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An Agency Theory Perspective on Student Performance Evaluation
Author(s) -
Smith Michael E.,
Zsidisin George A.,
Adams Laural L.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
decision sciences journal of innovative education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 1540-4609
pISSN - 1540-4595
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-4609.2005.00051.x
Subject(s) - agency (philosophy) , perspective (graphical) , selection (genetic algorithm) , foundation (evidence) , computer science , service (business) , knowledge management , sociology , marketing , political science , business , social science , artificial intelligence , law
The emphasis in recent research on the responsibility of college and university business instructors to prepare students for future employment underscores a need to refine the evaluation of student performance. In this article, an agency theory framework is used to understand the trade‐offs that may be involved in the selection of various approaches to student evaluation. Understanding these trade‐offs may be particularly important as faculty members seek to balance competing obligations, such as research and service requirements, while ensuring instructional effectiveness. This article presents propositions for examining how various institutional, instructor, and student characteristics influence the selection and use of student performance evaluation techniques (i.e., exams, papers, and group assignments). In conclusion, we suggest that agency theory may serve as a foundation for understanding current evaluation practices and guiding instructors in their selection of appropriate evaluation mechanisms.