Recognizing Gigerenzer's (1991) dictum that scientists' tools are not neutral (tools-in-use influence theory formulation as well as data interpretation), this article reports theory and examines data ...in ways that transcend the dominant logics for variable-based and case-based analyses. The theory and data analysis tests key propositions in complexity theory: (1) no single antecedent condition is a sufficient or necessary indicator of a high score in an outcome condition; (2) a few of many available complex configurations of antecedent conditions are sufficient indicators of high scores in an outcome condition; (3) contrarian cases occur, that is, low scores in a single antecedent condition associates with both high and low scores for an outcome condition for different cases; (4) causal asymmetry occurs, that is, accurate causal models for high scores for an outcome condition are not the mirror opposites of causal models for low scores for the same outcome condition. The study tests and supports these propositions in the context of customer assessments (n=436) of service facets and service outcome evaluations for assisted temporary-transformations of self via beauty salon and spa treatments. The findings contribute to advancing a nuanced theory of how customers' service evaluations relate to their assessments of overall service quality and intentions to use the service. The findings support the need for service managers to be vigilant in fine-tuning service facets and service enactment to achieve the objective of high customer retention.
I develop a theory of the distinctive characteristics of professional service firms and their organizational implications. I identify three distinctive characteristics—knowledge intensity, low ...capital intensity, and a professionalized workforce—with which I propose a taxonomy of four types of knowledge-intensive firms whose varying degrees of professional service intensity generate different organizational outcomes. The analysis highlights the danger of conflating the implications of professionalization with those of knowledge intensity and calls for comparative research across a wider range of professional services.
Behavior intervention plans (BIPs) are intended to help educators systematically support students with behavioral problems at school. Previous research confirms that the effectiveness of a BIP ...depends on the degree to which the plan is technically adequate and implemented with integrity. What remains unclear from the literature is how professional experience and environmental variables impact technical adequacy, treatment integrity, and student outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore these relationships using data collected from a survey of members' experiences with the BIP implementation team. The researchers collected BIPs from local school districts and then surveyed members of the implementation team regarding their professional qualifications, training, involvement in the BIP development process, treatment integrity, and perceived impact on student outcomes. Results from two multiple regression models predicting treatment integrity and student outcomes suggest that practitioners' perceptions of BIP quality significantly predicted treatment integrity. Additionally, training, BIP quality, and treatment integrity significantly predicted student outcomes. These findings suggest that practitioners' perceptions of BIP quality may play an important role in predicting treatment integrity but improving student outcomes requires technical adequacy and targeted professional development.
Project failures are common. We theorized and found that although time heals wounds (reduces the negative emotions from project failure), it heals differently depending on the strength of ...individuals' specific coping orientations. Further, wounds are shallower for those who perceive that their organization normalizes failure. We conjointly consider learning from failure and affective commitment to an organization as determining how individuals move forward from project failure. Findings suggest that studies framing moving forward solely as learning from failure will likely overstate the benefits of a "loss orientation" and understate the benefits of both a "restoration" and an "oscillation orientation."
Environmental health is practiced primarily at the local level; however, many of the skills held by environmental health practitioners (EHPs) are transferable globally. There is currently a shortage ...of EHPs in many parts of the world and formally recognizing the transferability of skills and knowledge within the profession might encourage people to consider environmental health as a profession, helping to address the shortage. To facilitate this transferability, our global community of practice has mapped the environmental health practice requirements of the U.S., UK, and Australia to enable comparison of each one to the others and demonstrate the level of similarity in practice requirements. Our ultimate goal is to facilitate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the various professional bodies that oversee environmental health practice, which would allow qualified EHPs to practice in any of these countries. This flexibility would benefit the profession, professional practice, and individuals. MOUs are a way to recognize the similarities and differences between practices in these countries and provide pathways to address differences when they exist, such as via short courses and work experience. We present data to illustrate our argument that there is much overlap in the practice of EHPs. We see our research as a first step to engage with professional bodies in other countries and to facilitate MOUs between many countries, both to raise the profile of environmental health globally and to provide an attractive pathway for people to consider environmental health as a profession.
ChatGPT, a generative pretrained transformer, has garnered global attention and sparked discussions since its introduction on November 30, 2022. However, it has generated controversy within the ...realms of medical education and scientific research. This paper examines the potential applications, limitations, and strategies for using ChatGPT. ChatGPT offers personalized learning support to medical students through its robust natural language generation capabilities, enabling it to furnish answers. Moreover, it has demonstrated significant use in simulating clinical scenarios, facilitating teaching and learning processes, and revitalizing medical education. Nonetheless, numerous challenges accompany these advancements. In the context of education, it is of paramount importance to prevent excessive reliance on ChatGPT and combat academic plagiarism. Likewise, in the field of medicine, it is vital to guarantee the timeliness, accuracy, and reliability of content generated by ChatGPT. Concurrently, ethical challenges and concerns regarding information security arise. In light of these challenges, this paper proposes targeted strategies for addressing them. First, the risk of overreliance on ChatGPT and academic plagiarism must be mitigated through ideological education, fostering comprehensive competencies, and implementing diverse evaluation criteria. The integration of contemporary pedagogical methodologies in conjunction with the use of ChatGPT serves to enhance the overall quality of medical education. To enhance the professionalism and reliability of the generated content, it is recommended to implement measures to optimize ChatGPT’s training data professionally and enhance the transparency of the generation process. This ensures that the generated content is aligned with the most recent standards of medical practice. Moreover, the enhancement of value alignment and the establishment of pertinent legislation or codes of practice address ethical concerns, including those pertaining to algorithmic discrimination, the allocation of medical responsibility, privacy, and security. In conclusion, while ChatGPT presents significant potential in medical education, it also encounters various challenges. Through comprehensive research and the implementation of suitable strategies, it is anticipated that ChatGPT’s positive impact on medical education will be harnessed, laying the groundwork for advancing the discipline and fostering the development of high-caliber medical professionals.
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