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Article
Publication date: 28 December 2020

Sachin Kumar, Tapan K. Panda, Abhishek Behl and Anil Kumar

The present situation is marked by the threat of COVID-19 pandemic on entire humankind and researchers across the globe are looking forward to vaccines or medicines to tackle…

Abstract

Purpose

The present situation is marked by the threat of COVID-19 pandemic on entire humankind and researchers across the globe are looking forward to vaccines or medicines to tackle COVID-19. However, according to the scholars and health-care agencies, vaccines alone would not be of much help and in the longer run adhering to the physical distancing policy along with sanitation could be the only solution. Moreover, extant studies across different areas have noted a positive association between various human psychological factors and prosocial behaviours. Additionally, an empirical study undertaken in the western context has tried exploring the association between human psychological factors and physical distancing behaviour (a kind of prosocial behaviour) in the COVID-19 context. The results of the extant study seem intriguing and encouraging enough to undertake a more robust exploratory study in this developing area. Against this background, this study aims to explore the relationship between individuals’ mindfulness and physical distancing behaviour, along with the mediating role of empathy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the study objectives, this study has used an online survey method and has collected responses from the general adult population in India spread across all six regions. The survey was conducted during May 2020 when India was under a nationwide lockdown to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents were identified based on convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Using social media platforms, the prospective respondents were contacted through WhatsApp, LinkedIn and Facebook or e-mails. Post data cleaning, a total of 315 responses were found to be suitable for analysis. For analysis, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to establish the validity and reliability of the conceptual model, whereas Pearson correlation was undertaken to study the relationship between variables and mediation was examined using the PROCESS macro of Hayes.

Findings

The findings were encouraging and could become the foundation stone for further research and a practical guide for policymakers, agencies working in the health-care areas and even corporate leaders. As expected, an individual’s mindfulness was noted to be positively-related and influencing physical distancing behaviour. The mediation analysis indicated the intervening role of empathy in the association between an individual’s mindfulness and physical distancing behaviour.

Practical implications

The findings of the present could be a game-changer in restricting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As espoused by various scholars, as well as health-care organizations about the use of physical distancing in mitigating the risk of COVID-19, policymakers, health-care authorities and even corporate leaders could look forward to strategizing and execute the dissemination of various mindfulness-based programs among the individuals. These mindfulness-based programs, which could be disseminated offline and online through smartphones, could, in turn, help in positively influence physical distancing behaviour among the individuals leading to the success of physical distancing policy.

Social implications

This study relates and extends the mechanism of mindfulness in influencing individuals’ physical distancing behaviour in the pandemic situation, notably the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, based on the “empathy-altruism hypothesis”, as well as Schwartz’s theory of fundamental values, the intervening role of empathy has been explored and the findings further helped in extended these two theories in the domain of pandemic.

Originality/value

This study could be the first to conceptualize and examine the human psychological factors, particularly the relationship and role of an individual’s mindfulness with physical distancing behaviour among the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this could also be the first study to conceptualize and explore the intervening role of empathy in the relationship between an individual’s mindfulness and physical distancing behaviour. Moreover, in conceptualizing and exploring the relationship between an individual’s mindfulness and physical distancing behaviour, this study explored and extended the “reperceiving” mechanism of mindfulness and the “empathy-altruism hypothesis” along with Schwartz’s theory of fundamental values in the domain of pandemic.

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2021

Fitri Rahmafitria, Karim Suryadi, Hera Oktadiana, Heru Purboyo H. Putro and Arief Rosyidie

The paper aims to examine the effect of physical distancing control on the intention to travel during the pandemic and to assess the influence of knowledge, social concern and…

4216

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the effect of physical distancing control on the intention to travel during the pandemic and to assess the influence of knowledge, social concern and perceived risk on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,068 Indonesian respondents through a purposive sampling approach, filled out online questionnaires during the pandemic. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicated that subjective norm as the external factor of the TPB has a stronger effect than the internal factors; attitude and behavioral control. It appears that in a collectivist society, prohibition enforced by family and friends, as well as the government’s sanctions have a stronger influence on one’s decision to travel. The findings also suggested that knowledge, perceived risks and social concern effect tourists’ behavior. Uncertainty and inadequate knowledge will decrease the level of perceived risk, which leads to lower control in practicing physical distancing and increasing intention to travel during the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The research has limitations in its use of a convenient sampling method. This method may not represent the whole population, causing the results to be difficult for generalization. There is also the need for extending the TPB model with different variables in the context of tourism and pandemic. This study enriches the existing tourism literature by applying TPB to examine tourists’ behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on knowledge, social concern and perceived risk theory.

Practical implications

This paper offers useful insights for tourism planners in the government and private destination management levels. It is crucial for a destination management organization to understand the relationship between knowledge, perception and social concern with tourists’ behavior while traveling during pandemics. The understanding of tourist’s behavior when traveling during the pandemic will assist in developing and creating activities and designing health protocols at tourist attractions.

Originality/value

This study extended the TPB to analyze tourists behavior during the pandemic by applying knowledge, social concern and perceived risk elements.

研究目的

本研究旨在解释疫情期间社交距离控制对出行意图的影响,并分析知识,社会意识和风险感知在计划行为理论中的作用。

研究设计和方法

在新冠肺炎疫情期间,通过目的性抽样的方法, 1,068名来自印度尼西亚的受访者参与了网络问卷调查。所获数据通过PLS-SEM分析。

研究结果

结果表明,主观规范作为计划行为理论的外部因素比内部因素(态度和行为控制)具有更强的作用。在集体主义社会中,来自亲友的禁令以及政府的制裁似乎对旅行决策产生了更大的影响。研究结果还表明,知识、风险感知和社会关注会影响游客的行为。不确定性和知识不足将降低风险感知的水平,从而导致人们对距离控制的疏忽,并在疫情期间增加旅行意向。

研究实施局限性

该研究存在局限性在于使用了方便样本。此样本不能代表整个群体,因此研究结果可能不具有极高的普适性。未来关于疫情下出游的研究,需要继续延申计划行为理论,探讨该模型与其他变量的关联。本研究丰富了现有的游客研究,主要贡献针对计划行为理论在疫情下出游这一场景中的应用,和与知识、社会意识和风险感知的理论建构。

研究实际意义

这项研究为公共与私人旅游区的管理做出了重要贡献。 目的地管理组织(DMO)必须了解在疫情期间的游客的行为与知识、风险感知和社会关注之间的关系。这些疫情下游客行为的理论建构能够帮助开发游客活动,并为疫情下旅游区游客健康守则提供设计参考。

研究原创性或新颖性

这项研究是对计划行为理论的拓展,并且是对该理论模型在疫情下出游的具体应用;研究分析了此理论模型与知识、社会关注和风险感知的关联。

关键词:社交距离,疫情期间的出游,新冠肺炎疫情,计划行为理论,风险感知,社会关注

文章类型:研究论文

Propósito

Este artículo analiza los efectos del control de la distancia física en la intención de viajar durante la pandemia y la influencia del conocimiento, la preocupación social y riesgo percibido en la teoría del comportamiento planificado (TPB).

Diseño/ metodología

A través de un sistema de muestreo por conveniencia, se obtuvo una muestra de 1.068 participantes de Indonesia que completaron la encuesta online durante la pandemia. La información recopilada fue analizada a través del PLS-SEM.

Resultados

Los resultados indicaron que la norma subjetiva como factor externo de la teoría del comportamiento planificado ejerce un efecto superior al de los factores internos; actitud y control del comportamiento. Resulta que, en una sociedad colectivista, la prohibición reforzada por la familia y amigos, así como las sanciones del gobierno ejercen una influencia mayor en la decisión individual de viajar. Los resultados también sugieren que el conocimiento, los riesgos percibidos y la preocupación social afectan al comportamiento del turista. La incertidumbre y el desconocimiento disminuyen el nivel de riesgo percibido lo cual conduce a un menor control a la hora de cumplir con el distanciamiento físico y a una mayor intención de viajar durante la pandemia.

Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones

Las limitaciones de esta investigación tienen su origen en el sistema de muestreo de conveniencia utilizado en esta investigación. Este método puede no representar al total de la población, lo cual provoca dificultad en la generalización de los resultados. También existe la necesidad de ampliar el modelo de la teoría del comportamiento planificado (TPB) incorporando variables propias del contexto turístico y de la pandemia. Este estudio supone una aportación a la literatura existente en turismo al aplicar la teoría del comportamiento planeado al análisis del comportamiento de los turistas durante la pandemia del covid-19, con un enfoque en el conocimiento, la preocupación social y la teoría del riesgo percibido.

Implicaciones prácticas

Esta investigación es de utilidad para los responsables de la planificación de la actividad turística tanto a nivel gubernamental como privado. Es crucial para que las organizaciones responsables de la gestión del destino (DMO) comprendan la relación existente entre conocimiento, percepción y preocupación social, con el comportamiento de los turistas cuando viajan en tiempos de pandemia. La comprensión del comportamiento de los turistas cuando viajan durante la pandemia ayudará a desarrollar, crear actividades y diseñar protocolos de salud en las atracciones de los turistas.

Originalidad/valo

Este estudio extiende la teoría de comportamiento planificado al análisis del comportamiento de los turistas durante la pandemia a través de la aplicación del conocimiento, preocupación social y elementos de riesgo percibido.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 February 2022

M. Mahima, R. Shanthi Priya, Prashanthini Rajagopal and C. Pradeepa

This literature review paper aims to discuss the impacts and measures taken on Covid-19 with respect to architecture, built form and its allied fields along with observations from…

2996

Abstract

Purpose

This literature review paper aims to discuss the impacts and measures taken on Covid-19 with respect to architecture, built form and its allied fields along with observations from around the world with the end results of its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

Various research journals from Science Direct and Taylor and Francis among others were referred and reviewed to learn more on Covid-19 along with its impacts on people and their built environment. Keywords that aligned with the topic of interest like pandemic, Covid-19, coronavirus, urban spaces, built environment and built-up space were identified. Research papers that aligned with the scope of the paper and its keywords were found. An excel sheet with the basic data of these papers was written down. The essence of each of these articles were understood and linked with the topic in hand. A review of all these papers was written coherently to the topic. Future scope in this field of study was also identified.

Findings

It discusses the various measures taken around the world in built-up spaces along with the various measures given by researchers, architects and urban planners to mitigate and reduce the transmission of Covid-19 in the built environment and urban spaces. The discussed measures along with observations from around the world have also been discussed with its end results. Discussions and conclusions on these design strategies and recommendations are made with the anticipation of a paradigm shift due to post-pandemic changes. Current scenarios of public spaces in densely populated countries are discussed. Future scope in this ongoing field of study includes measures that can be taken in specific to some particular built-up typologies like markets, theaters, parks, bazaars, etc.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is the restricting of the study of Covid-19 to only architectural, urban and public realm scales. The study does not facilitate the involvement of other fields and their influence with Covid-19.

Originality/value

This paper has been completely written by the author and the co-authors and has not been copied from any other sources.

Details

Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2499

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2023

Juan Luis Nicolau, Abhinav Sharma, Hakseung Shin and Juhyun Kang

To provide a dynamic view on accommodation choice behaviors during the pandemic, this study aims to examine the impact of recent trends on prospective travelers’ preferences for…

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a dynamic view on accommodation choice behaviors during the pandemic, this study aims to examine the impact of recent trends on prospective travelers’ preferences for hotels and Airbnb.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a mixed methods approach that incorporates three independent studies (experimental analysis, online search pattern analysis and an econometric event study) to understand customer decision-making behaviors.

Findings

The findings indicate that travelers prefer Airbnb entire flats/apartments to hotels when the pandemic is trending upward. This result externally validates travelers’ preference toward Airbnb during periods of high risk. Interestingly, when the trends go downward, however, the same behavioral pattern was not identified.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides important empirical insights into how the evolution of health crises influence customer decision-making for hotels and Airbnb. Future research needs to consider the role of socio-demographic factors in accommodation selection behaviors and examine how travelers react to cleanliness levels between Airbnb and hotels.

Originality/value

As one of initial studies that empirically examine Airbnb customers’ decision-making behaviors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic’s trends, this study provides a dynamic view on how the evolution of the pandemic influences accommodation choice behaviors.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 35 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2021

Olubimbola Oladimeji

This paper aims to assess COVID-19 (C-19) pandemic influence in the 37 factors identified from extant literature as factors influencing the viability of local construction firms…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess COVID-19 (C-19) pandemic influence in the 37 factors identified from extant literature as factors influencing the viability of local construction firms (LCFs).

Design/methodology/approach

A sample size of 65 staff of 31 LCFs that were awarded construction projects contracts in institutions in Nigeria was purposefully selected and accessed based on relevant predetermined criteria. Respondents’ views on factors determining the viability of LCFs were obtained. Factors known to be influenced by C-19 are 25 of the 37 factors rated on a five-point Likert scale of importance by the respondents. Mean scores were used to rank the factors and principal component analysis was used to obtain key component factors (CFs) influenced by the C-19 pandemic.

Findings

Six of the first ten “extremely important” and “very important” factors are known to be influenced by C-19 pandemic. A total of 8 CFs having 20 variables with factor loadings of more than 0.5 each were known to be influenced by C-19. The C-19 pandemic influenced LCFs’ cash flow and management of construction labour, plant and equipment amidst variables that had above 0.8 factor loading.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is the inability to conduct close contact interview during this period to obtain personal views on the influence of C-19 on LCFs. However, this does not reduce the quality of findings of this study, as there are valid literature basis hinging this study findings.

Practical implications

The paper recommends that all stakeholders pay prompt attention to the factors adversely affected by the C-19 pandemic to improve or at the least sustain the viability of LCFs.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a present pertinent need of assessing the influence of the C-19 pandemic on various factors influencing the viability of construction firms.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2021

Grazia Ietto-Gillies

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of major structural changes on the conceptualization of the transnational corporation (TNC) based on foreign direct investment…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of major structural changes on the conceptualization of the transnational corporation (TNC) based on foreign direct investment (FDI) and on indicators of transnationality.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of three major structural changes which impact the current conception of transnationality. They are: the rise of digital companies; the increased role of finance in the economy; externalization of activities via non-equity modalities (NEMs) with an impact on FDI and on the labour market.

Findings

The paper finds that the current concept of transnationality needs widening to take account of companies with a low degree of fixed assets abroad such as the digital and the financial companies and those internationalizing via NEMs, as well as to take account of the evolving relationship between TNCs and labour.

Research limitations/implications

Future research along the lines proposed should consider: working explicitly with the new, inclusive concept of transnationality and arrive at an empirical estimate of the proposed indices of transnationality which modify and amplify the current United Nations Conference on Trade and Development indices.

Social implications

Useful for understanding the nature of transnationality in the twenty-first century and for developing policies.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new concept of transnationality and of the TNC, one that allows for new ways of organizing direct business activities abroad. It also proposes broadening the list of indicators of transnationality.

Content available
Article
Publication date: 28 October 2021

Sara Abhari, Alireza Jalali, Mastura Jaafar and Reza Tajaddini

This paper aims to investigate the economic impacts of the current coronavirus disease, which is globally known as (COVID-19) pandemic, on small businesses in the tourism and…

7368

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the economic impacts of the current coronavirus disease, which is globally known as (COVID-19) pandemic, on small businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry, including food and beverages (F&B) industries in Malaysia during and after the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) and conditional (CMCO) with the emergence of new business models.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the implemented methodology involved a secondary qualitative research design based mainly on the existing literature, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, the government’s documents, in addition to online sources and observations regarding local business experiences.

Findings

The findings revealed that implementing effective strategies of recovery, shaping resilience solutions and supporting policies such as the National Recovery Plan, which is backed by the government played a pivotal role in avoiding the turndown of small businesses.

Originality/value

This critical review is submitted as an original research paper, which aims to provide important perspectives regarding the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on the tourism and hospitality industry in Malaysia. This paper serves as a scholarly platform for further in-depth studies on various resilience solutions of small businesses.

Details

Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2021

Salma S. Abed

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of human life. Even though the pandemic length was not too long, a huge volume of research relating to Covid-19 has been published…

4498

Abstract

Purpose

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of human life. Even though the pandemic length was not too long, a huge volume of research relating to Covid-19 has been published in different contexts. This paper aims to review the literature investigating the impact of Covid −19 on businesses generally and explore studies examining the technology role of business survival during the Covid-19 lockdowns specifically.

Design/methodology/approach

This study implemented the concept of a systematic review approach to review the literature that has been conducted in the business field during the Covid-19 crisis in general. Additionally, it looks into the research examining the role of technology in business survival in the Covid-19 crisis specifically. All studies were conducted in 2020. A total of 53 studies were identified and categorised into different themes. The research methods, theories and locations have also been analysed.

Findings

It was found that Covid-19 pandemic has affected all business sectors in several ways. Technology adoption has a critical role for business survival during the Covid-19 crises especially with small businesses. Very limited research has been conducted on the adoption of different technologies during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Originality/value

This study presents the most frequent themes and topics that have been explored in the literature during the Covid-19 crisis in the business field. It highlights the methods used in addition to the theories and research locations present in this literature. Finally, it proposes the possible implications of this literature review.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1998

Alison Sheridan

Although affirmative action is often referred to as though it was an homogeneous entity, the reality is that affirmative action policies can take many different forms. To date…

2244

Abstract

Although affirmative action is often referred to as though it was an homogeneous entity, the reality is that affirmative action policies can take many different forms. To date, the variety of affirmative action policies that have been implemented in Australia has not been well‐documented. In this paper, a framework is developed to describe the variety of affirmative action policies being implemented in Australia in the 1990s. The most frequently reported policies by Australian organisations concern reviewing employment policies for discriminatory practices. The next most commonly reported policies relate to companies’ efforts to assist employees to balance the competing roles of work and family. Policies that seek to challenge traditional patterns of employment, and policies that seek to “fix” women are less commonly reported by organisations. The breaking down of affirmative action into various types of policies provides scope for more fully exploring the question of the effectiveness of affirmative action policies.

Details

Women in Management Review, vol. 13 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0964-9425

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2023

Victoria Okpukpara, Benjamin Chiedozie Okpukpara, Emmanuel Ejiofor Omeje, Ikenna Charles Ukwuaba and Maryann Ogbuakanne

Providing loans, particularly to small-scale farmers, is one of the roles of formal financial institutions. Lending to small farmers is risky. An institution's health is closely…

Abstract

Purpose

Providing loans, particularly to small-scale farmers, is one of the roles of formal financial institutions. Lending to small farmers is risky. An institution's health is closely related to the institution's ability to manage credit and portfolio risk. Expanding smallholder farmers' access to finance while maintaining a sustainable financial system is essential; however, pandemics present additional challenges. Accordingly, as reported in the literature, the pandemic's high loan default rates and decreases in return on assets (ROAs) call for further credit risk management research. There have been limited studies on credit risk management during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), so this article aims to provide useful information on its influences.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers used data from formal financial institutions in 2018 (before COVID-19) and in 2021 (during COVID-19) to accomplish the study's broad objective. Descriptive and inferential statistics were the main analytical tools. The credit risk management indicators were categorized into collateral management, loan management, loan recovery management, governance and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Weights were assigned to each category based on the importance to credit risk management. A binary logit model was employed in assessing the factors influencing credit risk management as proxied to loan repayment, while Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was used to examine factors that influence ROAs.

Findings

One of the most noteworthy findings is that credit risk management is affected by different factors and magnitudes before and during the COVID-19 era. Loan recovery and ICT management indicators were most influential during the pandemic. In addition, the study noted that low agricultural productivity during the pandemic contributed to an additional challenge in loan default rates because of various COVID-19-containing measures. Additionally, there was a lack of governance and ICT management capacity to drive credit and portfolio risk management during the epidemic.

Originality/value

The paper presents new empirical findings on credit risk management during the COVID-19 era. The study used a methodology which has not been used previously in credit risk management in Nigerian financial institutions. Therefore, this research could become the cornerstone of further academic research in other developing countries using this methodology.

Details

Agricultural Finance Review, vol. 83 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-1466

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 28000