Search Results (37)

In this study, we aim to assess the effect of debating via Zoom (DVZ) on secondary students’ critical thinking, argumentation writing, and social skills. This research was conducted using a structured methodology, employing a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests to examine students’ critical thinking and argumentation writing skills. It provides empirical evidence to support its claims. Also, a questionnaire was distributed among the participants to collect students’ attitudes toward the study variables. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 17. The results showed that DVZ enhanced inference, assumption recognition, interpretation, and argument evaluation. DVZ significantly improved the students’ critical thinking and argumentation writing. Student attitudes on DVZ’s impact on critical thinking, argumentation writing, and social skills varied substantially (α ≤ 0.05). In total, 68% of the respondents supposed that DVZ allowed language to be practiced, and 74% said it promoted courageous questioning. This study demonstrates that most students think DVZ aids in the development of argument introductions, conclusions, and evidence. Zoom’s robust privacy measures and anti-cyberbullying policies ensure a safe and secure digital learning environment. Based on the results, we suggest comparing the findings of DVZ to in-person debates. Full article

Infinite Hope (IH) is a conceptual framework designed to restore identity, direction, and resilience among disconnected emerging adults. Integrating Snyder’s Hope Theory with Sinek’s Infinite Mindset, this paper examines how cultivating an infinite mindset strengthens agency and pathways, how alignment with a just cause mediates sustained goal pursuit, and under what conditions re-engagement flourishes. The model draws on an interdisciplinary review of seventy peer-reviewed sources and grounds its propositions in established sociological perspectives on agency, purpose, collective capacity, and human capabilities. As a conceptual and theoretical paper, it contributes a novel integration of psychological and sociological insights, addressing gaps in existing models that often overlook the interaction of hope, purpose, and collective environments. IH combines the hope triad with existential flexibility, courageous leadership, and values-based alignment, offering a testable framework that links psychological growth with social context. Visual models clarify their developmental sequence, and a research agenda outlines strategies for empirical validation. IH provides a practical blueprint for embedding meaning, reinforcing identity, and cultivating environments that sustain purposeful growth for youth-serving organizations. Full article

This study aims to explore the values of character education in the Chinese animated film Three Monks. This film serves as a teaching tool, not only imparting animation principles to university students majoring in animation but also showcasing Chinese cultural philosophy and educational values in implicit, exaggerated, and humorous action design. We employed a descriptive qualitative method. A total of 73 college students majoring in animation watched the film without any prior explanation of animation principles and moral education and then listened to detailed explanations of the character education and animation principles integrated into the film. Through repeated viewing, analysis, and summarization of the storyline, character behaviors, and action design in Three Monks, the values of character education, such as religion, kindness, diligence, independence, responsibility, tolerance, self-reflection, unity and cooperation, and courage to innovate, were embodied. These values are manifested through the film’s storyline, conflicts, character actions, animated performances, and background music. We compared the students’ pre- and post-viewing attitudes based on their discussions, reflections, and course evaluations. The results revealed that conveying moral values through animated films internalized and transmitted character education among university students, shaping cultural identity and social norms. This approach enhanced students’ learning engagement and improved their learning efficiency. Full article

The Druze community has survived for a thousand years, during which it witnessed the emergence of female political and religious leaders. However, the Isma‘ili foundations of the Druze religion favored women without offering them considerable rights. This study describes the political actions of women leaders who are considered unique and outstanding leaders in the history of Druze society. The women discussed in this article share some features: all came from an elite social background; all were endowed with outstanding leadership qualities, which gave them status and prestige in the community; and, in keeping with Druze female leadership, all were identified with female sanctity and spirituality. Additionally, these women were portrayed in folk stories and biographies as women characterized by boldness, courage, leadership, and especially charisma to lead in the public sphere and not just the private one, in contrast to what is expected of Druze women as belonging to the private sphere, the family. This article argues that the combination of the level of positive consciousness toward women in the Druze religion and the elite status of these women, in addition to being unique charismatic personalities in Druze society and in their era, explains how they acquired their leadership role in the Druze community. Furthermore, while engaging in social and political activism, these women never employed their privileged status to promote gender equality in their societies. Full article

This essay examines how university inter-group dialogue programs function, arguing that a common dynamic in dialogues about race is that members from privileged, majority groups (e.g., white, cis-het males) turn to members of so-called “minority” groups to disclose personal experiences. This paper examines four dialogue models and describes preliminary data from the Diversity Dialogue Project, a unique social justice dialogue program at a state university in Pennsylvania. Creating all-White groups where participants can probe the White problem may prevent burdening people of color with the role of educator. Campus dialogue programs that emphasize the need to be courageous when talking about race may unintentionally entrench White power. Full article

This article intends to demonstrate the interconnections between exposure, engagement, human rights (HRs) lens, and methods in social work. To achieve these aims, we used HRXSW, HRESW, HRLSW, and HRMSW index scales to carry out a survey amongst Portuguese social workers. This survey was sent to 4079 registered members (100%) of the Portuguese professional association, of which 259 were valid responses (6.3%). The results of this pilot study show that professionals are exposed to HR in the education system and in the professional practice and that the level of engagement with HR is strong. Professionals revealed that social problems and rights violations played a prominent role during their practices with clients; however, contradictions are noticed in relation with intervention methods. Their methods are mostly informed by individual rights and personal empowerment, collaboration, and accountability and, to a lesser extent, by non-discrimination, micro and meso approach, and activism. We conclude that professionals have the knowledge and courage to consolidate and promote HR; however, in order to advocate for and promote structural social changes that lead to the full realization of an HR utopia, they need to use methods based on structural and collective approaches. Full article

This paper delves into the connection between Zhuangzi’s mystical philosophy and its potential application to nonviolent resistance movements. It argues that the cultivation of inner peace, as advocated by Zhuangzi, can serve as a powerful foundation for individuals to engage in peaceful social change. Zhuangzi, a prominent figure in ancient Chinese thought, emphasized the importance of achieving harmony with Dao, the natural order of the universe. His mystical teachings centered on concepts like the “Pu 樸” (perfect natural state), “Xiao Yao You 逍遙遊” (Free and Easy Wandering) and “Qi Wu Lun 齊物論” (Equalizing Things and Equalizing Theory), as well as “Xin Zhai 心齋” (Fasting of the Mind) and “Zuo Wang 坐忘” (Sitting and Forgetting). This paper explores how these mystical concepts can be interpreted as a call for inner peace and tranquility. The paper then examines how inner peace, as envisioned by Zhuangzi, can empower individuals to participate in nonviolent resistance. It suggests that achieving inner peace allows individuals to transcend feelings of anger, resentment, and violence, fostering a sense of compassion and understanding towards their opponents. This inner peace, in turn, can fuel the courage and determination necessary to engage in peaceful protests and civil disobedience. By exploring the connection between Zhuangzi’s mysticism and nonviolent resistance, this paper aims to shed light on an alternative approach to social change. It argues that inner peace, cultivated through mystical experience, can be a powerful tool for individuals seeking to create a more just and peaceful world. Full article

Giovanni Botero’s political thought is significantly influenced by Machiavelli, yet it possesses its own distinctive features, particularly in its religious perspective. In contrast to Machiavelli’s condemnation of Catholicism, Botero argues that Catholicism, far from weakening individuals, could instill in them the courage to defy death and foster military virtues through the promise of eternal life. While Botero agrees with Machiavelli that religion plays a central role in politics, he asserts that Catholicism is more effective than other sects as it is better suited to maintaining social order and disciplining the human conscience. However, he refutes the idea that religion should serve merely as an instrument of domination. Instead, he suggests that it should be the foundation of the state and the purpose of governance. Furthermore, he maintains that religion and the state are interdependent, functioning together to ensure the maintenance and strengthening of both. Full article

Background. Social connections not only contribute to psychological and emotional well-being but also positively impact physical health, with social isolation and loneliness linked to early mortality and detrimental health outcomes. Objectives. This study aims to evaluate an online Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) group intervention designed to enhance social connectedness and subjective well-being while reducing loneliness, depression, and anxiety among older adults. Methods. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) will involve an intervention group receiving a 2 h ACL session via videoconferencing. Eligible participants selected after screening will be assigned randomly to either a treatment or waitlist-control group. Participants in both conditions will complete the assessments at three time points, including baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Tools for assessing the concerned variables include the Inclusion of Other in the Self Scale, de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2) Scale, and World Health Organisation—Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Conclusions. This study will offer a robust framework for investigating the impact of the online ACL intervention on loneliness and social connectedness among Chinese older adults. The result of this study will reach theoretical, empirical, practical, and teaching significance on mental health care strategies for Chinese older adults. Full article

This article explores the specific role of courage in the context of the Anthropocene’s moment; it first examines Aristotle’s conception of virtues, focusing on courage, before comparing it to Confucian thought and analyzing the historical dialogue between Western and Chinese traditions on ethics through the works of François Noël (1651–1729). Aristotle views moral cultivation as a social process wherein habits shape inner dispositions; in his view, courage is linked to other virtues, such as temperance and justice. For Aristotle, courage implies the appropriate balance between extremes and must be directed toward a worthy end, such as promoting positive change within a community. This Aristotelian perspective was later incorporated into a biblical framework by Aquinas and Suarez, emphasizing dichotomies between body and soul, as well as between humans and other living beings. These dichotomies must be challenged in the face of the Anthropocene’s emergencies. The second part of this contribution proceeds to a detour examining Confucian ethics, which rests on a different anthropology, emphasizing continuities rather than discontinuities. Like Aristotelian thought, Confucian thought also underscores moral education within a community; it prioritizes humanity, embodied through empathy and loyalty. In the Analects, courage is balanced by a sense of rituals and righteousness. Mencius further distinguishes several types of courage, stressing self-cultivation and the ruler’s responsibility to make empathetic, appropriate decisions for the community’s sake. From this perspective, courage is understood as the continuous perseverance in self-cultivation, coupled with a firm intention oriented toward the good of the community. Zhu Xi’s comments on Zilu’s courage in the Analects extend this Confucian tradition. Finally, this article highlights how a dialogue between Aristotelian and Confucian ethics began four centuries ago, particularly through Noël’s Philosophia Sinica, which combined these traditions. This inter-religious approach to ethics, enriched by figures such as Aquinas, Suarez, Zhu Xi, and neo-Confucian thinkers, requires re-evaluation because the understanding of personal ethics and nature has evolved. The modern naturalistic approach, with its emphasis on dichotomies, has contributed to a mechanistic view of nature, fostering its exploitation, and a devaluation of the body. This contrast highlights the urgent need for renewed dialogue between Western and Chinese ethical traditions to address contemporary challenges, with François Noël serving as a historical witness of these exchanges. Full article

This paper examines the contemporary implications of entrepreneurship and utilizes panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies spanning 2011 to 2022. Based on the five aspects of Chinese entrepreneurship, namely “patriotism, courage to innovate, integrity and law-abiding, social responsibility, and international vision”, the findings suggest that fostering entrepreneurship enhances the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of firms. Mechanism analysis indicates that green technology innovation, social performance enhancement, and governance capability optimization mediate this relationship. Furthermore, factors such as corporate market power, regional marketization processes, and advancements in artificial intelligence technology influence the link between entrepreneurship and ESG performance. Robust entrepreneurship equips firms to navigate environmental uncertainties, but entrepreneurship cannot improve corporate governance performance. This article elucidates the distinctive significance of entrepreneurship, expanding the institutional economics research perspective, offering practical insights for cultivating entrepreneurship and elucidating potential determinants of corporate ESG performance. This article also provides spiritual guidance for sustainable development. Full article

Today’s work market is both unsteady and unpredictable, and this requires taking urgent and practical actions aiming at creating work opportunities and “better” jobs, promoting a social and solidarity economy, and encouraging the development of moral strength in the workplace. From the Life Design approach perspective, our study examines two variables necessary to cope with the current labor market, courage, and career adaptability, and their role in life satisfaction. Through courage, a full mediational model between life satisfaction and career adaptability was tested in the 525 (291 men and 234 women) employees involved in the present study. Results support the mediational model. Mainly, life satisfaction was predicted indirectly by career adaptability through courage. Such outcome has important implications for practice and highlights the need to support workers in planning their life design by developing career adaptability and workers’ voluntary feeling to act, according to different levels of fear, when facing a threat to the achievement of a significant result or objective, which in turn will positively influence their feelings of life satisfaction. Full article

Due to the ecologically unfavorable state of the living world, any formal commitment made by the accommodation sector for the practical implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies needs to be followed up by a credible plan, courageous action, and an attentive monitoring and reporting phase. Only in this way can high-end hotels in cities emerge as regenerative sustainability (RS) hubs and better amalgamate whole life-cycle thinking and economic performance in their day-to-day activities. This paper provides a detailed literature review of the ongoing transformation of the hospitality sector toward the RS paradigm, which is a concept that underpins Hortel’s business model. Hortel is then contextualized as the first example of an eco-innovative turnkey business-to-business (B2B) service for a high-end hotel with an annexed restaurant. Hortel implemented nature-based solutions adapted to the hospitality sector in order to contribute to local urban biodiversity and bring hotel clients closer to nature through biophilic tactics. Services like Hortel can support, with today’s resources and competences, hotels that are putting at the core of their business model planetary health and societal well-being. It also includes the description of the prototype built at Four Points by Sheraton Catania, the monitoring phase that lasted between 2016 and 2017, and other strategic business-related initiatives. This paper also contributes to the advancement of the literature discussing regenerative business models, which to date has been a largely unexplored aspect of hospitality. Full article

Social entrepreneurship has grown worldwide in recent decades as it attempts to create and implement innovative solutions to social and environmental issues through business strategies. The aim of this study was to explore what motivates public health social entrepreneurs to act, the challenges and barriers they face, achievements, and competencies required for success. As such, we interviewed 15 social entrepreneurs in Israel. Budget issues, regulatory barriers, and struggles against powerful companies were the frequent barriers to success. The interviewees indicated several achievements at the health policy level by positioning and becoming an authority in the field, positively influencing other people’s lives. They highlighted the importance of creativity, determination and courage, leadership, and the ability to persevere in the face of overwhelming adverse odds as essential for the social entrepreneur’s success. Social entrepreneurship in public health is essential when struggling with health disparities. Nevertheless, recognizing that social entrepreneurship is not a substitute for methodological government planning and accountability is crucial. Full article

International and national crises often highlight behavioral patterns in the labor market that illustrate women’s courage and adaptability in challenging times. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting changes in the workplace due to social distancing, remote work, and tele-communications protocols showcased women’s power of authenticity and accessibility (interpersonal and personalized experiences) to engage with their constituents effectively. The catalyzed this research was our desire to underscore the importance of studying the impact of COVID-19 on women leaders. The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light specific challenges and disparities women faced in the workplace. It has been asserted that women leaders substantially benefit businesses and organizations and we wanted to test this out through the practices of our research participants. Decades of research reveal that women leaders enhance productivity, foster collaboration, inspire dedication, and promote fairness in the workplace. This article introduces the feminist Connective Leadership Model (CL) an integrative leadership model and one informed by early feminist theory for understanding women’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed-method study of select US women leaders before and during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the CL model and its efficacy for adaptive, inclusive leadership in various contexts. First, this article highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s leadership and behavioral response to the crisis through the lens of the CL model. Second, this article delves into challenges the women leaders faced, including adaptive challenges, isolation, team management, increased caregiving responsibilities, and gender-related disparities. Third, this article reframes women’s voices articulated through a crisis management leadership framework coupled with an understanding and application of the behaviors defined through complexity theory which are aligned with the CL model. Finally, the article discusses the four ‘As’ of crisis leadership: authenticity, alignment, awareness, and adaptability. The application of the CL model provides an effective framework for determining the most appropriate leadership behaviors within the complex challenges of a crisis; it enables the leader to focus on personal, employee, and organizational well-being. Full article