SOCIAL EXCHANGE AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT: DECISION-MAKING TRAINING FOR JOB CHOICE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE REALISTIC JOB PREVIEW

This field experiment investigated the effects of exchange-inducing treatments on pre- and postentry commitment of military recruits. Behavioral (volunteering for combat service and turnover), intentional (willingness to commit to combat service), and attitudinal (commitment, satisfaction, perceived fairness, and perceived choice variety) outcomes are examined. Two exchange-inducing experimental groups, one receiving realistic job preview and another receiving decisionmaking training, were compared to 3 control groups. Results indicated that preentry commitment was significantly higher among participants in the exchange-inducing conditions. However, the effect of decisionmaking training lasted longer than the effect of realistic job preview.     

The Impact of Realistic Job Previews and Perceptions of Training on Sales Force Performance and Continuance Commitment: A Longitudinal Test

This study uses a an adaptation of the Dubinsky et al. (1986) socialization framework to test the impact of realistic job previews and perceptions of training on sales force performance and continuance commitment. Seven hundred sixty-two insurance salespeople in 54 companies were surveyed four times over a two-year period. The findings indicate that the socialization of new recruits should be focused on two parallel tracks: factors that primarily influence performance and those that primarily influence turnover.     

An Empirical Evaluation of Training Using Multi-attribute Utility Analysis

Purpose

This paper aims to develop and apply a multi-attribute utility analysis model (MAU) to assess the benefits of HRM interventions as an alternative to the traditional utility analysis method.

Design/Methodology/Approach

MAU adopts a cost-benefit multi-variant approach to assess HRM efficiency using a non-monetary metric. The study employs a quasi-experimental design to examine the training effects on job performance, comparing pre- and post-intervention measures mostly from sub-groups of random sample of 367 trainees.

Findings

We showed that is feasible to adopt a multi-attribute evaluation approach in HRM area by adapting the MAUT technique. Our formal MAU model also demonstrated that it is possible to adopt a broader and more global evaluation approach than other more ??myopic?? models such as traditional UA models. Results after applying our MAU model in a real organization indicated considerable utility from training employees.

Implications

The commitment and involvement of the organization in the evaluation project seem to suggest an interest in comprehensive evaluative models for HRM such as MAU. Because the amount of information that MAU model entails, it may be also used as a strategic instrument for continuous improving of HR interventions and as a mechanism to analyze the evaluation policy of different stakeholders groups.

Originality/Value

We provide a theoretical development of a MAU model and offer its first empirical application in a firm to calculate the utility of training. This contributes to utility analysis research and provides a guide for practitioners evaluating HRM benefits.     

INTRODUCING NEW METHODS FOR CONDUCTING TRAINING EVALUATION AND FOR LINKING TRAINING EVALUATION TO PROGRAM REDESIGN

While training has been conceptualized as a continually evolving process, the existing literature fails to provide adequate strategies for linking training evaluation to training needs reassessment and program redesign. This article presents two studies which describe methodologies developed for a police recruit training program to address these deficiencies in the literature. In Study 1, Lawshe's (1975) Content Validity Ratio (CVR) approach was used to establish the job relatedness of the content of the training program. Results supported the job relatedness of the training program as the average CVR value was 27 ( p < 05; N = 105). In study 2, a new methodology, the Matching Technique, was used to directly compare current training emphasis with training needs. Results demonstrated a close match of emphasis and training needs for the training program. One content area of relative training deficiency was further examined to illustrate the power of the Matching Technique for identifying areas requiring training redesign.     

INVESTIGATION OF BIAS IN JOB EVALUATION RATINGS OF COMPARABLE WORTH STUDY PARTICIPANTS

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of knowledge of current pay levels and perceived job gender on subsequent job evaluations. The sample consisted of 53 job evaluators in professional and scientific positions at the University of Iowa who had previously received 20 hours of training in job evaluation and participated in over 100 hours of job evaluations during the implementation of a comparable worth pay system. The hypothesis that jobs with high (manipulated) pay levels would receive higher evaluations than jobs with low (manipulated) pay levels was confirmed, although the effects were smaller than those reported in other studies. In addition, evidence of a pro-female bias was found ( p < .08) in the job evaluation ratings. Implications of these findings for job evaluation research and practice are discussed.     

EVALUATION OF AN INTERVIEWEE SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM IN A NATURAL FIELD EXPERIMENT

The purpose of this study was to provide an evaluation of an interviewee skills training program in a field setting using a broad sample of interviewers, jobs, and candidates. The training program ( n = 158) derived its content from previous literature and used multiple instructional techniques. An experimental design was employed with a self-study (placebo control) group ( n = 140), random assignment, and many levels of evaluation criteria. Measures exhibited acceptable reliability, and statistical power was high for all analyses. Results indicated that class members responded positively to the program and demonstrated substantial learning. Interviewer evaluations of behavior failed to distinguish between experimental groups, however, and no differences were observed in job offers. Furthermore, no differences were observed between study participants and nonparticipants ( n = 174) in terms of interview behavior and job offers. This study illustrates the danger of relying solely on reaction or learning criteria in the evaluation of training programs. Several explanations are offered for the findings.     

Using Direct Skills Teaching to Improve Job Skills for Persons With Disabilities

This study evaluated whether a direct skills training (DST) approach for persons with disabilities can better prepare participants for job interviews. Twenty graduate students in a master's program in rehabilitation counseling at various agency internship sites were trained in a 4‐session Presenting Qualifications curriculum based on DST administered to 126 participants in 20 group settings. Participants reported greater confidence and preparedness in the interview process, in answering difficult questions, and in highlighting past accomplishments after the group. Results support the feasibility of training entry‐level rehabilitation counselors in the DST approach to teach job interview skills to individuals with disabilities.     

Employee adaptive performance and job satisfaction during organizational crisis: the role of self-leadership

This study tests the hypothesis that self-leadership is positively related with employee adaptive performance and job satisfaction in rapid change and unpredictable work environments. This assumption was tested through a quasi-experimental study regarding the implementation of a self-leadership training programme in the Private Banking department of an international bank. Change in private bankers’ self-leadership, adaptive performance and job satisfaction was measured three times, over a period of 8 months. During the fourth month of the training programme implementation, the bank underwent an unexpected bailout. Fifty-two private bankers were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 28) and to a control group (n = 24). The results showed an increase in self-leadership, adaptive performance and job satisfaction for the experimental group, while job satisfaction decreased for participants in the control group. Our findings suggest that change in the level of self-leadership is positively related with change in the level of adaptive performance and job satisfaction over time. This study presents new evidence that individual adaptive performance and job satisfaction can be enhanced through self-leadership training. Self-leadership training can be used as a valuable tool to help organizations improve employees’ adaptive performance and job satisfaction, especially during organizational crisis.     

The impact of raters' cognition on judgment accuracy: An extension to the job analysis domain

Eighty-six incumbents of three different jobs produced job-analytic ratings using either a decomposed (task-based) or a holistic (job-based) rating strategy. Approximately half of them received rater training in making inferential decisions. When tasks were less complex than the job as a whole, rating decomposition generally had positive effects on ratings' quality. Similarly, when the number of tasks rated was low to moderate, rater training was effective. A contingency approach, where limitations concerning the use of rating decomposition and inferential training were outlined, should serve to inform future uses and theories of rating aids in job analysis.We would like to acknowledge David Dorsey for his significant contribution to the rater training program. This article is a summary of the doctoral dissertation of Juan Sanchez, which was conducted under the supervision of Edward Levine.     

Job search and social cognitive theory: The role of career-relevant activities

Social cognitive theory was used to explain the relationships between career-relevant activities (environmental and self career exploration, career resources, and training), self-regulatory variables (job search self-efficacy and job search clarity), variables from the Theory of Planned Behavior (job search attitude, subjective norm, job search intention), and job search intensity. Based on a sample of employed and unemployed job seekers, we found that job seekers who spent more time in career exploration, attended more training programs, and used more career resources reported higher job search clarity and job search self-efficacy. Job search self-efficacy, job search attitude, and subjective norm predicted job search intention, and job search clarity and job search intention predicted job search intensity eight months later. The results of this study provide practical information on what job seekers can do to improve their job search clarity and job search self-efficacy and demonstrate the application of social cognitive theory for understanding and predicting job search behavior.     

Coping in childhood: A comparative evaluation of different relaxation techniques

Abstract

This paper reports on the evaluation of relaxation trainings to improve the coping of children with stress situations. Over five training sessions, different relaxation techniques were presented to children to evaluate their short-term and long-term effects on different criteria. Included were a sensoric approach to relaxation (the Progressive Muscle Relaxation), an imaginative approach, and an imaginative approach with additional sensoric elements (combined training). Two control conditions were added. One of them presented non-tension producing stories instead of supplying a systematic relaxation training. The children of the second control condition participated at the measurements without any intervention. The participants were 826 children aged 7–14. The results show clear short-term effects on physiological parameters (blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature) as well as on subjective ratings of the children's mood and somatic condition. In relation to the overall changes, the differences between the training conditions are comparatively small. Moreover, the long-term effects (recorded one week and two months after the five training sessions) were small in relation to the short-term effects.     

内部分配改革的职务评价技术探新

建立工资标准系统的关键是确定职务工资率。职务间可比价值成分变异越大,对确定职务工资率的贡献也越大。根据以上研究设想采用方差分析方法进行职务评价。评价步骤包括：职务描述;对职务要素作主成分分析;对职务样本作聚类分析和判别分析;通过方差分析为可比价值各成分建构权重系数ωｉ。ωｉ‘满足：（１）ωｉ≥０;（２）Σωｉ＝１;（３）ωｉ,间可直接比较;（４）ωｉ的大小与对应的可比价值成分变异一致。最后将职务评价值线性变换为工资率。在线性方程中配一个常数。和调节系数α以适合组织的管理约束条件。配合两个企业内部分配改革的研究结果显示了方差分析法的有效性和实用性。     

FIELD MEASURES OF STRENGTH AND FITNESS PREDICT FIREFIGHTER PERFORMANCE ON PHYSICALLY DEMANDING TASKS

Recruits from 9 consecutive fire academy classes were assessed on a battery of strength and endurance measures at Weeks 1, 7, and 14 of training. Regression analyses using Week 1 measures indicated that strength variables were the primary predictors of performance on physically demanding firefighting tasks assessed at the completion of training. Incremental validity was obtained with the addition of aerobic capacity, which produced more accurate performance distinctions among recruits with high strength levels. Results showed predictive validity and linearity throughout the upper range of strength and endurance levels, but evidence of an increased drop-off in performance for recruits with strength levels below the male 25th percentile. Structural equation modeling, a more powerful and comprehensive approach to validation than traditional regression, provided strong support for the construct validity of general strength and endurance as predictors of firefighter performance on physically demanding fire suppression and rescue tasks.     

TRAINEE CHARACTERISTICS AND THE OUTCOMES OF OPEN LEARNING

Previous investigations into the processes and outcomes of training have been restricted to conventional "closed" settings. However, learning is likely to become increasingly "open," with greater discretion granted for individuals to choose how and when they will acquire new skills and information. In a study of 106 junior managers over a 7-month period, the impact of 11 trainee characteristics was investigated in relation to immediate learning scores, reactions to the program, and changes in rated job behaviors. It was found that learning score was significantly independently predicted by general training attitude, the use of an analytic learning strategy, and (low) age. Post-training reactions were identified as being of three kinds: reported enjoyment, usefulness, and difficulty. These were shown to be differentially associated with the trainee characteristics studied. Significant associations were found between learning score and changes in rated job performance.     

FACTORS AFFECTING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM TRAINED TASKS ON THE JOB

One factor that can affect the transfer of technical skills to the job is the extent to which the trainee is given the opportunity to perform trained tasks on the job. The opportunity to perform trained tasks was conceptualized as consisting of three dimensions: breadth, activity level, and type of tasks performed. Graduates from an Air Force technical training program and their supervisors ( N = 180) responded to questionnaires measuring these three dimensions and various organizational, work context, and individual factors 4 months after the airmen had completed the training program. The results indicated that airmen obtained differential opportunities to perform trained tasks and that these differences were related to supervisory attitudes and workgroup support as well as the trainee's self-efficacy and cognitive ability. Implications for training research and practice are discussed.     

THE BIG FIVE PERSONALITY DIMENSIONS AND JOB PERFORMANCE: A META-ANALYSIS

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 skilled/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 (ρ < .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.     

FIVE REASONS WHY THE "BIG FIVE" ARTICLE HAS BEEN FREQUENTLY CITED

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.     

Psychological and Physical Characteristics of U.S. Marine Recruits

This study examined psychological and physical health factors in a cohort of U.S. Marine recruits with the goal of developing a comprehensive understanding of attributes recruits bring to training. 1,350 male recruits completed a multimeasure survey during the first week of training. A 2-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to explore the relationship of hardiness dimensions on several psychological and physical factors. Compared with other military samples, this cohort reported similar levels on hardiness control and rigidity subscales. Recruits who reported higher scores on a measure of positive hardiness also reported higher scores on measures of grit, grit ambition, sensation seeking, training expectations, positive ways of coping, physical and mental health, fitness scores, and lower scores on a measure of depression. This study provides a more complete understanding of the complex array of attributes of Marine recruits and forms a foundation for predictive models of injury risk and/or attrition.     

Development and Validation of a Military Training Mental Toughness Inventory

Three studies were conducted to develop and validate a mental toughness instrument for use in military training environments. Study 1 (n = 435) focused on item generation and testing the structural integrity of the Military Training Mental Toughness Inventory (MTMTI). The measure assessed ability to maintain optimal performance under pressure from a range of different stressors experienced by recruits during infantry basic training. Study 2 (n = 104) examined the concurrent validity, predictive validity, and test–retest reliability of the measure. Study 3 (n = 106) confirmed the predictive validity of the measure with a sample of more specialized infantry recruits. Overall, the military training mental toughness inventory demonstrated sound psychometric properties and structural validity. Furthermore, it was found to possess good test–retest reliability, concurrent validity, and predicted performance in 2 different training contexts with 2 separate samples.