I dagens föränderliga värld behöver företagen i en ökad utsträckning ta tillvara på medarbetarnas engagemang och motivation i arbetet. Inom HRM och i företag har länge målstyrning använts för att öka prestationsförmågan hos de anställda och förbättra företagens resultat. Syftet med uppsatsen var att öka förståelsen för målstyrning och dess upplevda innebörd för medarbetarnas arbetsengagemang och arbetsmotivation inom kunskapsföretag. En kvalitativ ansats har valts där åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer har genomförts. Data har analyserats med hjälp av Grundad teori. Resultatet visar att ”målstyrning” har en stor betydelse för det upplevda engagemanget och motivationen hos medarbetarna, vilket är kopplat till den upplevda prestationen och resultatet av deras arbeten. En modell har tagits fram för att beskriva och förklara sambanden kopplade till en effektiv målstyrningsprocess. Ett ökat fokus i framtiden gällande arbetsengagemang och arbetsmotivation betonas vid utveckling av målstyrningsprocessen och där företagen ännu bättre tar tillvara på medarbetarnas potential, energi och förmågor.

Orientador: Gimol Benzaquen Perosa / Resumo: Introdução: O aleitamento materno, além das propriedades nutritivas e imunológicas, propicia momentos essenciais de interação mãe-bebê. Quando o recém-nascido, especialmente o prematuro, é separado da mãe devido à sua internação em uma Unidade Neonatal, diversos fatores podem prejudicar o início do aleitamento materno e sua duração. Pesquisas com crianças nascidas a termo mostram que dentre vários fatores, a percepção de autoeficácia materna está associada com maior tempo de amamentação exclusiva e desmame mais tardio; entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre o papel da autoeficácia em mães de prematuros. Objetivos: Avaliar a percepção de autoeficácia em mães de prematuros durante a internação e após a alta e sua associação com a manutenção do aleitamento materno e desmame. Método: Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal, com 47 mães de prematuros cujos dados sociodemográficos e clínicos foram obtidos a partir de entrevista realizada até o terceiro dia após o nascimento e dos prontuários médicos do bebê. Entre três e sete dias após início da amamentação foram aplicados dois questionários para avaliação de autoeficácia: a) com relação aos cuidados (Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy – PMP); b) com relação à amamentação (Brastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale – Short-Form – BSE - SF). No primeiro retorno após a alta hospitalar do bebê, o BSES – SF foi reaplicado, e 60 dias após o nascimento foi verificado no prontuário, ou por contato telefônico se os bebês continuavam sendo amamentados. R... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: Breastfeeding propitiates not only nutritional and immunological advantages, but also essential moments of mother-baby interaction. According to the literature, when a newborn, especially if premature, is separated from the mother to be admitted into a Neonatal Unit, several factors can impair breastfeeding and its duration. Research with infants born at full-term shows that among several factors maternal perception of self-efficacy is associated with exclusively breastfeeding for a longer period and weaning at a later date. However, little is known about the role of self-efficacy in mothers of premature babies. Objectives: Evaluating the perception of self-efficacy in mothers of premature babies during hospitalization and after discharge and its association to breastfeeding and weaning. Methodology: A longitudinal study with 47 mothers of premature babies whose sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained through an on-site interview conducted up to three days after birth and from the baby’s medical charts. From three to seven days after they first started breastfeeding, two questionnaires were used to evaluate self-efficacy: a) the - Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy (PMP-E); and b) the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale – Short-Form (BSES-SF). On the first consultation after discharge the BSES-SF questionnaire was applied once more and and 60 days after birth medical charts were consulted or by phone contact to check whether the mother was still b... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between college students' social class and their academic outcomes. A structural equation model was proposed, hypothesizing that a student's socioeconomic status (SES) is related to their motives for attending college, thus influencing their perception of fit at the university, their satisfaction with the university, their academic self-efficacy, and their grades, attendance, and likelihood for retention.. The results from a sample of 500 undergraduate students show that overall, the hypothesized model was a borderline good fit of the data. While SES was negatively related to interdependent motives for attending college, it was not related to independent motives for college. Independent motives for attending college were positively related to perceptions of fit at the university, while interdependent motives were not. Finally, fit at the university was positively related to satisfaction, which was related to intention for retention, class attendance, and academic self-efficacy. Academic self-efficacy was significantly related to students' grade point average. These results suggest that students from low SES backgrounds are more interdependent. Further, those who are more independent feel a greater sense of fit with the university and are more likely to be satisfied, express commitment to continuing at the university, and attend their classes. These results provide support for a proposition that higher education institutions should value students who have different types of motives and to consider what is communicated to students through programs and expectations that are focused on independent values.

xix, 176 p. : ill. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. / Self-efficacy, a proposed vulnerability for anxiety, is thought to be rooted in repeated experiences during children's early years. Few studies have directly examined how these beliefs and behavior patterns are manifested in early childhood despite the importance of infancy and toddlerhood as times of major cognitive, behavioral, and regulatory developments that may play a role in the etiology of psychopathology. Thus a primary goal of this dissertation was describing early self-efficacy, measured as a child's behavioral responses and coping capacity during an impossible task. Factor analyses identified a latent self-efficacy construct based on children's observed task persistence, strategies used during the task, and flexible use of strategies. Through a growth model analytic framework this construct was used to examine individual differences in toddler self-efficacy. A linear growth model demonstrated excellent fit and decreasing self-efficacy over time, as well as significant variability in toddlers' initial responses and behavioral trajectories across an impossible task. An additional aim of this dissertation was to identify important predictors and concomitants of toddler self-efficacy at 17 months. Using a structural equation model, paths between self-efficacy and maternal psychopathology, maternal behavior, infant temperament and social-emotional correlates were examined. Analysis of theorized predictors revealed greater maternal anxiety at 17 months was predictive of lower self-efficacy and increased social-emotional problems. Greater maternal acceptance, responsiveness, and non-intrusiveness during infancy were associated with greater self-efficacy and lower symptoms at 17 months, demonstrating a longitudinal impact of maternal behavior a year later. However, early self-efficacy demonstrated limited associations with toddlers, social-emotional problems. As such, maternal psychopathology and maternal sensitivity appeared to be important predictors of children's elevated symptoms and self-efficacy even at this early age despite nominal direct associations between children's self-efficacy and symptomatology. Results demonstrated a multi-faceted construct of self-efficacy in toddlers, encompassing both persistence and coping abilities. This early self-efficacy measurement expanded definitions of efficacy and measured self-efficacy in a younger population than has previously been studied. Early variations in self-efficacy linked to maternal sensitivity during infancy and maternal anxiety indicate the importance of longitudinal associations between risk factors and toddler outcomes for understanding self-efficacy. Clinical implications for assessment and prevention are considered. / Committee in charge: Jeffrey Measelle, Chairperson, Psychology; Jennifer Ablow, Member, Psychology; Dare Baldwin, Member, Psychology; Jane Squires, Outside Member, Special Education and Clinical Sciences

Creating an educational program that results in positive post-secondary and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-oriented outcomes for all students is a national goal and federal policy directive. Recent research has shown that in addition to measures of academic proficiency, intra- and interpersonal skills are important factors in college and career readiness. Likewise, mathematics proficiency is an important skill for successful STEM outcomes and post-secondary success, but these achievements and outcomes frequently vary based on demographic characteristics. This study utilized data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99 to examine the relationships between mathematics achievement growth in Grades K-1 and Grades 3-8, mathematics self-efficacy development in Grades 3-8, and demographic factors including sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and race/ethnicity. Various models of mathematics achievement growth were tested, and the relationships between both early and middle grades mathematics achievement growth and self-efficacy development were also explored. Sex, SES, and race/ethnicity differences in both mathematics achievement growth and self-efficacy development were discovered, and findings were consistent with familiar achievement gaps favoring white and Asian males from above median SES households. In particular, SES was found to be a ubiquitous factor in both mathematics achievement and self-efficacy development, and sex moderated some of the relationships between mathematics achievement and self-efficacy. Implications for future research, instructional design, and intervention development are discussed.

Despite the availability of services, parents on antiretroviral treatment do not routinely get their children HIV tested and treated. The study aimed to document knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents towards HIV testing and treatment among children aged 0-14 years. A quantitative cross-sectional analytic study design was applied and a structured questionnaire used to collect data from 192 respondents. Findings show that 71.4% of respondents had correct knowledge of HIV transmission in children. Negative attitudes towards HIV testing of children were expressed by 42.2% of respondents while practices were reported by 16.7%. Practices were associated with self-efficacy, stigma, number of children and marital status. Knowledge and attitudes did not affect parental practices of HIV testing of children. Parents with low self-efficacy felt stigmatised, had negative attitudes, poor perception of availability of services and were unlikely to get children HIV tested. Recommendations to increase HIV testing among children included provision of skills and support to parents for HIV disclosure; localized care models to reduce stigma and identify children in need; and improving quality of services. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Nesta pesquisa foi desenvolvido um modelo de ensino considerando a dimensão afetiva integrada numa estratégia de aprendizagem para fortalecer o desempenho dos estudantes do curso de Ciências Contábeis durante à formação profissional. Para realizar o estudo, foi criado um curso a distância em ambiente virtual de aprendizagem, aplicando a teoria da autoeficácia como estratégia de realização das atividades no curso. A Autoeficácia é um construto teórico da psicologia que condiz com os aspectos da responsabilidade social de contadores. A escolha de experimentar esse construto na modalidade de ensino a distância se deve à motivação de aliar aspectos afetivos à realidade tecnológica no modo virtual, participante do mundo acadêmico e do mercado profissional. A pesquisa está sedimentada no programa de governo Universidade Aberta do Brasil – UAB, executado em instituições de ensino superior como facilitador da formação profissional. A abordagem do desenvolvimento da pesquisa configura-se no modo qualitativo e utiliza a técnica de estudo de caso único comum com unidades incorporadas A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no laboratório de informática do Programa de Pós Graduação em Informática na Educação, no Centro Interdisciplinar de Novas Tecnologias de Educação (CINTED), na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, com alunos do curso de graduação em Ciências Contábeis da Universidade Federal do Maranhão –UFMA. A coleta de dados foi constituída por um questionário geral de Autoeficácia, escala de Autoestima e por observações das repostas e expressões dos alunos nas atividades. Para análise de dados, foi utilizado o método de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam que o construto da Autoeficácia serve de apoio para docentes estruturarem e incorporarem a experiência vicária em suas práticas, a distância ou presencial, quando são oferecidas experiências de aprendizagem adequadas aos alunos. Todavia, o construto da autoeficácia pode ser associado a outros construtos, razão pela qual se insere na coleta de dados a escala de autoestima para melhor percepção sobre o desempenho dos alunos. / In this research, we developed an educational model considering the affective dimension, integrated into a learning strategy with the goal to strengthen the performance of students in the course of Accounting Sciences during vocational training. In order to conduct the study, we created a distance learning course in virtual learning environment, applying the theory of self-efficacy as a strategy for the execution of activities in the course. Self-efficacy is a broad theoretical construct that conforms to the social responsibility aspects of accountants. The choice to experience this construct in the modality of distance education is due to the motivation to combine emotional aspects and the technological reality in virtual mode, which is part of the academic world and the professional market. The research is sedimented on the government program Open University of Brazil – UAB, run on institutions of higher education as a facilitator of vocational training. The approach to the development of the research is qualitative and makes uses of the technique of single common case study with incorporated units The research was developed in the computer laboratory of the Postgraduate Program in Computing on Education, in the Interdisciplinary Center of New Technologies in Education (CINTED), at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, with students of the undergraduate course in Accounting Sciences of the Federal University of Maranhão –UFMA. Data collection was constituted by a general self-efficacy questionnaire, the self-esteem scale and by observations of the answers and of the pupils' expressions during the activities. For data analysis, the content analysis method was used. The results suggest that the self-efficacy construct serves as support for teachers to structure and incorporate the vicarious experience in their practices, either in the classroom or by distance, when appropriate learning experiences are offered to students. However, the construct of self-efficacy can be associated to other constructs, reason why the self-esteem is inserted in data collection, for a better perception on the performance of the students.

Aiming to better understand how empowering leadership affects employees' innovative performance, this research examines this relationship by reviewing the existing leadership and innovation literature, then theorizing and testing the extent to which employees' entrepreneurial orientation mediates it. This research also proposes that the effect of empowering leadership on followers' entrepreneurial orientation will vary according to the presence of different moderating variables. Hence, the moderating effects of the employees' value of openness in the relationship between empowering leadership and employees' entrepreneurial orientation are examined. Similarly, the effects of the employees' creative self-efficacy in the relationship between employees' entrepreneurial orientation and their own innovative performance are explored. In the study, supervisor-employee matched data from seven factories across three provinces in China were collected. The results of the data analysis supported the association between empowering leadership and employees' innovative performance, as well as the mediating effect of employees' entrepreneurial orientation. The moderating effect of employees' creative self-efficacy was also supported. However, the moderating role of the value of openness was not significant. These findings enable us to better understand the mechanism by which an empowering leader influences employees' innovative performance. It also explains how this process of influencing is subject to employees' various individual characteristics.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics / Kevin L. Sauer / Carol W. Shanklin / Management responsibilities in the dietetics profession are typically aligned with foodservice operations. Clinical Nutrition Managers (CNMs) are registered dietitians with administrative responsibilities for clinical nutrition services within a healthcare facility. However, no studies have clearly delineated the current responsibilities of CNMs or their level of educational preparedness for this important role. Conceptually, a gap exists between the necessary skills and knowledge required for CNMs. Focus groups, cognitive interviews, and pilot testing were used to develop an audit instrument to measure CNM practice. This audit included 84 tasks in eight job categories. The instrument was distributed online to a national sample of CNMs to assess their involvement, education preparedness, and gaps in education needed for the role. The relationships between responsibilities, educational preparedness, and self-efficacy to perform the job were investigated. Of the 84 tasks, 73 were deemed core activities [80% of CNMs (n=214) were involved in some capacity]. Significant differences were found in frequency of involvement based on size of facility (number of patient beds) and employer type. Generally, CNMs perceived importance of receiving education higher for a majority of the tasks (80 of 84). Mean scores for the level of educational needs met varied more between tasks. Clinical nutrition managers rated educational needs being met lowest for tasks within the managing financial resources category. Gap analyses revealed that the highest educational priorities were for ensuring compliance with regulations and managing human and financial resources. Categorical self-efficacy was predicted by both the educational gap and educational preparedness for some categories. Significant predictors for overall self-efficacy were the self-efficacy of the general (β = 0.203, p=0.007) and managing financial resources (β = 0.178, p=0.014) categories. Significant differences were found in overall self-efficacy based on education level [F(3, 209) = 3.881, p=0.010] and length of employment as a CNM [F(4, 208) = 7.517, p<0.001]. This research can serve as a current benchmark for CNM practice. Results allow educators, managers, and the professional association to better inform students and practitioners about the leadership role. These findings may also assist others in creating leadership development programs, certificates, or graduate degree options specific for CNMs.

abstract: Prevailing models describing coping with chronic pain posit that it is a complex day-to-day process that can involve psychosocial factors, including cognitive appraisals about pain, interpersonal challenges such as distressed social relationships, and reduced engagement in enjoyable experiences. Few studies, however, have applied a process-oriented approach to elaborate the relations between key pain-related appraisals, social environmental factors, and self-efficacy, a key self-appraisal for successful adaptation to chronic pain. This study used within-day daily diary methodology to test the following hypotheses: (a) increases in morning pain catastrophizing predict decreases in end of day pain self-efficacy; (b) increases in perceived stressfulness of interpersonal relations occurring during the day exacerbate the negative effects of morning catastrophizing on end-of-day pain self-efficacy; and (c) increases in perceived enjoyment of interpersonal relations occurring during the day mitigate the negative effects of morning pain catastrophizing on end of day pain self-efficacy. Within-day measures, including morning pain catastrophizing, afternoon interpersonal stress and enjoyment ratings, and end-of-day pain self-efficacy, were collected for 21 days via an automated phone system from 223 participants with widespread chronic pain. The use of diary data allowed for examination of time-varying processes related to pain adaptation. Results of multilevel regression models indicated that, consistent with prediction, increases in morning pain catastrophizing and predicted decreases in end-of-day pain self-efficacy. Contrary to prediction, changes in midday interpersonal enjoyment and stress did not moderate the within-day catastrophizing-efficacy relation. Rather increases in midday enjoyment and stable individual differences in enjoyment predicted end-of-day efficacy. Overall, findings suggest a within-day relation between pain cognition and social context and subsequent self-efficacy, and highlight potential targets for intervention in chronic pain. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Psychology 2018