Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Using Archival Data For I-O Research: Advantages, Pitfalls, Sources, And Examples, Kenneth S. Shultz, Calvin C. Hoffman, Roni Reiter-Palmon

Psychology Faculty Publications

Two particular sets of experiences sparked our interest in writing this TIP article. The first was our increasing difficulty getting access to “new” organization- based samples. Depending on the topic and commitment involved, many organizations appear too leery and/or too strapped these days to allow for primary data collection. In addition, we have all experienced the disappointment of spending numerous hours on research proposals and meetings with organizational personnel, only to have the “plug pulled” at the last minute on a promising line of data collection. Conversely, we have also had experience with researchers in organizations who are willing and …