A global experiment on motivating social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Significance Communicating in ways that motivate engagement in social distancing remains a critical global public health priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study tested motivational qualities of messages about social distancing (those that promoted choice and agency vs. those that were forceful and shaming) in 25,718 people in 89 countries. The autonomy-supportive message decreased feelings of defying social distancing recommendations relative to the controlling message, and the controlling message increased controlled motivation, a less effective form of motivation, relative to no message. Message type did not impact intentions to socially distance, but people’s existing motivations were related to intentions. Findings were generalizable across a geographically diverse sample and may inform public health communication strategies in this and future global health emergencies. Abstract Finding communication strategies that effectively motivate social distancing continues to be a global public health priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-country, preregistered experiment (n = 25,718 from 89 countries) tested hypotheses concerning generalizable positive and negative outcomes of social distancing messages that promoted personal agency and reflective choices (i.e., an autonomy-supportive message) or were restrictive and shaming (i.e., a controlling message) compared with no message at all. Results partially supported experimental hypotheses in that the controlling message increased controlled motivation (a poorly internalized form of motivation relying on shame, guilt, and fear of social consequences) relative to no message. On the other hand, the autonomy-supportive message lowered feelings of defiance compared with the controlling message, but the controlling message did not differ from receiving no message at all. Unexpectedly, messages did not influence autonomous motivation (a highly internalized form of motivation relying on one’s core values) or behavioral intentions. Results supported hypothesized associations between people’s existing autonomous and controlled motivations and self-reported behavioral intentions to engage in social distancing. Controlled motivation was associated with more defiance and less long-term behavioral intention to engage in social distancing, whereas autonomous motivation was associated with less defiance and more short- and long-term intentions to social distance. Overall, this work highlights the potential harm of using shaming and pressuring language in public health communication, with implications for the current and future global health challenges

Analysing The Mediating Role of Circular Economy to Achieve Supply Chain Resilience

Purpose: With the increase in disruption of goods and services in the turbulent business environment, firms struggle to build robust and resilient supply chains to deliver value-added services to their customers. Hence, firms should develop unique capabilities and resources to achieve resilience. To address this issue, this study explores the impact of capabilities such as Sustainable Supply Chain Design (SSCD) and the mediating role of circular economy (CE) to achieve supply chain resilience (SCR). Research Approach: The authors conceptualise a theoretical research model consisting of 6 hypotheses. The model was validated by applying the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using survey data from 261 industrial enterprises. Findings and Originality: The results show that supply chain transparency (SCT) positively and directly impacts SSCD and CE. Both SSCD and CE positively affect SCR, while CE mediates the relationship between SSCD and SCR. The study contributes to the operations and supply chain management literature by extending knowledge on SCR. In particular, it suggests that CE enhances the relationship between SSCD and SCR. The study can assist decision-makers in making well-informed decisions by incorporating SSCD and CE data to foster SCR. Research Impact: This study was largely motivated towards achieving supply chain resilience in the turbulent business environment. This research will help extend the understanding of various capabilities and resources required to achieve supply chain resilience. The combination of these capabilities and resources will help the organisations adequately adjust the resources to build robust and resilient supply chains. Keywords: Supply Chain, Resilience, Circular Economy, Sustainability, Supply Chain Desig

A subcortical circuit for time and action: insights from animal research

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