Human Systems Management - Volume 40, issue 3

Authors: Zhang, Hao | Ding, Mingzhi | Sun, Xiuli

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Upward ingratiation is a universal workplace phenomenon because leaders have more power and resources, which are closely related to the interests of subordinates. This phenomenon is especially common in Chinese culture due to the large power distance between superior and subordinate. Subordinate ingratiation appears to influence supervisors’ affective responses and punishment decisions. OBJECTIVE: The study’s purpose was to analyze the relationship between subordinate ingratiation and supervisor punishment omission in China, as well as the mediating role of interpersonal affect and the moderating role of authentic leadership. METHODS: Data were collected from 389 supervisor-subordinate dyads in …China. The reliability and validity of measurement scales were demonstrated. Multiple regression analyses and bootstrapping tests were used to examine the research model. RESULTS: Subordinate ingratiation is positively related to supervisor punishment omission. Interpersonal affect fully mediates the relationship between subordinate ingratiation and supervisor punishment omission. Authentic leadership negatively moderates the relationships between both subordinate ingratiation and interpersonal affect and subordinate ingratiation and supervisor punishment omission. The moderating effect of authentic leadership between subordinate ingratiation and supervisor punishment omission is partially mediated by interpersonal affect. CONCLUSIONS: The findings contribute to the theory about the effect of ingratiation, with implications for practice and future research. Show more

Keywords: Subordinate ingratiation, punishment omission, interpersonal affect, authentic leadership, social judgment theory

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-190842

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 453-465, 2021

Authors: Drăgoi, Iulia Iovanca | Popescu, Florina Georgeta | Lăzurean, Pompilia Camelia | Anculia, Ramona | Ghigulescu, Melania | Marin, Ioana | Păuncu, Elena-Ana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Modern society work implies computer-based activities generating back pain because of prolonged sitting positions and non-ergonomic postures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the back-pain characteristics in a group of office workers in comparison with potential risk factors. METHODS: The design of the study was retrospective; a group of 109 computer workers with back pain was selected from a private physiotherapy unit between Jan 2018 - Dec 2019. Anthropometric, occupational and behaviour data, symptoms, the diagnosis on the first visit, previous medical diagnosis and specific physical activities were collected from medical records. …RESULTS: The studied group (research sample) is formed of information technology operators, engineers and economists, had the mean age 38.91±10.25, with 14.04±9.12 years seniority at work. Most of them addressed to the physiotherapist directly, or they were referred by their family physician; 60% had MRI investigation on the first physiotherapy visit with no medical referral or diagnosis. The symptoms were not reported to the occupational physician. The back pain appeared independent of BMI; the low back pain had higher prevalence in males. Patients reported 6 months of back pain in 57,8% of all cases. The pain was favoured by continuous activity, more than 4 hours, in the sitting posture. CONCLUSIONS: A complex and interdisciplinary team that included an occupational physician, an ergonomist and a physiotherapist could prevent and control back pain in computer workers. Workplace conditions adaptation, proper physiotherapy and periodical medical check-ups could improve the health status of these workers. Show more

Keywords: Back pain, computer working, physiotherapy, ergonomics, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-201044

Citation: Human Systems Management, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 467-477, 2021