Impact of situational framing and complexity on charismatic,ideological and pragmatic leaders: Investigation using a computer simulation

Revisiting the work of Weber [Weber, M. (1921). The theory of social and economic organizations. New York: Free Press], Mumford and colleagues (e.g., [Strange, J. M., & Mumford, M. D. (2002). The origins of vision: Charismatic versus ideological leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 13, 343?377; Mumford, M.D. (2006). Pathways to outstanding leadership: A comparative analysis of charismatic, ideological and pragmatic leaders. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.]) explored the thesis that in addition to charismatic leadership, there exist at least two additional pathways to outstanding leadership: ideological and pragmatic. Despite the compelling results of initial studies, however, questions remain as to when and under what situational conditions these three leaders operate most effectively. As such, an experiment was conducted to investigate two noteworthy contextual influences: 1) situational congruence with a leader's mental model and 2) environmental complexity. The experiment made use of a computerized leadership simulation where participants took on the role of a university chancellor. Results indicate that leader type, complexity, and situational framing were critical factors in determining leader performance on multiple game performance criteria as well as creative process criteria. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.     

Domination and total domination in complementary prisms

Let G be a graph and be the complement of G. The complementary prism of G is the graph formed from the disjoint union of G and by adding the edges of a perfect matching between the corresponding vertices of G and . For example, if G is a 5-cycle, then is the Petersen graph. In this paper we consider domination and total domination numbers of complementary prisms. For any graph G, and , where γ(G) and γ _t (G) denote the domination and total domination numbers of G, respectively. Among other results, we characterize the graphs G attaining these lower bounds. Research supported in part by the South African National Research Foundation and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.     

Pathways to happiness: From personality to social networks and perceived support

The present study attempts to incorporate individual personality into a social network account of subjective wellbeing (SWB) by proposing and testing a path model in which social relationships (egocentric social networks and perceived social support, PSS) mediate the relationship between personality and SWB. We found that network characteristics (including network size, emotional closeness, and proportion of new contacts) are related to SWB largely via the mediation of PSS. Additionally, network size and proportion of new contacts function as important mediating mechanisms linking extraversion, agreeableness and openness to PSS and SWB.     

Examining the Relationships Between Resilience,Mental Health,and Academic Persistence in Undergraduate College Students

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the relationships between measures of interpersonal resilience, intrapersonal resilience, and mental health were examined with respect to academic and social integration, key determinants of academic persistence. Participants: A sample (n = 605) of undergraduate students was recruited from 2 midwestern universities during the 2007–2008 academic year. Methods: Hierarchal (or sequential) regression analysis examined whether the inter- and intrapersonal resilience and mental health measures contributed to explaining variance in the response variables of university cumulative grade point average (GPA) and university sense of belonging. Results: The intrapersonal resilience factors contributed to explaining variance in cumulative GPA in addition to aptitude and achievement. Furthermore, there was a strong statistical correlation between the inter- and intrapersonal resilience factors and mental health. Conclusions: The demands in college are significant and there is a need for more research on the concept of resilience as it relates to college health and academic persistence.     

Auditing Nonphysician Providers' Visits through a Computer-Assisted System

Abstract

The Medical Department is using a computer-assisted system for auditing care provided by mid-level practitioners. Standards of care and corresponding checklist forms have been developed for six common ambulatory problem areas. These include: Respiratory complaints, headache, gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract infections, male genitourinary problems, and minor trauma. The standards for the diagnostic process and treatment of each complaint were developed by a working group of physicians and mid-level practitioners. Providers complete a checklist form for each patient presenting with problems covered by the protocol. The checklist serves as the medical record for the visit. Checklist data is entered into a computer which audits the visit record against protocol standards. The computer identifies records containing discrepancies in the appropriateness of diagnosis, treatment plan, and physician consultation. The computer output is not the end of the audit process. It identifies encounter records which need further review. Because a discrepancy from the programmed standards does not necessarily reflect faulty medical judgement or care, these records are referred weekly to a physician-nurse audit team. The computerized system allows the auditors to focus their efforts on problems which may make a significant difference in patient care.

As a result, the Medical Department's audit process is both more comprehensive and more thorough than it was prior to the inception of this program. Since April 1, 1977, more than 15,000 encounters have been audited through this system.     

Breast Self-Examination in the Personal Health Course

Abstract

Female college students (N = 105) were surveyed regarding their acceptance of instruction concerning breast self-examination (BSE) in a film format and the frequency of personal performance of BSE. Factors which served to explain variation in acceptance scores were related to instruction, performance, conservatism, and perceived threat. Factors related to frequency of BSE performance included conservatism, close friend or relative with breast cancer, confidence, and previous instruction in BSE.

“Effect of Alcohol Intake on High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Runners and Inactive Men,” G. HARLEY HARTUNG, et al. Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) level was measured before and after alcohol abstinence and after resumption of a controlled alcohol dose in 16 marathon runners, 15 joggers, and 13 inactive men. A three-week period of abstinence resulted in a significant decrease in HDLC concentration in the inactive men (49.8 to 41.8 mg/dL). Three weeks of alcohol consumption (1,065 ml of beer per day) produced a significant increase in HDLC level to 50.9 mg/dL. No change in HDLC level was found for the marathon group or the joggers during abstinence or three weeks of alcohol intake. The consumption of alcohol in moderation seems to be associated with increased HDLC levels in inactive men but not in men who engage in regular running or jogging.     

Students Left Behind: The Limitations of University-Based Health Insurance for Students With Mental Illnesses

Abstract

A growing trend in college and university health care is the requirement that students demonstrate proof of health insurance prior to enrollment. An increasing number of schools are contracting with insurance companies to provide students with school-based options for health insurance. Although this is advantageous to students in some ways, tying health insurance coverage to school enrollment can leave students vulnerable when they are most in need of help. Students whose health insurance is contingent upon their enrollment face significant lapses in coverage when they are required to leave school. This is especially challenging for students with mental illnesses whose treatment needs often go unmet in the absence of that coverage. The limitations in this system must be addressed as an increasing number of universities and students opt for university-based health insurance plans.     

A study exploring factors of decision to text while walking among college students based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study attempted to identify critical predictors of intention to both send and read texts while walking based on Theory of Planned Behavior in order to provide resources for practitioners and campaign designers to inform college students of the perils of texting while walking and dissuade them from such a risky behavior. Participants: Three hundred twenty-nine college students were recruited from a large public university in the Southwest in September 2014. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey design. Results: Subjective norm (sending: B = .17, p = .02; reading: B = .17, p = .04), personal norms (sending: B = ?.32, p = .001, reading: B = ?.35, p = .001), and self-efficacy (sending: B = ?.27, p = .001; reading: B = ?.24, p = .001) were significant predictors of intention to both send and read text messages while walking. Conclusions: For students who have greater intention of texting while walking, persuasive communication should utilize normative influence and self-efficacy to discourage texting while walking.     

The Boric Acid Powder Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Abstract

This double blind comparison of fourteen daily intravaginal gelatin capsules containing 600 mg of boric acid powder versus identical capsules containing 100,000 units of nystatin diluted to volume with cornstarch found vulvovaginal candidiasis albicans cure rates for boric acid to be 92% seven to ten days after treatment and 72% at thirty days, whereas the nystatin cure rates were 64% at seven to ten days and 53% at thirty days. Speed of alleviation of signs and sumptoms was similar with both drugs. There were no untoward side effects, and cervical cytology was not affected. In vitro studies found boric acid to be fungistatic and its effectiveness to be unrelated to pH. Blood boron analyses indicated little absorption from the vagina and a half life of less than 12 hours. A 30% follow-up of 2,030 nonstudy patients revealed wet mount and symptom cure rates of 93% within two weeks and 88% within four weeks. Patient acceptance was better than with “messy” vaginal creams, and self-made boric acid powder capsules are inexpensive, 31¢ for fourteen, compared with costly, commonly prescribed medication.     

Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence,Age, and Self-Enhancement Bias

Educational programs in human service professions such as social work, criminal justice, psychology, and public administration stress the importance of recognizing domestic/intimate partner violence as well as elder abuse. Students' abilities to recognize domestic violence in older couples have not been well-investigated. In this study, three vignettes were developed (Pat and Lee at age 75, Pat and Lee at age 30, Imagine yourself with Lee at age 75) in which intimate partner violence was perpetrated by the character Lee. Twenty-five items followed each vignette. When the variables of educational standing (graduate/undergraduate), ethnicity, and academic major were controlled, there were significant differences between the vignettes in 14 of 25 items (General Linear Model, F = 1.552, df = 50, p = .012). More than three out of four respondents for each vignette identified this as domestic violence and believed there was potential for serious harm. However, respondents were less likely to believe that a 75-year-old partner would know when to terminate a relationship in which there was intimate partner violence. Respondents who were asked to imagine themselves with Lee at 75 were likely to perceive Lee as more dangerous than respondents for the other vignettes. Implications are considered for educators.