Theory Perspective (theory + perspective)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


An Agency Theory Perspective on Student Performance Evaluation

DECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 1 2005
Michael E. Smith
ABSTRACT The emphasis in recent research on the responsibility of college and university business instructors to prepare students for future employment underscores a need to refine the evaluation of student performance. In this article, an agency theory framework is used to understand the trade-offs that may be involved in the selection of various approaches to student evaluation. Understanding these trade-offs may be particularly important as faculty members seek to balance competing obligations, such as research and service requirements, while ensuring instructional effectiveness. This article presents propositions for examining how various institutional, instructor, and student characteristics influence the selection and use of student performance evaluation techniques (i.e., exams, papers, and group assignments). In conclusion, we suggest that agency theory may serve as a foundation for understanding current evaluation practices and guiding instructors in their selection of appropriate evaluation mechanisms. [source]


Individual Acoustic Variation in Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Common and Harsh Groans: A Source-Filter Theory Perspective

ETHOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Elisabetta Vannoni
Mammals are able to distinguish conspecifics based on vocal cues, and the acoustic structure of mammal vocalizations is directly affected by the anatomy and action of the vocal apparatus. However, most studies investigating individual patterns in acoustic signals do not consider a vocal production-based perspective. In this study, we used the source-filter model of vocal production as a basis for investigating the acoustic variability of fallow deer groans. Using this approach, we quantified the potential of each acoustic component to carry information about individual identity. We also investigated if cues to individual identity carry over among the two groan types we describe: common and harsh groans. Using discriminant function analysis, we found that variables related to the fundamental frequency contour and the minimum frequencies of the highest formants contributed most to the identification of a given common groan. Common groans were individually distinctive with 36.6% (53.6% with stepwise procedure) of groans assigned to the correct individual. This level of discrimination is approximately six times higher than that predicted by chance. In addition, univariate anovas showed significant inter-individual variation in the minimum formant frequencies when common and harsh groans were combined, suggesting that some information about individuality is shared between groan types. Our results suggest that the sound source and the vocal tract resonances act together to determine groan individuality and that enough variation exists to potentially allow individual recognition based on groans. [source]


Managerial Responses to Externally Imposed Performance Measurement in the NHS: An Institutional Theory Perspective

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY & MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2006
Li-cheng Chang
First page of article [source]


When Online Meets Offline: An Expectancy Violations Theory Perspective on Modality Switching

JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION, Issue 1 2008
Artemio Ramirez Jr
The present study examines the occurrence and timing of modality switching (MS) from the perspective of expectancy violations theory. The results indicate that, relative to continuing to interact through computer-mediated communication, participants rated the social information (partner behavior and physical appearance/attractiveness) acquired by MS as an expectancy violation, although their evaluations varied as a function of the timing of the switch. Participants evaluated the social information more positively and uncertainty-reducing following short-term online associations but more negatively and uncertainty-provoking following long-term ones compared to remaining online. Moreover, social information acquired through MS, irrespective of the timing, was rated as more relationally important. Implications and limitations of the results as well as directions for future research are discussed. Résumé Passer d,en ligne à hors ligne: La théorie de la violation des attentes face au changement de modalité La présente étude examine l'occurrence et le moment où apparaît un changement de modalité au vu de la théorie de la violation des attentes (expectancy violation theory). Les résultats indiquent que relativement au fait de continuer à interagir en communiquant par ordinateur, les participants ont considéré que l,information sociale (comportement du partenaire et apparence physique/attrait) obtenue par un changement de modalitéétait une violation des attentes, bien que leurs évaluations aient varié en fonction du moment du changement. Les participants ont évalué l'information sociale plus positivement et l,ont caractérisée comme réduisant l'incertitude à la suite d,associations en ligne à court terme, mais l'ont évaluée plus négativement et caractérisée comme provoquant de l,incertitude à la suite d'associations en ligne à long terme, comparativement à ceux qui n,ont pas effectué de changement de modalité. De plus, l'information sociale acquise par le changement de modalité, indépendamment du moment auquel celui-ci s,est fait, fut considérée plus importante pour la relation. Les implications et les limites des résultats sont commentées, de même que sont données des indications pour la recherche future. Mots clés : théorie de la violation des attentes, perspective hyperpersonnelle, théorie du traitement social de l'information, communication par ordinateur Abstract Online trifft Offline: Modalitätswechsel aus Sicht der Erwartungsverletzungstheorie (Expectancy Violation Theory) Die vorliegende Studie untersucht das Auftreten und den zeitlichen Ablauf eines Modalitätswechsels aus Sicht der Erwartungsverletzungstheorie (Expactancy Violation Theory). Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass im Rahmen einer Interaktion durch CvK, Teilnehmer soziale Information (Partnerverhalten und physisches Aussehen/Attraktivität), die sie durch einen Modalitätswechsel erhalten haben, als Erwartungsverletzung bewerten - ihre Einschätzungen variieren allerdings nach dem zeitlichen Ablaufs dieses Wechsels. Teilnehmer bewerteten die soziale Information nach einer kurzzeitigen Online-Bindung positiver und als stärker Ungewissenheit reduzierend, aber negativer und Unsicherheit auslösend nach langfristiger Online-Bindung im Vergleich zum dauerhaft Online bleiben. Darüber hinaus wurden soziale Information, die im Zuge des Modalitätswechsels erworben wurden, unabhängig vom zeitlichen Ablauf als wichtiger eingeschätzt. Schlussfolgerungen und Einschränkungen dieser Ergebnisse sowie die Ausrichtung zukünftiger Forschung werden diskutiert. Resumen Cuando Alguien en línea (online) Conoce a Alguien Fuera de la Línea (offline): Una Perspectiva de la Teoría de la Violación de Expectativas sobre la Modalidad de Intercambio El presente estudio examina la ocurrencia y la oportunidad de la modalidad de intercambio desde una perspectiva de la teoría de violación de expectativas. Los resultados indican que, relativos a la continuidad de la interacción a través de los medios de comunicación mediados por la computadora (CMC), los participantes estimaron a la información social (el comportamiento del compañero y la apariencia física/atractivo) adquiridos por la modalidad de intercambio como una violación de expectativa, aunque las evaluaciones variaron como función de la ocurrencia del intercambio. Los participantes evaluaron la información social de manera más positiva y redujeron la incertidumbre luego de asociaciones cortas online, pero de manera más negativa e incrementando la incertidumbre después de un término largo de permanencia online. Más aún, la información social adquirida a través de la modalidad de intercambio, con independencia de la oportunidad, fue estimada como importante desde el punto de vista de la relación. Las implicaciones y limitaciones de los resultados así como las direcciones para investigación futura fueron discutidas. ZhaiYao Yo yak [source]


Strategic Practices: An Activity Theory Perspective on Continuity and Change

JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 1 2003
Paula Jarzabkowski
abstract This paper draws upon activity theory to analyse an empirical investigation of the micro practices of strategy in three UK universities. Activity theory provides a framework of four interactive components from which strategy emerges; the collective structures of the organization, the primary actors, in this research conceptualized as the top management team (TMT), the practical activities in which they interact and the strategic practices through which interaction is conducted. Using this framework, the paper focuses specifically on the formal strategic practices involved in direction setting, resource allocation, and monitoring and control. These strategic practices are associated with continuity of strategic activity in one case study but are involved in the reinterpretation and change of strategic activity in the other two cases. We model this finding into activity theory-based typologies of the cases that illustrate the way that practices either distribute shared interpretations or mediate between contested interpretations of strategic activity. The typologies explain the relationships between strategic practices and continuity and change of strategy as practice. The paper concludes by linking activity theory to wider change literatures to illustrate its potential as an integrative methodological framework for examining the subjective and emergent processes through which strategic activity is constructed. [source]


Boards of Directors and Shark Repellents:Assessing the Value of an Agency Theory Perspective

JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, Issue 3 2000
Steven A. Frankforter
Because shark repellents decrease the vulnerability of firms (and their incumbent managers) to the market for corporate control, the decision to adopt these devices represents an excellent test of agency theory. In this empirical study, we examined the relationships between the adoption of shark repellents and several mechanisms that, according to agency theory, should align the interests of corporate board members and shareholders and/or make directors more effective monitors of management behaviour. Of the variables included, only board stock ownership (especially by employee directors) was linked to a reduced propensity to adopt shark repellents in the predicted manner. Two variables not immediately as- sociated with agency theory , the proportion of inside directors appointed by the incumbent chief executive officer (CEO) and a lower ratio of CEO compensation to the compensation of other top executives , were linked to higher rates of shark repellent adoption. Given that agency theory explains relatively little of the variance in shark repellent adoption, we advocate serious consideration of other theoretical formulations for corporate governance, including two approaches , stewardship theory and agent morality , that take the moral (,other regarding') obligations of directors seriously. [source]


Interpersonal Expectations as the Building Blocks of Social Cognition: An Interdependence Theory Perspective

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, Issue 1 2002
John G. Holmes
In this paper I use interdependence theory as an analytic framework for depicting the logically interconnected network of expectations that determines social interaction. The framework focuses on expectations about a partner's goals (B) relevant to particular interdependence situations (S), and suggests that expectations about these two elements define the social situation that activates a person's own goals (A). Together, these elements determine interaction behavior (I). This SABI framework is complementary to Mischel and Shoda's (1995) CAPS theory of personality in its logic. It depicts a person's interpersonal dispositions as having profiles or signatures dependent on both the expected features of situations and the expected dispositions of partners. A taxonomic theory for classifying both situations and the functionally relevant goals of interaction partners is outlined. Research on attachment theory and trust is used to illustrate the model. Finally, I suggest that people's expectations about partners' prosocial motivations,their perceived responsiveness toward the self,play an imperial role in social cognition, and, further, that complex SABI models can be seen as detailing a set of security operations that serve as a program for social action. SABI models detail the set of mechanisms that constitute the basic survival kit of interpersonal relations. [source]


Collective Action through Voluntary Environmental Programs: A Club Theory Perspective

POLICY STUDIES JOURNAL, Issue 4 2007
Aseem Prakash
Voluntary environmental programs are institutions that seek to induce firms to produce positive environmental externalities beyond what government regulations require. Drawing on club theory, this paper outlines a theoretical perspective to study the relationship between program design and program effectiveness. Effective programs have rule structures that mitigate two central collective action problems inherent in producing positive environmental externalities: attracting firms to participate in the program and ensuring that participating firms adhere to program obligations. Because program efficacy can be undermined by collective action problems associated with free riding and shirking, effective voluntary clubs should be designed to mitigate these challenges. [source]


Examining the Non-Executive Director's Role from a Non-Agency Theory Perspective: Implications Arising from the Higgs Report

BRITISH JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, Issue 2005
Kevin G. Corley
First page of article [source]


Using technology in Higher Education: an Activity Theory perspective

JOURNAL OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING, Issue 1 2002
K. Isssroff
Abstract This paper describes the application of Activity Theory to considerations of enhancing learning through the use of technology in Higher Education. The theory is reviewed and its extended version which uses the idea of an activity system to help analyse the use of technology in context described. Two case studies of teaching and learning in Higher Education are described: one exploring the use of ICT in a postgraduate study of science communication and the other a history course using the web to provide a range of resources and communication facilities for students. These two case studies represent different uses of technology in different disciplines and lead to a consideration of how the use of Activity Theory informs understanding of these learning experiences. [source]


Toward a Theory of Familiness: A Social Capital Perspective

ENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE, Issue 6 2008
Allison W. Pearson
In the search for ways in which the family firm context is unique to organizational science, the construct of "familiness" has been identified and defined as resources and capabilities that are unique to the family's involvement and interactions in the business. While identification and isolation of a construct unique to family firms is both groundbreaking and important for family firm research, it is also important that the development of the construct continues to be examined from complementing theoretical viewpoints. As such, we set out to review the development of the familiness construct and identify its dimensions. We also explore the nomological relationships of the construct based on a social capital theory perspective and offer a theory of familiness. [source]


Community Storytelling Network, Neighborhood Context, and Civic Engagement: A Multilevel Approach

HUMAN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, Issue 4 2006
Yong-Chan Kim
From a communication infrastructure theory perspective, the current study examined individuals' civic engagement (neighborhood belonging, collective efficacy, and civic participation) as influenced by 2 multilevel components of the communication infrastructure,an integrated connectedness to a storytelling network (ICSN) and the residential context,focusing on ethnic heterogeneity and residential stability. Our multilevel analyses show that ICSN is the most important individual-level factor in civic engagement,neighborhood belonging, collective efficacy, and civic participation,after controlling for other individual-level and neighborhood-level factors. In both ethnically homogeneous and heterogeneous areas and in both stable and unstable areas, ICSN is an important factor in civic engagement. As contextual factors, residential stability positively affects neighborhood belonging and collective efficacy, and ethnic heterogeneity is negatively related to collective efficacy. Our data do not show any direct contextual effects of residential stability or ethnic heterogeneity on civic participation. However, our HLM analysis showed that the relative importance of ICSN for the likelihood of participation in civic activities is significantly higher in unstable or ethnically heterogeneous areas than in stable or ethnically homogeneous areas. [source]


Information and Communications Technology and Auditing: Current Implications and Future Directions

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AUDITING, Issue 2 2010
Kamil Omoteso
This exploratory study assesses, from a structuration theory perspective, the impact information and communications technology (ICT) tools and techniques are currently having on audit tasks, auditors (internal and external) and the organisations they work for from the point of view of coordination, control, authority and structure. Based on a triangulation of interview and questionnaire techniques, the findings indicate that ICT is re-shaping auditors' roles and outputs as well as audit organisations' structures. The findings also project the view that continuous auditing, artificial intelligence and CobiT are expected to gain more prominence while a need was also seen for new software development to help auditors match the complexity of their clients' information systems. The study's results reveal the current state of affairs of the relationship between ICT and auditing against the backdrop of continuous global ICT sophistication thereby updating ICT audit literature and the likely future direction of this relationship. [source]


TLM models of waves in moving media: refinements and dispersion analysis

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NUMERICAL MODELLING: ELECTRONIC NETWORKS, DEVICES AND FIELDS, Issue 5 2003
William J O'Connor
Abstract Two recent papers about transmission line matrix (TLM) models of waves in moving media used notional diodes to achieve the appropriate direction-dependent wave speeds. Despite the algorithm's demonstrated success, the operation of the diodes might be criticized for being non-physical from a circuit theory perspective. Alternative circuit models are here developed that avoid this objection, being based on wave two-ports and standard circuit theory components. Their operation obeys the same numerical algorithm derived using the diodes, thereby confirming the validity of the original computational scheme. Furthermore these circuits lead more easily to the direction-dependent wave speed expressions and provide exact analytic results for dispersion and attenuation effects, which are here presented and discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Understanding frame-of-reference training success: a social learning theory perspective

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2007
Lorne M. Sulsky
Employing the social learning theory (SLT) perspective on training, we analysed the effects of alternative frame-of-reference (FOR) training protocols on various criteria of training effectiveness. Undergraduate participants (N = 65) were randomly assigned to one of four FOR training conditions and a control condition. Training effectiveness was determined via trainee reactions, learning and rating accuracy. The results partially supported the study hypotheses: compared to the control group, the more comprehensive FOR training conditions evidenced: (1) significantly higher rating accuracy; (2) significantly higher levels of learning; and (3) more favorable reactions to the training. The discussion focuses on the implications of the results for protocol development when designing FOR training programs. [source]


Computational studies of nonadiabatic effects in gas,surface encounters

ISRAEL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 1-2 2005
Cécile Corriol
Model studies are presented, each of which employs a different approach to solving the problem of nonadiabatic dynamics occurring at a solid surface. The jumping wave packet-type approach involving dynamics on two potential energy surfaces punctuated by Franck,Condon transitions was applied to the dynamics of CO desorbed from Ru following energetic electron bombardment. Classical dynamics was also employed in this system to gain a more detailed understanding of the factors important to the final molecular state distribution. To study charge transfer from an alkali-halide surface to a scattering atom, we have used full multi-surface quantum dynamics. A simple, but effective, analysis method was used to make a more detailed connection between the potential energy surfaces and the dynamics. To study the fate of the transferred electron and to model how this depends on substrate and projectile species, we have used a four-dimensional wave packet implementation in which two of the dimensions explicitly account for the electron dynamics. Finally, we consider the famous electron,hole pair excitation problem, from a density functional theory perspective. Spin nonadiabaticity is found to be a new important feature in gas,metal surface interactions. [source]


A decision theory perspective on why women do or do not decide to have cancer screening: systematic review

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2009
Kelly Ackerson
Abstract Title.,A decision theory perspective on why women do or do not decide to have cancer screening: systematic review. Aim., This paper is a report of a review in which decision theory from economics and psychology was applied to understand why some women with access to care do not seek cancer screening. Background., Mammography and cervical smear testing are effective modes of cancer screening, yet many women choose not to be screened. Nurses need to understand the reasons behind women's choices to improve adherence. Data sources., Research papers published between January 1994 and November 2008 were identified using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE and PsycINFO data bases. The search was performed using the following terms: cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening, decision, choice, adherence and framing. Forty-seven papers were identified and reviewed for relevance to the search criteria. Methods., Nineteen papers met the search criteria. For each paper, reasons for obtaining or not obtaining cancer screening were recorded, and organized into four relevant decision theory principles: emotions, Prospect Theory, optimism bias and framing. Findings., All women have fears and uncertainty, but the sources of their fears differ, producing two main decision scenarios. Non-adherence results when women fear medical examinations, providers, tests and procedures, do not have/seek knowledge about risk and frame their current health as the status quo. Adherence is achieved when women fear cancer, but trust care providers, seek knowledge, understand risk and frame routine care as the status quo. Conclusion., Nurses need to address proactively women's perceptions and knowledge about screening by openly and uniformly discussing the importance and benefits. [source]


An attachment theory perspective on the proposed matrix model

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 9 2005
Hal S. ShoreyArticle first published online: 17 JUN 200
The matrix model (C.R. Snyder & T.R. Elliott, this issue) advocates an increased grounding of clinical psychology graduate students in theory. The matrix model is theory-based in the ways that it advances this goal. Accordingly, evaluating the matrix model from an extant theoretical perspective should shed light on its applicability and utility as an educational framework. The present attachment theory perspective on the matrix model demonstrates that it meets its stated goals in that it possesses adequate (a) breadth in incorporating theory from across subdisciplines in psychology, and (b) depth in how it facilitates conceptualizing clients and research participants at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and societal levels. The benefits for incorporating the matrix model in clinical psychology graduate programs are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol. [source]


Organisational theory perspective on process capability measurement scales

JOURNAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND EVOLUTION: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, Issue 4 2010
Tom McBride
Abstract Capability and maturity models are widely accepted. Generally, the first three levels of the most capability models have the same general goal, a defined repeatable process, but may differ in their implementation of that goal. In addition, organisations are more likely to involve multiple independent parties in the development or service management processes. Organisation and control theories provide principles that support the first three levels of most capability models. However, different forms of organisational control and coordination require that the evidence used to assess achievement of the different capability levels must broaden from its current focus on activities and tasks to include work products, their characteristics and verification, and skills, competence and training. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


International partnerships: A game theory perspective

NEW DIRECTIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, Issue 150 2010
Yiyun Jie
This chapter illustrates how shared and divergent partner motivations and outcome expectations in a Sino-U.S. cross-border higher education program have created synergy, but also challenged the implementation of a partnership. [source]


Are social competence difficulties caused by performance or acquisition deficits?

PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 4 2007
The importance of self-regulatory mechanisms
We conducted three studies which examined the performance vs. skill acquisition model of social skills deficits. In Study 1, baseline social behaviors for a random sample of 12 boys with comorbid emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), learning disabilities (LD), language delays, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) revealed that prosocial behaviors as well as inappropriate behaviors exist comorbidly in behavioral repertoires, supporting a performance rather than acquisition model of social competence difficulties. In Study 2, an ABAC design was used to examine the efficacy of a self-management intervention with noncontingent (B) and contingent (C) reinforcement for three elementary aged boys with EBD. Generalization was demonstrated in natural settings for the contingent reinforcement phase only, but was not observed over time. Study 3 replicated Study 2's procedures using an ABAC multiple baseline across participants design with a sample of adolescents with varying degrees of mental retardation. Two of the three participants responded favorably to the self-monitoring training and showed marked improvements in prosocial play skills during recess; for the third participant, no behavioral changes were observed. Results from all three studies are discussed from a social learning theory perspective. The efficacy of the data collecting procedure and implications of the results are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 351,372, 2007. [source]


International Diversification, Business Group Affiliation and Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence from India,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009
Ajai S. Gaur
We investigate the impact of business group affiliation on the relationship between international diversification and firm performance for emerging economy firms. We develop the theoretical arguments based on an integration of the literature on international diversification with the institutional theory perspective. We argue for a U-shaped relationship between international diversification and firm performance, and suggest that a firm's affiliation to a business group moderates the relationship between international diversification and firm performance. Based on a sample of Indian firms, we find that firm performance is positively related to the degree of internationalization, while business group affiliation reduces the positive effect of internationalization on firm performance. [source]