Date of Award

Spring 2003

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Department

School of Accountancy

First Advisor

Michael S. Luehlfing

Abstract

Formal information is information developed by the organization which is recognized and sanctioned by senior management. All other information is, by definition, informal. In this regard, this study was performed to gain insights into the relationship between Relative Attitude toward Formal Information (as opposed to informal information) and Relative Use of Formal Information (as opposed to informal information) in the performance appraisal process. Additionally, this study was undertaken to gain insights into the relationship between Organizational Commitment and Relative Use of Formal Information in the performance appraisal process.

Data was collected from members of the Institute for Supply Management (formerly National Association of Purchasing Management) using a questionnaire survey instrument. The primary statistical analysis technique employed in the study was multiple regression with univariate procedures used to a lesser extent. While the results of the study do not suggest the existence of a relationship between Organizational Commitment and Relative Use of Formal Information, the results of the study do suggest that appraisers in this sample used relatively more formal information when making termination decisions than when making other performance-related decisions (i.e., periodic performance reviews, merit pay adjustments, and promotion decisions). This finding seems extremely plausible given the legal and regulatory environment surrounding the termination process. In turn, this finding should “give comfort” to all stakeholders in the performance appraisal process.

Additionally, the results of this study suggest that the Information Coverage dimension of Relative Attitude toward Formal Information is positively associated with Relative Use of Formal Information with respect to periodic performance reviews, merit pay adjustments, and promotion decisions. In contrast, Relative Use of Formal Information with respect to termination decisions is positively associated with the Information Accuracy dimension of Relative Attitude toward Formal Information as well as two appraiser attributes—Years in Current Position and Union Membership of Subordinates.

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