An agent-based concept to analyze elite-athletes' doping behavior

A seemingly endless series of scandals has focused increasing public attention on the issue of doping among elite athletes. But we still do not know how many elite athletes really make use of banned drugs. In addition, we recognize the literature suffers a lack of appropriate game theory models for complex social interactions related to doping. Therefore, we think that an agent-based approach may allow doping behavior patterns in professional sports to be explored and elucidated. We conceptualize an agent-based model on three interacting objectives, namely (i) elite athletes, (ii) anti-doping laboratory and (iii) anti-doping agency. The latter agency announces antidoping rules and imposes penalties; the anti-doping laboratory executes doping controls and elite athletes compete for income. In particular, we focus on presenting an agent-based concept to analyze elite athletes' doping behavior. Using such an agentbased framework and computational simulations may lead in the future to policy recommendations for the fight against doping

A Multi-Dimensional Theory of Transparency, Trust, and Risk in Technology Adoption

With regard to the complexity of emerging technologies, technology acceptance research examines the role of transparency, trusting beliefs, and perceived risks in individuals’ technology adoption process. However, IS research lacks an established theoretical explanation of the interrelationship of those multi-dimensional constructs. Referring to organizational science, an integrative model considering transparency, trusting beliefs, and perceived risks is developed. To obtain generalizable results, we collected quantitative survey data for two different technologies: A banking app and a food-sharing app. The proposed research model was then tested using structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis. The results indicate that transparency should be understood as an antecedent of trusting beliefs. This relationship is technology-independent, whereas the relationship between trusting beliefs and individuals\u27 intention to use depends on the technology in question. The study also suggests that perceived risks are context-specific and should not generally be considered as moderators

One App to Test Them All - Opportunities and Challenges of Implementing a Remote Sampling System in Anti-Doping Work

Triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and driven by the need to save financial and environmental resources when conducting in-person anti-doping tests, a remote sampling system (RSS) was developed that may foster the digital transformation of anti-doping work. Since research on factors affecting RSS implementation is limited, we apply the Extended Valence Framework (EVF) with decomposed core constructs as the theoretical lens to qualitatively examine perceived benefits, risks, and trust perceptions associated with RSS implementation from multiple organizational perspectives. Interviews with twelve C-level representatives of anti-doping organizations indicate support for RSS implementation, as interviewees perceive a positive net balance of benefits and risks. However, the regulatory authority expressed skepticism due to perceived risks and limited trust perception. Our results contribute to IS research by providing a contextualized EVF for future qualitative and quantitative research. Moreover, we offer practical proposals to address perceived risks and promote reciprocal trust when implementing an RSS

Determinants and Barriers of Adopting Robo-Advisory Services

Robo-advisors enable customers to conduct automated digital investments, which could substantially transform the financial industry. However, robo-advisory use is lagging behind expectations. One reason could be potential customers’ insufficient trust. Therefore, we investigate determinants that influence trust and the intention to use robo-advisors. More specifically, we build on trust to assess use intention and explore person-al characteristics (perceived risk), organizational characteristics (trust in banks) and in-dustry characteristics (structural assurances) as antecedents to trust. The survey data are analyzed by employing a PLS-SEM (n = 246). Preliminary results show that initial trust in robo-advisors is closely related to the inten-tion to use robo-advisors. Trust is negatively linked to perceived risk but positively linked to structural assurances. Trust in banks is positively related to initial trust, how-ever, only when structural assurances are not included. In a follow-up survey, behavior and potential barriers to robo-advisory adoption will be investigated

Navigating AI in Personnel Selection: A Scenario-based Study on Applicants\u27 Perceptions

AI-based systems are increasingly deployed on organizational tasks, such as personnel selection decisions. As existing research indicates that applicants generally react negatively to the use of AI in personnel selection, this study examines how organizations can mitigate adverse reactions to fully exploit the benefits of AI. To obtain robust results, we recruited an online sample of German participants (N = 1,852) and presented them with various selection scenarios. Using a between-subject design, the process stage (pre-selection vs. interview) and the degree of process automation (augmented vs. automated) were manipulated. By employing a multidimensional conceptualization of transparency, we show that disclosure and accuracy positively impact procedural justice perceptions, a strong predictor of process quality assessment. This relationship is robust across selection contexts. Results indicate that applicants prefer AI for pre-selection and as human decision support, thus offering overall insights into design choices for AI in selection, optimizing applicant reactions

Perception of the Current Anti-doping Regime – A Quantitative Study Among German Top-Level Cyclists and Track and Field Athletes

In recent years anti-doping organizations have implemented various measures to deter elite athletes from using performance-enhancing drugs. One of the main challenges in the fight against doping is that the effectiveness of these anti-doping measures is still unknown. Since the effectiveness of the measures depends primarily on the athletes’ perception, this study focuses on the following four objectives: (1) How effective do top-level athletes perceive individual anti-doping measures to be? (2) Are the results stable across different sports and (3) genders? (4) How can the anti-doping measures be structured into appropriate categories? To address these issues the perceived effectiveness of 14 anti-doping measures was surveyed among 146 top athletes from Germany (Cycling: N = 42; Athletics: N = 104) who are members of at least the National Testing Pool. Results reveal significant differences in the perceived effectiveness of the anti-doping measures. Improved diagnostics were considered to be the most effective remedy for doping, followed by increased bans and the implementation of an anti-doping law. In contrast, fines and a leniency program were considered significantly less effective. Second, with the exception of indirect detection methods and increased use of an Anti-Doping Administration and Management System, results were consistent across cyclists and track and field athletes. Third, no significant gender difference was observed. Finally, an exploratory factor analysis showed that all anti-doping measures can be classified into the three categories risk of detection (e.g., control frequency and efficiency), punishment (e.g., fines and bans) and communication (e.g., education program). The results of this study provide a guideline for future research and for anti-doping and sport organizations when developing strategies against doping and allocating their anti-doping budget

A qualitative meta-analysis of trust in supervisor-subordinate relationships

Purpose: – Interpersonal trust is often considered as the “glue” that binds supervisors together with their subordinates, and creates a positive organisational climate. The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors affecting subordinates’ trust to their supervisor, and the consequences of such a trusting relationship. Design/methodology/approach: – The authors conducted a qualitative meta-analysis of the trust literature between 1995 and 2011, to identify 73 articles and review 37 theoretical propositions, 139 significant model parameters and 58 further empirical findings. Findings: – Four distinct clusters of trust antecedents are found: supervisor attributes; subordinate attributes; interpersonal processes and organisational characteristics. Similarly, the authors identify three categories of trust consequences: subordinates’ work behaviour; subordinates’ attitude towards the supervisor; and organisational level effects. Research limitations/implications: – The authors find a bias towards studying supervisor attributes and interpersonal processes, yet a dearth of attention on subordinate attributes and organisational characteristics. Similarly, the conceptual attention on trust between supervisors and subordinates has been limited, with empirical work reporting predominantly significant findings. Social exchange has dominated as the theoretical perspective, and cross-section as the main research approach. In order to advance this important field more heterogeneity is needed, utilising a range of different theoretical schools and employing different methodologies. Originality/value: – This seems to be the first qualitative meta-analysis explicitly directed to understanding trust between supervisors and subordinates. The authors contribute to the field of trust by revealing current gaps in the literature and highlighting potential areas of future research