Preconceptions and reconceptions in the administration of science

Abstract . Despite the rise in the importance of science as a daily concern of modern man, until recently factors affecting the conduct of scientific research have not been objectively studied. We found that over 80% of the publications from 1950 to 1961 dealing with the administration of research were based on speculation rather than on objective evidence. These speculative publications, for the most part, tended to reinforce, rather than to critically examine, prevalent conceptions of science and its administration.
One of the most entrenched of these conceptions is the importance ascribed to the differences between basic and applied research. It is my contention that the dichotomy, basic and applied (and such related dichotomies as limited and fundamental, theoretical and action, etc.), hinders rather than advances our knowledge of the relationship between organizational structure and scientific accomplishment. The distinction between basic and applied research is not directly related to the research process and therefore can only be of limited value in research administration. Further, the mystique around the terms 'basic' and 'applied' appears to have led to patterns of research administration based on misconceptions rather than on knowledge. Two other distinctions, urgency and predictability of the research, are suggested as more viable distinctions than the basic-applied dichotomy. Using recent research findings from small group research and the sociology of science, we have attempted to show how these distinctions can serve as guidelines in the administration of science.     

An empirical analysis of continuing improvements following the implementation of a performance-based compensation plan

Performance improvements subsequent to the implementation of a pay-for-performance plan can result because more productive employees self-select into the firm (selection effect) and because employees allocate effort to become more effective (effort effect). We analyze individual performance data for 3,776 sales employees of a retail firm to evaluate these alternative sources of continuing performance improvement. The incentive plan helps the firm attract and retain more productive sales employees, and motivates these employees to further improve their productivity. In contrast, the less productive sales employees’ performance declines before they leave the firm.     

A Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Ethical Values of Consumers: The Potential Effect of War and Civil Disruption

Past research has examined the ethical judgments of consumers in the U.S., but few studies have investigated such attitudes in foreign-market settings. The current study compares ethical attitudes of consumers in two countries (Ireland and Lebanon) which share a cultural similarity of ongoing war and terrorism. The findings reveal that both cultures exhibit low sensitivity to ethical issues. Furthermore, the findings show that the Irish consumers are less sensitive to consumer ethical practices, less idealistic, more relativistic, and more Machiavellian than Lebanese consumers. The authors recommend that other researchers need to further investigate this perplexing issue because ethics is a research topic which often discourages survey respondents to be candid.     

Plato and Delphi

Plato had an unparalleled influence on political and utopian thought through his Republic. Recently, Professor Clarke has emphasised the “Primacy of Plato” for the literature of the ideal state.¹ Some qualifications are offered here to Clarke's appraisal of Plato. These qualifications bear upon his characterisation of Plato's “extraordinary social insights and his exceptional power of thought”. They should be of particular interest to the futures researcher, as they are related to Delphi.