Message Design and Recipients’ Perception in Intercultural Emails: Iraqi Non-Native English Speakers’ Emails to Australian Native Speakers

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This study investigates the relationship between English non-native speakers’ linguistic behaviour in email communication and native speakers’ attitudinal reactions. Authentic email messages were collected from Iraqi non-native English speakers and evaluated by Australian English native speakers in terms of clarity, style, structure and appropriateness. The email messages were analysed at the discourse level and matched with Australian participants’ evaluations. The results showed that in addition to canonical moves of subject line, opening, request and closing, non-canonical moves, such as establishing the background, introducing self, promoting further contact and thanking/appreciating the recipient, were used more frequently in positively evaluated emails than in negatively evaluated ones. The results were discussed in terms of the limitations of email as a text-based communication channel and the role of non-canonical moves in adding positive effect to the email message.

The Effect of Transformational Leadership on Employee Engagement with Perceived Organizational Support as a Mediating Variable

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Employee engagement is a key factor in the success of an organization. One of the government agencies in Bandar Lampung (UPTD) Bandar Lampung has set targets as an integral part of the organization’s program plan, which includes achieving targets. However, the realization of these targets from 2018 to 2022 has fluctuated. This is suspected to be due to insufficient employee engagement in the organization. In this study, employee engagement is influenced by transformational leadership both directly and indirectly through perceived organizational support as a mediating variable. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of transformational leadership on employee engagement, the impact of transformational leadership on perceived organizational support, the impact of perceived organizational support on employee engagement, and whether perceived organizational support mediates the effect of transformational leadership on employee engagement. The sample size for this study is 120 respondents, using a simple random sampling method. The analysis tool used is SEM-AMOS.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to know the effect of transformational leadership on employee engagement with perceived organizational support as a mediating variable.

Patients and methods: Data has been obtained from the answer of questionnaire testing on 120 respondents who were used as samples in research using techniques simple random sampling.

Results: The results of the study show transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement, transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on perceived organizational support, perceived organizational support has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement, and transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on employee engagement through perceived organizational support.

Conclusion: Companies can advised to implement a more effective and structured communication strategy. One important step is to hold regular meetings at all levels of the organization, where leaders actively convey the company’s vision, mission, and goals. Additionally, the organization can conduct anonymous employee surveys, open discussion forums, and suggestion boxes. Management needs to actively listen, respond, and take concrete actions based on employee feedback to build trust and increase engagement. The organization should also create a collaborative and supportive work culture, encourage teamwork by integrating teamwork assessments into performance evaluations, and provide training on leadership and interpersonal skills to enhance employees’ ability to work together.

Students’ Perceptions on Zoom as Alternative to In- person Purposive Communication Classes

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The whole world responded to the need of continuing learning through a safer modality at the onset of the COVID19 pandemic. New and existing online platforms became in-demand to bear the bulk of lessons, teaching, and student engagement. One of the existing online platforms that were favorably used by higher institutions was Zoom. This study investigates on students’ perceptions on Zoom as a possible replacement for face-to-face modality for Purposive Communication (PURPCOM) class in the years ahead even after the ebb of the COVID19 pandemic. A total of 104 college students participated in an online Likert scale survey. Students’ responses regarding the advantages and disadvantages of using Zoom in PURPCOM class were thematically analyzed. The results indicated that an average of 49%-80% of students had a positive perception on using Zoom in their PURPCOM class in terms of their feelings, impact on learning, impact on interaction, and the capacity of Zoom to replace the in-person PURPCOM class. An average of 6% -19% disagreed on using Zoom over in-person class, and the top disadvantage of Zoom is the issue of poor internet connection. It is recommended that the survey be given to additional number of respondents in order to get a more accurate data on students’ perceptions in using Zoom as a replacement for the in-person PURPCOM class in future academic terms.

Career Perspectives and Pathways: A Multi-Method Clustering Analysis of First-year Business Students

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This study examines first-year business students’ career perspectives and pathways through the lens of clustering analysis. Using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), K-means, and Hierarchical Clustering techniques, the data reveals three distinct student clusters: a goal-oriented group focused on traditional business careers, an exploratory cluster still discovering their passions, and a smaller segment of passion-driven individuals pursuing specialized or innovative career paths. Positioning these clusters along the dimensions of career perspectives and career paths provides insights into the diversity of first-year business students. The study concludes that business schools must implement tailored career exploration programs, structured mentorship opportunities, and entrepreneurship-specific initiatives targeting this diverse cohort’s unique needs and aspirations. Fostering this holistic ecosystem to celebrate the diversity of career outlooks will better position first-year business students for long-term success and fulfillment in the evolving business landscape.

Exploring Online Education in South African Correctional Centres: Perspectives from ODEL students

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Higher education in Southern Africa is in an era that has transcended the traditional boundaries of space and time.  This chapter aims to explore the experiences and difficulties of officials and incarcerated offenders in South African correctional facilities, who are taking online classes in Open Distance Electronic Learning (ODEL) institutions like the University of South Africa (UNISA).

This chapter employed a qualitative desktop research method which involves analysing secondary data that includes previously published academic articles, media reports, and policies from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

The main findings demonstrate the considerable obstacles faced by institutionalized ODEL learning. The major themes of student challenges include 1. Limited Access to Computers and the Internet (for safety concerns). 2. Low levels of Digital Literacy. 3. Insufficient Individualised Student Support, and conversely, 4. Recognition of Online Learning Benefits. The significance of the study is that it offers valuable insight for shaping and promoting more inclusive student support strategies by attending to the diverse needs of students in non-traditional learning environments. The study also highlights how crucial it is to create digital literacy initiatives and expand access to technology infrastructure to guarantee that all students succeed in online learning in the Southern Africa region.