Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Personality Predictors Of Motivation To Lead, Tracey Tafero

All Dissertations

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in understanding the relationship between personality traits and leadership. Recent research suggests that some personality variables are related to leadership. However, research has rarely examined the process by which personality may impact leadership. This study explores the relationship between personality and motivation to lead, a proposed intervening variable between personality and leadership. In addition, this study looks at both broad and narrow measures of personality as predictors of motivation to lead. The current study both replicates and extends the findings of Chan & Drasgow (2001). Results reveal that facet-level personality scales …

Examining The Effects Of Fatigue On Decision-Making In Nursing: A Policy-Capturing Approach, Laura Mcclelland

All Dissertations

Some previous research has focused on better understanding factors that influence nurses' decision-making; however, previous research has not used policy-capturing as a methodology to examine the impact of fatigue on registered nurses' decision-making. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether the fatigue of working a 12-hour day shift influenced a sample of registered nurses' decision-making. Participants consisted of 69 registered nurses working a 12-hour day shift from 7 AM to 7 PM at a large southeastern hospital. The participants completed a general questionnaire and a policy-capturing questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of a 12-hour …

Organizational Recruitment Web Sites: The Influence Of Web Site Aesthetics On Initial Affective Reactions To The Site And Subsequent Attraction To The Organization, Rebekkah Wills

All Theses

The present study examined the potential relationship between specific characteristics of organizational recruitment web sites and applicant attraction to the organization. Cober, Brown, Keeping, and Levy (2004) proposed a conceptual model that suggests web site aesthetics influence the applicant's attitude toward the web site which in turn influences applicant attraction. The current study provides a partial test of this model by examining web site aesthetics, prior attitudes toward the organization, initial affective reactions to the web site, perceptions of web site usability and post-viewing attitudes toward the site and the organization. Participants (N = 159) included undergraduate students using the …

The Effects Of Feedback On The Accuracy Of Completing Flight Checklists, William G. Rantz

Masters Theses

This study examined whether pilots completed airplane checklists more accurately when they received post-flight graphic and verbal feedback. Participants were 8 college student pilots with instrument rating. The task consisted of flying flight patterns using a Personal Computer Aviation Training Device. The main dependent variable was the number of checklist items completed correctly per flight. A multiple baseline design across pairs with reversal was used. During baseline, the average number of correctly completed items per flight varied considerably across participants, ranging from 21 to 39 out of 40. It increased to near perfect levels for all participants after they were …

An Evaluation Of The Impact Of Computerized Physician Order Entry On Medical Errors, Shannon Loewy

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system on medication error. The study took place in a 343-bed hospital in the pediatrics inpatient unit. During baseline, participants placed medication orders in the same manner that they always had, handwriting them on a specific form and handing the form to the unit clerk who then faxed the order to the pharmacy. In the CPOE phase, participants used the computerized system to place orders, which were electronically sent to the pharmacy. The primary dependent variable was errors made during physician medication …

Workplace Cognitive Failure As A Mediator Between Work-Family Conflict And Safety Performance, Rachel Jane Daniels

Dissertations and Theses

The main goal of this thesis was to examine the effects of family-to-work conflict on safety performance. Data were collected from a sample of 134 employees, consisting primarily of construction workers. Results found that levels of conflict from the family role to the work role negatively affected participants' workplace cognitive failure, or cognitively based errors that occur during the performance of a task that the person is normally successful in executing. Workplace cognitive failure, in turn, was a significant predictor of levels ofsafety performance, both employees' compliance with safety procedures and the extent to which they participated in discretionary safety-related …

The A-B Signal Detection Theory Model, Ernesto A. Bustamante

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was threefold: (1) Present the a-b SDT model as an alternative framework to overcome the limitations of the underlying SDT model and the traditional measures of sensitivity and criterion setting, (2) Provide empirical support to validate the adequacy of the a-b SDT model, and (3) Conduct a Monte Carlo Study to compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of both the traditional and the a-b SDT models across the full spectrum of response values with the goal of providing researchers and practitioners with recommendations regarding the adequacy of each model. The results from this research …

Motivation And Performance In Computer Science: Test Of An Integrative Theory, Katherine A. Selgrade

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to design and empirically test a parsimonious integrative motivation theory. The theory integrates aspects of expectancy theory, social cognitive theory, goal-setting theory, and commitment theory. The theory was tested with 170 undergraduate, students in an introductory computer science (CS) course.

The study tested relationships among the following variables: CS self-efficacy, mathematics ability, affective commitment to the CS class, goal orientation, effort, and performance. The study also tested the interactive effects of effort and ability on performance. Structural equation modeling was used to test the measurement model and a series of nested structural models. Findings …

More Than A Mean: Broadening The Definition Of Employee Performance, Amanda M. Baugous

Doctoral Dissertations

The detrimental impact of performance variation within the mechanics of an organizational process is well established within the field of Operations Management. Furthermore, determining the causes of and resolutions for variability in the performance of system mechanisms has become a key focus for improving organizational performance (Womack & Jones, 1996). This dissertation extends this research as it examines the prevalence and nature of human performance variability within organizations, its relationship with individual mean work performance, and its impact on individual- and group-level performance within a manufacturing context. Moreover, this study investigates the relationships between individual difference variables (conscientiousness, cognitive ability, …

Shared Leadership: A Social Network Analysis, Erika Engel Small

Doctoral Dissertations

Current leadership theory and research has centered on the attributes, behaviors, and relationships of a single leader. However, researchers now recognize the team as an alternative source of leadership. Theories of shared leadership propose that leadership is a process that can be shared among team members, and that this behavior is beneficial to team performance. The purpose of this study was not only to examine the performance benefits of shared leadership, but also to explore factors that may facilitate its development. Moreover, a social network analysis was used to measure the distribution of leadership among team members and the degree …

Income, Scheduling Flexibility, And Diversity Policies: An Experimental Investigation Of Recruiting Older Workers, Holly Geldhauser

All Theses

A number of surveys have tapped the interests of older employees as a way to understand the factors that encourage extended employment (Bass, 1995; Sterns, 1998). The current research has two purposes. The first is an applied goal; to determine the organizational factors that are most attractive to older workers seeking employment. The second purpose is to investigate the predictive strength of these variables through a controlled experimental design rather than using survey methodology. We chose to examine the importance of pay, work flexibility, and diversity policies as determinants of interest in the return to work among white collar employees. …

The Effects Of A Still-Photo Computer Module Without Feedback On Ergonomic Behaviors, Rhiannon M. Fante

Masters Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a still-photo computer training module without feedback on safe positioning of individuals performing an assembly task and a lifting task using a multiple baseline design across behaviors and tasks. The study took place in an analogue office setting and participants were 6 college students. The dependent variable was the percentage of observations scored as safe and each session was recorded via a hidden camera. During each session, participants completed a 5 minute assembly task followed by 2 lifts and this task sequence was repeated a minimum of four …

Methods Of Detecting Differential Item Functioning: A Comparison Of Confirmatory Factor Analysis Methods, Jenny Chia Yi Kuang

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The present Monte Carlo study compared four confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) methods for detecting differential item functioning (DIF). The four methods were the noniterative and iterative mean and covariance structure analysis (MACS) methods, the modification index (MI) method, and the modification index-divided sample (MI-divided) method. Reference and focal groups responded to 12 items with 3 of the 12 items designed to exhibit DIF. Sample sizes of 250 and 500 were examined. In addition, three types of DIF were examined: DIF on loadings, DIF on thresholds, and DIF on both loadings and thresholds. Results indicated that for sample size 250, all …

An Identity Approach To Understanding Diversity, Inclusion And The Work-Family Interface, Rebekah A. Cardenas

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The salience of one's ethnic identity, the subjective importance of that identity in one's life, was hypothesized to impact the extent to which inclusion predicts work-related outcomes (i.e., strain-based work-family conflict, work-family enrichment, job satisfaction and job stress) among 225 working women. Women who felt included at work (i.e., those who can participate, have influence and can "be themselves") were predicted to experience positive work-related outcomes. Further, belongingness at work was predicted to interact with ethnic identity salience to impact work-related outcomes for working women. Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that inclusion was significantly associated with positive work-related outcomes; yet, …

The Influence Of Work And Nonwork-Related Factors On Bridge Employment Decisions, Chanjira Pengcharoen

Theses Digitization Project

The influence of demographic factors, work schedule flexibility, job satisfaction, job involvement, job seeking self-efficacy, certainty of retirement plans, familial and marital satisfaction, and attitude toward retirement on older workers' decision to fully retire, continue career employment, or participate in bridge employment was examined in this study.

The Impact Of Need For Cognition On Primacy And Regency Effects In The Employment Interview, Amy Marie Lawton

Theses Digitization Project

The order of interview questions during the interview may influence candidate ratings, giving an unfair advantage to some candidates. This study was done to test the effect of the interviewer's need for cogniton, the desire to use cognitive energy, on primacy and recency effects during the employment interview. A transcript of competency-based behavior description interivew questions was given to nearly 300 participants. Evidence was found for recency effects only, and no significant differences were found that could be attributed to the interviewer's need for cognition.

Coworker Justice Perceptions Toward Workplace Accommodations And What Justice Criteria Are Used To Make These Justice Perceptions, Audrey Marie Hunzeker

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to examine if in the accommodation situation, coworkers are likely to use the need rule when determining whether an accommodation is warranted or not, and if they do, if using the need rule is likely to result in more positive justice judgments.

Millennial Pre-Camp Staff Training: Incorporating Generational Knowledge, Learning Strategies And Compliance Gaining Techniques, Dana Robin Magilen

Theses Digitization Project

A new generation, Millennial Generation, is currently staffing summer camp programs. Camp directors need to be aware of the differences in learning styles this generation prefers. The Millennial generation is the first to grow up with the instant accessibility of the Internet. This project was created based on suggestions from Camp Directors and ideas that have been developed from the study of this generation. A pre-camp video game training script has been created and tailored to the Millennial camp staff in order to encourage Millennials to learn and use the information needed to take proper care of campers.

Transformational Leadership And Group Outcomes: The Mediating Effects Of Social Identification And Empowerment, Kevin Michael Karlak

Theses Digitization Project

Collective efficacy, group helping behaviors, and group cohesion are group outcomes that have demonstrated pervasive effects on group performance. These group outcomes are important because of the strong relationships that have been established among these variables. Transformational leadership has shown to greatly foster these outcomes. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership styles and organizational group outcomes in the workplace.

Internal Psychological States In A Diverse Work Environment, Vincent Valdez Cordero

Theses Digitization Project

The study examined the internal states (self-esteem and ethnic identity) that may affect individuals in a diverse work environment and lead to conflict. In particular it was expected that ethnic identity and self-esteem would mediate the relationship between diversity and conflict. Participants from a wide variety of organizations in Southern California completed an online survey. Statistical analyses revealed that self-esteem and ethnic identity did not mediate the relationship between diversity and conflict. However, many of the variables were significantly related to each other. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Influence Of Teamwork Aptitude And Personal Characteristics Of Team Members On Team Effectiveness: How Should We Form Effective Teams?, Shinko Kimura

Theses Digitization Project

This study examines the factors that are important for team success by exploring the best possible criteria for selecting members for teamwork. Two models of team composition were proposed, productivty and synergy. The findings are discussed for their implications for team satisfaction and productivity.

Organizational Policies, Organizational Social Support, And Work-Family Conflict: The Mediating Role Of Motivation Orientation, Christie Lynn Crimaldi

Theses Digitization Project

The current study examines the relationship between organizational support and work-family/family-work conflict. This study hopes to add to the literature by looking at individual differences as a possible mediator in the relationship between various sources of support and conflict between work and family.

Cross Cultural Comparison Between The United States And Japan: Executive Traits, Yoshimi Ishibashi

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined comparisons of gender stereotypes of executives in two cultures, American and Japanese. Undergraduate students in Japan and the U.S. estimated the extent to which executives in general, male and female exectuives possessed person-oriented and task-oriented leadership traits.

Work-Nonwork Goal Conflict: A Self-Regulatory Expansion Of Work Life Conflict, John Michael Mckee

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Current conceptualizations of work-life conflict (WLC) fail to account for additional life domains beyond that already measured for by traditional work-family conflict (WFC) measures. When conceptualized from a self-regulatory perspective, WFC can be thought of as a person's work goals conflicting with his or her family goals. This goal-based conceptualization of WLC was used within the current study in order to explore the relationship between work-nonwork goal conflict and worker well-being. Participants were guided through an on-line personal project analysis, in which they elicited goals within work and nonwork domains and then provided ratings of conflict between all work and …

Discrimination Across The Sectors: A Comparison Of Discrimination Trends In Private And Public Organizations, Megan K. Leasher

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Differences and similarities between public and private sector organizations have been hypothesized and researched for several decades (Murray, 1975). This study investigated the differences in claims of employment discrimination reported for employees within the private and public sectors. A longitudinal database of statewide discrimination claims was analyzed to determine if differences in employment discrimination patterns or levels exist between the sectors. Theoretical and practical implications are presented in addition to propositions for future research.

The Effects Of Representational Format And Discourse Principles On The Comprehension And Production Of Temporal Order, Louise J. Rasmussen

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In the present study I examined the role physical representations play in supporting distributed planning and scheduling. Specifically, I investigated the implications of different representational formats for the production of discourse as well as the later comprehension of text relating to temporal order. In the first part of the study, pairs of participants created schedules for constructing a house with the aid of either a numeric, list format, or a graphical, Gantt chart format. Participants completed the task in a non-collocated fashion, without shared visual access. In the second part of the study, after completing their schedule, the same participants …

Fatigue's Influence On Workload, Situation Awareness, And Performance In A Military Simulation Of Combat, Carlotta M. Boone

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

Military operations routinely require military personnel to consistently perform their duties over several hours or days. Tasks that require prolonged work can lead to mental fatigue and decreased performance. The transactional model proposes that individuals cope with changes in the environment and maintain performance. This ability to cope is determined by factors of the environment and the individual's personality. One environmental factor that can influence coping is extended task performance. This study examined the effect of extended task performance and its interaction with task difficulty. Participants interacted with the military simulation game Command and Conquer: Generals™ for three hours. They …

Visual Search Performance In A Dynamic Environment With 3d Auditory Cues, John Paul Mcintire

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Previous research on aurally-aided visual search has repeatedly shown a significant reduction in response times when displaying 3D auditory cues. However, the vast majority of this research has only examined searches for static (non-moving) targets in static visual environments. In the present study, visual search performance in both static and dynamic (moving) visual environments is examined with and without virtual 3D auditory cues. In both static and dynamic environments, and for all observers, visual search times were significantly reduced when auditory spatial cues were displayed. Auditory cues provided the largest benefits when the target initially appeared at farther eccentricities and …

Parameters Affecting Mental Workload And The Number Of Simulated Ucavs That Can Be Effectively Supervised, Bryan A. Calkin

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The present study investigated performance and mental workload when an operator supervises multiple UCAVs. This study focused on the parameters that affect the operator's performance during a simulated UCAV suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) mission, which is expected to be the primary function of the UCAV. All three manipulated factors, including the number of vehicles to be supervised, vehicle airspeed, and difficulty level of attacks (targets engaged by either a single vehicle or multiple vehicles), affected both performance and subjective mental workload measures. A performance mental workload redline was defined as the point at which accomplishment scores no longer …

Effect Of Variable Feedback Delay On Visual Target-Acquisition Performance, Julio Christian Mateo

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Traditionally, private communication channels with stable characteristics have been used in teleoperation situations. However, recently there have been a few attempts at using public communication channels such as the Internet. In spite of their convenience, very little is known about the effect of the variable delays inherent in this type of channel on motor performance. In this thesis, we provide empirical data on the impact of variable feedback delays on a 3D visual target-acquisition task performed in a virtual environment. Target size, distance between targets, mean feedback delay, and feedback-delay variability were manipulated and the number of errors and movement …