Internationalization propensity in family-controlled public firms in emerging markets: The effects of family ownership, governance, and top management team heterogeneity

Internationalization propensity is a growing issue faced by family firms. This study contributes to the family business literature by developing a conceptual framework that can identify the family and managerial determinants that affect the extensiveness of internationalization. Drawing on the socioemotional wealth and upper echelon perspectives, it empirically examines the association among family heterogeneity (i.e., family participation is heterogeneous in terms of ownership and governance oversight), top management team (TMT) heterogeneity (i.e., the TMT’s background is heterogeneous in terms of its overseas education and industry experience), and internationalization propensity in publicly traded enterprises. The analysis of data collected from 105 public firms in Taiwan shows that active family participation in ownership and governance oversight and TMT overseas industry experience heterogeneity are significantly and positively associated with internationalization propensity. However, family ownership is found to be significantly but negatively associated with internationalization propensity. We finally discuss the implications of the presented findings for practitioners and organizational theorists

Social support as a mediator between sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

BackgroundThe hemodialysis regimen is an inevitable and mandatory treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). During the dialysis journey, patients may experience maladaptation in terms of sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Psychosocial resources such as social support may have beneficial influences on health outcomes, but studies have rarely analyzed the integrated relationships among risk factors which include pain, sleep disturbances, duration since diagnosis and various health outcomes in Taiwan. This study aimed to bridge this gap by investigating the relationships among related risk factors, social support, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and HRQOL, which is composed of physical quality of life (PQOL) and mental quality of life (MQOL), in ESRD patients.MethodA correlational design was used, and 178 patients aged 20 years or older were recruited via convenience sample. The relationships among the risk factors, the mediators, depressive symptoms, PQOL, and MQOL were analyzed using structural equation modeling.ResultsThe findings showed that more than 70% of the participants reported poor sleep quality, and 32% reported depressive symptoms. When participants had greater pain and more sleep disorders, they were more likely to be depressed. When participants had more appraisal support; they had better PQOL and fewer depressive symptoms. Overall, the structural equation model explained 31.8% of the variance in self-reported depressive symptoms, 29.4% of the variance in PQOL, and 5.7% of the variance in MQOL. Moreover, appraisal support enhanced PQOL and reduced depressive symptoms by exerting its two mediating effects on sleep disturbances.ConclusionOur findings indicate that patients with ESRD who have more social support have better PQOL and MQOL and fewer depressive symptoms than those with less social support

High risk sexual behaviors for HIV among the in-school youth in Swaziland: a structural equation modeling approach.

BACKGROUND: Global efforts in response to the increased prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are mainly aimed at reducing high risk sexual behaviors among young people. However, knowledge regarding intentions of young people to engage in protective sexual behaviors is still lacking in many countries around the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus is the highest. The objective of this study was to test the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for predicting factors associated with protective sexual behaviors, including sexual abstinence and condom use, among in-school youths aged between 15 and 19 years in Swaziland. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted using a anonymous questionnaire. A two-stage stratified and cluster random sampling method was used. Approximately one hundred pupils from each of four schools agreed to participate in the study, providing a total sample size of 403 pupils of which 369 were ultimately included for data analysis. The response rate was 98%. Structural equation modeling was used to analyse hypothesized paths. RESULTS: The TPB model used in this study was effective in predicting protective sexual behavior among Swazi in-school youths, as shown by model fit indices. All hypothesized constructs significantly predicted intentions for abstinence and condom use, except perceived abstinence controls. Subjective norms were the strongest predictors of intention for premarital sexual abstinence; however, perceived controls for condom use were the strongest predictors of intention for condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support application of the model in predicting determinants of condom use and abstinence intentions among Swazi in-school youths

The model of TPB intention for condom use.

<p>Model fit indices: χ²/df = 3.034, GFI = 0.970, AGFI = 0.933, CFI = 0.970, NFI = 0.956, RMSEA = 0.074. Abbreviations: CAS = condom attitude scale, IPC = intention for premarital condom use, consist = consistency in condom use, correct = correct use of condoms, commu = communication on condom use. **<i>p</i><0.01.</p

Original model of TPB protective sexual behaviors.

<p>Model fit indices: χ²/df = 33.47, GFI = 0.72, CFI = 0.66, RMSEA = 0.30, broken line = non-significant path. **<i>p</i><0.01.</p

Path coefficient for final model of planned behaviors.

<p>Abbreviations: subj. norms = subjective norms, perc. control = perceived control, USC = un-standardized path coefficient, SC = standardized solution, SE = standard error. *<i>p</i><0.01.</p

Descriptive data of study participants (n = 369).

<p>Descriptive data of study participants (n = 369).</p

The model of TPB intention for premarital sexual abstinence.

<p>Model fit indices: χ²/df = 2.257, GFI = 0.988, AGFI = 0.958, CFI = 0.996, NFI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.058. Abbreviations: PSA = premarital sexual attitude scale, ASE = abstinence self efficacy, IPS = intention for premarital sexual abstinence. *<i>p</i><0.05, **<i>p</i><0.01.</p