Marcia J. Simmering

A Tale of Three Perspectives: Examining Post Hoc Statistical Techniques for Detection and Correction of Common Method Variance

Many researchers who use same-source data face concerns about common method variance (CMV). Although post hoc statistical detection and correction techniques for CMV have been proposed, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding their efficacy. Because of disagreement among scholars regarding the likelihood and nature of CMV in self-report data, the current study evaluates three post hoc strategies and the strategy of doing nothing within three sets of assumptions about CMV: that CMV does not exist, that CMV exists and has equal effects across constructs, and that CMV exists and has unequal effects across constructs. The implications of using each strategy within each of the three assumptions are examined empirically using 691,200 simulated data sets varying factors such as the amount of true variance and the amount and nature of CMV modeled. Based on analyses of these data, potential benefits and likely risks of using the different techniques are detailed.

Control Variable Use and Reporting in Macro and Micro Management Research

This study explores the use of control variables in management research, as reflected in both macro and micro management studies published in four leading management journals. Based on a review of 812 empirical articles published from 2005 to 2009—a much larger sample than was employed by earlier studies of control variables—the authors make several important observations. One key finding is that, given it is not at all uncommon for the control variables included in studies to account for more variance than the main effects, it is surprising how infrequently adequate justification for inclusion is provided. In addition, even when justification is provided, often no expectation of the nature of the relationship between control and dependent variables is offered. The authors also make several recommendations for both authors and reviewers. The most important may be to avoid simple mimicry of others and think more deeply about the theoretical foundation for the control variables included in empirical studies.

Marker Variable Choice, Reporting, and Interpretation in the Detection of Common Method Variance: A Review and Demonstration

This article investigates in two ways the use and reporting of marker variables to detect common method variance (CMV) in organizational research. First, a review of 398 empirical articles and 41 unpublished dissertations that employ marker variables indicates that authors are not reporting adequate information regarding marker variable choice and use, are choosing inappropriate marker variables, and are possibly making errors in their assessment of CMV effects. Second, two data sets are presented that investigate the properties of six prospective markers to assess the degree to which they capture specific, measurable causes of CMV and the conclusions these markers produce when applied to substantive relationships. Results from the review and empirical investigation are used to expand the set of conditions scholars should consider when determining whether to employ a marker technique over other alternatives for detecting and controlling CMV and how best to do so.

Exploring touch as a positive workplace behavior

Whereas most research has focused on the negative aspects of touch in the workplace (i.e. sexual harassment), this study focuses upon the positive use of touch. In an effort to explain individual differences in the use of workplace touch, three sequential studies are used to introduce the concepts of workplace touch self-efficacy and workplace touch initiation anxiety. In Study 1 we develop scales to assess the constructs. Study 2 provides an initial examination of the construct validity of the measures developed in Study 1. Results of Study 3 indicate that supervisor reports of touch self-efficacy and physiological touch anxiety are related to subordinate reports of supervisor touch. Additionally, results show that supervisor use of touch is related to several indicators of supervisor social effectiveness. Finally, sex of the supervisor appears to play a role in workplace touch as female supervisors report less touch anxiety, greater touch self-efficacy and more use of touch than male supervisors.

Improving Individual Learning for Trainees with Low Conscientiousness

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of situational factors in improving learning for trainees with low conscientiousness.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 117 employees completed a survey questionnaire in the context of a training intervention. Perceptions of conscientiousness, legitimacy, and accountability were used to predict employee learning in a training context. Moderated multiple regression was used to test the hypotheses.Findings – Results support interactions of conscientiousness and perceived accountability to predict learning such that learners who are low in conscientiousness showed higher levels of learning when perceived accountability was considered strong than when perceived accountability was considered weak. There was no support for the proposed interaction of conscientiousness and perceived legitimacy to predict learning.Practical implications – Results support the view that organizations should implement formal controls to increase perceived accountabili...

Data Quality from Crowdsourced Surveys: A Mixed Method Inquiry into Perceptions of Amazon's Mechanical Turk Masters: MECHANICAL TURK DATA QUALITY

Researchers in the social sciences are increasingly turning to online data collection panels for research purposes. While there is evidence that crowdsourcing platforms such as Amazon s Mechanical Turk can produce data as reliable as more traditional survey collection methods, little is known about Amazon s Mechanical Turk s most experienced respondents, their perceptions of crowdsourced data, and the degree to which these affect data quality. The current study utilises both quantitative and qualitative data to investigate Amazon s Mechanical Turk Masters perceptions and attitudes related to the data quality (e.g. inattention). Recommendations for researchers using crowdsourcing data are provided.