Organizational socialization and positive organizational behaviour: implications for theory,research, and practice

The purpose of this paper is to advocate a shift in research and practice on organizational socialization towards one based on positive organizational behaviour (POB). First, we demonstrate how the prevailing perspectives of organizational socialization are based on a cognitive‐learning process that emphasizes information and knowledge acquisition. We then review the literature on POB and psychological capital (PsyCap) and argue that socialization processes should be designed to develop the PsyCap of newcomers. We offer a new approach to organizational socialization called socialization resources theory (SRT) and describe four broad socialization resources that can be used to develop newcomers' self‐efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience. Finally, we discuss the implications of this approach for research and practice on organizational socialization. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The weighted empirical process of row independent random variables with arbitrary distribution functions

Abstract  The relative compactness and weak convergence of reduced empirical, quantile and weighted empirical processes are demonstrated under mild conditions. For example, the reduced empirical proces of arbitrary independent iv'S is always relatively compact in any ‖ /q ‖ metric with q square integrable; and weak convergence takes place if and only if the covariance function converges. V an Z uijlen's representation of the general empirical process is a fundamental tool. This paper both unifies and extends the previous treatment of these processes - processes that have application to rank statistics and linear combinations of order statistics. Most proofs are contained in Section 3. A brief introduction to weak convergence is presented in the appendix for readers lacking this background. Applications are indicated in Section 4.     

An Exploratory Study of the Level of Disaster Preparedness in the Canadian Hospitality Industry

Disaster planning is an important, but often neglected, part of leading an organization. Currently there exists little data on the level of disaster preparedness of organizations in the Canadian hospitality industry. In this article we present the results of a survey of a representative sample of organizations in this industry to assess the level of disaster preparedness. Results reveal an overall low level of preparedness. Implications of these results are discussed and recommendations for research and practice are suggested.     

Expectancy theory and nascent entrepreneurship

Motivation is an important factor that distinguishes those nascent entrepreneurs who make progress towards an operating venture from those who do not. Based on Vroom??s (Work and motivation, 1964) expectancy theory, we predict that startup-specific instrumentality, valence and expectancy are key components of entrepreneurial motivation and closely related to those intentions, efforts, and behaviors that will eventually lead to operating a firm. Hypotheses are tested using data from the first Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics I. Our results show that valence is a multidimensional construct, and that various types of valence are related to different intent and behavioral outcomes. All types of valence, instrumentality, and expectancy are related to a nascent entrepreneur??s intended effort level in a cross-section of data, and over time, intended effort is positively related to operative firm status. Overall, our results suggest that expectancy theory holds promise for research on nascent entrepreneurs?? motivation.     

Limits to Growth in Organic Sales

The price gap between organic and conventional food might explain the low market share of organics in the Netherlands. A real-life experiment was carried out in 2006 in order to determine the price sensitivity of consumer demand for organics. Consumer prices of selected organic products were reduced by up to 40% below current market levels. The price elasticity of demand was low, because not all consumers perceived the price reductions. Moreover, the offer of organic varieties is limited, as is the consumer’s willingness to pay for the social attributes of organics.     

Do cost-based pricing biases persist in laboratory markets?

Past accounting experiments have demonstrated significant effects of absorption vs variable costing systems on pricing decisions, but in individual settings that suppressed market features. The main finding of the current study is that a cost-based pricing bias did not persist in laboratory product markets. Given the opportunity to learn from profit and market feedback, sellers revised their price offers toward optimum in a manner that compensated for absorption vs variable cost signals. The effects of demand conditions, as revealed through actual trades, dominated the effects of alternative costing systems.     

The influence of ethical fit on employee satisfaction,commitment and turnover

This study examines the influence of ethical fit on employee attitudes and intentions to turnover. The results of this investigation provides support for the conjecture that ethical work climate is an important variable in the study of person-organization fit. Ethical fit was found to be significantly related to turnover intentions, continuance commitment, and affective commitment, but not to job satisfaction. Results are discussed in regard to some of the affective and cognitive distinctions among satisfaction, commitment, and behavioral intentions.Randi L. Sims is an Assistant Professor at Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her research interests include Ethical Decision Making, Business Ethics, and Academic Dishonesty. Dr. Sims has published in theJournal of Education for Business and Educational and Psychological Measurement.K. Galen Kroeck is an Associate Professor of Management at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. Dr. Kroeck, an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, is the Director of Doctoral Studies in the College of Business Administration and Chairman of the Florida International University Research Council. He has published in numerous magazines and journals, such as theJournal of Management and theJournal of Applied Psychology, and has two current textbooks in the field of Human Resource Management.     

California Customer Load Reductions during the Electricity Crisis: Did They Help to Keep the Lights On?

During summer 2001, Californians reduced electricity usage by 6% and average monthly peak demand by 8%, compared to summer 2000. These load reductions played an important role in avoiding the hundreds of hours of rotating power outages predicted several months prior. Many factors affected electricity use and peak demand in summer 2001, including weather, changes in the State’s economy, and deliberate consumer responses to a variety of stimuli associated with the crisis. This paper assesses the roles played by these contributing factors, with a special focus on the extraordinary efforts made by Californians to reduce electricity consumption. We review the role of media coverage and informational campaigns on public awareness and the impact of rate increases and a variety of publicly funded programs in reducing electricity consumption. We also draw lessons for other regions that may be faced with the prospect of electricity shortages.