THE EFFECTS OF INFORMATION SEARCH ON NEW WORKERS' BEHAVIOR MODELING

BETH ANN MARTIN, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the uncertainty instigated information search--role modeling relationship suggested by Weiss (1977, 1978). More specifically, an information search--uncertainty reduction explanation of the self esteem effect on modeling was examined. Two separate studies were conducted. Both studies used an in-basket technique which required subjects to play the role of a new manager responding to a variety of written communication. In both studies the task materials were presented to subjects on a computer terminal. Study one examined differences in modeling between subjects who acquired information about their new job by actively searching for the information versus subjects who acquired the same information via presentation. This study used a 2 (search versus presentation of information) x 2 (leadership participation style of the model) factorial design. Contrary to expectations the results indicated that there was no difference in the level of modeling between subjects in the two. However, modeling did occur in both conditions, which indicates that the in-basket was having the general intended effect. Study two was designed to examine the self esteem--information search--modeling relationship found in other studies. Self esteem could affect modeling through the amount of information one searched for, one's receptivity to the information and/or one's use of the information. Two conditions were created. One condition where individuals were allowed to search for information tested whether search was a mediator of the self esteem--modeling relationship. The second condition eliminated search to look at self esteem effects on modeling when exposure to information was held constant. Results indicated that over all subjects, there was an effect for self esteem, however, it was not in the predicted direction. Further examination indicated the self esteem effect on modeling only in the search condition. There was a positive relationship between subjects' perceptions of the model and subjects' own level of participation, and there was a positive relationship between the subject's leadership participation level and the model's leadership participation level.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Occupational psychology

COinS