Toxic leaders are a serious problem, but shockingly, there is no standard detection tool that is both efficient and accurate. Compounding the problem are the various definitions and descriptions used to operationalize toxic leadership. This research sought to align the literature, offer a concise definition, and assess the domains indicative of toxic leadership through two conceptually compatible studies. Study 1 involved development of a toxic leader threat detection scale. Results using a variable-centered approach indicated that follower perceptions (n = 357) of leader empathy (4-item scale; α = .93) and the need for achievement recognition (4-item scale; α = .83) significantly predicted the egoistic dominance behaviors (5-item scale; α = .93) employed by toxic leaders (R2 = .647, p < .001). Using a person-centered approach, the scale scores also revealed latent clusters of distinct behavioral patterns, representing significantly different toxic leader threat levels (low, medium, and high). Study 2 assessed whether followers (n = 357), without access to behavioral information, would infer toxic characteristics simply from a leader’s physical appearance. Participants perceived images of male leaders (η2 = .131) with masculine facial structures (η2 = .596) as most likely to behave aggressively, while feminine facial structures (η2 = .400) and female images (η2 = .104) created the highest perceptions of empathy. The subjects also selected male leaders with masculine faces (η2 = .044; η2 = .015) as more likely to desire recognition, but with an inverse relationship (η2 = .073) such that feminine looking males earned the lowest scores. Overall, these results supported the idea that empathy and the need for achievement recognition create an “ego gone wild” condition and, not only can we measure the behavioral tendencies of toxic leaders, but perhaps we can “see” them as well.

Conflicts between a married couple bring about impacts upon the family. As divorce rate surges, numerous researches have pointed to the confrontations between husband and wife as the highly relevant contributing factor. Domestic violence has gone from bad to worse over the past few years as well. This study is aimed to identify different levels of physical violence resulting from arguments between married female teachers and their husbands. It further explores the influence of the wife¡¦s altruistic or egoistic attitude on marital conflicts. Some married female elementary school teachers in Kaohsiung City have been chosen as the subjects of the study. Research has been done to find the link between the wife¡¦s altruistic/egoistic character and occurrences of domestic violence amidst conflicts. This study also examines how the subjects¡¦ personality traits and other personal backgrounds interplay with egoism or altruism, which determines the likelihood of domestic violence. A conclusion may be drawn that the more egoistic a married female elementary school teacher is, the more likely domestic violence is to erupt amidst conflicts with her husband. On the contrary, the more altruistic she is, the less likely violence is to happen. The severity of domestic violence varies with the teacher¡¦s years of service, the number of children, and the degree she holds. It is noteworthy that the higher degree the husband holds, the more likely the married couple may end up in physical clashes. The number of romantic relationships the subject had prior to the marriage suggests difference in the likelihood of the couple¡¦s arguments ending in violence. Namely, the more relationships she had, the more possible it is for the marriage to witness violent episodes. If the teacher generally gets along well with her husband, they are much less likely to be involved in physical fights when having an argument. Her expectations of the marriage also determine the possibility of violent incidents. In other words, the less she expects of her marriage, the greater the possibility of abusive occurrences, and vice versa. Analyses of the female teachers¡¦ backgrounds help identify contributing factors of domestic violence. Her years of service at school may result in difference in likelihood of violence, but no significant correlation has been detected. However, the number of children, the couple¡¦s highest degree, the number of romantic relationships prior to the marriage, spousal closeness, and her expectations of the marriage are all significant variables in the probability of domestic violence. Married female teachers¡¦ attitudes have been categorized as either altruistic or egoistic in the research to facilitate the analysis of their relevance to domestic violence amidst conflicts between a couple. By means of Chi-square analysis, the subjects can be classified into four types, ranging from extremely suited for matrimonial and familial life to self-centered. Each type has significant contributing factors that determine the significant differences in degrees of domestic violence.

The present study integrated social exchange theory and motivational perspective to explore the mediating role of felt obligation and boundary condition of personal motives in the relationship between psychological contract fulfillments (PCF) and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB). We hypothesized that (a) PCF exerts influences on OCB through felt obligation; (b) the PCF-OCB relationship would be stronger when employees are high in altruistic and high in egoistic motive. Accordingly, an integrative model of exchange theory and motivational theory would be proposed to simultaneously examine the mediated effect and interactive effect on organizational citizenship behaviors. We tested the hypothesized model by using data of supervisor-subordinate dyads. Data are collected through employees¡¦ self-reports and employees¡¦ supervisors, so two questionnaires are use. Obtaining measures of the predictor and criterion variables from different source is one of the procedures used to control common method bias, a critical limitation in cross-sectional correlational research (Podsakoff, MacKenzie, and Lee, 2003). A sample of 485 supervisor-subordinate dyad was obtained from supervisory MBA graduates and their randomly-selected subordinates. All survey measures process the back translation procedure recommended by Brislin (1980) to assure the equivalence before administration. Confirmatory factor analysis is employed to examine the psychometric properties of all measures used. Finally, to test hypotheses, structure equation modeling using statistical package Liseral 8.5 and hierarchical moderated regression were employed. Resulted showed that social exchange theory and motives significantly explained the PCF-OCB association in different way, as we expected. First, we found that felt obligation is influenced by balance and relational PCF and then in turn has impact on etic OCB, while transactional PCF had no effects on either felt obligation or two forms of OCBs. Additionally, results strongly suggested that the negative effect of transactional PCF on OCB occurred for people low in altruistic motive to help, but would be positive associated for people high in altruistic motive. The findings signify that altruistic motive interacted in such a way that a strong altruistic motive was needed to buffer the negative effect of transactional PCF on etic OCB. It¡¦s important to note that transactional PCF had no direct effect on any forms of OCB, thus it appeared that altruistic motive played a role of ¡§switch¡¨ to activate the relationship between transactional PCF and every forms of OCB. Finally, we found altruistic motive, instead of egoistic motive, is the key determinant for OCB.

Previous research has looked at how two dominant approaches to pursuing the good life – eudaimonia (pursuit of growth, excellence, authenticity) and hedonia (pursuit of pleasure, comfort) relate to benefits for the self. This thesis looked beyond personal well-being and investigated how eudaimonic and hedonic orientations relate to benefits beyond the self and broader scope of concern. Manuscript 1 assessed the link between eudaimonic and hedonic orientations and self-reported and observational prosocial behaviour, self-focused and other focused values, as well as time perspectives and abstract thinking. Manuscript 2 explored the association between eudaimonic and hedonic orientations and hindering social behaviours, and helping under various circumstances. Next, Manuscript 3 examined reasons for engaging in prosocial behaviours, including self-focused and other-focused motives. Lastly, Manuscript 4 went beyond self-report measures by studying the distinction between eudaimonic and hedonic orientations on reactions to pictures depicting human/animal/nature happiness/health and suffering/degradation based on self-report affect and empathy, facial expressions, and psychophysiological measures (skin conductance and heart rate). Manuscript 1 showed that eudaimonic orientation related to a broader focus, including scope of concern (i.e., a wider variety of prosocial behaviours, prosocial values), a balanced time perspective (present and future focus) and abstract mindset (i.e., high-level construal), while hedonic orientation tended to be more narrowly focused on the self and present moment. Manuscript 2 revealed that eudaimonic orientation related positively to helping under abstract and costly situations, and negatively with hindering social behaviours; hedonic orientation was related to negative impacts beyond the self. Manuscript 3 showed that eudaimonic orientation was a balance of helping to benefit both the self and others, while hedonic orientation was primarily related to helping for personal benefits. Manuscript 4 showed that eudaimonic orientation related to greater self-report joy and suffering beyond the self (relative to hedonia), while findings for facial expressions and psychophysiological responses were inconclusive. This research provides a unique contribution to the well-being literature by investigating the impacts that eudaimonic and hedonic orientations have on society using a comprehensive array of self-report questionnaires and a novel picture paradigm. Limitations of the present research include that most studies were based on self-report which can produce social desirability bias, and that the studies were correlational which limits casual inferences about the findings. Future research would benefit from experimental studies assessing the link between eudaimonia and hedonia and broad scope of concern.

In this thesis I provide an overview of Nietzsche's ethics with an emphasis on showing how his naturalistic approach to ethics leads him to advance an egoistic moral code. I argue that this, though radical in the light of conventional morality, is not irrational, unprincipled, or proscriptive of other-regarding moral considerations. On the contrary, it demands the highest degree of foresight and integrity. While Nietzsche's writings are meant for a select group of people, namely "higher men," whose flourishing may be undercut by their unwitting acceptance of a self-destructive morality. I explain that Nietzsche places the highest degree of value on the life of these individuals, the development of their character, and their flourishing. Further, I explain that Nietzsche extols as a great virtue "bestowing" or "gift-giving," and that he takes generosity to be more frequently practiced under an ethics of egoism.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This thesis is concerned with the definition of an inclusive democratic educational theory and practice which mediates the assumed tension between individualism and collectivism, difference and equality, and liberty and equality. In Part 1, I set out the elements of an inclusive theory of democracy and then proceed in Part 2 to examine various aspects of educational practice in the light of this. My main claim is that these assumed tensions can be mediated through the conceptualising of our composite identity in terms of the notion of dual social ontology. This refers to our two-fold identities as universal, common human beings and our multiple subjective positions as particular, different individuating beings. Together, these two aspects of our identity constitute the basis for conceptualising our simultaneous commonality and difference and for an inclusive notion of democracy. I argue further that the key to understanding the intersection of commonality and difference in social relations and institutional practices is the concept of the spheres of social relations and their constitutive meanings. The latter provide the criterion by which we can judge the appropriateness of difference or equality in that sphere or in practices which relate to it. In the light of these concepts, I trace the ideological contestation at the heart of democratic theory between liberalism and socialism. My claim is that the mutual limitations of these theories preclude constructing an inclusive theory of democracy which incorporates collective equality and individual liberty in a non-polarised way. I argue that the tension between individualism and collectivism can be mediated by analysing these cluster concepts into non-polarised simpler elements. My main contention is that only self-interested individualism, which assumes individuals as atomistic self-seekers, is necessarily in conceptual conflict with collectivism. The other two elements of individualism which I identify, namely, individuality, our universal common identity as bearers of rights, and individuation, the process of self-development through the expression of the unique difference, are shown to be compatible with collective concerns and the social view of human identity. Together, I suggest, individuality and individuation constitute our dual social ontology and the foundation for moral regard and an inclusive theory of democracy which accommodates difference and commonality. During the discussion, I draw from several theorists who provide inclusive frameworks in terms of the social, dialogical view of human nature and identity formation and who combine contemporary concerns for pluralism and critical social transformation. I examine the conceptual link between education and democracy through the educative notion of democracy and education for democracy. Critical educational theory is explored as an exemplar of an inclusive democratic educational practice incorporating individual and collective dimensions. The dynamics of commonality and difference are traced in key aspects of the educational process, namely, moral development, learning and the relationship between authority and freedom, and with regard to the democratisation of schooling, the appropriate boundary between the spheres of education and of politics, distributive justice in education and the curriculum. I argue throughout that the discursive tool of dual social ontology, along with the concept of the spheres of social relations and their constitutive meanings, provides the conceptual framework by which these tensions can be mediated and incorporated in an inclusive democratic educational theory and practice.

In previous years, the importance of sustainable consumption has been neglected, and as a result, so has the disposal process. This has lead to consumers being uneducated about environmental issues associated with waste problems. The textile industry greatly contributes to waste problems; however, very little information is available in South Africa concerning the waste management of the textile industry. Furthermore, very little research has been done in this country regarding consumer’s clothing disposal behaviour. South Africa is a country with various cultures, and research conducted in this country necessitates consideration of consumers’ values, beliefs and norms. This study acknowledges the lack of sustainable lifestyle literature in a country such as South Africa that has an emerging economy and diverse cultures, and therefore provides a framework that emphasises theories and models based on pro-­‐environmental behaviour. The framework for this study focuses on the concepts of the Value-­‐Belief-­‐Norm Theory and the New Ecological Paradigm Scale as influencing factors for clothing disposal behaviour. For this study the clothing disposal methods included re-­‐using, recycling, donation, reselling and discarding. © University of Pretoria v Furthermore, both the Value-­‐Belief-­‐Norm Theory and the New Ecological Paradigm Scale are new to the consumer behaviour research field in South Africa. The study was conducted in the City of Tshwane and a sample of 306 female consumers was included. Female consumers were selected as it has been found that females tend to be more environmentally concerned than men. Respondents were reached through non-­‐ probability, purposive and snowball sampling methods. A quantitative research approach that included a cross-­‐sectional survey design was used for descriptive and exploratory purposes. Respondents completed a questionnaire that was based on objectives compiled according to the research statement. Data was coded by the researcher herself, and was further descriptively and statistically analysed by statisticians of the University of Pretoria. The results for the study indicated that the majority of the consumers included in the study mainly indicated compassionate value orientations; however, they showed only moderate concern towards the environment. Nevertheless, results showed that the majority of the sample predominantly disposes of their clothing by means of pro-­‐environmental clothing disposal methods such as recycling, re-­‐using and donation. It was however found that different value orientations, beliefs and norms had varied influences on the clothing disposal behaviour. Ultimately, the findings indicated that it is relevant to explore consumer behaviour in a country with a growing economy and with various cultures, since values, beliefs and norms had a noteworthy influence on consumers’ clothing disposal behaviour. / Dissertation (MConsumer Science)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Consumer Science / unrestricted

This thesis was concerned with the branch of Cooperate Social Responsibility known as Cause-Related Marketing, and focused on the moderating effects of cultural orientation and message framing on CRM advertisement effectiveness. The well-established individualist/collectivist cultural domain was employed through application to Taiwanese and Canadian cultural contexts. With regards to framing, differences between altruistically and egoistically framed messages were explored. It was hypothesized that members of collectivist societies would have increased positive attitudes and purchase intentions towards altruistically framed messages, while members of individualistic societies would have more favorable attitudes towards egoistically framed messages. The primary rationale cited was cultural congruency between the participants and the messages. An experimental design was performed, making use of real world style simulated print advertisement copies, as well as pre and post exposure questionnaires. Overall, the two-way interaction between cultural orientation and message framing was upheld, albeit with interesting and notable secondary results. Although the collectivist orientation was correlated with higher altruistic tendencies and as a result higher overall attitudes towards the CRM advertisements presented, this did not translate into higher overall purchase intentions. Potential reasons discussed included the relatively hedonic nature of the product used in the experiment, which could explain the higher overall purchase intentions of the individualistically oriented participants, based on affect-based complementary theory. As well, the increased level of past exposure to and familiarity with CRM campaigns of the individualist group was considered as a possible covariate factor. This was the first study to explicitly relate CRM advertisement attitude to a crosscultural framework through message framing, thereby offering significant theoretical contributions to the social marketing literature. Managerial implications have been stressed throughout, with the findings of clear relevance to the marketer interested in launching CRM campaigns internationally.

Thesis (M.Com. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The primary objective of the study was to examine the effect of values (biospheric values, altruistic values, egoistic values and openness to change values) on voluntary pro-environmental behaviour of employees of SMMEs.In addition, the study investigated the moderating effect of demographic variables (gender, age and level of education) in the relationship between values and pro-environmental behaviour. The quantitative approach was utilised and the cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data from the respondents that were conveniently sampled. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability and the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was utilised to analyse data. The findings of the study indicated that biospheric values has a negative relationship with employees’ voluntary proenvironmental behaviour. Three values (altruistic, egoistic and openness to change values) have significant positive relationships with voluntary pro-environmental behaviour of employees. The moderating effects of gender, age and level of education are insignificant. Recommendations on how to use values to improve the voluntary pro-environmental behaviour of employees of SMMEs are outlined.

Social Software-Technologien finden immer stärker Einzug in den Intranets der Unternehmen. Insbesondere der Einsatz von Enterprise Wikis hat sich durchgesetzt. In diesem Paper wird untersucht, auf welche Art und Weise Enterprise Wikis eingesetzt werden können. Hierfür wird mittels der Grounded Theory-Methodik eine Untersuchung des Enterprise Wikis „TeamWeb“ der T-Systems Multimedia Solutions GmbH durchgeführt. Auf Basis einer Analyse der TeamWeb-Spaces wird eine Einsatzszenarien-Typologie konstruiert, welche die Typen „Bereichspräsentation und -kommunikation“, „Nachschlagen und Lernen“, „Projekt- und Bereichsorganisation“ und „Kollaborative Konzeption“ unterscheidet. Im Anschluss wurde die der Nutzung zugrundeliegende Motivation mit Hilfe von semi-strukturierten Gesprächen mit den Wiki-Nutzern weiterführend untersucht. Hierbei wurde festgestellt, dass die Nutzungsmotive ausschließlich egoistischer Natur sind. Diese Erkenntnis wird im Paper zu einer allgemeinen Theorie zur Nutzungsmotivation in Enterprise Wikis ausgebaut.