Bette Ann Stead

Diversity Management: A New Organizational Paradigm

Currently, an increasing number of organizations are attempting to enhance inclusiveness of under represented individuals through proactive efforts to manage their diversity. In this article, we define diversity management against the backdrop of its predecessor, affirmative action. Next, selected examples of organizations that have experienced specific positive bottom line results from diversity management strategies are discussed. The present paper also provides a conceptual model to examine antecedents and consequences of effective diversity management. Additional research areas identified from the model and literature review result in a number of research propositions intended to enhance the exploration and understanding of diversity management.

Can social awareness be increased through business school curricula

The study was prompted by (a) Frederick and Vogels debate concerning future research in “business and society”, (b) such recently reported managerial excesses as golden parachutes, “greenmail”, and fraud, (c) the increasing emphasis on coursework in the area. It appears that there is a need to assess how students, our future business leaders, perceive social issues and if a “business and society” course can help them define and understand the importance of these issues.Three questions provided the focal point: (1) Which issues do students perceive as most important before and after completing the course? (2) How much importance do students place on issues? (3) Does completing a “business and society” course make a significant difference in how students perceive the importance of the issues presented?Students appeared to have already clearly defined priorities before entering the course as there was very little post-course reordering of priorities. However, they did display an increased perception of the importance of social issues. The study also indicated that a “business and society” course can contribute to an increased student awareness of the importance of social issues. Therefore, it was concluded that a “business and society” course can help students define and evaluate the importance of social issues.

Information channel/source selection as a correlate of technical uncertainty in a research and development organization

The relationship between technical uncertainty and the technical decision makers selection of information channels/sources is investigated. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 384 engineers and scientists in a large government R&D organization. Findings indicate a strong correlation between technical uncertainty and a decision makers choice of more efficient information channels/sources.

Stigmatization Revisited Does Diversity Management Make a Difference in Applicant Success

This research examined whether diversity management provides a perception of enhanced employee qualifications and competence. In the first experiment, a sample of 179 undergraduate business students at two universities answered questions after viewing a recruitment bulletin, a job description, and an application. There was a significant difference in perceptions between female and male job types (lab technician and electrician) and in perceptions of qualified candidates according to job type. Women hired under diversity management were viewed as more qualified than were affirmative action hires when applying for a perceived male job type. A total of 220 undergraduate business students participated in a second experiment designed to illuminate differences between diversity management and affirmative action for racial groups. Racial minorities hired under diversity management were viewed more positively than were those hired under affirmative action. Diversity management is seen as a successful strategy for employing women and racial minorities.

Service priority in department stores: the effects of customer gender and dress

Service priority refers to the condition when one customer is served before another and represents a dimension of customer service that is likely to affect customer satisfaction. Are men more likely to receive service priority than women? To investigate this question, a field experiment was conducted using a 2×3×2 factorial design with sex of the clerk, gender of the department, and customer dress as the main effects. The results indicate that men do receive service priority, and this finding held constant across the variety of conditions studied.

Women's adoption of a business uniform: A content analysis of magazine advertisements

This study investigates the extent to which the skirted suit is portrayed as the business uniform for women. A survey of 2,576 advertisements in general interest and business magazines for the first six months of 1963, 1973, and 1983 indicates that business women, especially managers or professionals, are increasingly attired in the skirted suit. However, the skirted suit appears to be a relatively new standard and has not replaced all other acceptable attire for women. Consequences of wearing the skirted suit are discussed.

Dependent care and the workplace: An analysis of management and employee perceptions

This study attempts to identify differences in the perceptions of top management (defined as CEOs, directors, and presidents) and employees (defined as middle and supervisory management) regarding (a) the effects of dependent care responsibilities on job performance, and (b) the extent of a firms responsibility in providing support for those faced with caring needs concerning eldercare, childcare, substance abuse, and mental/physical handicaps.The results indicate that these two groups have significantly different perceptions of the effect of dependent care responsibilities on job performance, and on the firms responsibility in providing support for three types of dependent care.

Corporate giving: A look at the arts

The private sector is being asked to take up the slack of government cutbacks. This article reviews the development of corporate giving. ‘The arts’ are identified as an area that needs a defined rationale to justify corporate contributions. A historical review of private support of the arts is presented. International and national support levels are examined. Pragmatic and idealistic reasons for needing the arts are listed. Strategies are suggested to aid business implement successful support programs. A model for corporate images for corporate giving to the arts is also presented.

A Content Analysis of the Journal of Business Communication: Toward a Body of Knowledge

This study analyzes the first thirteen volumes of this journal to deter mine research trends and methodologies discussed in the articles. Organi zational communication, message effect and meaning, and teaching metho dology were the three most popular topics. The author is also interested in trends in styles of articles, major concerns of authors, and the content of articles as they reveal the professional interests of those in the business communication field.

BERLO'S COMMUNICATION PROCESS MODEL AS APPLIED TO THE BEHAVIORAL THEORIES OF MASLOW, HERZBERG, AND McGREGOR

The article discusses Berlos model of communication and applies it to behavioral theories of Maslow, Herzberg, and McGregor. Berlos model of communication is outlined into six stages: the communi...