Representational predicaments for employees: Their impact on perceptions of supervisors\u27 individualized consideration and on employee job satisfaction

A representational predicament for a subordinate vis-à-vis his or her immediate superior involves perceptual incongruence with the superior about the subordinate\u27s work or work context, with unfavourable implications for the employee. An instrument to measure the incidence of two types of representational predicament, being neglected and negative slanting, was developed and then validated through an initial survey of 327 employees. A subsequent substantive survey with a fresh sample of 330 employees largely supported a conceptual model linking being neglected and negative slanting to perceptions of low individualized consideration by superiors and to low overall job satisfaction. The respondents in both surveys were all Hong Kong Chinese. Two case examples drawn from qualitative interviews illustrate and support the conceptual model. Based on the research findings, we recommend some practical exercises to use in training interventions with leaders and subordinates. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC

Respiration and thermogenesis by cones of the Australian cycad Macrozamia machinii

The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com1. While cycads are often considered to be wind-pollinated, it is now clear that insects are pollen vectors in many species. This study addresses the role of thermogenesis in pollination biology of the dioecious cycad Macrozamia machinii P.I. Forster & D.L. Jones . 2. The patterns of thermogenesis in intact male and female cones were assessed with thermometry and respirometry throughout the pollination period in the field. 3. Thermogenic episodes in male cones occurred from about 17.00–00.00 h on successive evenings, in association with dehiscence of sporangia and presence of their pollinating weevils ( Tranes sp.). 4. Temperatures of the 167 g male cones rose ≈ 6 ° C above ambient, and mean rate of oxygen consumption peaked at 7·7 μ mol s − 1 (3·6 W). Regulation of male cone temperature was not evident, and thermogenesis of female cones was insignificant. 5. Male cones probably heat to augment scent production and enhance weevil activity, including mating and egg-laying, but female cones may benefit from reduced visitation and freedom from damage by weevil larvae. Male cones may be sacrificial in providing the reward to the pollinators while the female cones are safeguarded.R. S. Seymour, I. Terry and R. B. Roeme