Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to assess the predicting role of job characteristics on job performance. Dimensions in the job characteristics construct are skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy and feedback. Further, work involvement is tested as a mediator in the hypothesized link. Design/methodology/approach: A…

The study described here tested a model of how characteristics of the feedback environment influence the allocation of resources (time and effort) among competing tasks. Results demonstrated that performers invest more resources on tasks for which higher quality (more timely and more specific) feedback is available; this effect was partially…

We investigated the effects of preference and degree of match on job performance of four 19 to 20-year-old young adults with developmental disabilities placed in community-based job conditions. We identified high-preference, high-matched and low-preference, low-matched job tasks using a video web-based assessment program. The job matching…

Examines the effects of communication distortion on the task perceptions of subordinates working in goal-setting programs. Concludes that (1) effective superiors who communicate openly, supportively, and with little distortion are better able to clarify their subordinates' work environment, and (2) distortion negates a goal-setting program. (PD)

Determined whether people could obtain outcomes on a complex task that would be in line with differential goal weights corresponding to different aspects of the task. Bank lending officers were run through lender-simulation exercises. Five performance goals were weighted. Demonstrated effectiveness of goal setting with complex tasks, using group…

In multiple-cue learning (also known as probabilistic category learning) people acquire information about cue-outcome relations and combine these into predictions or judgments. Previous researchers claimed that people can achieve high levels of performance without explicit knowledge of the task structure or insight into their own judgment…

To establish a vocational education program that is relevant to the actual job requirements, the specific activities associated with the job must first be identified. The technique used to secure and present information related to job activities is known as job analysis. (SSH)

Five weighting methods for combining multiple criteria into a single composite were evaluated on 117 bank tellers. Four of the five methods (management, weights, equal weights, unit weights and factor weights) yielded nearly identical results. The fifth method (canonical weights) correlated almost zero with the other methods. (Author/PN)

A study was made of career-ladder positions that are available to students studying records management at various education levels to determine the tasks that are performed by records management personnel at various employment levels and to determine the tasks that should be included in records management courses. (CT)

Describes the development of job-specific performance appraisal factors for 375 of the 450 classifications in a county government, which covered 90 percent of all employees. (Author)

In 3 experiments, participants saw lists of 16 words for free recall with or without a 6-digit immediate serial recall (ISR) task after each word. Free recall was performed under standard visual silent and spoken-aloud conditions (Experiment 1), overt rehearsal conditions (Experiment 2), and fixed rehearsal conditions (Experiment 3). The authors…

Recounts the use of the industrial engineering technique known as "operational audit" to determine the staffing needs of a U.S. Air Force technical library. The methodology and evaluative techniques employed during an operational audit are discussed. Two tables and a reference list accompany the text. (JL)

In recent years, managing a vocational laboratory has become an increasingly difficult and complex task facing many vocational educators. Specialized instructional areas, diverse groups of students, and extended laboratory time have caused educators to seek alternate ways of providing practical "hands-on" instruction when traditional supervised…

How do in-house lobbyists for American colleges and universities compare with other types of lobbyists in their roles, tasks, and strategies? To answer this question 105 in-house lobbyists were surveyed using an instrument that reiterated key questions asked in earlier researchers' studies on private or special interest lobbyists, such as the gun…

Although predictive validation is the primary method of justifying a particular work sample for use as an assessment device, content validation is being recognized as an alternative strategy. Confusion exists over whether content validity should refer to the representativeness of the work sample, in terms of tasks to be performed, or behavioral…