Robert B. Tiegs

Growth Need Strength and Context Satisfactions as Moderators of the Relations of the Job Characteristics Model

Empirical investigations of the job characteristics model (JCM; Hackman & Oldham, 1980) have failed to systematically explore the moderating effects of growth need strength (GNS) and context satisfactions (viz., pay, job security, co-worker, and supervision) on the relations among the core job characteristics, critical psychological states, and work outcomes. Previous studies also are criticized for the use of subgroup analytic techniques, low statistical power resulting from small sample sizes (i.e, often less than 200) and/or samples consisting of individuals of relatively homogeneous jobs/occupations. As an attempt to address these deficiencies in the literature, this study examined the moderating effects of GNS and each of the four context satisfactions using a large sample (N = 6405) of employees from a variety of jobs and occupations. Overall, the results of univariate and multivariate hierarchical moderated multiple regression analyses suggest that none of thefive individual difference factors appeared to be viable moderators of any of the relations among job characteristics, psychological states, and three work outcomes (viz., growth satisfaction, overall job satisfaction, and internal motivation). Also, there was no supportive evidence for potential joint moderating effects between GNS and each context satisfaction on the relations of the JCM.

Exploring the relationship between workspace density and employee attitudinal reactions: An integrative model

We have attempted to explore the inconsistent results in the literature concerning employee reactions to workspace density by examining the simultaneous moderating effects of job complexity and organizational tenure on the relationship between workspace density and three attitudinal outcomes: organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and co-worker satisfaction. We found the strongest negative relations between density and reactions when job complexity and organizational tenure were high, simultaneously. Theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.

Short research note: Rater positive and negative mood predispositions as predictors of performance ratings of ratees in simulated and real organizational settings: Evidence from US and Israeli samples

Laboratory research shows that raters who experience positive mood evaluate others more favourably, while raters who experience negative mood provide less favourable ratings. Based on these findings it was hypothesized that in more realistic work situations, raters who are high on positive mood predisposition would provide higher job performance ratings of ratees, while raters who are high on negative mood predisposition would provide lower job performance ratings. These hypotheses were tested by examining performance ratings from two sources: a realistic organizational simulation conducted in the US and an Israeli industrial firm. In both samples, negative mood predisposition was negatively associated with performance ratings of ratees, whereas positive mood predisposition was unrelated to performance ratings.

Cognitive ability and motivational interventions: Their effects on performance outcomes.

A laboratory experiment was conducted to examine the effects of cognitive ability, task interests, goal setting, and feedback on perceived competence, intrinsic motivation, performance, and satisfaction with performance. Data were collected from 90 introductory psychology students performing one of two computer-based tasks. Results indicated that the motivational interventions interacted with cognitive ability in relation to intrinsic motivation, perceived competence, and satisfaction with performance. Implications are discussed within the framework of cognitive resources theory and goal-setting theory.