Surreal Time and Ultratasks

This paper suggests that time could have a much richer mathematical structure than that of the real numbers. Clark & Read (1984) argue that a hypertask (uncountably many tasks done in a finite length of time) cannot be performed. Assuming that time takes values in the real numbers, we give a trivial proof of this. If we instead take the surreal numbers as a model of time, then not only are hypertasks possible but so is an ultratask (a sequence which includes one task done for each ordinal number—thus a proper class of them). We argue that the surreal numbers are in some respects a better model of the temporal continuum than the real numbers as defined in mainstream mathematics, and that surreal time and hypertasks are mathematically possible

The Effects of Politically Biased Performance Appraisal on Ratee Job Attitudes and Desire to Respond to Feedback.

The present study examined the relationships of politics in appraisal and political use of appraisal to ratee attitudes and desire to respond to appraisal feedback. Hypotheses were developed from research on politics in appraisal, the feedback process model of Ilgen, Fisher, and Taylor, 1979, and equity theory (Adams, 1965). Negative relationships between politics and dependent variables were predicted. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 used 97 professionals in two organizations to test the effects of hypothetical political use of appraisal on their attitudes and desire to respond to appraisal feedback. Study 2 used 98 professionals in an insurance company to investigate the relationship of politics in performance appraisal to ratee attitudes and desire to respond to appraisal feedback. Results of both studies generally supported the hypothesized negative relationship between political distortion of ratings and ratee attitudes and desire to respond to feedback. A tentative model of the effects of politics in performance appraisal was presented and implications of the study for researchers and practitioners were presented and directions for future research were discussed

As The Years Roll On

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-vp/1174/thumbnail.jp

Transition: a concept of significance to nursing and health care professionals

The concept of transition has growing significance within the healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals’ encounters with patients and family during periods of health-illness transitions in addition to other transitions (e.g., developmental) can be significant. Therefore healthcare professionals should be aware of the meaning and the process of transition, to ensure efficient and competent provision of care. This paper will explore the concept of transition in the context of healthcare, and will suggest strategies to enable professionals to manage transition effectively