Organizational responsiveness of Russian and American growth-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

The paper discusses problem-based learning (PBL) as a mediating factor in generating a variety of learning networks in workplace contexts. It is argued that informal learning in experiential circumstances can be systematized to encourage deep learning at the individual and collective level. Given the distinct problem-solving opportunities in PBL, learners can increase their capacity to acquire new knowledge through self-inquiry, reflection and dialogue. The repositioning of learning attitudes also leads to an enlargement of communities of practice wherein double and triple-loop learning cycles intersect to create rigorous learning. An integrated model is proposed to explain the dynamics of PBL operating within the constraints of workplace contexts.     

Bonding and attachment of Australian Aboriginal children

In New South Wales, Australia, there is an increasing emphasis in the children's court on bonding and attachment assessments to determine whether or not a child remains with their carers. Aboriginal children and young people are over nine times more likely than other children and young people to be in out‐of‐home care. There is a paucity of information on culturally appropriate assessments of Aboriginal children in relation to bonding and attachment. Most assessments on the Australian indigenous families are based on the dominant Australian community's perception of what constitutes competent parenting. The question arises as to whether we are making psychologically and ethically sound decisions about whether or not a child remains with their Aboriginal carers based on evidence that is culturally appropriate for Western families but culturally inappropriate for the indigenous families. It is argued that the core hypotheses of attachment theory such as caregiver sensitivity, competence and secure base have to be based on the Australian Aboriginal people's cultural values. The aims of this paper are to explore the current practice on the bonding and attachment assessment of Aboriginal children using a dynamic eco‐systemic approach in the assessment of bonding and attachment of the indigenous people, with an emphasis on the historical, cultural and spiritual contexts. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Coping with Negative Emotions from Buying Mobile Phones: A Study of Korean Consumers

Consumers can suffer negative emotions, such as anger or fear, if they experience difficulties when buying mobile phones, but then they employ coping strategies to manage those emotions. In addition, cognitive appraisals about the purchase situation affect the negative emotions and coping process. This study constructed a structural model and conducted a mail survey involving 1,000 Korean adults. It was discovered that consumers who felt angry chose expressive support-seeking strategies or avoidance, and those who felt fearful chose only expressive support-seeking strategies. Expressive support-seeking and active coping led to positive emotional change. Self-efficacy appraisal was the key predictor of active coping and negatively affected fear; thus, we suggest that consumer education and training in the purchase of new mobile phones is needed to enhance self-efficacy.     

Measuring revisions to subjective expectations

This paper develops a new metric to measure revisions to subjective expectations and proposes a survey design strategy that enables the estimation of the metric. As an application, I analyze how women update their ex pectations about the effectiveness of contraception methods. The women interviewed exhibit substantial heterogeneity in the way they revise their expectations with receipt of the same information. When relating the heterogeneity in the updating process to observable characteristics, I find that schooling, having a regular sexual partner and knowledge and use of birth control methods have a large impact on the revision process about the effectiveness of contraceptives.