Jeanette A. Davy

Developing and testing a model of survivor responses to layoffs

Abstract A model of survivor responses to layoffs is developed and tested. Perceptions of global process control, perceived fairness of the layoff, and job security are tested as predictors of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and behavioral intentions to withdraw. The empirical assessment of a complete latent variable model with covariance structure analyses supported both the measurement and the structural models. Global process control is shown to be a direct antecedent of perceived fairness of the layoff and job satisfaction. Perceived fairness of the layoff and job security also have direct effects on job satisfaction. Job satisfaction acts as a mediating variable between these variables and organizational commitment. Organizational commitment, in turn, has a direct negative effect on behavioral intentions to withdraw. These findings suggest that witnessing a layoff has significant effects on psychological and behavioral responses of layoff survivors. Direction for future research is discussed.

A Derivation of the Underlying Constructs of Just-In-Time Management Systems

Researchers have recommended that the theoretical constructs underlying just-in-time (JIT) management systems be identified and developed if JIT is to be fully understood and its full capabilities realized. In this study, we advanced this conceptual development through an instrument based on the relevant literature and empirically deriving three underlying constructs: (1) operating structure and control, (2) product scheduling, and (3) quality implementation. We report a content analysis of these constructs and develop propositions regarding their relationships, predecessors, and outcomes.

A structural modeling investigation of the influence of demographic and attitudinal factors and in-class deterrents on cheating behavior among accounting majors

Abstract This study examines cheating behaviors among 606 accounting majors at three public AACSB-accredited business schools. The influences of demographic and attitudinal characteristics on reported prior cheating behavior, the tendency to neutralize cheating behaviors, and likelihood of future cheating are examined. In addition, the impact of inclass deterrents on neutralization of cheating behaviors and the likelihood of future cheating are examined. Possible mediating effects of neutralization of cheating behavior are directly tested. The relationships among these constructs were examined using structural equations modeling procedures. Results supported the differentiation of the theoretical constructs within the proposed theoretical model. Furthermore, tests of the proposed theoretical model indicated that the primary influences on future cheating were in-class deterrents, prior cheating, and the degree to which one neutralized prior cheating behaviors.

An Examination of the Role of Attitudinal Characteristics and Motivation on the Cheating Behavior of Business Students

This study examines cheating behaviors among 422 business students at two public Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited business schools. Specifically, we examined the simultaneous influence of attitudinal characteristics and motivational factors on (a) reported prior cheating behavior, (b) the tendency to neutralize cheating behaviors, and (c) likelihood of future cheating. In addition, we examined the impact of in-class deterrents on neutralization of cheating behaviors and the likelihood of future cheating. We also directly tested potential mediating effects of neutralization on cheating behavior. Using structural equations modeling procedures, we conducted an assessment of the validity of a modified version of the K. J. Smith, Davy, Rosenberg, and Haight (2002) model of cheating behavior and its antecedents. The modified model included motivation as a potential predictor of cheating behavior. Results supported the differentiation of the theoretical constructs within the specified process model. Furthermore, tests of the aforementioned theoretical model indicated a significant positive relation between extrinsic motivation and prior cheating and a significant negative relation between both intrinsic motivation and academic performance, and prior cheating. Finally, prior cheating had a significant positive relation, whereas deterrents had a significant negative relation to likelihood of future cheating.

A Longitudinal Study of a Multivariate Model of the Stress Process Using Structural Equations Modeling

This study developed and tested a longitudinal multivariate model of the stress process using an intensive structural equations modeling (SEM) approach. The use of latent variables permits a powerful test of the causal relationships between stress process constructs. Anderson and Gerbings (1988) two-stage process of analysis was followed: A measurement model was examined in Stage One of the analysis; structural verification of the proposed stress process model using a panel design was tested in Stage Two. Findings from both stages contribute to our understanding of stress by uncovering some dynamic components underlying the stress process. This study offered a sophisticated methodological examination into the complexity inherent in uncovering the dynamics of the stress process.

An examination of the validity of the Academic Motivation Scale with a United States business student sample.

This study examined alternative seven-, five-, and three-factor structures for the Academic Motivation Scale, with data from a large convenience sample of 2,078 students matriculating in various business courses at three AACSB-accredited regional comprehensive universities. In addition, the invariance of the scales factor structure between male and female students and between undergraduate and Masters of Business Administration students was investigated. Finally, the internal consistency of the items loading on each of the seven AMS subscales was assessed as well as whether the correlations among the subscales supported a continuum of self-determination. Results for the full sample as well as the targeted subpopulations supported the seven factor configuration of the scale with adequate model fit achieved for all but the MBA student group. The data also generated acceptable internal consistency statistics for all of the subscales. However, in line with a number of previous studies, the correlations between subscales failed to fully support the scales simplex structure as proposed by self-determination theory.

An Empirical Analysis of an Alternative Configuration of the Academic Motivation Scale.

The purpose of this study was to examine an alternative configuration of the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), a psychometric instrument used as a measure of academic motivation in various academic environments. The analyses utilised data from a convenience sample of 2354 business students, broken into two random subsamples of 1177 cases. Exploratory factor analysis of the 28 AMS scale items was conducted on the estimation sample. The results indicated good model fit for a four-factor configuration consisting of amotivation, external regulation, identified regulation, and intrinsic motivation as indicated by factor loadings, as well as internal consistency and reliability statistics. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the holdout sample to independently assess the construct validity and internal consistency of the item loadings on the reconfigured scale. Results indicated good model fit for the four-factor configuration and a significant loss of fit for competing three- and one-factor models. The uncovered factor structure advances our understanding of how the items on this scale cluster into theoretically meaningful constructs. This knowledge may be utilised in research designed to further assess the impact of motivational states on educational outcomes such as academic performance, absenteeism, dropout rates, etc.

An assessment of the construct distinctiveness of stress arousal and burnout

This study examined the construct and discriminant validity of stress arousal and burnout as measured on the Stress Arousal Scale and the multidimensional role-specific version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, respectively. The analyses utilized data from 148 individuals randomly selected from a database of 563 respondents to a larger study. The sample responded to a survey sent to members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Sample size used in this study fell within Loehlins 1992 prescription that for confirmatory factor analysis with two to four factors, a minimum of 100 to 200 cases should be collected. Forty-six respondents indicated that they were partners, principals, or sole practitioners in accounting firms, and 103 indicated that they were staff members (juniors, seniors, or managers). Latent variables were first constructed for the stress arousal and burnout factors. Confirmatory factor analysis was then conducted on the scale data to assess whether the factors would load on their respective underlying theoretical constructs. Finally, a nested model constraining stress arousal and burnout to load on one underlying construct was tested against the hypothesized two-factor model. The results indicated good model fit for the two-factor model and a significant loss of fit for the one-factor model, thus providing strong support for the conceptualization of stress arousal and burnout as distinct constructs.

The influence of motivation on cheating behavior among accounting majors

This study uses structural equation modeling to examine the influence of academic motivation on reported prior cheating behavior, neutralization tendencies, and likelihood of future cheating among accounting majors. It also investigates the impact of prior cheating on neutralization of cheating behaviors and the likelihood of future cheating, as well as the potential mediating effects of neutralization on future cheating behavior. Our results support differentiation of the theoretical constructs within the specified process model, and also show significant positive associations between an amotivational orientation and prior cheating, neutralization, and the likelihood of future cheating.

Formalization of Grievance Procedures" A Multi-Firm and Industry Study

This study examines how two aspects of formalization of grievance procedures affect grievance procedure effectiveness: written versus oral presentation of grievance and the level of union and management authorized to resolve grievances at the first step. Several demographic variables were controlled for: size of bargaining unit, percentage of organization represented, number of grievances filed, and industry. A sample of 46 firms, representing a broad cross-section of unionized companies in the private sector, was obtained with the help of the American Arbitration Association. Results indicate that more formal grievance procedures (e.g., written presentation) are positively related to resolution rates at the first step. The number of grievances field and the size of the bargaining unit were positively related to total resolution rates prior to arbitration.