the Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management
Winter, 2002 Vol. 3 No. 2
Abstracts
A Successful Virtual Team Adventure: IBAM Sparks Collegial Research
Karen Dill Bowerman
California State University, Fresno
Terence P. Curran
Siena College
James J. Freiburger
Southern New Hampshire University
Linda S. Hartenian
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Ray Maghroori
Riverside Community College District
ABSTRACT
In November 1999 five IBAM members sat over dinner at the Annual Meeting discussing what it takes to be a good team member. Through the laughter and camaraderie of new-found friends, a research project was born. This article summarizes the process that led our team through the design and implementation of a research project and the writing of a manuscript. The theoretical context for our team’s experience is blended into the discussion of our experience and the benefits of virtual teams for conducting research. Go To Article
Managerial Ideologies as Rationalizers: How Managerial Ideologies Moderate the Relationship Between Change in Profitability and Downsizing
Kathleen G. Rust
Elmhurst College
William McKinley
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the moderating effects of three managerial ideologies on the relationship between change in profitability and subsequent downsizing. Results of a moderated regression analysis reveal that the managerial ideologies moderate the relationship between change in profitability and downsizing in a consistent manner. Strong belief in the ideologies increases the negative relationship between change in profitability and downsizing, suggesting that the ideologies enhance management's willingness to downsize when profits are stagnant or declining. The results are interpreted in terms of a theory of "rationalization," in which managerial ideologies are seen as mechanisms that rationalize or purify the ambiguous signals communicated by change in financial performance. Go To Article
Subjective Norms, Dispositional Trust, and Initial Trust Development
Francis L. Jeffries
University of Alaska, Anchorage
Abstract
A model based on the generally accepted concept of the development of initial trust is tested. Subjective norms are included in the model in addition to dispositional trust and perceptions of the other’s behavior. The findings show that dispositional trust is not influential on the development of an initial level of trust and an explanation grounded in the literature is offered. Subjective norms are influential however as soon as perceptions of the other’s behavior are available subjective norms’ effect becomes insignificant. Perception of the other’s behavior is the only significant influence on trust after a period of interaction between the participants. The findings are discussed and future research directions are offered. Go To Article
The Value of Achievement and Responses to the Work Environment
Cheryl L. Adkins
Longwood College
Stefanie E. Naumann
University of the Pacific
ABSTRACT
The value of achievement has long been thought to relate to job performance; however, we still do not fully understand the process through which this occurs. The present study examined the relationship between achievement and responses to the work environment. Five-hundred-twenty-four sales and service agents at a major firm in the transportation industry participated in the study. Achievement was positively related to perceptions of the work environment, satisfaction with intrinsic aspects of the job, job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and performance. The findings suggest that achievement may serve as a “lens” through which the work environment is viewed. Go To Article
Ending a Peak Work Experience: The Impacts of Sudden Termination
Laura J. Taplin
Benedictine University
Miriam Y. Lacey
Pepperdine University
ABSTRACT
This is a descriptive study of nine middle-aged male executives who were suddenly and involuntarily displaced from roles that they looked back upon as peak work experiences. Positive and negative factors in the transitions of these subjects are discussed. The most forceful findings reported in this study relate to emotional growth, newfound vulnerability, and the importance of maintaining balance between personal and professional concerns. Six of the subjects in this study indicated that recovery from the negative impact of sudden termination from a peak work experience took more than three years. Personal traits such as self-confidence and a positive attitude were considered to be the most important factors in recovery. None of these subjects indicated unqualified willingness to accept another peak work experience. These findings suggest that, if a peak work experience ends badly, the affected executive will seek out a distinctly different type of work situation to assist himself in moving on, and will manage the subsequent peak experience differently, based on the learnings from his prior, very painful experience. Go To Article
Management Fad Adoption: An Exploration of Three Psychogenic Influences
Kerry David Carson
Paula Phillips Carson
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Patricia A. Lanier
Southeast Missouri State University
Ross D. Judice
Acadian Ambulance & Air Med Services
ABSTRACT
Management fads and fashions are not forced on unsuspecting, mindless corporate leaders. Therefore, an understanding of the reasons behind the decision to adopt a fad would provide practical insights. While there have been sound sociological theories advanced regarding management fashion adoption, the psychological theories on adoption have lacked substance. In particular, there is an absence of literature on the psyche of the individuals who adopt fads that fail. Thus, this paper proposes three possible psychogenic influences on management fashion adoptions including: (1) limited cognitive capacity, (2) defensiveness, and (3) neuroticism. Because the organization behavior literature has little research exploring neuroticism, this area is dealt with in detail. Finally, recommendations are give on how to overcome these influences along with concluding remarks. Go To Article