Myron Glassman

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 Situational Occurrences Theory of Job Satisfaction

A two-phase study was conducted to test the Situational Occurrences Theory of Job Satisfaction. The theory was designed to address the following anomalies: (1) why do employees holding seemingly excellent jobs in terms of the traditional job facets such as pay and benefits sometimes report low satisfaction, (2) why do employees holding similar jobs at the same or different organizations with similar pay, etc. have different job satisfaction levels, and (3) why do employee job satisfaction levels change over time when pay, etc. remains relatively stable? The theory posits that job satisfaction is a function of a relatively finite and stable set of variables called Situational Characteristics and a broader based, fluid set of variables called Situational Occurrences. It was hypothesized that overall job satisfaction could best be predicted from a combination of Situational Occurrences and Situational Characteristics than by either alone. It was also hypothesized that Situational Occurrences play a dominant role in determining subsequent satisfaction with the job. Both hypotheses were supported. In addition, male and female differences in the relative importance of Situational Characteristics and Situational Determinants were found.

The psychology of password management: a tradeoff between security and convenience

Despite technological advances, humans remain the weakest link in Internet security. In this study, we examined five password-management behaviours to answer questions about user knowledge of password quality, motivation behind password selection and the effect of account type on password-management behaviour. First, we found that users know what constitutes a good/bad password and know which common password-management practices are (in)appropriate. Second, users are motivated to engage in these bad password-management behaviours because they do not see any immediate negative consequences to themselves (negative externalities) and because of the convenience–security tradeoff. Applying Construal Level Theory, we found that this tradeoff can be positively influenced by imposing a time frame factor, i.e. whether the password change will take place immediately (which results in weaker passwords) or in the future (which results in stronger passwords). Third, we found a time frame effect only for more important (online banking) accounts.

Determinants of Ethical Behavior: A Study of Autosalespeople

This study proposes a model that explains the ethical behavior of automobile salespeople in terms of their ethical perception, legal perception, method of compensation (commission-based or salary-based), age, and education. The model is estimated by using five scenarios that involve ethical issues commonly found in the automobile industry and responses from 184 automobile salespeople in a mid-Atlantic metropolitan area. The findings suggest that ethical perception is the most important determinant of ethical behavior. Also, method of compensation is a major determinant in four of five scenarios, and legal perception in two out of five scenarios. However, age and education are not significantly related to ethical behavior. A discussion of the results, limitations, and implications is presented for managers.

Do Large European, US and Japanese Firms Use Their Web Sites To Communicate Their Mission?

While many firms have developed web sites, very little is known about how these sites are being used to communicate business strategy-related information to various constituencies. The purpose of this study was to examine whether large European, Japanese, and United States firms use their web sites to communicate their mission statements to stakeholders. The study found that mission-type statements can eventually be found on 66.7 per cent of the web sites of European firms, 50 per cent of Japanese firms, and 66.3 per cent of US firms. However, fewer than 10 per cent of companies, regardless of region, include mission statements on customer, employee, investor, or supplier pages.

Evaluating Pay-for-Performance Systems: Critical Issues for Implementation

Most organizations use a merit pay or pay-for-performance system (PFP) to improve employee performance. Despite its popularity, a PFP system can be difficult to implement. Success depends on several issues. These include adequate funding, suitable job characteristics, and appropriate performance feedback. Moreover, even under the best circumstances, PFP systems may cause unintended consequences such as dysfunctional behavior, unethical conduct and even employment discrimination. Still, when the critical issues for proper implementation are appropriately addressed, a PFP system is and should continue to be a successful management tool to enhance employee performance in the workplace.

Processing Advertising Information: Deception, Salience, and Inferential Belief Formation

Abstract Four recent FTC cases on deceptive advertising were used to examine Fishbeins concepts of attribute salience and inferential belief formation. The findings suggest that (1) attributes considered salient by the FTC may not be considered by consumers when making brand choices, (2) a truthful ad may lead subjects to form incorrect inferential beliefs about product attributes (therefore, such an ad may ultimately be deceptive), and (3) information contained in advertising is processed by subjects to discount exaggerated statements, thus reducing the credibility of the ad.

An empirical investigation of bogus recall

A mall-intercept study involving 200 respondents was conducted to examine bogus recall of advertising slogans. The findings suggest that bogus recall is: (1) negatively related to (a) education, (b) age, (c) income, and (d) being told that slogan recall will be verified by being asked to name the product/company associated with the slogan; (2) positively related to (a) the belief that advertising provides useful product information, (b) a “yea-saying” orientation, (c) radio, newspaper, magazine and TV use, and (d) the attitude toward the slogan; and (3) not related to (a) prior notification of the fact that some slogans are bogus, (b) sex, and (c) race.

Influence de la culture d’entreprise et des politiques de ressources humaines sur la stratégie Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Cet article présente la politique de ressources humaines et la culture d’une entreprise comme deux éléments importants à considérer lors de l’élaboration d’une stratégie supply chain. Il montre aussi qu’une entreprise doit considérer l’interaction entre sa politique ressources humaines (relation ou transaction), et sa stratégie logistique (relation ou transaction). Ne pas atteindre de façon satisfaisante cette concordance stratégique peut entraîner une réduction de l’efficacité de la chaîne dans son ensemble.

Pay Inversion Versus Pay for Performance Can Companies Have Their Cake and Eat It Too

As labor market shifts give rise to more pay inversion, employers must seek solutions or face an increasingly disengaged workforce.