Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

Board process and moderating effects of company secretaries’ attributes on real earnings management in Malaysian listed companies

Mohd Azuwan Khalidi — 2026-02-09

This study aims to establish the relationship between board procedures and earnings management (REM), focusing on Malaysian listed companies during the period from 2017 to 2019. It examines the moderating influence of the company secretary. In analyzing the multicollinear relationships among various board processes and the role of company secretaries in moderating REM practices, the author employs the PCSE method. The analysis utilizes data from Thomson Reuters' Advance DataStream, Bursa Malaysia, company annual reports, and MyData. The results indicate that the length of the CEO’s term of office influences REM values. Specifically, if the organization’s head is appointed from outside the company, REM values tend to be lower. Conversely, if the CEO is internally promoted, REM values are relatively higher. The technical, commercial, and social characteristics of company secretaries impact the relationship between board processes and REM, highlighting their relevance to corporate governance measures and controversies related to earnings management standards. The study offers valuable recommendations for executives and directors aimed at improving the quality of corporate governance systems and decision-making processes. Furthermore, it provides a foundation for regulators and policymakers to enhance or establish governance frameworks that promote ethical business conduct, corporate transparency, and accountability.

Economic consciousness under pathologies: Evidence from Kazakhstan

Madina Khalitova — 2026-02-27

This study explores Kazakhstan's growing economic consciousness during a pathological economic environment characterized by widespread mistrust of institutions, perceptions of corruption, and systematic injustice. Data for this study came from a convergent mixed-methods survey of 500 people (ranging in age from 14–26 for students, 20–55 for workers, and 25–59 for entrepreneurs), as well as 20 semi-structured interviews with individuals representing each age group. The 35-item survey questionnaire measured opinions on economic values, socioeconomic attitudes, and institutional trust. Quantitative research found a negative correlation between youth optimism and confidence in institutions, and a favorable attitude toward change among the optimistic. The four main themes of the qualitative research that support these changes are: systemic skepticism and discontent, economic adaptability in an informal setting, young disenchantment with reform rhetoric from the government, and moral outrage over the privileges of the elite. Economic awareness is shaped by a combination of logical economic reasoning and emotional, generational, and moral reactions to how well institutions are doing their jobs, according to a thematic analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. More transparency, involvement of young people, and reforms to corporate regulations are important policy suggestions. Policymakers interested in the economic transition after the Soviet Union should use the research to influence their work, and it also lends credence to the idea that models of economic action should incorporate subjective narratives. There is a need for a broader knowledge of how people in Kazakhstan perceive, react to, and overcome economic dysfunctions since the country is particularly unusual owing to its reliance on oil and the history of centralized control.

A study on factors influencing user satisfaction and interaction with mobile healthcare technologies

Jinyuan Fan — 2026-03-06

This paper examines the predictors of user satisfaction (US) and user interaction (UI) with mobile healthcare technologies, perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived usefulness (PU), information quality (IQ), privacy and security, and personalization. It also tests the mediating factor of user trust (UT) and the moderating factor of technology readiness (TR). Using a quantitative design, 280 mobile healthcare users in China were recruited through a structured questionnaire, with measurement scales based on validated studies. Data analysis was performed in SmartPLS to estimate measurement and structural models, as well as direct, mediating, and moderating relationships. The findings indicate that the five system characteristics have a strong and positive effect on US and UI. UT facilitates the impacts of these characteristics on both outcomes, while TR reinforces the correlations between UT and US/UI. The impacts of UT are stronger among more prepared users. By integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Information Systems Success Model (ISSM), and trust-based approaches, this study provides a comprehensive context for understanding mobile healthcare technology adoption. The results offer valuable theoretical and practical implications for system developers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of usability, information quality, security, personalization, trust, and technology readiness. This study is among the few that examine trust and readiness as factorial mechanisms influencing mobile healthcare engagement and satisfaction.

Workplace incivility and its impact on job performance among employees in Jordanian public universities

Abdelsalam Fahad AL-Awamrah — 2026-03-09

Workplace incivility presents a challenge to the job performance of employees, including those in public universities. This form of mistreatment can lead to cognitive distraction and reduced work efforts among employees, ultimately contributing to a decline in organizational productivity. The current study aims at measuring the impact of workplace incivility on the job performance of personnel in public universities, considering incivility linked to the workplace itself on the one hand, and to the employees on the other. The study employed a descriptive-analytical survey approach and used a questionnaire to examine the forms of incivility that employees experienced and their effects. The findings revealed that, according to the analyzed occurrence rates, 71% of employees reported experiencing incivility in the workplace over the past five years, sometimes coinciding with harassment incidents. More specifically, 39% of employees encountered incivility once or twice, 25% faced verbal harassment, and 6% endured frequent incivility. This behavior was described separately from sexual harassment; the remaining analyses concentrated on this latter subgroup of employees. The study recommended creating a supportive work environment for employees by adopting motivational measures, such as financial and moral incentives and promotions, which positively impact employees and their performance levels.

The impact of ESG disclosure on business performance of Vietnamese listed companies

Hien Thi Thu Hoang — 2026-03-17

This paper investigates the impact of ESG disclosure on the business performance of listed non-banking firms in Vietnam to fill the significant gap in the literature on ESG disclosure in developing countries like Vietnam, where challenges such as limited resources and measurement constraints exist. The data were collected from various sources, including annual reports, the World Bank, CafeF, and Vietstock, for 164 of the largest firms listed on the two stock exchanges of Vietnam from 2014 to 2023. The FGLS model was utilized to generate the statistical outcomes. The main finding is that ESG composite disclosure plays a significant role in business performance, yet the impact of its individual factors remains inconclusive. This study highlights how firms in developing economies should integrate ESG into their strategies, leveraging it as a tool for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

Effectiveness of an existential group counseling program in reducing procreation anxiety among mothers of children with disabilities

Enas Mohammad Oliemat — 2026-03-17

Although extensive research has been conducted to examine several forms of anxiety experienced by families of children with disabilities, procreation anxiety remains overlooked. Therefore, this study focuses on this form of anxiety and explores the effectiveness of a group counseling program in reducing the level of procreation anxiety among mothers of children with disabilities (MCD). A quasi-experimental design was employed to achieve the study's aim. The study recruited 40 mothers who were randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group (n=20) and a control group (n=20). A multi-dimensional instrument was developed to measure procreation anxiety among the participants before the commencement and after delivering the program. Statistical measures such as means, standard deviation, and ANCOVA were used to examine the effect of the group counseling program in reducing procreation anxiety. Results revealed a high level of procreation anxiety, and a reduction was observed in the experimental group as a result of receiving the intervention. The results confirm the positive influence of the counseling program in diminishing emotional distress generally and procreation anxiety specifically. The current research, as well as existing literature, has demonstrated the effectiveness of these programs in helping families deal with their anxiety; therefore, it is highly important to involve families of children with disabilities, particularly mothers, in such programs.

Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response model to explain green entrepreneurial behavior among university students in Vietnam

Tran Nha Ghi1 Ghi — 2026-03-19

This study uses the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework to clarify the mechanism by which external factors (university entrepreneurial support, external institutional support, and social support) influence students' entrepreneurship self-efficacy, green cognition, and financial support and explain students' green entrepreneurial intentions in the context of university students in developing countries like Vietnam. The hypotheses in the proposed research model were tested using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach with a convenience survey sample of 1,220 students. The results indicate that university entrepreneurial support (UES) positively impacts students' entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and green cognition (GC). External institutional support (EIS) and social support (SS) positively influence financial support (FS). Entrepreneurship self-efficacy (ESE), financial support (FS), and green cognition (GC) positively affect students' green entrepreneurial intentions (GEI), and environmental values positively moderate the relationship between green cognition (GC) and students' green entrepreneurial intentions (GEI). Additionally, the study offers practical insights for promoting sustainable entrepreneurship through the role of university education, community support, and the development of student ability. It also provides a multidimensional perspective on how individuals develop green entrepreneurial intentions—not only from a psychological standpoint but also in terms of outside resource mobilization and external environmental influences.

Family functioning and psychological well-being in Peruvian adults before the fifth wave of contagion COVID-19

Miguel Vallejos-Flores — 2026-03-24

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global mental health, with family functioning recognized as a crucial factor influencing psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the relationship between family functioning and psychological well-being within the Peruvian population prior to the fifth wave of infections. A correlational, cross-sectional design was employed, involving a non-probabilistic sample of 3,921 adults over 18 years old. Data collection utilized Smilkstein's Family Functioning Perception Scale and the Psychological Well-being Scale for Adults (BIEPS-A). Results indicated that 91.59% of participants experienced moderate to severe family dysfunction, while 83.92% reported medium to low levels of psychological well-being. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between family functioning and overall psychological well-being (Rho = 0.287; p < 0.001). Additionally, specific dimensions of psychological well-being, including acceptance and control of situations (Rho = 0.240; p < 0.001), autonomy (Rho = 0.152; p < 0.001), social ties (Rho = 0.267; p < 0.001), and life projects (Rho = 0.230; p < 0.001), also demonstrated low-magnitude positive correlations with family functioning. The findings suggest that, despite the weak relationship, family functioning can positively influence adults' psychological well-being. Future research should focus on developing interventions aimed at strengthening family dynamics as a strategy to promote mental health in this population.

Assessing the impact of wage policy on employee motivation at Vietnamese railway transport enterprises

Tran Thi Thanh Xuan — 2026-03-24

There have been many studies worldwide on wage policies, but none have examined their impact on employee motivation at railway transport enterprises in Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam has seven main railway lines, including the national railway line and branch lines, connecting 23 of 34 provinces, and the high-speed railway industry is receiving significant attention from the Government. Currently, there are more than 22,000 workers, of whom about 10,000 have university and post-graduate degrees. Overall, the railway industry needs more human resources to operate new projects, possibly reaching about 26,000-32,000 workers. Therefore, attracting human resources to work for railway transport enterprises requires appropriate policies, in which wage policy is a factor that affects both enterprises and employees. This study investigates the impact of salary and welfare policies on the intrinsic work motivation of employees at Vietnamese railway enterprises (VNR- Vietnam Railways). It proposes improvements to the performance appraisal system (KPI) at railway transport enterprises, specifically using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through R programming with bootstrapping (1,000 resamples). The study evaluates the direct effects and tests the correlation models between key motivation factors. The results show that, among the various work motivation factors, there is a lack of satisfactory compensation policies; employee autonomy and working environment are not given sufficient attention; a rigid administrative salary coefficient is in place; limited performance-based differentiation exists; and the current salary system cannot fully reward productivity, efficiency, and individual overall contributions. The paper concludes by proposing a comprehensive KPI-based evaluation framework to enhance fairness, transparency, and motivational effectiveness in salary and benefit policies.

Analyzing the extent of internet use for political information consumption among pre-service teachers at a South African open distance and e-learning institution

Kazeem Ajasa Badaru — 2026-03-24

This research examines the extent and frequency of Internet use for political information among pre-service teachers at a South African Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) institution. Although the use of digital tools in political communication and education is increasing, there is still a lack of empirical studies on how pre-service teachers at ODeL institutions consume political information. The present study fills this gap in the extant literature by examining how pre-service teachers use the internet to access political information at a South African ODeL institution and the implications for civic education, digital inclusion, and teacher education. A total of 2,423 participants completed a structured questionnaire that included Likert-scale items. Results indicate that more than 58% of respondents utilized the Internet at least occasionally for political information, while only 3% to 5% reported daily or near-daily usage. Chi-square tests indicated a statistically significant association between gender and political information consumption (χ² = 13.03, p = 0.0046), with male students exhibiting higher levels of engagement. No significant differences were observed across age groups (p = 0.255). The findings highlight the irregular patterns of online engagement with political information among ODeL students and emphasize the necessity of incorporating digital citizenship education in ODeL modules, enhancing internet access, and tackling gender disparities in digital political participation.

Parenting behaviors and emotional well-being: Exploring stress, anxiety, and depression in Vietnamese children

Huong Thi Nguyen — 2026-03-24

Children’s emotional well-being is essential for healthy development and strongly influences their academic, social, and psychological outcomes. In Vietnam, where cultural norms prioritize family unity and academic achievement, parenting practices exert significant influence on children’s mental health. Gender disparities in stress, anxiety, and depression further complicate these dynamics. This study explores the associations between parenting behaviors, discipline, punishment, and psychological control and children’s emotional well-being, with particular attention to gender differences. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 324 students (142 boys, 182 girls) from Grades 6–9 in Vietnamese schools. Participants completed the Parenting Behavior Scale–Child Version and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability assessments, and independent t-tests. Findings showed that 64.2% of children reported normal stress, 38.0% normal anxiety, and 50.9% normal depression levels, though a considerable proportion experienced mild to severe symptoms. Girls consistently reported higher stress (M = 1.04, SD = 0.54), anxiety (M = 0.77, SD = 0.48), and depression (M = 0.85, SD = 0.60) compared to boys. Parenting behaviors were characterized by moderate discipline, infrequent punitive actions, and occasional psychological control. Parenting practices significantly affect children’s emotional health in Vietnam. Gender disparities highlight the need for targeted, culturally sensitive interventions to strengthen resilience and reduce psychological distress in school-aged children.

Transaction behavior model of Generation Z and millennials: The role of financial literacy, risk perception, perceived ease of use, and actual system use

Priyanto — 2026-03-25

Online lending has rapidly become a widespread financial solution in today’s digital era, particularly among Generation Z and Millennials, who exhibit different behaviors in adopting new technology. This study explores how financial literacy, risk perception, and ease of use influence individuals' willingness to utilize online lending platforms. For Millennials specifically, convenience is the primary driver behind their use of online loans and their intention to transact. This key finding is based on a study of 385 business owners who have accessed online loans, analyzed using the PLS-MGA method. The research further concludes that, across generations, simplicity and speed are more significant motivators for digital financial behavior than knowledge or risk concerns. Financial literacy and risk perception, by comparison, have only a minor influence. Essentially, this indicates the need for online loan providers to design smoother and more intuitive applications, while also promoting financial education to mitigate potential long-term issues. This study extends the Technology Acceptance Model by demonstrating that perceived ease of use outweighs financial literacy and risk perception in influencing system use and transaction intention, with stronger effects observed among Millennials. It guides fintech companies to enhance user-friendly designs and policymakers to promote digital financial education.

The impact of Saudi cultural norms on the diagnosis, treatment, and support of children with ADHD

Mariam Alnaim — 2026-03-25

This study examines the impact of Saudi cultural norms on the diagnosis, treatment, and support of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire completed by 113 parents, while qualitative insights were obtained from semi-structured interviews with three professionals. The data analysis employed techniques such as the mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test. The results revealed that cultural norms, fear of stigma, and limited awareness significantly shaped parental attitudes and decisions regarding ADHD care. The overall parental perception score was moderate (M = 1.99). Parents most frequently reported reliance on medication (M = 2.29) and behavioral therapy (M = 2.19), while awareness of ADHD symptoms prior to diagnosis was notably low (M = 1.45). Families often combined medical and behavioral treatments with traditional remedies such as herbal and spiritual healing. Furthermore, support from the broader community was rated low (M = 1.90), which compounded the challenges faced by families. The research underscores the importance of culturally sensitive ADHD management strategies that align with local traditions and values, while emphasizing collaboration between parents, educators, and healthcare providers to create a supportive environment for individuals with ADHD.

From fear to care: The role of entomological dissection in shaping students’ attitudes toward insects

Viera Peterkova — 2026-03-25

Students often express fear, aversion, and disgust toward insects, which can reduce their engagement in biology education and limit interest in biodiversity conservation. Such negative emotions may also hinder the acceptance of content highlighting the ecological importance of these organisms. This study examined the effects of two instructional approaches, physical dissection and video-based dissection of cockroaches, on students’ attitudes, emotions, and behavioral intentions toward insects. A total of 169 primary and secondary school students participated and were divided into three groups: physical dissection (E/P), video dissection (E/V), and a control group (C) receiving traditional instruction without dissection. Pre- and post-tests measured fear, willingness to protect insects, and openness to insect consumption. Both E/P and E/V groups showed a significant reduction in fear and disgust (p ≤ 0.05), with the strongest effect in the E/P group. Willingness to protect insects increased significantly only among primary school students after the intervention (p= 0.033). Regarding insect consumption, a significant positive shift occurred only in the E/P group (p ≤ 0.05), while no change was observed in the control group (p ≥ 0.05). These results indicate that even short-term experiential interventions can reduce negative emotions and promote pro-environmental attitudes. However, hands-on activities appear to have a stronger affective impact than video-based methods, especially in shaping conservation intent and openness to entomophagy. The findings underscore the importance of choosing teaching strategies that address both cognitive and emotional aspects of science learning.

Modelling the pre-service teachers motivation in technical-vocational education

Harlene Marie Gamboa — 2026-03-26

Understanding the factors that influence student motivation is essential for supporting academic development, particularly among pre-service teachers. This study investigates the underlying mechanisms that shape student motivation by proposing a structural model incorporating self-regulation, control of learning, and task value as key predictors. Using a sample of 150 responses, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to examine the relationships among the variables. The analysis revealed that task value significantly predicts student motivation, indicating that students who perceive academic tasks as meaningful and worthwhile are more motivated to engage in learning. Control of learning was also found to be a significant but weaker predictor, suggesting that a sense of agency contributes to motivation, albeit to a lesser extent. In contrast, self-regulation did not show a significant effect on student motivation within this model. These findings provide theoretical insights into the role of cognitive and motivational factors in shaping pre-service teachers’ academic engagement. From a practical perspective, the results underscore the importance of designing educational experiences that enhance the perceived value of learning tasks and support students’ sense of control over their learning process. Such interventions may foster stronger motivation regardless of individual differences in self-regulation.

Technology-integrated literacy instruction: A quantitative study to provide practical insights for secondary education

Yusra J Khasawneh — 2026-03-26

This study evaluates the effectiveness of technology integration in enhancing reading abilities among secondary students and comprehends the viewpoints and experiences of both students and teachers in technology-driven learning environments. The study used the descriptive method and was applied to a sample of 300 students from grades 9 to 12, evenly distributed by gender and grade level drawn from three public secondary schools by a convenience selection procedure. Surveys were employed to collect data on students' perceptions of technology, engagement with digital texts, and experiences with technology-enhanced literacy activities. Research indicates that the use of technology in literacy instruction positively influences reading comprehension and writing proficiency. Interaction with digital texts is recognized as a crucial determinant of writing proficiency. Differences in students' opinions of technology-integrated literacy instruction were seen across many grade levels. The findings fill research gaps and offer practical insights for teachers and policymakers, contributing to the current body of knowledge. This research offers more data supporting the advantages of utilizing technology to enhance students' reading comprehension skills in secondary education. Teachers have to integrate technology-enhanced literacy exercises into their curricula to boost students' reading comprehension, writing skills and engagement with digital resources.

Capabilities over orientation: A contingency-based explanation of early-stage startup performance in emerging markets in Indonesia

Harry K Nugraha — 2026-03-26

In today's dynamic business environment, startups face various uncertainties that can influence their success. This study aims to analyze the driving factors of startup success through the influence of entrepreneurial orientation, financial capability, and networking capability on startups in Indonesia. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing surveys to measure the relationships among five constructs: entrepreneurial orientation (EO), financial capability (FC), networking capability (NC), startup performance (SP), and environmental turbulence (ET). The study focused on startup companies that met specific criteria: having received a maximum of Series A early-stage funding, operating as a Limited Liability Company (PT), and being in operation for no more than 10 years since establishment. The findings indicate that SP is not significantly impacted by EO (p 0.667 > 0.05). Conversely, FC is positively and significantly influenced by EO (p 0.000 < 0.05). SP is not significantly affected by FC (p 0.252 > 0.05), but it is positively impacted by NC (p 0.019 < 0.05). The study also found that the relationship between EO and SP is not mediated by FC (p 0.254 > 0.05). Additionally, environmental turbulence does not have a significant effect on the relationships between SP and EO (p 0.614 > 0.05), SP and FC (p 0.861 > 0.05), or NC and SP (p 0.971 > 0.05). These results suggest that networking capability plays a crucial role in startup performance, while entrepreneurial orientation's influence is limited within the studied context.

Fostering environmental consciousness through philology education in Vietnam

Ngo Thu Thuy — 2026-03-26

In the context of the global ecological crisis and climate change, educating the young generation about environmental protection has become an urgent task for the education sector. This study focuses on examining the current situation of environmental education (EE) for students in Vietnam through the subject of Philology a subject with significant potential to nurture emotions and foster ecological thinking. Based on the EE theoretical framework proposed by UNESCO, which includes five core objectives (Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills, Participation), the research team employed a methodology combining theoretical research, practical investigation, and statistical analysis. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey of 55 teachers and 445 students in three northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam: Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, and Lang Son. The results indicated that both teachers and students recognize the importance of building a green environment and integrating environmental protection content into Philology. However, barriers such as a lack of teaching materials, limited program duration, and low learner interest persist. Based on these findings, the study proposes an approach model for integrating environmental education into Philology, which includes restructuring lesson content around ecological critical thinking, designing diverse and creative learning tasks, organizing community-oriented experiential activities, and developing teacher training programs. The research findings contribute to enhancing the theoretical and practical foundations necessary for promoting education for sustainable development in Vietnamese general schools.

Effectiveness of the metaverse classroom in higher education: A scoping review

Miguel Velasquez Pila — 2026-03-26

In the field of higher education, the metaverse has garnered significant interest due to its potential to transform traditional classroom environments into immersive and interactive virtual spaces. The concept of the metaverse classroom is an integrated digital environment where students can engage in real-time interactions through three-dimensional simulations, personalized learning pathways, and collaborative social interactions. Its effectiveness is crucial for university students to adapt to a changing, more globalized, and interactive work environment. This exploratory review aimed to examine the evolution of the scientific literature on the metaverse classroom and to assess its effectiveness in higher education. A search was conducted using the Prisma-ScR extension, which facilitated the identification of relevant studies in electronic databases and the establishment of eligibility criteria. Fourteen papers were included in the final review. The findings indicated that there is limited literature specifically addressing the term "metaverse classroom." The year 2024 recorded the highest number of publications, followed by 2025. It was determined that the metaverse classroom is effective in higher education, as it enables students to develop creative media within virtual environments and simulated scenarios, and to collaborate in the virtual world. These virtual environments, as part of metaverse teaching, can enhance students' emotional engagement, concentration, and comprehension, thereby promoting more effective learning. The creation of a classroom within the metaverse enhances the learning experience and encourages educators to utilize innovative technological tools to achieve a more interactive and effective educational process.

Ethical leadership and turnover intention among MSME employees in Central Java: The mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating role of organizational justice

Dwita Setiyani — 2026-03-27

This study examines the effect of ethical leadership on turnover intention among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) employees in Central Java, Indonesia, with job satisfaction as a mediating variable and perceived organizational justice as a moderating variable. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with data collected from 150 MSME employees. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) based on Social Exchange Theory. The results show that ethical leadership significantly increases job satisfaction and directly reduces turnover intention. Job satisfaction significantly mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and turnover intention, indicating that ethical leadership lowers employees’ intention to leave by improving psychological satisfaction. However, job satisfaction does not have a significant direct effect on turnover intention, suggesting that satisfaction alone may not be sufficient to retain employees in MSMEs. In addition, perceived organizational justice does not significantly moderate the relationship between ethical leadership and turnover intention, implying that ethical leadership already reflects fairness perceptions in small and closely managed organizations. These findings highlight the importance of ethical leadership in strengthening employee satisfaction and reducing turnover intention. MSME owners and policymakers are encouraged to promote ethical leadership development through practical training programs to support employee retention in resource-constrained business environments.

Perceived organisational learning and professional development of kindergarten teacher in China: The mediating role of teacher efficacy

Yameng Meng — 2026-03-27

It is evident that early childhood teachers' professional development forms the foundation for maintaining the quality of early childhood education. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the impact of Chinese kindergarten teachers' perceptions of organizational learning on their professional development and sense of teacher efficacy. The primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey of kindergarten teachers, with 553 valid responses analyzed. The results indicate that teachers from private kindergartens exhibit higher levels of professional development compared to those from public institutions. Additionally, teachers aged 50 and above demonstrate significantly higher professional development levels than those aged 18-25. Teachers holding a bachelor's degree or higher show markedly greater professional development than those with a junior college degree or lower. Furthermore, teachers with over ten years of teaching experience display higher professional development levels than those with less than one year of experience. The perception of organizational learning has a significant and positive impact on both professional development and teacher efficacy. Moreover, teacher efficacy positively influences professional development and mediates the relationship between organizational learning and professional development. These findings provide practical guidance for kindergarten administrators in designing organizational learning environments, establishing teacher learning communities, and supporting reflective teaching and professional growth.