| Abstract: | Examined whether the operant-based categories of behavior in the Operant Supervisory Taxonomy and Index (OSTI), developed by the present author and colleagues (see record 1986-21000-001), can distinguish between managers considered effective and marginally effective in motivating others. Using the OSTI, observers categorized the behaviors of 2 extreme groups of managers. The effective group was composed of 12 managers rated and ranked in the top 28% in terms of motivating others by their superiors; the marginal group was composed of 12 managers in the bottom 28%. Each manager was observed up to 20 times by trained observers, unaware of the managers' groupings. 465 30-min observations were made in a medical insurance firm over a 7-mo period. Results show that the effective managers spent significantly more time collecting performance information and used a particular method of monitoring (work sampling) that involved inspecting the work itself or watching persons conducting the work. No differences were found in the time spent providing performance consequences or the positiveness or negativeness of the consequences. Findings illustrate the advantages of explaining leader behavior from a general theoretical perspective. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
