Claire J. Anderson

An investigation of factors affecting how engineers and scientists seek information

Abstract This study investigated how 872 US aerospace scientists and engineers select information carriers. When considering oral and written information carriers, the principle of least effort was supported with a strong preference for oral communication over written communication. In examining how the respondents select written carriers, the decision to use or not to use a written carrier was found to be primarily a function of the perceived importance of the carrier’s information to a person’s work. Task uncertainty and task complexity were found to be significant, but not the primary nor a totally consistent criteria. The perceived quality and accessibility of written carriers were not found significant. The findings reinforce the need for firms to hire knowledgeable employees, to provide them with comprehensive training programs, and to develop formal and informal communication networks.

The Corporate Annual Report: A Photo Analysis of Male and Female Portrayals

Analysis of photographs in the annual reports of 25 airline firms over a six-year period disclosed inconographic portrayal of women in subservient, less-serious roles than men. As an annual report represents the personality and philosophy of the firm, latent messages of sex-role stereotyping should be avoided. Implications of sex-role depictions in business media are discussed and suggestions for further research are offered.

Male-female relationships in the workplace: Perceived motivations in office romance

A survey of 218 recent business school graduates confirmed prior studies of differential evaluation of women involved in workplace romances. The research addressed whether women are still perceived as entering into relationships for motives different from men, particularly in terms of exploiting sexuality for gain. Few instances were found where relationships were formed for personal advancement; however, motivations for personal gain were far more commonly attributed to women. Women were also more likely to be perceived as victims of the office “fling.” Attributions did not differ between male and female observers. Implications for working women are discussed.

Corporate social responsibility and worker skills: An examination of corporate responses to work place illiteracy

Using perceptions of human resource managers of top managements attitude toward corporate social responsibility, a survey of private sector firms (n=407) revealed that over half of those that employed basic-skill deficient employees took legal or economic views of corporate social responsibility toward these workers. These attitudes were confirmed by organizational policies. Employers with social obligation tendencies were less likely to undertake proactive programs such as basic skill training, deskilling, or related supervisory training. Corporate philosophies were almost independent of organizational variables. One exception was manufacturing firms that were more likely to take a legal-economic view of illiterate employees; however, the relationship was weak. Little evidence was found that skill shortages or union pressures are resulting in corporate proactive programs. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Cultural Differences Between U.S. and Russian Students

Abstract The study explores differences in U.S. and Russian national work-related values. Comparing the results obtained using Hofstedes 1994 instrument with earlier, but very limited U.S. and Russian studies, differences in value orientation of U.S. and Russian cultures were found. A comparative examination of value orientations of U.S. (n = 73) and Russian (n = 75) students found differences that may affect international alliances. Despite exposure of Russian students to Western values, their cultural values remained almost totally unchanged. The study upheld cultural divergence. Implications for practice and future research are offered.

A Comparison of Communications Practices Among Indian and U.S. Scientists and Engineers

ABSTRACT An investigation of communication practices among U.S. (n s= 90) and Indian (n = 71) engineers and scientists employed in the aerospace industry revealed statistically significant differences between the two cultures. The differences may be attributed to Hofstedes (1980) cultural dimensions of individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance; Hofstede and Bonds (1988) Confucian dynamism; and Halls (1976) cultural context. Implications for practice address strategies to accommodate foreign cultures and to develop complementary approaches using the strengths of both cultures. Areas for future research are offered.