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LINEAR VS. NON–LINEAR MODELS OF THE FORMATION OF AFFECTIVE REACTIONS: THE CASE OF JOB ENLARGEMENT
Author(s) -
Brief Arthur P.,
Wallace Marc J.,
Aldag Ramon J.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
decision sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.238
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1540-5915
pISSN - 0011-7315
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-5915.1976.tb00652.x
Subject(s) - confusion , task (project management) , dimension (graph theory) , meaning (existential) , psychology , linear model , cognitive psychology , linear regression , social psychology , computer science , econometrics , mathematics , machine learning , economics , management , psychoanalysis , pure mathematics , psychotherapist
Numerous researchers have now considered the impact of task characteristics on employee responses. However, relatively little is known about how information regarding individual task dimensions is processed to arrive at an overall judgment. Most studies simply consider the role of individual job characteristics or arbitarily apply a particular combinatory model. In the rare instances where alternative models have been simultaneously considered, there has been some apparent confusion regarding the meaning of models and/or interpretation of findings. The current study explored alternative combinatory models of human evaluative judgments. Data on task dimensions and employee affective responses were collected from subjects in two samples, one in a manufacturing firm and one in a Division of Corrections. Task dimension scores were combined by use of compensatory, conjunctive, and disjunctive models. Multiple regression was used to examine relationships between resultant scores and various affective response indices. All three models exhibited generally significant predictive ability. The linear compensatory model was found to be as powerful a predictor of evaluative judgments as were non‐linear alternatives. Implications of findings are presented.