Paul D. Bliese

Efficacy beliefs as a moderator of the impact of work-related stressors : A multilevel study

This study built on previous exploratory research (S. M. Jex & D. M. Gudanowski, 1992) that examined both self-efficacy and collective efficacy as moderators of stressor-strain relations. Based on survey data collected from 2,273 U.S. Army soldiers representing 36 companies, it was found that both self- and collective efficacy moderated the relationship between stressors and strains. Multilevel random coefficient model results revealed that respondents with strong self-efficacy reacted less negatively in terms of psychological and physical strain to long work hours and work overload than did those reporting low levels of efficacy. In addition, respondents with high levels of self-efficacy responded more positively in terms of job satisfaction to tasks with high significance than did those with low efficacy. The results also revealed that group-level collective efficacy moderated the relationship between work overload and job satisfaction and between task significance and organizational commitment. Limitations of the study and implications of these findings are discussed.

Growth Modeling Using Random Coefficient Models: Model Building, Testing, and Illustrations

In this article, the authors illustrate how random coefficient modeling can be used to develop growth models for the analysis of longitudinal data. In contrast to previous discussions of random coefficient models, this article provides step-by-step guidance using a model comparison framework. By approaching the modeling this way, the authors are able to build off a regression foundation and progressively estimate and evaluate more complex models. In the model comparison framework, the article illustrates the value of using likelihood tests to contrast alternative models (rather than the typical reliance on tests of significance involving individual parameters), and it provides code in the open-source language R to allow readers to replicate the results. The article concludes with practical guidelines for estimating growth models.

Group Size, ICC Values, and Group-Level Correlations: A Simulation

In the organizational literature, the impact of group size on the magnitude of the group-level correlation has not been explicitly delineated, despite the fact that group sizes vary considerably in organizational research. This article discusses the relationship between group size, ICC(J) values, and the magnitude of the group-level correlation, and shows that group size and ICC(I) values are important because they influence the reliability of the aggregate variables. Based on this discussion, a correction for attenuation formula is proposed that permits one to estimate the magnitude of the actual group-level correlation corrected for the reliability of the aggregate variables. A simulation study demonstrates that the correction for attenuation formula provides accurate estimates of the actual group-level correlation under a wide range of conditions. Implications for multilevel analyses are discussed.

Being Both Too Liberal and Too Conservative: The Perils of Treating Grouped Data as though They Were Independent

Organizational data are inherently nested; consequently, lower level data are typically influenced by higher level grouping factors. Stated another way, almost all lower level organizational data have some degree of nonindependence due to work group, geographic membership, and so on. Unaccounted-for nonindependence can be problematic because it affects standard error estimates used to determine statistical significance. Currently, researchers interested in modeling higher level variables routinely use multilevel modeling techniques to avoid well-known problems with Type I error rates. In this article, however, the authors examine how nonindependence affects statistical inferences in cases in which researchers are interested only in relationships among lower level variables. They show that ignoring nonindependence when modeling only lower level variables reduces power (increases Type II errors), and through simulations, the authors show where this loss of power is most pronounced.

The impact of self-efficacy on stressor–strain relations: Coping style as an explanatory mechanism.

The present study was designed to examine whether coping style influences the impact of self-efficacy on stressor-strain relations. It was hypothesized that high self-efficacy would weaken stressor-strain relations when accompanied by frequent use of active coping and infrequent use of avoidance coping. Data collected from 2,293 members of the U.S. Army revealed 3-way interactions among self-efficacy, role clarity, and active coping and among self-efficacy, work overload, and avoidance coping. As predicted, self-efficacy mitigated the effects of low role clarity on strain only when active coping was high. Also as expected, strain levels were lower for participants with high self-efficacy than for participants with lower self-efficacy when work overload was low but avoidance coping was high. Implications of these findings for occupational stress research are discussed.

Battlemind Debriefing and Battlemind Training as Early Interventions With Soldiers Returning From Iraq: Randomization by Platoon

Researchers have found that there is an increase in mental heath problems as a result of military-related traumatic events, and such problems increase in the months following return from combat. Nevertheless, researchers have not assessed the impact of early intervention efforts with this at-risk population. In the present study, the authors compared different early interventions with 2,297 U.S. soldiers following a year-long deployment to Iraq. Platoons were randomly assigned to standard postdeployment stress education, Battlemind debriefing, and small and large group Battlemind training. Results from a 4-month follow-up with 1,060 participants showed those with high levels of combat exposure who received Battlemind debriefing reported fewer posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression symptoms, and sleep problems than those in stress education. Small group Battlemind training participants with high combat exposure reported fewer posttraumatic stress symptoms and sleep problems than stress education participants. Compared to stress education participants, large group Battlemind training participants with high combat exposure reported fewer posttraumatic stress symptoms and lower levels of stigma and, regardless of combat exposure, reported fewer depression symptoms. Findings demonstrate that brief early interventions have the potential to be effective with at-risk occupational groups.

Conceptual Framework and Statistical Procedures for Delineating and Testing Multilevel Theories of Homology

Scholars have been interested in the extent to which organizational phenomena generalize across levels of analysis for quite some time. However, theoretical frameworks for developing homologous multilevel theories (i.e., theories involving parallel relationships between parallel constructs at different levels of analysis) have yet to be developed, and current analytical tools for testing such theories and models are limited and inflexible. In this article, the authors first propose a typology of multilevel theories of homology that considers different stages of theory development and different levels of similarity in relationships across levels. Building on cross-validation principles, the authors then delineate and demonstrate a comprehensive and flexible statistical procedure for testing different multilevel theories of homology. Finally, the authors discuss implications for theory, research, and practice, as well as potential caveats of the new statistical tests.

The Power of Momentum: A New Model of Dynamic Relationships between Job Satisfaction Change and Turnover Intentions

This study offers a new theoretical perspective on the unique nature and function of job satisfaction change, or systematic improvement or decline in job satisfaction over time. Using four diverse ...

The big five personality traits and individual job performance growth trajectories in maintenance and transitional job stages.

This study extends the literature on personality and job performance through the use of random coefficient modeling to test the validity of the Big Five personality traits in predicting overall sales performance and sales performance trajectories--or systematic patterns of performance growth--in 2 samples of pharmaceutical sales representatives at maintenance and transitional job stages (K. R. Murphy, 1989). In the maintenance sample, conscientiousness and extraversion were positively associated with between-person differences in total sales, whereas only conscientiousness predicted performance growth. In the transitional sample, agreeableness and openness to experience predicted overall performance differences and performance trends. All effects remained significant with job tenure statistically controlled. Possible explanations for these findings are offered, and theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed.

Relationship of combat experiences to alcohol misuse among U.S. soldiers returning from the Iraq war

OBJECTIVE Studies have shown a relationship between combat experiences and alcohol misuse in military personnel; it is not known if there are specific combat experiences that confer a greater risk. The current study examined the association of specific types of combat experiences with a positive screen for alcohol misuse. METHODS 1120 U.S. soldiers who were members of brigade combat infantry teams were surveyed anonymously 3-4 months after returning from deployment to Iraq regarding their experiences in combat and their physical and mental health. Combat items were independently rated and placed into the following categories: (1) Fighting; (2) Killing; (3) Threat to oneself; (4) Death/injury of others; (5) Atrocities; and, (6) Positive experiences. Alcohol misuse was measured using a 2-item alcohol screen combined with alcohol-related behavioral items. RESULTS Of the soldiers sampled, 25% (N=275) screened positive for alcohol misuse 3-4 months post-deployment; 12% (N=125) screened positive and exhibited alcohol-related behavioral problems. Most combat exposure factors were significantly related to alcohol misuse individually. When factors were analyzed simultaneously, soldiers who had higher rates of exposure to the threat of death/injury were significantly more likely to screen positive for alcohol misuse; exposure to atrocities predicted misuse of alcohol with alcohol-related behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS High exposure to threatening situations and atrocities was associated with a positive screen for alcohol misuse. Clinicians treating combat veterans should be aware of the potential association of alcohol misuse with specific types of experiences and closely follow those soldiers upon their return home.