The Development and Initial Validation of a Measure of Small Group Leadership Self-Efficacy

Small group leadership self-efficacy is conceptualized as an individual’s degree of confidence in his/her ability to successfully assume a leadership role in a small group. The task specificity of self-efficacy and the conceptualization of leadership as context bound informs the need for a small group leadership self-efficacy measure that is a superior operationalization of the specified construct than extant measures of leadership self-efficacy in the context of small group leadership. Consequently, the purposes of this study were: (a) to develop a psychometrically sound self-report measure of small group leadership self-efficacy and establish its underlying structure through factor analytic procedures, and (b) to present preliminary validity evidence for the measure. In order to develop a representative item pool for the posited small group leadership self-efficacy dimensions, relevant theory was reviewed and extant literature was surveyed, with special attention to factor analytic studies. Using the data of 568 undergraduate students collected online, Study 1 investigated the factor structure of the initial 101-item measure. This resulted in the refinement and reduction of the initial measure to a 32-item measure, consisting of 5 dimensions. However, in Study 2, factor analyzing data collected from 296 undergraduate students who completed only the 32 items retained in Study 1 and the item-to-category sorts of 7 independent judges resulted in the confirmation of a second-order small group leadership self-efficacy factor structure with 2 dimensions (initiating structure and consideration) consisting of 23 items that best captured the content domain of the construct. The final 23-item measure of small group leadership self-efficacy was embedded into a nomological network where its relationships with four variables of interest was tested and results revealed that previous small group leadership experience, valence of previous small group leadership experience, and subjective vitality are correlates of small group leadership self-efficacy. The results of the present work have both theoretical and practical implications. An outcome of this study is a psychometrically sound measure of small group leadership self-efficacy which has the potential for high utility in both applied and scientific settings. These implications as well as possible directions for future research are identified and discussed

A cognitive approach to the study of ingroup bias: role of reasons

Despite considerable research on ingroup bias, there is a lack of theory to explain this phenomenon and thus a lack of understanding of the mechanism behind it. The purpose of this dissertation is to propose a new explanation of ingroup bias. In particular, the research is interested in the cognitive, rather than motivational, basis for ingroup bias. The most predominant theory of ingroup bias has been social identity theory. The theory is based on the assumption of existence of the need for a positive social identity, and is thus a motivationally oriented theory. As an alternative to social identity theory, the dissertation proposes a new approach drawn from persuasive arguments theory which is one of the major theories in the area of group polarization. A new cognitive approach contends that whilst social identity theory argues that ingroup bias originates from motivation for a positive social identity, it may not be based on such motivation or need, but rather on some cognitive process. It argues that ingroup bias may occur because of the reasoning or argumentation that people use as they think about the reasons they and others from both the ingroup and outgroup may have had for their choices, choices which were the basis for their categorization into groups. Based on persuasive arguments theory, the research investigates the effect of listing reasons, either in favor of the ingroup or outgroup\u27s choice, in producing ingroup bias and in reversing this bias using experimental method and questionnaire. The results showed that ingroup bias differed depending upon whether subjects had a chance to think again about their choice and to list reasons for the choice made either by the ingroup or the outgroup. Therefore, a new cognitive approach based on persuasive arguments theory is proved to be valid although further research is needed

Personnel selection in tactical intervention units

Amid the increasing complexities and unpredictability of terrorism, the competence of tactical Intervention units is important. This doctoral thesis examines tactical intervention units, emphasizing the work-related characteristics of applicants and officers. The thesis aims to evaluate whether measurements of cognitive and physical abilities and personality traits can predict which individuals are suitable for tactical intervention units with a particular focus on Swedish CTIU. This thesis comprises four studies: Study 1 probed the role of cognitive abilities, specifically Executive Functions (EF), in the CTIU selection process. The investigation was conducted using the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Design Fluency (DF, Delis et al., 2001) paper-and pencil performance test, comparing two groups: Swedish CTIU applicants (n = 45, including one woman, age range 27-41 years; M = 31.7 years, SD = 3.33) and police officer trainees (n = 30, including six women, age range 22-39 years; M = 27.7 years, SD = 4.70). Both groups had higher scores than the general population norms for EF, with the CTIU applicants notably performing better than the police officer trainees in DF [F (1, 71) = 18.98, p < 0.001]. Under the 10-day Counter Terrorism Intervention Assessment and Selection course (CTIAS), CTIU applicants displayed a reduction in DF performance. Despite this decline, a substantial correlation remained between the baseline and retest DF scores [r (40) = .49, p = .001]. Those applicants with the highest baseline scores experienced the greatest percentage decrease during retesting [r (40) = -.46, p = .003]; however, the highest baseline performers still had the highest scores in the retest. The study underscored the impact of stress on cognitive functioning. Study 2 utilized a paper-and-pencil personality inventory, the NEO-PI-3, to investigate the Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality profiles of CTIU officers by comparing them with the Swedish population norm. The CTIU group consisted of 57 male participants, with ages between 28 and 51 years (M = 39.6 years, SD = 5.2) and an average tenure of 7.6 years (SD = 6.0). At the factor level, CTIU officers exhibited lower levels of neuroticism (Cohen's d = .7), extraversion (Cohen's d = .7), and conscientiousness (Cohen's d = .4). At the facet level, CTIU officers displayed less vulnerability (Cohen's d = .8), angry hostility (Cohen's d = .7), and anxiety (Cohen's d = .6) while displaying higher excitement-seeking (Cohen's d = .9), positive emotions (Cohen's d = .6), and activity (Cohen's d = .6). These results show personality distinctions between Swedish CTIU officers and the general population. Study 3 investigated both physical and psychological predictors that influenced work sample test performance (WST) during the CTIAS process, involving a cohort of 160 applicants. The approved applicants in CTIAS Phase 1 (n = 28) had an age range of 25–42 years (M = 30.64 years, SD = 3.78), while the rejected applicants in CTIAS Phase 1 (n = 132) ranged in age from 25–47 years (M = 30.68 years, SD = 4.11). The CTIAS selection process consists of a 4-day prescreening (Phase 1) that includes an eight-hour WST, followed by a 10-day WST (Phase 2). Biserial correlations were applied to establish the relationships between the selected predictors: age, general mental ability, EF, personality traits, physical strength, coordination, running capacity, and the dependent variable. The dependent variable in the study was the approval of applicants at the end of CTIAS Phase 1. Biserial correlations were observed between approval and strength (r = .217), coordination (r = .223), and running capacity (r = .412). A logistic regression revealed running capacity as the sole significant predictor for approval at the end of CTIAS Phase 1 (B = .336, SE = .085, Wald = 15.783, p < .001). Aerobic capacity emerged as the key success factor in CTIAS Phase 1, but it may not represent the principal criterion for actual job performance in tactical intervention units. Conducting a job analysis to confirm or develop the selection criteria is essential. Study 4 delved into the domain of personality traits in SWAT units. The objective was to discern the optimal 30 facets of the NEO FFM personality profile for a SWAT officer through the assessment of subject matter experts (N=159, age range 28-55 years, mean = 39.91, SD = 5.29, tenure range 4-23 years, mean = 7.80, SD = 7.16), and compare it with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) ten maladaptive personality disorders. The findings demonstrated that the opinion of the experts of an optimal SWAT officer's profile is marked by a high level of conscientiousness and a low level of neuroticism. Facets such as vulnerability (which indicated low levels) and competence, dutifulness, and self-discipline (each indicating high levels) were particularly critical in distinguishing a successful SWAT officer. Notably, the experts SWAT profile displayed consistent negative correlations with personality disorders, specifically showing substantial dissimilarity with borderline, schizotypal, dependent, and avoidant personality disorders. These findings can contribute to developing reliable and valid selection processes for prospective SWAT officers

The relationship between political cynicism and right-wing authoritarianism : a study of the Louisville-Jefferson County merger.

The government\u27s ability to gain and hold a high proportion of citizens\u27 trust is essential to the functioning of an efficient and successful administration at the federal, state, and local levels. This thesis is a quantitative study aimed at finding possible explanations for differences in levels of political cynicism. One possible explanation, right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), is the subject of this study. Furthermore, the study aims to link the variables to the 2000 Louisville-Jefferson County merger. The data for this study were collected from 802 respondents residing in the Metro Louisville area using a random technique via the 2004 Louisville Metro Survey. Analyses of the data were done both statistically and spatially in order to determine significant relationships and the possible existence of residential segregation. The findings show that there is a relationship between the variables, which allows for the conclusion that RWA levels are a reliable predictor of political cynicism

Perceived Random Leader Selection in Work Groups

Different methods of selecting a leader for work groups have been shown to have significant effects on the group\u27s overall performance (Henningsen, et al., 2004). It has been suggested that systematic selection of leadership is detrimental to a group\u27s performance and cohesiveness in certain cases (Haslam et al., 1998). This has been supported by many studies (Haslam et al., 1998; Henningsen et. al., 2004). In such cases it may be more beneficial to pick a leader in a random fashion instead of picking one due to leadership abilities. It was hypothesized that it is even more beneficial in these cases if the leader is picked due to credentials (systematically selected) but the leader is perceived by the rest of the group as being randomly selected. The hypothesis was tested with four groups creating a building model out of drinking straws. No significant effects were found in terms of group performance or group cohesiveness

Group cohesiveness of Home Economics Improvement Clubs in Taiwan

The Home Improvement Clubs are one of the most important kinds of voluntary educational and social groups in rural Taiwan. The operating effectiveness of these groups is influential to the success of home economics extension work. This study examines the group cohesiveness of Home Economics Improvement Clubs and analyzes the factors affecting group cohesiveness and the cohesiveness-performance effect. This examination aims to provide some useful recommendations to the home economics extension work;One hundred and eight club leaders and 216 club members were asked to express their thoughts about some of the group characteristics of Home Economics Improvement Clubs to which they belong, including group cohesiveness, group performance, club leadership, leadership of extension workers, degree of organizational support, degree of family support, group members\u27 homogeneity, members\u27 learning motivation, and members\u27 interaction. Thirty-six extension workers were also interviewed;The findings show that the subjects gave very positive evaluations about all items measuring group cohesiveness. The results from structural equation modeling demonstrate that extension workers\u27 leadership, group age, members\u27 interaction, and learning motivation have significant positive effects on group cohesiveness. However, the cohesiveness-performance effect is not significant;Based on the research findings this study proposes four recommendations for home economics extension work: (1) to strengthen the vertical and horizontal linkages between related organizations; (2) to carry out more activities and programs for group member participation, (3) to enhance training programs for extension workers; (4) to enhance training programs for club leaders. The limitations of this study and some directions for future research are also discussed

A Brief Contextualization of Big Data in the International Business environment: evidence from the Alibaba Group's transition

The present work seeks to understand the impacts of Big Data and its adjacent technologies in the international business environment, with a focus on the financial sector, bringing the recent transition of Alibaba Group as a case study. In this effort, the work, in the first moment, brings a conceptualization of Big Data from the perspective of different authors, in different areas of science. In the second moment, an analysis of the applications of Big Data in the governmental scope, providing an understanding of how the technology can be applied from the perspective of the States and, at the same time, a differentiation is made with respect to the use of the Big Data in the business world, with a special focus on the financial sector of international business. In the last instance, an analysis of the Alibaba Group transition, the transition from an e-commerce company to a company that focuses on the dynamics of data is brought by this work, demonstrating how dynamics based on Big Data technologies can lead to strategic changes in companies, but they can also provoke a dynamism in the international business sector as a whole

What obstruct customer acceptance of internet banking? Security and privacy, risk, trust and website usability and the role of moderators

Comparatively a little attention has been paid to the factors that obstruct the acceptance of Internet banking in Sri Lanka. This research assimilates constructs such as security and privacy, perceived trust, perceived risk, and website usability. To test the conceptual model, we collected 186 valid responses from customers who use Internet banking in Sri Lanka. The structural equation modelling technique is applied and hypotheses are validated. The findings show perceived trust and website usability are the possible obstructing factors that highly concerned by Internet banking customers. While security and privacy, and perceived risk are not significant and these are not highly concerned by customers in Internet banking acceptance. The age and gender reveal the moderating effect in each exogenous latent constructs relationship. The practical and managerial implications of the findings are also discussed. This country specific study contributes to the advancement of Internet banking acceptance, and offers some useful insights to researchers, practitioners and policy makers on how to enhance Internet banking acceptance for country similar in context

Psychological analysis of high school athletes\u27 anxiety responses

This study investigated the nature of anxiety reactions in basketball. Athletes\u27 reactions to anxiety-eliciting sport situations were analyzed in an attempt to give insight into why athletes behave as they do in specific situations. [This is an excerpt from the abstract. For the complete abstract, please see the document.