. Qatar has a very specific economic and cultural environment that is different from any other Arab or western country. Such differences may contribute to the existing literature regarding entrepreneurship barriers in the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with final year business students. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were used in order to uncover all aspects related to the research objective from the students’ perspective.

Findings

Seven factors were identified as the main barriers to start-up new business activities among Qataris, which are: the non-availability of funds, risk avoidance, fear of failure, market barriers, knowledge barriers, stress avoidance, and attitude towards change.

Research limitations/implications

It will be very useful to conduct a comparative study that covers more Gulf Cooperation Council countries to see whether the findings can be generalised to them. Furthermore, since this study adopted a qualitative approach, it will be interesting to empirically test these findings using a quantitative method.

Practical implications

The government needs to ease and facilitate the loans, by establishing a government fund for financing new businesses. Learning institutions have an important role to reduce these barriers. Indeed, promoting a healthy culture that encourages and promotes entrepreneurship can be achieved by including specialised entrepreneurship courses into students’ curriculum as early as primary schools. Government can also allocate certain percentage of contracts to new or small companies. This will ease market access. Business associations must also play their part by providing assistance, and provide training programmes tailored to the need of local potential entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the entrepreneurship body of knowledge by providing insight from the Qatari-specific economic and social environment context.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2019

José L. Ruiz-Alba, Anabela Soares, Miguel Angel Rodríguez-Molina and Arnaud Banoun

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how gamification can influence entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of a group of users of an online platform provided by a private company.

1563

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how gamification can influence entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of a group of users of an online platform provided by a private company.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research strategy was used with a sample of 220 respondents. These respondents were tested before and after the gamification experience.

Findings

Main findings support literature suggesting a clear effect of attitudes towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control on EI, in line with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Once the basic assumptions of TPB were confirmed, the authors tested the effects of gamification comparing before and after results. Main findings highlight an increase of these effects after the gamification experience, aligned with the self-determination theory.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that gamification is able to influence entrepreneurial behaviours. This contributes to both companies and educators’ knowledge on training for EI with gamification and the use of online platforms to this effect. Recommendations are provided.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates the impact of gamification on EI and how gamification can influence the different relationships between the antecedents of EI.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2021

Muhammad Awais Bhatti, Mohammed A Al Doghan, Suzanie Adina Mat Saat, Ariff Syah Juhari and Mohammed Alshagawi

Researchers have been trying to identify different psychological attributes which influence entrepreneurial intention (EI) and role of entrepreneurial education and training…

1303

Abstract

Purpose

Researchers have been trying to identify different psychological attributes which influence entrepreneurial intention (EI) and role of entrepreneurial education and training programs to develop these attributes among women. Therefore, the purpose of this study is twofold: firstly, to evaluate the difference among psychological attributes before and after an entrepreneurial education and training program. Secondly, to examine the effects of psychological attributes on EI among female students in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed program was designed with the combination of entrepreneurial education and training program throughout a 14-week semester. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 310 female university students studying in a Saudi university and participated in this program. SPSS, version 20, was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Entrepreneurial education and training programs based on active learning and learner-centered approaches play an important role to significantly improve the level of psychological attributes and EI of female students. Furthermore, findings of this study also suggest that psychological attributes (training retention, self-confidence, tolerance of ambiguity, innovativeness and achievement motivation) positively influence EI.

Originality/value

Previous studies only focused on relationship testing among psychological attributes and EI. This research proposes strategies to design entrepreneurial education and training program to improve psychological attributes and EI which can be considered practical version of EntreComp conceptual model.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2021

Hashem Abdullah Alnemer

The purpose of this paper is to explore the start-up intention among the female population in Saudi Arabia using the social cognitive theory (SCT).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the start-up intention among the female population in Saudi Arabia using the social cognitive theory (SCT).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor nationwide survey of 1,835 adult females in 2017. This is one of the most comprehensive surveys for assessing the start-up climate across the globe including Saudi Arabia. The data have been analyzed using simple techniques such as chi-square statistics, correlation, and logistics regression. The factors affecting start-up intentions have been identified using the social cognitive theory (SCT).

Findings

Out of 1,835 adult females surveyed under Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 568 of them have reported start-up intention, i.e. 31.9 percent. The profile of females with and without start-up intention has been mapped in terms of age, family size, working status, education level, region, and citizenship to understand the potential group. The results of the correlation coefficient indicated a significant and positive relationship between start-up intention (SI) among females and self-efficacy (SE), career choice (CC), employment generation (EG), and social welfare (SW). The regression estimates proved that both the constructs, i.e. self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations of the social cognitive model are positive and significant.

Practical implications

The result of this paper provides empirically meticulous evidence for understanding the start-up intention of females in Saudi Arabia based on the social cognitive theory. This study provides a key strategy for changing the start-up ecosystem for females in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By focusing on the required knowledge, skill, and experience among females belonging to young, small family size, not-working and having higher family income may provide better start-up intention for all those who are willing to venture into a new business as a career choice, have the intention to create jobs and wish to solve social problems.

Originality/value

Considering the current focus of the government for establishing a knowledge-based economy by promoting new programs in the kingdom for start-ups and SMEs, the findings of this research can be valuable for the rapid acceleration of a new model of growth supported by the grass-root rise of women entrepreneurs.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2023

Ricardo Correia, Manuela Cunha, Aida Carvalho and Bruno Sousa

This study aims to assess the online presence of three Portuguese low-density territories and analyze the communication strategies employed by public and private entities within…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the online presence of three Portuguese low-density territories and analyze the communication strategies employed by public and private entities within each municipality. The alignment between public and private entities within each municipality is also examined as a potential factor that could impact the effectiveness of digital communication strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology that employed content analysis and interviews to gather data from selected public and private entities in each of the municipalities under study was used.

Findings

Despite the widespread availability of digital communication tools, the municipalities under study are yet to fully exploit their potential to promote and publicize their offerings. This could be attributed to several factors such as a lack of knowledge and/or resources and a defective strategic approach to digital communication.

Practical implications

The major obstacle in maximizing the potential of digital communication tools in low-density destinations was not solely a result of restricted access. Rather, it was largely due to insufficient knowledge and resources required for their effective utilization, coupled with a lack of aligned vision among various stakeholders.

Originality/value

The competitive landscape in which tourist actors operate has transformed significantly because of the widespread adoption of digital communication led by social networks. However, studies exploring digital communication in low-density territories are still scarce. This study adds new insights into the main factors that hinder the efficient use of digital communication in these regions.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

Keywords

1 – 8 of 8