Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS) (Journal of UniSZA - Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin)
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Interactional quality as an antecedent of patient attitudes: Evidence from an army hospital in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Interactional quality between service providers and patients plays a critical role in shaping patient attitudes, as evidenced by numerous quality management studies in the 21st century. While this relationship has been widely explored in public and private healthcare settings, limited research addresses the impact of interactional quality in army hospitals. This study aims to examine the influence of interactional quality on patient attitudes in this unique organizational context.
Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing data collected through 212 self-administered questionnaires from patients at an army hospital in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS to evaluate the measurement and structural models.
Findings: Structural equation modeling revealed that key interactional quality attributes—responsiveness, assurance, and empathy—are significant predictors of patient attitudes, specifically satisfaction and loyalty.
Contributions: This study underscores the importance of fostering high-quality interactions between employees and patients to enhance service performance in army hospitals. The findings suggest that responsiveness, assurance, and empathy are critical components for building patient satisfaction and loyalty. These insights can inform the development of patient relationship management programs and guide practitioners in improving interactional quality within daily service delivery.
Keywords: Interactional quality, patient satisfaction, patient loyalty, army hospital
Leadership spectrum construed in inaugural speeches by Malaysian and French prime ministers
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Language serves as a powerful tool of discourse utilized in various contexts, including leadership. Inaugural speeches, delivered by leaders as introductory addresses to their audiences, represent a significant form of discourse across cultures. These speeches center on leadership themes, which both reflect and shape social dynamics. This study aims to analyze the leadership spectrum—specifically attributes and agendas—constructed in discourse through linguistic and social perspectives.
Methodology: The study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), as conceptualized by Fairclough (2010), to compare the inaugural speeches of Malaysia’s Ninth Prime Minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and France’s Twenty-Fifth Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne.
Findings: Analysis identified 21 clauses across the speeches, revealing five leadership attributes and six agendas. While some attributes were shared between the two leaders, differences emerged in other attributes and agendas. These variations were further contextualized within the distinct social environments of Malaysia and France.
Contributions: This study advances Malaysia-France comparative research and enriches the analysis of inaugural speeches. It provides insights into the nuanced leadership spectrum as reflected in the discourses of Malaysian and French leaders, offering a critical discourse analysis perspective to illuminate the interplay between language, leadership, and society.
Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, inaugural speech, leadership spectrum, Malaysia, France
Mitigating respondent fatigue in self-assessment: CEFR-based items for Malaysian undergraduates
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognised instrument for describing language skills. It describes language proficiency on a six-level scale, ranging from A1 for beginners to C2 for those who have already mastered a language. The roadmap in the Malaysian Education Plan 2013-2025 sets B2 as the target for Malaysian higher education graduates as this is the level at which they can expect to get a job and function adequately in English, while graduates of English language degree programmes are expected to reach C1 when they graduate. The aim of this study is to test and verify whether it is appropriate to use only the items from B2, C1 and C2 to measure the language proficiency of Malaysian students to avoid respondent fatigue in answering the questionnaire.
Methodology: A proportionate stratified random sampling method was used and four strata were defined: Strata I and II were male and female students in public institutions, Strata III and IV were male and female students in private institutions. The instrument used was a questionnaire containing demographic profiles and eight items from the CEFR Global Self-Assessment Grid. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were conducted using SPSS.
Findings: The eigenvalue of 7.263 with factor loadings between 0.774 and 0.854 and the Cronbach’s alpha value for language ability of over 0.9 indicate excellent reliability of the selected items. The study found that Malaysian university students were good at understanding and discussing personal information, events, opinions and plans. However, they found it difficult to understand complex and longer texts, to use language flexibly in social and academic settings and to express themselves without constantly asking for feedback. As the current education system focuses too much on memorization, it does not contribute to the development of practical language skills. In order to improve, students should use the CEFR as a self-assessment tool.
Contributions: The findings of the study contribute to the understanding of the optimization of the CEFR framework in Malaysian higher education by reducing respondent fatigue and improving the quality of self-assessment. The study provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness of using CEFR-based items at B2, C1 and C2 levels in reducing fatigue, improving the quality of self-assessment and informing language teaching and learning practices. The findings can assist educators and policy makers in developing more effective language teaching and assessment strategies that promote student learning outcomes and ultimately improve the language education of Malaysian students.
Keywords: CEFR rubric, ESL, self-assessment, perceived language proficiency, answering fatigue
Exploring the manifestations of second language writing anxiety in master’s level dissertation writing: A multiple-case study
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Past studies have reported a negative correlation between second language writing anxiety (henceforth, as SLWA) and writing performance, but little information is available on the underlying mechanism. Therefore, the study aimed to improve understanding of how and why SLWA could influence writing performance as the connection appears stronger in L2 settings. Thus, this paper describes how SLWA may manifest in master’s level dissertation writing.
Methodology: In this multiple-case study, four Malaysian postgraduate students were selected as participants using purposeful sampling and the data was obtained through a combination of in-depth interviews, personal document analysis, audio journals, and supporting instruments (i.e., academic reading survey and Foreign Language Reading Anxiety Scale).
Findings: The thematic data analysis revealed the following themes: 1) students’ perceived sources of SLWA are their present reasonings; 2) L2 dissertation writing has contextual significance on SLWA when students are reviewing existing literature, conceptualizing research, and writing; and 3) performance appraisal, self-perception, and cognitive dissonance link SLWA to writing performance.
Contributions: This paper promotes a greater understanding of SLWA to inform efforts to improve student performance and motivation in dissertation writing. The paper also highlights important pedagogical, practical, and methodological implications.
Keywords: Second language writing anxiety, master’s level dissertation writing, ESL context, dissertation writing issues, multiple-case study
Investigating the impact of audit committee attributes on company performance: a Malaysian focus
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: This study examines the relationship between selected audit committee attributes—gender diversity, size, meetings, independence, and expertise—and company performance, assessed through return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). As a key corporate governance mechanism, audit committees play a crucial role in enhancing corporate efficiency and positively influencing company performance.
Methodology: This quantitative cross-sectional study is grounded in agency theory, focusing on public listed companies under Bursa Malaysia. Secondary data were collected from the corporate annual reports of 106 companies and the Eikon database for the period 2018–2020. The data were analyzed using Pearson Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression in SPSS.
Findings: The analysis revealed a positive correlation between gender diversity and size with company performance, while meetings, independence, and expertise showed no significant relationship with performance. Additionally, gender diversity and size demonstrated a significant impact on company performance, whereas no substantial relationship was found for (i) meetings and independence or (ii) expertise and company performance. These findings suggest that gender diversity and size are critical audit committee attributes for enhancing company performance.
Contributions: The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing corporate governance structures and inform regulatory authorities on the importance of fostering gender diversity and appropriately sizing audit committees to improve organizational performance.
Keywords: Audit committee, corporate governance, company performance, Malaysia
Cumulative provocation in domestic violence against women: A comparative analysis between Malaysia and England and Wales
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: In Malaysia, there is no specific defence for female victims of domestic violence who in the unfortunate event killed their abusive partners due to provocation. In this instance, they can raise the defence of provocation as expressly stated in Exception 1 to section 300 of the Penal Code (Exception 1). Since the defence was not formulated specifically in the context of domestic violence, the application of the defence may not be able to appreciate the uniqueness of female victims of domestic violence. One notable issue is that of cumulative provocation. Exception 1 is silent as to the legal status of cumulative provocation. However, there have been cases where the accused raised cumulative provocation as a defence against the offence of murder. The research therefore, aims to analyse the legal position of cumulative provocation in Malaysia.
Methodology: This research employed a doctrinal legal research approach, conducting a thorough analysis of relevant laws, including the Penal Code (Act 574), Homicide Act 1957 (HA 1957), and the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (CJA 2009). In addition to statutory analysis, an examination of case law was undertaken to gain insights into the court’s interpretation of the legal status of cumulative provocation. Furthermore, scholarly writings in this field were examined to provide a thorough understanding of the subject.
Findings: The decisions of the Federal Court’s cases of Che Omar bin Che Akhir v Public Prosecutor [2007] 4 MLJ 309 and Public Prosecutor v Surbir Gole [2017] 2 CLJ 621 show that cumulative provocation does not fall under Exception 1. This might lead the court to look only at the events that took place immediately before the killing as a single act. This can lead to a perception that the accused’s response, including female victims of domestic violence to provocation is not sufficiently grave. Hence, it is proposed that the cumulative provocation is given statutory recognition under Exception 1 which allows the circumstances of the accused to be taken into account by the court in deciding the defence of provocation.
Contributions: This research contributes to the corpus of legal knowledge on cumulative provocation in domestic violence against women within the legal framework of the criminal justice system.
Keywords: Provocation, murder, cumulative provocation, defence & penal code
Exploring the interwoven themes of gender dynamics and societal challenges in Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns: A critical analysis
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: This study delves into the portrayal of gender equality and women's empowerment in Khaled Hosseini's novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, within the context of Afghan society. Recognizing the significance of literature as a mirror reflecting societal realities, this research aims to explore the multifaceted experiences of female protagonists navigating oppressive patriarchal structures and uncover the complexities of gender inequality and women's agency depicted in the novel.
Methodology: Employing thematic analysis, I conducted an in-depth examination of character dynamics, societal norms, and narrative elements present in A Thousand Splendid Suns. Through a systematic exploration of themes and patterns within the text, the study elucidates the nuanced complexities of gender discrimination and women's resilience in the face of adversity. Data collection involves close reading and interpretation of the novel, supplemented by theoretical engagement with relevant literature on gender studies and Afghan society. The qualitative approach allows for a rich exploration of the experiences and perspectives of female characters within the narrative context.
Findings: The findings of the analysis illuminate the pervasive discrimination, violence, and systemic oppression faced by Afghan women as depicted in the novel. Characters like Mariam and Laila exemplify the intersectionality of gender with other axes of oppression, such as class and ethnicity, highlighting the interconnected nature of social hierarchies. Despite the challenges they face, female characters demonstrate resilience and determination in challenging societal norms and asserting their autonomy. The narrative underscores the transformative power of education as a catalyst for women's empowerment, inspiring others to advocate for systemic change and justice.
Contributions: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and societal challenges prevalent in Afghan culture by scrutinizing the complexities of gender portrayal in literature. By shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of female characters, the research underscores the importance of promoting gender equality and women's empowerment as fundamental principles of social justice and human rights. Ultimately, A Thousand Splendid Suns serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative potential of solidarity in the face of oppression and adversity.
Keywords: Oppressive male dominance, Khaled Hosseini, gender equality, women’s empowerment, A Thousand Splendid Sun
Can artificial intelligence preferences be an alternative to human linguistic choices? A multidimensional analysis of research abstracts of English linguistics
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: The rapid advancements in generative AI have heightened the importance of understanding its capacity to emulate human language conventions. This study aims to analyze the feasibility of applying AI technology in language production by comparing the lexico-grammatical features of abstracts generated by ChatGPT with those written by British and American researchers.
Methodology: Forty research papers were selected for analysis, with 20 authored by researchers affiliated with UK universities and 20 by those affiliated with American universities. All papers were sourced from journals ranked in the first quartile of the Web of Science and Scopus. Using the titles of these selected works, 40 abstracts were generated by ChatGPT. For each article, the title was provided to ChatGPT, prompting it to create an abstract. The resulting texts were analyzed using Biber’s (1991) multivariate model, which examines five dimensions of discourse: Informational vs. Involved, Narrative vs. Non-narrative, Explicit vs. Situation-dependent, Overt expression of argumentation/persuasion, and Impersonal/Abstract vs. Non-impersonal/Non-abstract style.
Findings: The analysis revealed that abstracts generated by ChatGPT tend to be more information-centric, non-narrative, argumentative, and less abstract in style compared to those written by human researchers.
Contributions: This study highlights the potential for further advancements in AI to produce language that more closely resembles human language. The findings provide valuable insights into the current capabilities and limitations of generative AI in academic language production.
Keywords: Abstracts, ChatGPT, lexico-grammatical patterns, multidimensional analysis, research articles
Examining exemplar elements of selected Malaysian higher education institutions’ academic integrity policy: Document analysis based evidence
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: This study examined the comprehensiveness and sufficiency of selected Malaysian higher education institutions’ academic integrity (AI) policies. The investigation of eight public and private universities’ AI policies was guided by the five core elements of the exemplar AI policy framework developed by Bretag, Mahmud, Wallace, Walker, James, Green, East, McGowan and Partridge (2011).
Methodology: This qualitative research focused on document analysis of purposively selected eight AI policies. The five core elements that guided the document analysis are access, approach, responsibility, detail and support. The data collected from document analysis was analysed via NVivo 11 software.
Findings: Public universities are educative-based, and private universities practice a punitive approach. All universities provide access to the AI documents to the university community and public, implement ad hoc basis education, awareness campaigns and modules to support the AI agenda and encourage responsibility among the staff and students to curb academic dishonesty. As for details, universities differ in terms of the amount and type of information provided in the documents.
Contributions: The study’s findings provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening institutional policies and advocate for a standardised national AI policy to ensure consistency and academic rigour.
Keywords: Academic integrity policy, core elements of exemplar, document analysis, Malaysian higher education institutions
The effect of spiritual leadership on primary and secondary school teachers’ professional well-being: The mediating role of career calling
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: The teaching profession is recognized as a high-intensity and high-stress occupation, and teachers’ professional well-being is being greatly challenged. To enhance teachers' professional well-being, researchers have begun to explore influence mechanisms from the perspective of leadership style. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of principals' spiritual leadership on primary and secondary school teachers' professional well-being in the Chinese context.
Methodology: The data in this study was analysed using a cross-sectional survey approach. Questionnaires were distributed to school teachers in Heze City, Shandong Province. Eventually, 380 participants were identified to be suitable for the study. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS and SmartPLS 4.0.9.5 software, specifically adopting the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.
Findings: The results indicated a significant positive relationship between spiritual leadership, career calling, and teachers' professional well-being, and that career calling mediated the relationship between spiritual leadership and teachers' professional well-being.
Contributions: This study highlights how spiritual leadership enhances teachers' sense of calling, ultimately contributing to their professional well-being. The study advances the body of knowledge by identifying the causal relationships between spiritual leadership, career calling, and teachers' professional well-being.
Keywords: Spiritual leadership, professional well-being, career calling, primary and secondary school teachers, mediating effect