Ting Zhang’s research while affiliated with Wuhan University and other places

The current research investigated the factor structure, measurement invariance, internal consistency reliability, convergent and incremental validity, and test-retest reliability of the Chinese version of the Encouragement Character Strength Scale (ECSS). The bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling (bifactor-ESEM) resulted in the best-fit indices and unbiased parameter estimates with the joint presence of the general encouragement character strength factor and the two specific factors (i.e., perceived ability and enjoyment). The total and factor scores of the ECSS showed good internal consistency reliability in all samples. Measurement invariance across gender was confirmed. In support of their convergent validity, the ECSS scores showed strong associations with measures of kindness, hope, social connectedness, extroversion, agreeableness, and psychological well-being. After controlling the variables of kindness, hope, social connectedness, extroversion, and agreeableness, the ECSS showed incremental validity for psychological well-being. Test-retest reliability was established for the total and factor scores of the ECSS. Overall, the Chinese version of the ECSS seems to be an effective and dependable scale for measuring the encouragement character strength construct.

To improve our understanding of the bright side and the dark side of political ties and determine the processes linking political ties to firm performance in emerging markets, we investigate the underlying mechanism of political ties’ effects from the perspective of dynamic capability theory and institutional theory. We posit that reduced market-focused innovation capability and strengthened legitimacy mediate the effect of political ties on firm performance. In addition, to capture the nature of the relationship between political ties and performance, we adopt a contingency perspective in our examination of the moderating roles of legal enforceability and competitive intensity. Specifically, we suggest that legal enforceability buffers the negative impact of political ties on market-focused innovation capability but mitigates the positive impact of political ties on firm legitimacy. Moreover, competitive intensity enhances the positive impact of market-focused innovation capability and firm legitimacy on firm performance. We test our hypotheses using a survey with 362 respondents in China. In conclusion, our findings provide important insights into how Chinese firms effectively utilize political ties to improve their performance.