Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Commons^™

Research Notes Organizational Commitment: A Comparison Of American, Japanese, And Korean Employees, Fred Luthans, Harriette S. Mccaul, Nancy G. Dodd

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Considerable attention is currently being given to exploring differences between Japanese and American workers that might explain the widening gap between the productivity growth rates of the two countries. Some researchers have suggested that this difference in productivity growth is, at least in part, due to Japanese workers' having a higher level of commitment to their orgnaizations than American works (Cole, 1979; Hatvany & Pucik, 1981; Marsh & Mannari, 1977; Whitehall & Takezawa, 1968). Turnover rates are commonly cited to support the popular notion that Japanese employees, whose turnover rate is about half that of their American counterparts, are more …

An Emic Perspective And Ethnoscience Methods For Organizational Research, Nancy C. Morey, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

This paper is in answer to the call for new, innovative perspectives and methodologies for organizational research. Although the approach here falls within the subjective/idiographic/qualitative/insider set of methodologies rather than the objective/nomothetic/quantitative/outsider set, there is the potential to bridge the gap between the two sets. Coming largely from anthropology, the emic perspective is explained; the specific steps for ethnoscience analyses are summarized; and examples and implications are given.

Administration Size And Organization Size: An Examination Of The Lag Structure, John B. Cullen, Douglas D. Baker

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Recent longitudinal studies of the relationship between organization and administrative staff size (Freeman & Hannan, 1975) often to replicate the findings of earlier cross-sectional research (Blau herr, 1971). As a result, many researchers (Kimberly, 1976b) have argued that further longitudinal research is necessary.

Quality Control Circles And The United States, Herbert M. Hart

Theses

The Quality Control Circle attempts to solve management and production problems using a participative management style. This study represents an analysis of how the Quality Control Circle emerged in Japan and efforts in the U. S. to Americanize the concept. It is important to note that participative management represents a single management style. This style is not recommended for every organization. Organizations must select the appropriate management style to accomplish conceived goals and the style must fit within their particular corporate culture. The Quality Control Circle is an outgrowth of participative management and is not-all inclusive of participative management ideals.

Social Desirability Response Effects: Three Alternative Models, Daniel C. Ganster, Harry W. Hennessey, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Three models are developed for the effects of social desirability (SD) on organizational behavior research results. SD can act as (a) an unmeasured variable that produces spurious correlations between study variables, (b) a suppressor variable that hides relationships, or (c) a moderator variable that conditions the relationship between two other variable.

An Examination Of The Psychometric Properties Of Some Commonly Researched Individual Differences, Job, And Organizational Variables In Two Cultures, Harry J. Martin, Uma Sekaran

Management And Labor Relations

This study examines the transferability and applicability of selected measures of individual differences, job, and organizational climate factors across two cultures. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 267 white-collar bank employees in the U.S. and 307 bank employees in India. The individual difference dimensions examined were four manifest needs, sense of competence, and locus of control. The job factors included variety, autonomy, identity, and feedback. The organizational climate factors related to communication, stress, participation in decision making, and self-esteem from the workplace. The data were analyzed for internal consistency, dimensionality, and criterion-related validity. The results showed that the job …

The Transfer Of Japanese Manufacturing Management Approaches To U. S. Industry, Richard J. Schonberger

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Just-in-time (JIT) provisioning of manufacturing inventories is a notable feature of Japanese manufacturing management. Kawasaki Motors, USA, has committed itself to JIT objectives, which result in moving toward lotless repetitive manufacturing, a streamlined mode of operation characterized by minimal inventories and "shop paper," plus flexible market response. Kawasaki USA has forged a hybrid process of effecting change, featuring Japanese JIT objectives but without Japanese-style consensus mechanisms for making decisions and effecting changes

An Idiographic Approach To Organizational Behavior Research: The Use Of Single Case Experimental Designs And Direct Measures, Fred Luthans, Tim R.V. Davis

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

The underlying assumptions of the dominant nomothetic (group-centered, standardized, and controlled environmental contexts, and quantitative methodologies) and idiographic (individual-centered, naturalistic environmental contexts, and qualitative methodologies) research perspectives are examined. An interactive theoretic (i.e., real people interacting in real organizations) for organizational behavior is suggested-a theoretic assumption that lends itself to an idiographic approach. Intensive single- case experimental designs and direct observational measures are proposed as a potentially powerful methodology for idiographic research of organizational behavior.

A Management Science Approach To Contingency Models Of Organizational Structure, Sang M. Lee, Fred Luthans, David L. Olson

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

This study demonstrates the applicability of a quantitative modeling approach, specifically goal programming, in operationalizing the relationship between environmental variables and specific organizational structural variables for optimal goal attainment. A goal programming model is developed to analyze and determine the optimal relationships for goal attainment.

The contingency approach has emerged in recent years as the dominant theoretical framework for viewing organizational structure and design. Although open systems analysis (Katz & Kahn, 1966) emphasized the input of the external environment into organization structuring, the contingency approach attempts to establish functional relationships between environmental variables and organizational variables. Over the past decade …

A Determination Of Management Philosophy Based On An Optimistic Assumption Of Man's Nature, Melvin Lester

Theses

Management theory contains varying prescriptions for increasing managerial effectiveness in the work environment. This study attempts to develop an effective managerial philosophy, consistent with an optimistic assumption of human nature with a focus on the development of the good, capable, and responsible man. Consideration is given to theories of human nature, individual belief systems, the values of American society, the military organization, and current management theory and practice.

A Survey Of Employee Perceptions Of Information Privacy In Organizations, Richard W. Woodman, Daniel C. Ganster, Jerome Adams, Michael K. Mccuddy, Paul D. Tolchinsky, Howard Fromkin

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

In this study of employees in five multinational corporations, assessment was made of (a) employees' beliefs regarding the types of personal information stored their companies, (b) the accuracy of those perceptions, (c) reactions to various internal and external uses of this personal information, and (d) evaluations of the companies' information handling policies and practices.

The Effects Of Quality Of Work Life Processes On Job Satisfaction And Productivity, Greg Alan Dabicci

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to determine the effects of employee participation on job satisfaction and productivity. A small group of hourly employees (5-7) from a package sort and load operation worked with management to identify, analyze, and solve performance problems. Four employee participation interventions were examined: 1) group problem solving of sorting performance, 2) individualized problem solving of loading performance, 3) general participation on job satisfaction, and 4) general participation on overall productivity. The results indicated that the participation program was effective in improving job satisfaction, group performance, and individual performance. The program was not effective in improving overall productivity. …

The Effects Of Mbo On Performance And Satisfaction In A Public Sector Organization, Kenneth R. Thompson, Fred Luthans, Willbann D. Terpening

Leadership Institute: Faculty Publications

This field study examined the effects of MBO on measures of quantity and quality of performance and satisfaction with the work and supervision among employees in a human services agency. Although not all the quantity measures improved significantly, the combined measure for quantity of performance and one of two quality measures showed significant improvement following implementation of MBO. Satisfaction with supervision also significantly improved but not satisfaction with work. The study lends support to the use of MBO in public sector organizations.

Goal Setting And Performance Evaluation: An Attributional Analysis, Dennis L. Dossett, Carl I. Greenberg

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

The present study considered the effect of goal setting on supervisors' evaluations of employees' performance and the causes attributed to that performance. Results indicated that attributional distortions were greater in the assigned than in the participative or self-set goal conditions. Supervisors rated the high participatively-set goal worker significantly higher in performance, ability, effort, and goal commitment than they rated the low participatively-set goal worker.

Outer Space Resources In Efficient And Equitable Use: New Frontiers For Old Principles, Clas Wihlborg, Per Magnus Wijkman

Business Faculty Articles and Research

A regime for managing the two space resources, the physical space resources and the electromagnetic spectrum was suggested. To achieve efficiency in an international convention establishing intra- and international free trade in divisible, indefinite user rights to the complete resources should be agreed upon. A legal convention on the definition and enforcement of liability rules is also crucial for efficiency. An authority to manage space resources is needed only for those activities that interfere with a large number of other activities. The creation of an international space condominium to auction user rights to the two resources was suggested to achieve …

A Social Learning Approach To Organizational Behavior, Tim R.V. Davis, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

After first reviewing the existing theoretical frameworks for human behavior, we present a social learning theory approach that incorporates the interactive nature of all the variables of organizational behavior - the behavior itself, the environment, and the person (internal cognitions). We differentiate social learning theory from operant theory, highlighting the processes of modeling, cognitions, and self-control. We suggest self- management techniques as a way to apply the social learning framework in order to enhance managerial effectiveness.

Crop Monitoring Handbook 1979, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Grain and other field crops published reports

Prepared by the Plant Research Division of the Department of Agriculture for farmers who wish to keep detailed records of crop growth with the aim of achieving higher yields in the future.

A Methodology For Nurse Staffing, Bruce M. Meglino

Faculty Publications

Increases in both staff salaries and in the number of personnel per patient have been prime factors in the rapid rise of hospital costs. This is particularly true in the nursing area, which is responsible for the greatest portion of these costs. Limited information has been available to aid hospital managers in the efficient utilization of the nursing staff. This article presents guidelines for determining patient load and a systematic procedure for allocating nursing personnel.

The Impact Of The Computer On The Choice Activity Of Decision Makers: A Replication With Actual Used Of Computerized Mis, Robert Koester, Fred Luthans

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

University of Nebraska-Lincoln A previous study on the impact of computer generated information on the choice activity of student subjects found that those with computer experience were less influenced by computer generated information than they were by information presented in a more traditional mimeograph format. Subjects who had little, if any, computer experience were more influenced in their choice activity by computer generated information than by the identical information presented in the more traditional mimeograph format (Luthans & Koester, 1976). The results of that study seemed to have definite implications for users of computerized information systems, suggesting that computer generated …

Making Sense Of Wage And Salary Surveys, Leonard N. Persson

WCBT Faculty Publications

This article provides the reader with guidance on the effective selection and use of wage and salary surveys to assure the availability of accurate data to which the firm's rates of pay can be compared. This paper has concentrated on the need for and method of careful selection of survey data, with the intent of assuring the greatest possible degree of comparability and accuracy in the data, prior to statistical analysis. The method of selection is important because even the most careful analysis of bad data produces only more bad data.

The Reality Or Illusion Of A General Contingency Theory Of Management: A Response To The Longenecker And Pringle Critique, Fred Luthans, Todd I. Stewart

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

In April 1977, we introduced the concept of a General Contingency Theory (GCT) of Management and proposed for its development a conceptual framework to integrate and synthesize diverse process, behavioral, and management science concepts and techniques (3). In their critique of GCT, Longenecker and Pringle (2) have argued that the concept of a contingency-based general theory of management is illusory, too ill-defined and nebulous to serve as a truly viable general theory. Our response is offered to clarify some of the points they raise and stimulate a continuing dialogue over the GCT construct which will hopefully contribute to the development …

Incorporating Time-Lag Effects Into The Expectancy Model Of Motivation: A Reformulation Of The Model, Bronston T. Mayes

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Of cognitive theories of motivation, the most intensively researched in recent years is the Valence-Instrumentality-Expectancy (VIE) theory. A recent review of VIE research (9) shows the valence model to be reasonably predictive of occupational preference, job satisfaction, and valence of performance. The behavioral choice model has not fared so well; although it moderately predicts self-ratings of job effort, its efficiency in predicting criteria measured by other then self-ratings is questionable. When the behavioral choice model is used in research, the following findings are typical:

1. Intrinsic outcomes (feelings of accomplishment, etc.) are better predictors of satisfaction and performance than are …

Some Boundary Considerations In The Application Of Motivation Models, Bronston T. Mayes

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

From the actor's perspective, a behavioral environment can be typified by two continuous dimensions, knowledge of potential outcomes and knowledge of causal relationships among environmental elements. These dimensions determine the situational ambiguity perceived by the actor. Expectancy, equity, operant conditioning, and attitude theories of motivation are considered in such ambiguous environments. Propositions are set forth which allow the researcher to select the most predictive motivation model

Toward A Definition Of Organizational Politics, Bronston T. Mayes, Robert W. Allen

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Viewing organizations as political entities is not a recent phenomenon. March (7) suggested that organizations are political coalitions in which decisions are made and goals are set by bargaining processes. Other writers stressed the utility of taking a political perspective when studying organizations (1, 6, 9, 22). Anyone associated with almost any form of organization eventually becomes aware of activities that are described by employees as "political", but what is termed political by one observer may not be viewed as political by another. To understand the nature of political processes in organizations, some agreement as to what constitutes political behavior …

A General Contingency Theory Of Management, Fred Luthans, Todd I. Stewart

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Recent formal recognition of situational influences on the management of complex organizations has led to an increasing number of contingency models, but a comprehensive and integrative theoretical framework for contingency management has been lacking. A General Contingency Theory (GCT) of Management is introduced as an overall framework that integrates the diverse process, quantitative and behavioral approaches to management; incorporates the environment; and begins to bridge the gap between management theory and practice

Fisheries Report No 29 - The Predation Of Pot - Caught Western Rock Lobster (Panulirus Longpipes Cygnus) By Octopus, L M. Joll

Fisheries Research Reports

The losses to the western rock lobster fishery through the predation of pot-caught rock lobsters by octopus were estimated from samples taken on commercial boats in the four seasons 1972/73 - 1975/76. In most seasons approximately 200 000 legal-sized rock lobsters were lost. In the 1975/76 season the estimated financial loss from octopus predation was $392 000. The estimated losses probably represent minimum values. Studies of the biology and behaviour of octopus were carried out to examine the methods of detection, location and entry into rock lobster pots by octopus. The use of octopus traps in rock lobster pots significantly …

Ua62 Grapevine, Vol. I, No. 1, Wku Gordon Ford College Of Business

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about the Bowling Green College of Business & Public Affairs.

• Jenkins, William. The Dean's Soapbox
• The Word on the Paper Itself
• This is US - The Dean's Doings
• Business Administration
• Business Education & Office Administration
• Economics
• Government
• Mid-Management & Distributive Education
• Public Service Institute
• Sociology & Anthropology
• The Editor's Ramblings

Ua62/2 Grapevine, Vol. 1, No. 1, Wku Gordon Ford College Of Business

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by the Bowling Green College of Business & Public Affairs which is now the Gordon Ford College of Business.

The Impact Of Computer Generated Information On The Choice Activity Of Decision-Makers, Fred Luthans, Robert Koester

Department of Management: Faculty Publications

Computerized information systems have a tremendous impact on management decision-making in all modern organizations. Electronic data processing (EDP) departments generate, coordinate, and disseminate much of the information that is used in modern management decision-making. How much influence is this computer generated information per se having on the choice activity of the human decision-maker? To date, very little is known about the answer to this question. Yet, if management is to improve the effectiveness of the decision-making process, the implications of computer generated information must be better understood. Organizationally, there is evidence that the computer has changed traditionalline- staff relationships. In …

A Managerial Planning Model: An Application To The Farm-Cultured Catfish Industry In Determining The Characteristics Of Processed Farm-Cultured Catfish Consumers In Little Rock And North Little Rock, Arkansas, Argus Kenneth Pippin

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of the study were: (1) to evaluate the processed farm-cultured catfish business in its embryonic stage during 1968 in terms of a systematic managerial planning model (MPH); (2) to focus on the managerial strategy of market segmentation and determine the relationships between the number of processed farm-cultured catfish sales and selected economic and socio-economic determinants or consumer market behavior. From the evaluation of the processed farm-cultured catfish business as it existed in 1968, it was suggestive that the planning process was not implemented thoroughly. Several areas exhibited weaknesses or unfavorable influence that were deterrents to the success of …