The Moderating Role of Context in Determining Unethical Managerial Behavior: A Case Survey

We examine the moderating role of the situational and organizational contexts in determining unethical managerial behavior, applying the case-survey methodology. On the basis of a holistic, multiple-antecedent perspective, we hypothesize that two key constructs, moral intensity and situational strength, help explain contextual moderating effects on relationships between managers’ individual characteristics and unethical behavior. Based on a quantitative analysis of 52 case studies describing occurrences of real-life unethical conduct, we find empirical support for the hypothesized contextual moderating effects of moral intensity and situational strength. By examining these complex contextual moderators, we aim to contribute to organizational ethics research as we shed light on the critical role that context may play in influencing unethical managerial behavior

Research data management in agricultural sciences in Germany: We are not yet where we want to be

To meet the future challenges and foster integrated and holistic research approaches in agricultural sciences, new and sustainable methods in research data management (RDM) are needed. The involvement of scientific users is a critical success factor for their development. We conducted an online survey in 2020 among different user groups in agricultural sciences about their RDM practices and needs. In total, the questionnaire contained 52 questions on information about produced and (re-)used data, data quality aspects, information about the use of standards, publication practices and legal aspects of agricultural research data, the current situation in RDM in regards to awareness, consulting and curricula as well as needs of the agricultural community in respect to future developments. We received 196 (partially) completed questionnaires from data providers, data users, infrastructure and information service providers. In addition to the diversity in the research data landscape of agricultural sciences in Germany, the study reveals challenges, deficits and uncertainties in handling research data in agricultural sciences standing in the way of access and efficient reuse of valuable research data. However, the study also suggests and discusses potential solutions to enhance data publications, facilitate and secure data re-use, ensure data quality and develop services (i.e. training, support and bundling services). Therefore, our research article provides the basis for the development of common RDM, future infrastructures and services needed to foster the cultural change in handling research data across agricultural sciences in Germany and beyond

Backwards integration and strategic delegation

We analyze the effects of downstream firms’ acquisition of pure cash flow rights in an efficient upstream supplier when all firms compete in prices. With an acquisition, downstream firms internalize the effects of their actions on their rivals’ sales. Double marginalization is enhanced. Whereas full vertical integration would lead to decreasing, passive backwards ownership leads to increasing downstream prices and is more profitable, as long as competition is sufficiently intensive. Downstream acquirers strategically abstain from vertical control, inducing the efficient supplier to commit to high prices. All results are sustained when upstream suppliers are allowed to charge two part tariffs

25 Jahre empirische Sozialforschung in Deutschland: ausgewählte Aspekte der Umfrageforschung

Die vorliegende Ausgabe versammelt ausgewählte Literatur- und Forschungsnachweise ab dem Jahre 1987 zu den wissenschaftlichen Methoden der empirischen Sozialforschung in insgesamt sechs Kapiteln. Im ersten Kapitel sind Nachweise zu den Erhebungstechniken: Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI), Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) und Computer-Assisted Self Interview (CASI) zusammengestellt. Das zweite Kapitel umfasst Arbeiten zu den internetgestützten Befragungen. Im Kapitel drei sind Nachweise aufgeführt, die sich mit der Stichprobenziehung beschäftigen, die sich aufgrund der wachsenden Zunahme an Cati-Festnetz und Cati-Mobil Umfragen sowie der internetgestützen Befragungen ergeben. Kapitel vier gibt einen Überblick über die Entwicklung von Längsschnittuntersuchungen, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von (Online) Access Panels. Im fünften Kapitel sind schließlich Arbeiten aufgeführt, deren Inhalt Fragen zur Qualitätssicherung und den Qualitätsstandards behandeln. Schließlich werden in Kapitel sechs Arbeiten aufgeführt, die sich mit dem Datenschutz bzw. dem Recht auf informationelle Selbstbestimmung beschäftigen

Analysis of the dominant mutation N188T of human connexin46 (hCx46) using concatenation and molecular dynamics simulation

Connexins (Cx) are proteins that form cell‐to‐cell gap junction channels. A mutation at position 188 in the second extracellular loop (E2) domain of hCx46 has been linked to an autosomal dominant zonular pulverulent cataract. As it is dominantly inherited, it is possible that the mutant variant affects the co‐expressed wild‐type Cx and/or its interaction with other cellular components. Here, we proposed to use concatenated hCx46wt‐hCx46N188T and hCx46N188T‐hCx46wt to analyze how hCx46N188T affected co‐expressed hCx46wt to achieve a dominant inheritance. Heterodimer hCx46wt‐hCx46N188T formed fewer gap junction plaques compared to homodimer hCx46wt‐hCx46wt, while the hCx46N188T‐hCx46N188T homodimer formed almost no gap junction plaques. Dye uptake experiments showed that hemichannels of concatenated variants were similar to hemichannels of monomers. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that for docking, the N188 of a protomer was engaged in hydrogen bonds (HBs) with R180, N189, and D191 of the counterpart protomer of the adjacent hemichannel. T188 suppressed the formation of HBs between protomers. Molecular dynamics simulations of an equimolar hCx46wt/hCx46N188T gap junction channel revealed a reduced number of HBs between protomers, suggesting reduction of gap junction channels between lens fibers co‐expressing the variants

Die ZEW-Gründerstudie - Konzeption und Erhebung

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Konzeption und Erhebung der ZEW-Gründerstudie. Bei dieser im Jahre 1999 am ZEW durchgeführten telefonischen Unternehmensbefragung wurde auf Basis der ZEW-Gründungspanels Ost und West eine geschichtete Stichprobe von 12.000 Unternehmen gezogen. Für diese Unternehmen wurden sukzessive Unternehmensvertreter am Unternehmensstandort und ggf. Unternehmensbeteiligte kontaktiert. Die vorliegende Studie geht auf die Ziehung der Stichprobe, die Durchführung der telefonischen Unternehmensbefragung sowie deren Ergebnisse ein

Der gläserne Bürger - personenbezogene Daten zwischen Forschung und Schwarzmarkt

Die Meldungen von neuen, immer weiter reichenden Datendiebstählen scheinen nicht abzureißen: Im Herbst 2008 eignete sich der Bundesverband der Verbraucherzentralen sechs Millionen Datensätze an, davon vier Millionen mit Kontonummern, um zu beweisen, dass die Beschaffung illegaler Daten ein Leichtes sei. Bereits im Jahr 2006 waren Datensätze von mehr als 17 Millionen Mobilfunkkunden der Telekom entwendet worden. Personenbezogene Daten sind inzwischen eine heißbegehrte Ware. Um dem Missbrauch von Daten vorzubeugen, hat die Bundesregierung eine neue Gesetzesinitiative gestartet, die die Verwendung personenbezogener Daten zu Werbezwecken oder zur Markt- und Meinungsforschung künftig nur noch mit ausdrücklicher Zustimmung zulassen möchte. Während die Datenschützer zustimmend jubilieren, bangt die Meinungsforschung um ihre Arbeitsgrundlage. Die vorliegende März-Ausgabe 2009 der Reihe Recherche Spezial beschäftigt sich mit dem Spannungsverhältnis zwischen informationeller Selbstbestimmung und Informationsfreiheit, in dessen Mitte sich der Datenschutz seit jeher bewegt. In fünf thematisch untergliederten Kapiteln werden aktuelle Literatur- und Forschungsnachweise mit bibliographischen Angaben und jeweils einer kurzen, inhaltlichen Zusammenfassung aufgelistet.Reports of new, ever more far-reaching data thefts appear unstoppable: In Fall of 2008, the Federation of German Consumer Organizations appropriated 6 million sets of data, 4 million of these with account numbers, to prove that it was relatively easy to obtain data illegally. Already in 2006 the data from more than 17 million Telekom cell phone customers was stolen. Personal information is, in the meantime, a highly sought after commodity. To stem the misuse of data the federal government has begun a new legislative initiative which would allow future usage of personal information for advertising purposes or for marketing and opinion research only with expressed permission. While "data protectionists" approvingly celebrate, opinion researchers fear for the basis of their work. The March 2009 edition of Research Special deals with the tense relationship between information self-determination and freedom of information in the midst of which is where the issue of data protection can be found, as always. Five chapters, arranged according to topic, list current literature and research references with bibliographic info along with a short content synopsis for each

Per oral substitution with 300000 IU vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) reduces bone turnover markers in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and bone fractures seem to be higher in HIV-infected Patients compared to the general populations. Moreover, bone turnover markers are increased in patients on antiretroviral therapy and vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in HIV-infected patients. However, the influence of per oral cholecalciferol on bone metabolism in HIV infected patients is not well understood. METHODS: We measured the bone turnover markers in 96 HIV-infected patients: Bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), Pyridinoline (PYR), Desoxypyridinoline (DPD) and 25-OH vitamin D. If 25-OH vitamin D was below 75 nnol/L (87/96 patients), 300000 IU cholecalciferol was given per os. 25OH-vitamin D and bone turn over markers were determinded 3 month later. 25 OH-vitamin D was corrected for circannual rythm [Formula: see text] , whereas bone turnover markers were not corrected. The paired students t-Test was used to compare the two periods. No calcium supplementation or biphosphonate therapy was given. RESULTS: Corrected 25OH-vitamin D levels increased significantly after supplementation (42.7 ± 26.61 vs. 52.85 ± 21.8 nmol/L, p < 0.001). After supplementation, bone turnover markers were significantly lower. The values decreased for BSAP from 21.31 ± 14.32 to 17.53 ± 8.17 μg/L (p < 0.001), PYR from 74.57 ± 36.83 to 54.82 ± 21.43 nmol/mmol creatinine (p < 0.001) and DPD from 15.17 ± 8.34 to 12.61 ± 5.02 nmol/mmol creatinine (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: After per oral substitution with cholecalciferol, bone formation as well as bone resorption markers decreased significant. We postulate a protective effect on bone structure with cholecalciferol supplementation