Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Showcase Business Communication and Political Sciences

How Attachment May Influence Social Media Usage: Examining Use, Cyber-friends, and Platforms

How Attachment May Influence Social Media Usage: Examining Use, Cyber-friends, and Platforms

Primary author: Jordyn Randall
Faculty sponsor: Stacey Hust

Primary college/unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Category: Business, Communication, and Political Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Attachment is formed in infancy and has significant impact on how adults form interpersonal relationships. There are three main levels of attachment: secure, anxious, and avoidant. People who are securely attached typically had a wholesome childhood and will be better at forming relationships. Social media can have a negative impact on social skills and impact interpersonal relationships depending on how social media is used and the frequency of use. There is minimal research on how attachment styles may influence social media usage. This study aims to identify the role of attachment in how emerging adults use social media by frequency, number of friends online, and number of platforms. Additionally, the importance of childhood home status in determining attachment styles and influence on social media frequency of use. A sample of 240 undergraduate students completed an online survey asking them about demographic information, their social media usage, their parental attachment, and their peer attachment. The sample was made of more females (64%) and was predominantly White (69.5%). Results show that peer attachment was significant for high social media usage for four major social media platforms and number of online friends when childhood home status was calculated as a moderator. Parent attachment was non-significant for all analyses. This could be due to two-thirds of the participants coming from nuclear families and they had secure attachment to their parents. Possible implications for this are the importance of childhood home status and how the home status may impact relationship formation for emerging adults.

Predicting Access to Healthful Food Retailers with Machine Learning

Predicting Access to Healthful Food Retailers with Machine Learning

Primary Author: Modhurima Amin

Faculty Sponsor: Jill McCluskey

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Many U.S. households lack access to healthful food and rely on inexpensive, processed food with low nutritional value. Surveying access to healthful food is costly and finding the factors that affect access remain convoluted owing to the multidimensional nature of socioeconomic variables. We utilize machine learning with census tract data to predict the modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI), which refers to the percentage of healthful food retailers in a tract, and two binary measures: food deserts— where no healthful-food retailers exist, and food swamps, where healthful-food retailers are considerably outnumbered by less healthful retailers. Our model optimally identifies ten demographic variables that detect food deserts and swamps with 100% prediction accuracy in sample and 78% out of sample. We find that food deserts and swamps are intrinsically different and require separate policy attentions. Food deserts are mainly wide, lightly populated rural tracts with low ethnic diversity. Commercial supercenters might find it unprofitable to operate there owing to low population density. Contrarily, swamps are predominantly small, densely populated, urban tracts, with more non-Caucasian residents who lack vehicle access. Therefore, while community supported agriculture might work better for food deserts, limiting unhealthy retailers might be better for food swamps to solve the problem of healthy food access. Overall access to healthful food retailers is mainly explained by population density, presence of Caucasian population, and income. We also show that our model can be used to get a sensible prediction of access to healthful food retailers for any U.S. census tract.

 

Customers’ Attitudes toward the Acceptance of AI Service Devices Cross Different Service Contexts

Customers’ Attitudes toward the Acceptance of AI Service Devices Cross Different Service Contexts

Primary Author: Hengxuan Chi

Faculty Sponsor: Dogan Gursoy

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal topic

Nowadays, service providers introduced Artificially intelligent (AI) service devices (e.g., robots) into their regular service operations. These devices are used to directly interact with customers and provide services that were originally delivered by human employees. As a result, the use of these AI devices challenges not only customers’ perceptions of service but also employees’ job security. Therefore, it is critical to understand when (service contexts) customers want to use AI and when they prefer to be served by humans.

 

Method

This study hypothesized that consumers’ attitudes towards the use of AI devices differ across hedonic (enjoyment-focused) and utilitarian (task-focused) service contexts. A conceptual model was proposed using the theory of Artificially Intelligent Device Use Acceptance. The data was collected from the customers of hospitality and airline industries, which are dominated by either more utilitarian or hedonic offerings (airline and hospitality services, respectively). A cross-group SEM analysis and a series of t-test were performed to test the hypotheses.

 

Results/implications

This study confirms the applicability of the AIDUA theory in both service contexts. Findings indicate that social influence is a stronger determinant of AI device acceptance in hedonic services (e.g. hospitality services); individuals have higher performance expectancy toward the use of AI device in utilitarian services (e.g., airline services); individuals’ willingness to use AI devices is lower in hedonic services due to the need for human-human interaction. This result highlights that, in hedonic services, AI devices should be used to empower rather than to replace human employees.

 

A Methodology for the Identification and Measurement of Corporate Social Responsibility Constructs with Existing Analyst Data

A Methodology for the Identification and Measurement of Corporate Social Responsibility Constructs with Existing Analyst Data

Primary Author: Michael Craven

Faculty Sponsor: Bernard Wong-On-Wing

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

Research on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and business outcomes has produced inconsistent results, which may be associated with difficulties in measuring CSR. Prevailing measurement methodologies use existing databases with indicators of strengths and weaknesses on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues including MSCI ESG KLD STATS. However, current research assumes that the strengths and weaknesses of each category accurately reflect differentiable constructs, that strengths are equivalently reduced by weaknesses, and that each indicator is equal when measuring those constructs.

 

METHOD

A scale development methodology is created to overcome the limitations of the existing data and to empirically identify and measure CSR constructs from the analyst data. Because indicators are added and removed, the indicators are screened with a co-measurement based variation of Cronbach’s Alpha to ensure sufficient covariance for further analysis. These indicators are then analyzed with logistic regression based exploratory factor analysis to identify the latent CSR constructs represented by the data and confirmatory factor analysis to provide continuous measures from the dichotomous indicators.

 

RESULTS AND IMPLICATIONS

The results indicate that prior measurement models for CSR poorly reflect the underlying aspects of CSR. In most categories, the assumption of differentiable strengths and weaknesses misidentifies the extant constructs. The assumption of equal weighting of indicators does not hold. Work is needed to validate these new measures against know CSR outcomes, such as fines for pollution. These empirically identified CSR constructs and measurements will resolve a long-standing issue and contribute to resolving the inconsistent results of prior CSR research.

 

An examination of emoji usage in news teasers on Facebook

An examination of emoji usage in news teasers on Facebook

Primary Author: Rebecca Donaway

Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Willoughby

 

Primary College/Unit: Edward R. Murrow College of Communication

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Online news use is growing at a rapid rate. This study is particularly interested in news exposure on social networking sites (SNSs) like Facebook. The physical layout of news on social media is such that the teaser (status message) allows news organizations to add additional text to shared news posts. In some cases, the language used in the news teaser is subjective, more emotional, and less formal that traditional news norms would suggest. Political communication research has not thoroughly explored the teaser space or how this relaxed formality affects user engagement with the news online (likes, comments, shares). The goals of this mixed methods study are two-fold. First, using focus group data from young adults, the research explores user impressions of various features of the news teaser that communicate emotion, namely exaggerated punctuation, uppercase text, and the use of emojis. The results for emojis in news teasers were the most complex. While users recognize that emojis are less formal, they are interested in their use, especially the descriptive emojis.  To further study this, an experiment will be conducted to test the effect of four different emoji conditions: no emoji, descriptive emoji, positive emoji, and negative emoji. The research posits the role of anger and enthusiasm will mediate message exposure and engagement outcomes. Thus, this second study will contribute to our collective understanding of the antecedents of emotional reactions within the Affective Intelligence Theory, as well as informs news and content creators alike on the effects of the teaser space.

 

The Purpose of Fashion Shows Through the Lens of Media’s History

The Purpose of Fashion Shows Through the Lens of Media’s History

Primary Author: Lindsay McCoy

Faculty Sponsor: Jihyeong Son

 

Primary College/Unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Fashion shows are a popular spectacle that promotes human expression and aesthetic, yet few studies examine their history, purpose, or influential factors. In particular, no study has previously examined how communication technology has impacted fashion shows in terms of media coverage, presentation format, and purpose throughout history.

 

Using qualitative content analysis with grounded theory utilizing secondary data from print books and internet sources using pre-defined key words and phrases, the histories of fashion shows and media were analyzed and compared to answer three research questions: What is the purpose and function of fashion shows throughout history?; How has the communication of fashion shows changed throughout various media transformations?; How did each of the various media types impact fashion shows and which had the greatest impact?

 

It was found that the invention of television and the radio had the greatest impact. Fashion shows in earlier decades were reserved for the elite classes, but television and radio allowed all members of society to become involved. The invention of the internet and social media provided the ability to virtually watch shows in real time, regardless of social status or location.

 

One implication is that fashion shows will continue to evolve with changing communication technology; therefore it is pertinent to monitor how fashion shows adapt in the future to understand how their purpose changes and what role they will play in society. This research study also creates a timeline framework for future research to build upon.

 

When the Sublime Backfires: Detrimental Effect of Threat-Based Awe for Devastating Nature on Sustainable Consumption

When the Sublime Backfires: Detrimental Effect of Threat-Based Awe for Devastating Nature on Sustainable Consumption

Primary Author: Eujin Park

Faculty Sponsor: Howlett

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

The influence of awe for nature has mostly been known to be positive and successful for sustainability campaigns. Nonetheless, not all awe for nature campaigns are likely to be successful since threat-based awe entails dissimilar emotional consequence in comparison with general positive awe. Hence, we conducted empirical studies to test for the detrimental effect of threat-based awe derived from experiencing devastating nature on sustainable consumption and related mechanism.

 

METHOD

Experimental studies were conducted to manipulate ‘awe for nature’ for one group and ‘threat-based awe for devastating nature’ for the other through audiovisual stimuli adopted from existing literature respectively. Analysis of variance and conditional PROCESS analysis were utilized to test for the effect of threat-based awe for devastating nature on sustainable consumption and related mechanism.

 

RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS

We demonstrate that threat-based awe for devastating nature leads to diminished willingness-to-pay for sustainable consumption (study 1). Threat-based awe for devastating nature also reduces accepting promotional offer related to sustainable consumption (study 2). Threat-based awe for devastating nature even lessens the actual amount of money spent for sustainable consumption (study 3). Threat-based awe for devastating nature diminishes individual’s perceived sense of control over his/her life and hence reduces sustainable consumption (study 3). Yet, imbuing public accountability ameliorates the detrimental effect of threat-based awe for devastating nature on sustainable consumption (study 3). Hence, the empirical findings discuss the significance of the effect of threat-based awe for devastating nature on sustainable consumption and a practical solution to resolve for the detrimental effect.

 

I work for my own: The effect of psychological ownership on emotional labor

I work for my own: The effect of psychological ownership on emotional labor

Primary Author: Lu Yuan

Faculty Sponsor: Jenny Kim

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

PRINCIPAL TOPIC

Service workers experience stress not only from frivolous behavioral tasks but emotional display rules required during customer contacts. Stress grows even larger when authentic emotions differ from required expressions during work. Psychological ownership in the organization induces affective attachment, makes employees consider the organization as their extended self and feel responsible for customers to benefit the firm. Consequently, personal goals keep consistent with organizational goals and this enables employees to display genuine, positive emotions and service behavior. This influence of psychological ownership on employees’ customer-oriented behavior and emotional acting, which refers to emotional labor, have drawn little attention up to now.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of employees’ psychological ownership on their emotional labor directly and indirectly through customer orientation. Additionally, this paper explores how job autonomy interacts with customer orientation and affects employees’ deep and surface acting behavior.

METHOD

Survey data were collected from 251 employees in 4 Chinese 5-star hotels. All the variables were measured by reliable scales developed and validated by existing studies. SEM was employed for the paths analysis.

RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS

Results demonstrate psychological ownership has a positive, direct influence on deep acting and an indirect influence on deep acting through customer orientation. Conversely, psychological ownership shows a direct, negative association with surface acting, and an indirect association with surface acting through customer orientation. Further, the positive influence of customer orientation on deep acting is stronger in a high-autonomy condition. This moderation effect does not show for surface acting.

 

The effect of mindsets and ex-offenders’ redemptive narratives on managers’ willingness to consider hiring ex-offenders

The effect of mindsets and ex-offenders’ redemptive narratives on managers’ willingness to consider hiring ex-offenders

Primary Author: Eunjeong Shin

Faculty Sponsor: Jerry Goodstein

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

Principal Topic

The United States has been one of the most punitive countries with the highest rate of incarceration. Previous research has suggested that employers play an essential role in reintegrating ex-offenders back to the community as they offer job opportunities. This paper aims to investigate managers’ mindsets that influence their willingness to consider hiring ex-offenders. I explored two categories of managers’ mindsets – justice mindsets (punitive and restorative mindsets) and fixed vs. growth mindsets – and how ex-offenders’ use of redemptive narratives moderate the relationships between managers’ mindsets and their hiring decisions.

 

Method

We collected data from 251 U.S. managers from various industries through Amazon M-Turk. All participants were randomly assigned to read one of the two versions of the scenarios (either high or low redemptive narrative) and were then asked to indicate their willingness to consider hiring the applicant with a 7-points Likert scale. I adopted the existing justice mindsets and fixed vs. growth mindset scale to measure managers’ mindsets. We used SPSS hierarchical regression analysis to analyze the data.

 

Results / implications

The results indicated that all four mindsets significantly influenced the managers’ hiring decision, supporting our hypotheses. Managers with punitive or fixed mindset were less willingness to consider hiring ex-offenders while managers with restorative or growth mindset were more willingness to consider hiring ex- offenders. The moderating effect of redemptive narrative was not supported. Interestingly, however, contrary to our expectation, high usage of ex-offender’s redemptive narratives was negatively related to managers’ willingness to consider hiring the applicant.

 

Exploring and Quantifying Unsystematic Risk in US Hotel REITs

Exploring and Quantifying Unsystematic Risk in US Hotel REITs

Primary Author: Hongwei Zhao

Faculty Sponsor: Ming-Hsiang Chen

 

Primary College/Unit: Carson College of Business

Category: Business, Communication, and Politial Sciences

Campus: Pullman

 

Abstract:

 

Principal topic:

Although Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) were originally conceptualized as mechanisms for individual investors to participate in institutional real estate, the ownership of REIT stocks has recently become dominated by institutional investors. Meanwhile, the hybrid nature of REITs is problematic for investors, particularly less diversified, individual investors who cannot mitigate unsystematic risk. This study included three sections intended to deconstruct unsystematic risk and enable investors to make more informed decisions in their investment portfolios.

Method:

Section one investigated unsystematic risk by selecting all publicly-traded company daily returns from January 2001 to December 2018 and running Fama-French model. Section two conducted a parallel analysis of unsystematic risk and institutional ownership. Section three investigated herding behavior in the Hotel REIT sector by parallel regression.

Results/implications:

Hotel REIT stocks have experienced wide variations in unsystematic risk between 14% and 92.5%. The trend toward institutional ownership of stocks is shown to have a significant negative impact on the levels of unsystematic risk. The implications remain to be identified as to whether higher levels of institutional ownership improve management efficiency and account for more monitoring power, in which price reflects more information and contains less individual specific risk. The unsystematic risk from REIT market returns is significantly lower than the one from the entire market returns, supporting that herding behavior in the Hotel REIT sector might “systematize” a portion of the unsystematic risk. Tracking investor sentiment may be one of factors explaining unsystematic risk for Hotel REITs.