To address the issue of the growing need for measuring populist attitudes, researchers have proposed several instruments with different theoretical backgrounds in conceptualizing the construct. This study aimed to verify the psychometric properties of the recently developed Three-dimensional populist scale by Shultz and her associates. As opposed to scales which define populist attitudes as uni-dimensional constructs, this one is based on the presumption that it is a latent higher-order construct with three distinct first-order dimensions. The convenient sample was comprised of (...) 535 participants, all ethnic Macedonians (53.1% women) from 25 urban (52.6% from the capital city) and 15 rural areas of the country, with average age M = 36.2 (SD = 12.4) and mostly (65%) with completed high school. All participants voluntarily answered the set of selected instruments which included two populist attitudes scales, several other scales the measure related variables and demographic data. The psychometric characteristics of the instrument in this particular cultural context were explored by performing item-analysis, factor analysis and testing the proposed hypotheses generated on the basis of previous relevant research. Results confirmed the three-dimensional structure of the Shultz’s scale with excellent fit indicators, while the Alpha coefficients showed acceptable reliability of the scale and its subscales. The construct dimensions exhibit significant associations with other measures expected to be related to populist attitudes endorsement. It was concluded that the Shultz et al. three-dimensional scale on populist attitudes translated in Macedonian is adequate to be used as a measure of this variable and that its efficacy for predicting electoral choices should be further scrutinized. (shrink)

This research evaluates the psychometric characteristics of the short versionof Generic Conspiracist Beliefs scale (GCB-15) translated in Macedonian language.A convenient online sample of 615 ethnic Macedonians (53.2% women, average ageM=30.6; SD=20.4) from 18 cities participated voluntarily in the data gathering process.The translation process involved two independent interpretations, a back-translation,and consensus discussions.The mean scores for GCB-15 subscales were higher compared to other studies,possibly indicating elevated conspiracist beliefs in this population. The results fromthe exploratory factor analysis suggested a two-factor structure, distinguishing generalconspiracist (...) ideation and extraterrestrial beliefs. The confirmatory factor analysissupported this model over one- or five-factor structures. The Cronbach Alpha indicesindicated acceptable internal consistency of all subscales (from α=.61 to α=.80) and veryhigh one for the overall scale (α=.91). Convergent validity was confirmed by examiningcorrelations with conspiracist mentality and populist attitudes, while discriminant validitywas demonstrated by non-association with emotional intelligence. Criterion-basedvalidity was confirmed by predicting belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theory, whereasknown groups’ validity showed differences in GCB based on education, economic status,and life satisfaction, however, the hypotheses were supported only partially. In conclusion,the GCB-15 translated in Macedonian proves to be a valuable instrument forstudying conspiracist beliefs in this cultural context, offering additional support for itseffectiveness across various cultures. (shrink)

This study examined possible ways to ensure that participants provide fully informed consent for online surveys. Participants were randomly assigned to read either a traditional informed consent or one of three modified versions: enhanced, consent for each key element, or a combination of these two. Those who read the combination version scored higher on a comprehension quiz, guessed at fewer questions, and were more likely to read all of the informed consent than those who received the traditional version. These findings (...) suggest that comprehension can be improved by adopting alternatives to the traditional informed consent. (shrink)

Business Ethics, the Environment &Responsibility, Volume 32, Issue 3, Page 877-881, July 2023.

This paper offers a critical overview of the newly proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive by the European Commission. The aim is to uncover potential opportunities, challenges, gaps, and contradictions, within the directive. We provide insights on how companies can effectively navigate through these issues and leverage upon the directive for more environmentally friendly and ethically sound operations within the global value chain. Ultimately, our aim is to offer researchers, managers, and policymakers a viewpoint on the potential impacts of the (...) new directive on organizations and provide future research directions around responsible corporate conduct across global value chains. (shrink)

This article investigates the pervasive influence of the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan and primarily the attitudes of the medical community toward such interactions. We used an inductive approach informed by grounded theory principles to analyze interviews and focus groups with consultants, residents, medical students, and a pharmaceutical industry representative in Karachi and Lahore, and participant-observation data from two biomedical conferences. Data were then analyzed through a deontological and teleological ethical theoretical framework. Findings highlight the reasons leading to the continuation of (...) norms including weak regulations, physicians’ expectations of receiving favors, and limited exposure to bioethics education. Recommendations for practice, policy, and research are discussed. (shrink)