Showing papers in "Personnel Psychology in 1998"

An empirical assessment of data collection using the internet

Abstract: Identical questionnaire items were used to gather data from 2 samples of employees. One sample (n= 50) responded to a survey implemented on the World Wide Web. Another sample (n= 181) filled out a paper version of the survey. Analyses of the 2 data sets supported an exploration of the viability of World Wide Web data collection. The World Wide Web data had fewer missing values than the paper and pencil data. A covariance analysis simultaneously conducted in both samples indicated similar covariance structures among the tested variables. The costs and benefits of using access controls to improve sampling are discussed. Four applications that do not require such access controls are discussed.

Expatriates' psychological withdrawal from international assignments: work, nonwork, and family influences

Abstract: Integrating the expatriate adjustment and employee turnover literatures, we develop a model of expatriates' decisions to quit their assignments. This model explicitly considers the role of adjustment, the project-based nature of international assignments, and the importance of several nonwork and family context factors in this withdrawal process. We test this model with a sample of 452 expatriates and a matched subsample (providing multiple sources of data) of 224 expatriates and spouses, living in 45 countries. Consistent with domestic turnover research, multiple regression analyses indicated that the work-related factors of job satisfaction and organizational commitment were significant predictors of expatriate withdrawal cognitions. We also found support for the direct, indirect, and moderating influence of nonwork satisfaction and several family context variables (i.e., family responsibility, spouse adjustment, spouse overall satisfaction, and living conditions) on decisions of expatriates to quit their assignments. Implications for both organizational withdrawal and international HRM researchers and practitioners are discussed.

Toward an integrated model of work experience.

Abstract: Work experience and related concepts such as tenure and seniority have been and continue to be used extensively in a variety of human resource functions. However, research on experience has proceeded without a clear theoretical orientation, adequate consideration of contextual and individual factors, and appropriate attention to measurement and design. These issues are addressed and a model of the work experience construct is offered. Work experience is described as consisting of qualitative and quantitative components that exist at different levels of specification and which interact and accrue over time. The model provides a nomological net for the experience construct linking it to contextual and individual factors critical for the development of experience and its translation into immediate outcomes of work-based knowledge, skills, attitudes, and motivation, and secondary outcomes such as performance. The model provides a basis for specific research propositions and human resource applications that consider work experience as a multidimensional, multilevel, and temporally dynamic construct.

Influences of The Virtual Office on Aspects of Work and Work/Life Balance

Abstract: Millions of employees now use portable electronic tools to do their jobs from a “virtual office” with extensive flexibility in the timing and location of work. However, little scholarly research exists about the effects of this burgeoning work form. This study of IBM employees explored influences of the virtual office on aspects of work and work/life balance as reported by virtual office teleworkers (n = 157) and an equivalent group of traditional office workers (n= 89). Qualitative analyses revealed the perception of greater productivity, higher morale, increased flexibility and longer work hours due to telework, as well as an equivocal influence on work/life balance and a negative influence on teamwork. Using a quasi-experimental design, quantitative multivariate analyses supported the qualitative findings related to productivity, flexibility and work/life balance. However, multivariate analyses failed to support the qualitative findings for morale, teamwork and work hours. This study highlights the need for a multi-method approach, including both qualitative and quantitative elements, when studying telework.

Self‐other agreement: does it really matter?

Abstract: A current controversy in the self-other rating and 360-degree feedback literature is the extent to which self-other agreement (and lack of agreement) has an impact on individual and organizational outcomes. Using a large sample and a multi-source data set, the current study addressed some methodological limitations of prior research. Results from polynomial regression analyses demonstrated that both self- and other ratings are related to performance outcomes. This procedure revealed the underlying three-dimensional relationship between self-ratings, other ratings, and effectiveness. Findings indicate that the relationship between self-ratings, other ratings and outcomes are somewhat more complex than previous conceptualizations in this area. Simultaneous consideration of both self- and other ratings in terms of the direction and magnitude of self- and other ratings is important for explaining effectiveness outcomes.

Differential effects of learner effort and goal orientation on two learning outcomes

Abstract: Ti-aining research is beginning to examine the trainee as an active participant in the learning process. One component of this process involves the choices learners make about the effort they will apply to the learning task. Learner effort was examined in two ways: amount of effort and type of effort. Both amount and type of effort were measured in multiple ways. The results indicated that mastery orientation and time on task were the strongest predictors of performance on the knowledge learning outcome, while perceived mental workload and the use of an example during learning predicted performance on the application learning outcome. Implications for training practice and research are discussed. Given the substantial investment in time and resources devoted to training and education every year, psychologists in many disciplines have investigated influences on individual learning. Learning is typically defined as "a relatively permanent change in knowledge or skill produced by experience" (Weiss, 1990, p. 172). In organizationa l settings, we are often interested in knowledge and skill acquisition and retention as a function of some training experience (Baldwin & Ford, 1988; Goldstein, 1993). Much of training research has focused on the learner as a passive recipient rather than an active participant to various interventions or designs (Ford & Kraiger, 1995). The training literature has begun to examine the impact of increasing the level of participation of trainees in their own training. Most of this research has examined pretraining activities such as increasing trainee participation in the identification of training needs, the determination of the training content, the design of This article is based on the first author's master's thesis, conducted under the supervision of Kevin Ford at Michigan State University. An earlier version of this article was presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, San Diego, CA.

Five reasons why the “big five” article has been frequently cited

Abstract: This study investigated the relation of the “Big Five” personality dimensions (Extraversion, Emotional Stability, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience) to three job performance criteria (job proficiency, training proficiency, and personnel data) for five occupational groups (professionals, police, managers, sales, and skill/semi-skilled). Results indicated that one dimension of personality, Conscientiousness, showed consistent relations with all job performance criteria for all occupational groups. For the remaining personality dimensions, the estimated true score correlations varied by occupational group and criterion type. Extraversion was a valid predictor for two occupations involving social interaction, managers and sales (across criterion types). Also, both Openness to Experience and Extraversion were valid predictors of the training proficiency criterion (across occupations). Other personality dimensions were also found to be valid predictors for some occupations and some criterion types, but the magnitude of the estimated true score correlations was small (p <10). Overall, the results illustrate the benefits of using the 5-factor model of personality to accumulate and communicate empirical findings. The findings have numerous implications for research and practice in personnel psychology, especially in the subfields of personnel selection, training and development, and performance appraisal.

Career self‐management: a quasi‐experimental assessment of the effects of a training intervention

Abstract: A growing trend is to encourage employees to become actively involved in the management of their own careers. Career self-management, the degree to which one regularly gathers information and plans for career problem solving and decision making, includes two main behaviors: developmental feedback seeking and job mobility preparedness. Although career self-management training is a commonly used employer intervention to re-socialize individuals to increase their own career management activity, it is rarely rigorously evaluated. Relying on an expectancy theory framework, the goal of this study was to evaluate the general effects of career self-management training using a quasi-experimental design. Based on data from several hundred professionals at a major U.S. employer, the results showed formal training efforts were generally not successful in resocializing people to engage in career self-management activities, and when done as an isolated human resource strategy, decreased trainees' likelihood of engaging in career self-management behaviors. To the extent that Time 2 expectancy perceptions got worse, the results showed that an individual's attitudes toward feedback seeking mediated the relationship between the training intervention and the level of preparation for job mobility conducted 6-8 months following the training.

Turnover and retirement: a comparison of their similarities and differences

Abstract: This study sought to demonstrate that turnover and retirement intentions were distinct forms of organizational withdrawal and to empirically examine the similarities and differences between their antecedents. In a sample of 375 (126 men and 247 women) working adults, a confirmatory factor analysis supported the contention that items measuring turnover intent and retirement intent were related to 2 separate constructs. In addition, the correlation between the 2 measures was low and not significant. The influence of common and unique variables that influence turnover intent and retirement intent were then examined. The results suggested that there were significant differences between the predictors of turnover intentions and retirement intentions. These findings suggest that there are important differences between turnover and retirement and it is necessary to treat them separately for some purposes.

Trait, rater and level effects in 360‐degree performance ratings

Abstract: Method and trait effects in multitrait-multirater (MTMR) data were examined in a sample of 2,350 managers who participated in a developmental feedback program. Managers rated their own performance and were also rated by two subordinates, two peers, and two bosses. The primary purpose of the study was to determine whether method effects are associated with the level of the rater (boss, peer, subordinate, self) or with each individual rater, or both. Previous research which has tacitly assumed that method effects are associated with the level of the rater has included only one rater from each level; consequently, method effects due to the rater's level may have been confounded with those due to the individual rater. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, the present results revealed that of the five models tested, the best fit was the 10-factor model which hypothesized 7 method factors (one for each individual rater) and 3 trait factors. These results suggest that method variance in MTMR data is more strongly associated with individual raters than with the rater's level. Implications for research and practice pertaining to multirater feedback programs are discussed.

Personality characteristics of job applicants and success in screening interviews

Abstract: Although there is substantial evidence that personality constructs are valid predictors of job performance, there is less systematic evidence of how personality characteristics relate to success in the interviewing process. Measures of the Big Five personality markers were obtained from a sample of graduating college seniors (n= 83) who were engaged in a job search. At a later time these students reported the strategies used in the job search and success in generating follow-up interviews and job offers. Extraversion, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness were positively related to the use of social sources (e.g., talking to others) to prepare for interviews. Conscientiousness was positively related to the use of non-social preparation. Use of social sources for preparation for initial interviews was positively related to the likelihood of receiving follow-up interviews and job offers. The results suggest that personality is related to interviewee's success in part through actions taken well before the interviewing process begins and in part through the interviewers' inferences of the applicants' personality during the interview.

Hearing it through the grapevine: the influence of source, leader‐relations, and legitimacy on survivors' fairness perceptions

Abstract: This study developed and tested a model of survivors' fairness perceptions. Data on leader-member relations and affective commitment was collected from 217 R&D professionals approximately 15 months prior to a major layoff. A second wave of data assessed source of layoff announcement, legitimacy of the organizational account, and procedural and distributive fairness 1 month after the layoff occurred. Results of path analysis confirmed hypothesized relationships, and the variance accounted for in distributive and procedural fairness was 24% and 48%, respectively. Procedural fairness was higher for survivors who were informed of impending layoffs by their managers. However, this effect was stronger for high than for low leader-member exchange (LMX) employees. Legitimacy of the account was positively related to procedural fairness. Distributive fairness was indirectly related to the independent variables through procedural fairness. Affective commitment of 78 of the original respondents was assessed approximately 24 months after the layoff. Post-layoff affective commitment was significantly related to procedural but not to distributive fairness perceptions. The findings underscore the critical role of direct supervisors in layoff announcements as well as providing evidence of the long-term effects of procedural fairness on survivor commitment.

The substantive nature of performance variability: predicting interindividual differences in intraindividual performance

Abstract: The nature of intraindividual performance variability over time, along with individual difference predictors of such variability, was examined using latent growth curve methodology. Quarterly sales performance for a sample of securities analysts (n= 303) was measured at 8 times. Average intraindividual performance approximated a basic “learning” curve, although there were considerable individual differences in each of the latent performance growth parameters. Individual difference predictors from a biodata inventory were moderately related to these latent growth parameters. Theoretical and practical implications of performance variability for personnel selection are also discussed.

A framework for understanding pre‐practice conditions and their impact on learning

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe a framework for delineating those conditions that might affect the utility and effectiveness of practice in training. The framework includes factors that occur prior to, during, and after practice. Pre-practice conditions, such as attentional advice, advance organizers, goal orientation, and pre-training briefs, are designed to make the time spent in practice more efficient and useful. This paper first reviews the existing literature concerning the pre-practice conditions that have been identified. Next, a description of the underlying mechanisms for each pre-practice condition is suggested, and a set of propositions regarding these conditions is offered. Finally, past findings are summarized regarding pre-practice conditions and provide an agenda for future research.

Family‐friendly backlash–fact or fiction? the case of organizations on‐site child care centers

Abstract: Employer offerings of on-site child care benefits have grown tremendously in the past few decades; both beneficial and detrimental effects on worker attitudes and behaviors have been noted. Some research suggests that offering on-site child care benefits can cause resentment among childless workers and/or workers with children who do not use the center. In a field sample of 271 employees, current and past use of the on-site child care center, as well as anticipated future use of the on-site child care center, were related to more positive proximal reactions such as attitudes closely related to the on-site child care center, but not to more general attitudes or behaviors. Results indicate that any “family-friendly backlash” may be limited to proximal reactions. These findings are discussed in light of organizational justice theories.

Interactive video assessment of conflict resolution skills

Abstract: In this research we developed and validated an interactive video assessment of conflict resolution skills. A model of conflict management was used to develop the conflict scenarios and part of the scoring key. Computer assessments of conflict resolution skills and two cognitive abilities were administered to 347 supervisors and job performance ratings were collected from their managers. The conflict skills assessment was found to be significantly related to supervisory ratings of on-the-job performance in managing conflict but to be unrelated to the measures of cognitive ability. In addition, the conflict skills assessment had no adverse impact for women. The implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed.

Testing the durability of job characteristics as predictors of absenteeism over a six‐year period

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to test the relationships between job characteristics and absence over a 6-year period Civilian employees from a large military organization participated The results indicated that job characteristics continued to correlate significantly with a measure of absence frequency up to 6 years after the job characteristics had been assessed The job characteristics measures also correlated significantly with a measure of time-lost absenteeism Regression analyses revealed that job characteristics predicted absence frequency significantly over a 6-year period and time-lost absence for up to 4 years after job characteristics were assessed The magnitudes of these relationships remained fairly constant across time Results from regression analyses controlling for demographic variables indicated that job characteristics predicted time-lost and absence frequency for most years Competence and need for achievement failed to moderate the job characteristics-absence relationships

Healthy, wealthy, or wise: Predicting actual acceptances of early retirement incentives at three points in time.

Abstract: Using a sample of several thousand faculty members and multiple measures of health, wealth, and productivity, this study examines the predictors of actual acceptance of 3 successive early retirement incentive offers. Consistent with previous research, the results here suggest that poorer health, lower salary, and higher pension benefits were significantly related to early retirement decisions. In addition, the results suggest that faculty members who planned on working part time after retirement and who expected there would be no future incentive programs were more likely to accept early retirement offers, while those with higher productivity and with spouses still in the workforce were less likely to do so. Implications for future research on early retirement and for the design of early retirement programs are discussed as well.

An exploratory investigation into theoretical mechanisms underlying realistic job previews

Abstract: This research explored complex theories about why realistic job previews (RJPs) deter turnover. After designing an RJP booklet about nursing work, we delivered this RJP to 82 newly hired nurses during orientation, while presenting a traditional recruitment brochure to 76 other nurses. Nurses also completed surveys on two occasions, assessing processes commonly thought to translate RJP influence: met expectations; commitment; perceived employer caring; coping efficacy; and value orientation. The RJP lowered voluntary quits: 8.5% of nurses given previews quit versus 17.8% of control nurses (p ≤ .10). Using structural equation methodology (SEM), we compared two integrative formulations portraying different structural networks among mechanisms behind RJP influence. Observed data appeared more consistent with an interdependent than independent mediating process model. In particular, these data suggest that met expectations have direct and indirect effects through other mediators (e.g., organizational concern and coping) on turnover precursors–namely, job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

The role of cognitive ability in the subgroup differences and incremental validity of assessment center exercises

Abstract: This study investigates the degree to which subgroup (Black-White) mean differences on various assessment center exercises (e.g., in-basket, role play) may be a function of the type of exercise employed; and furthermore, begins to explore why these different types of exercises result in subgroup differences. The sample consisted of 633 participants who completed a managerial assessment center that evaluated them on 14 ability dimensions across 7 different types of assessment exercises. In addition, each participant completed a cognitive ability measure. The results suggest that subgroup differences varied by type of assessment exercise; and furthermore that the subgroup difference appeared to be a function of the cognitive component of the exercise. Lastly, preliminary support is found that the validity of some of the assessment center exercises in predicting supervisor ratings of job performance is based, in part, on their cognitive component; however, evidence of incremental validity does exist.

Relations between different sources of information in the structured selection interview

Abstract: In this study we explored relations between visual cues displayed by interviewees, the content of their answers to interview questions, and supervisory ratings of performance. Sixty managers at 4 companies answered structured interview questions on videotape. Their supervisors assessed their performance on dimensions of managerial effectiveness. Three groups of student raters either watched the videotaped interviews without sound (visual information only), read transcripts of interviewees' answers to questions (content only), or watched and listened to the interviews (complete information) and then made judgments on the same dimensions of managerial effectiveness. Interviewees' specific nonverbal cues were also measured. Results indicate that visual cues have an effect on interview ratings above and beyond the content of responses. Nonverbal cues such as gaze and physical attractiveness seem to have an effect on both visually based and content-based interview ratings. Furthermore, it is the integration of both verbal and nonverbal information that has the strongest relationship with performance ratings.

A comparison of russian and u.s. pay allocation decisions, distributive justice judgments, and productivity under different payment conditions

Abstract: This article reports the results of two studies of pay-related attitudes and behaviors of Russian and U.S. managers and students. In a pay allocation role play, managers in both countries place primary emphasis on individual performance (equity) and secondary emphasis on coworker relations and equality. In addition, Russian managerial subjects utilized need in their pay allocations. In a series of experiments, both Russian and U.S. students preferred the equity rule, although there were no productivity effects across different allocation rules. Procedural justice effects were also observed. Implications for pay practices are examined.

Test preparation programs in selection contexts: self-selection and program effectiveness

Abstract: Research examining coaching effects on test performance and other outcomes in selection settings has been limited despite an increase in test orientation programs. This study examined factors potentially related to self-selection into a test preparation program, the outcomes of such a program, and the differential effectiveness of the program. Attendees were more likely to be female, African American, and low in Stress Tolerance. After considering potential differences due to self-selection, attendance was unrelated to ability test performance, anxiety, or motivation levels. No evidence of the differential effectiveness of the program based on characteristics of attendees was found. Implications for research and practice related to test preparation programs in selection contexts are discussed.

Research on occupational stress: an unfinished enterprise

Abstract: Job stress (and more generally, employee health) has been a relatively neglected area of research among industrial-organizational psychologists. The empirical research that has been done is reviewed within the context of six facets (i.e., environmental, personal, process, human consequences, organizational consequences, and time) of a seven facet conceptualization of the job stress–employee health research domain. (The seventh facet, adaptive responses, is reviewed in the forthcoming second article of this series.) A general and a sequential model are proposed for tying the facets together. It is concluded that some of the major problems of the research in this area are: confusion in the use of terminology regarding the elements of job stress, relatively weak methodology within specific studies, the lack of systematic approaches in the research, the lack of interdisciplinary approaches, and the lack of attention to many elements of the specific facets.

Antecedents of interview interactions, interviewers' ratings, and applicants' reactions

Abstract: This study examined the effects of two antecedents–interviewers' perceived screening-recruiting priorities and training–on interview interactions and outcomes. Data from 39 interview transcripts, 364 interviewer evaluations, and 106 applicant surveys were analyzed. Results showed that recruitment-oriented interviewers talked 50% more, volunteered twice as much information, and asked half as many questions as did joint-focus or screening-oriented interviewers. Trained interviewers asked more secondary, open, and performance-differentiating questions than did untrained interviewers and were less likely to discuss non-job-related topics. The untrained (but not the trained) interviewers became significantly harsher in their evaluations as their orientations shifted from recruitment to screening. Although applicants detected behavioral differences by interviewers' orientations and training, these differences did not affect their attraction to interviewers' organizations. Research and practical implications are highlighted.

Patterns of leadership behavior related to employee grievances and turnover: some post hoc reflections

Abstract: This study investigates some relationships between the leader behavior of industrial supervisors and the behavior of their group members. It represents an extension of earlier studies carried out at the International Harvester Company, while the authors were with the Ohio State University Leadership Studies.

Parallel test form development: a procedure for alternate predictors and an example

Abstract: A procedure for developing alternate test forms that are parallel in the sense that scores on the different forms have similar means, standard deviations, and factor structures is described and applied to a bio-data inventory and a situational judgment test. Careful consideration of item-by-item parallelism during development resulted in alternate forms that were parallel at the item level. Further, comparison with a biodata test form comprised of items randomly selected from a pool of biodata items revealed that for the types of measures described here it may be necessary to produce parallel forms of each item to create alternate forms that are parallel in the way in which Cronbach (1947) originally defined parallelism.

Employment at-will and employee discharge: a justice perspective on legal action following termination

Abstract: In contrast to statutory constraints on employment-related discrimination, the primary legal context for employee discharge is the common law doctrine of employment at-will. Although some attention has been given to legal issues surrounding employee discharge, there has been little systematic effort to identify the psychological antecedents of the decision to bring suit against organizations for discharge-related reasons. This paper provides an overview of employment at-will and its history in the U.S. and reviews legal developments related to at-will since the late 1980s. We then offer a preliminary model addressing the decision by a discharged employee to bring suit against an organization and the factors influencing the likelihood of liability. We end with a number of practical suggestions that follow from the literature review and model.

Interview notes and validity

Abstract: Three studies were conducted investigating the effects of notetaking behavior and the content of notes on validity in a selection interview. Overall, results indicate that when notetaking was voluntary, notetakers made more valid ratings than non-notetakers. But, when note-taking was manipulated non-notetakers made ratings that were just as valid as raters told to take behavioral notes, and actually more valid than those raters instructed to take general notes. With regard to the content of notes, behavioral-type notes were found to contribute to greater validity. In addition, in the first and third study, procedural type notes resulted in lower validity. These results may have important implications for interviewer training for notetaking.