Faculty Scholarship
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Herein you will find indexed and where possible, shared, the scholarly research, writings, and other academic work of the Business and Information Technology faculty of Purdue University Global.
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For a full list of citations from SBIT faculty, you can now visit the School of Business & Information Technology’s Faculty Publications site.
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Item Employment Benefits: What’s in Store for Both Employers and Employees?(Wiley, 2005) Cates, Steven V.Item Major Factors Behind Absenteeism in Corporate America and Suggested Remedial Strategies(International Academy of Business & Public Administration Disciplines, 2009) Cates, Steven V.Item A Self Fullfilling Prophecy? Discriminatory Business Practices or Government Victims in an Analysis of EEOC Claims and Their Causal Factors(The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning, 2011) Cates, Steven V.; Dorsey, ScottItem Towards a Theoretical Model of the Impacts of Incorporating Webcams in Virtual Teams(Clute Institute, 2012) Olson, Joel; Grinnell, Lynn; McAllister, Chad; Appunn, Frank; Walters, KimberlyVirtual teams have proliferated over the last ten years as businesses realized benefits in coordinating across geographic and departmental boundaries. Studies of virtual teams, however, have revealed uneven success in team effectiveness. With the increase in quality and availability of video over the Internet, there are opportunities to improve effectiveness of virtual teams by integrating videoconferencing into synchronous meetings. The purpose of this qualitative study is to evaluate the impact of video on team interactions and effectiveness. Results showed a relationship between the added richness and authenticity brought about by video and increased effectiveness, while also showing a relationship between the increased stress of learning new technology and decreased effectiveness.Item The Value of Webcams for Virtual Teams(Clute Institute, 2012) Olson, Joel; Walters, Kimberly; Appunn, Frank; Grinnell, Lynn; McAllister, ChadThe latest low-cost technology solutions provide practical and reliable video options form standard personal computers using the Internet. By adding video to an established and geographically dispersed team process, this exploratory research tries to establish the experience of participants and perceived effectiveness of the team. Building on the literature, this qualitative research performs a content analysis design on a text transcription of weekly audio logs from participants. This approach analyzes the rich content of team members to discover the relevance of differing elements within trust, technology, and effectiveness find support. By understanding the influences of adding video to teams, leaders, and managers should be able to make informed decisions regarding the adoption of video for each participant. The attitude evolution regarding the use of technology over a period of six weeks provides further considerations for deployment.Item Affinity Orientation (LGBT) Issues in America: The Legal Truths(2012) Hilier, Patricia; Cates, Steven V.Item The State of Sexual Harassment in America: What is the Status of Sexual Harassment in the US Workplace Today?(The Journal of Global Business Management, 2012) Machin, Lynn; Cates, Steven V.Item Virtual Team Trust: Task, Communication, Sequence(Emerald Publishing, 2012) Olson, Joel; Olson, LindaPurpose - This study aims to examine the impact of task interdependence, communication medium, and sequence of conditions on trust in virtual teams. Design/methodology/approach - A pilot experiment was conducted using 22 subjects in eight groups with a mixed 2×2 design. A within‐groups method with repeated measures was used to explore time pressure and task complexity, communication medium and individual perceptions of trust. A between‐groups method was used for sequence of conditions. The four study conditions were: a simple task in a face‐to‐face condition; a complex task in a face‐to‐face condition; a simple task in a computer‐mediated condition; and a complex task in a computer‐mediated condition. Groups were randomly assigned to a starting condition. Each group was rotated through all the conditions. Following each condition, subjects completed the modified Jarvenpaa‐Knoll‐Leidner trust measure assessing their individual perception of trust for that condition. Findings - Significant effects were found on the relationships between the communication medium and condition sequences of task interdependence and communication medium on individual perceptions of trust. No significant effects were found on the relationship of task interdependence and individual perceptions of trust. Research limitations/implications - The sample size makes the study more descriptive than inferential. Originality/value - This study intends to add to the trust literature by examining the impact of task interdependence, communication medium, and sequence of conditions on trust in virtual teams. Its primary contribution is the sequence of conditions on trust. The trust affect of condition sequence is linked to task interdependence, communication predictability, and adpative structuration theory.Item Discrimination in a Covert Methodology: An Analysis of Physical and Social Characteristics That Prohibit People from Becoming Employed(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2012-06) Cates, Steven V.; Dana, HeatherOrganizations all over the world are found guilty of using stereotypes to discriminate against applicants in the selection process for employment. This research seeks to answer the question what stereotypes are used to discriminate against people in the selection process and consequently provide an analysis of the physical and social characteristics that prohibit people from gaining employment. A sample of 87 working adults taking a Human Resources Management course were selected to complete a survey that questioned them on physical characteristics and how they affected their decisions on hiring or rejecting applicants. Historical research has held that interviews possess some stereotypes such as race, gender, age, height and weight to judge applicants rather than their skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job. Five hypotheses were posited for testing. Mixed support was provided that respondents ignore most stereotypical characteristics in the employment selection process but surprisingly strong support for one’s appearance and dress was found. It is recommended that interviewers undertake detailed training, decrease stereotyping by focusing on job description and keep interviews job related. It is also wise for interviews to include tests when judging applicant’s skills, knowledge and ability. Federal laws and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also serve to ensure that equal opportunity is granted to all and discrimination is avoided.Item Can You Lead Effectively? An analysis of the Leadership Styles of Four Generations of American Employees(International Review of Management and Business Research, 2013) Cates, Steven V.; Cojanu, Kevin A.; Pettine, SusanItem Virtual Team Effectiveness and Sequence of Conditions(Clute Institute, 2013) Olson, Joel; Olson, LindaThis study examines the sequence of Group Task Pressure (GTP) and communication medium conditions on group effectiveness. It contributes to the task-technology fit research by considering the sequence of these conditions on task-technology fit related to group effectiveness. The study has value for professionals pursuing the construction and management of virtual teams. A pilot experiment was conducted using 22 subjects in eight groups with a mixed 2x2 design. Given the sample size, the study is more descriptive than inferential. The study manipulated GTP by combinations of time scarcity, reward and task complexity. The media conditions used in the study were face-to-face and synchronous computer-mediated chats. Group effectiveness was measured by the length of time groups took to complete assigned tasks. The four study conditions were: a simple task completed face-to-face, a simple task completed in a computer-mediated condition, a complex task completed in a face-to-face condition and a complex task in a computer-mediated condition. Each group was rotated through all the conditions. The sequence of communication medium conditions were significant, but not the sequence of GTP conditions. Groups starting in the face-to-face condition took less time to complete their rotation of tasks than groups starting in the computer-mediated condition. Groups starting in both the low and high GTP conditions took the same amount of time to complete the full rotation of task and conditions. Recommendations for subsequent research on group task pressure are presented.Item The Dark Side of Working in a Virtual World: An Investigation of the Relationship between Workplace Isolation and Engagement among Teleworkers(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2013-06) Cates, Steven V.; Davis, RussellTeleworking is an alternate work arrangement that has transformed the workplace that allows workers to fulfill their job assignment from any location away from the traditional office. Although this work arrangement has been growing in popularity due to various factors such as concerns for the environment, advances in communication technologies, and the globalization of the workforce, there are growing concerns that frequent use of teleworking may cause increase perceptions of feeling isolated [1] Golden, 2001; [2] Marshall, 2007; [3] Golden & Veiga, 2006; [4] Copper & Kurland, 2002). Additionally little or no research has been conducted on how feeling isolated influence engagement among teleworkers. The purpose of this quantitative research study is to investigate the relationship between workplace isolation and engagement and to determine to what extent the relationship between workplace isolation and gender among teleworkers. A survey consisting of the Workplace Isolation Scale [2] Marshall, 2007, Employee Engagement Scale [5] DDI, 2005 and demographic factors was used to investigate the relationship between workplace isolation and engagement and used to determine the relationship between workplace isolation and gender among 472 teleworkers. Using a correlational research design, it is found there is a statistically significant relationship between workplace isolation and employee engagement. Workplace isolation scores are shown to have a strong negative correlation with employee engagement scores. A regression analysis utilizing employee engagement as the dependent variable and workplace isolation as the independent variable is conducted. The results indicate statistical significance in that workplace isolation scores predicted employee engagement scores. A two-independent-sample t test is conducted to determine if there is enough evidence to suggest the mean workplace isolation scores are related to gender. The results of the t test are inconclusive. However using descriptive statistics techniques it is discovered respondents who telework 3 to 5 days a week have lower workplace isolation means scores than those who teleworked 1, 2 and 4 days a week. Leaders of organizations can use the results of this study to assist in the development of teleworking engagement strategies that not only target reducing workplace isolation perceptions to enhance engagement for teleworkers, but also to address possible issues related to increased perceptions of isolation across gender.Item Engage the Disengaged: Strategies for Addressing the Expectations of Today's Online Millenials(Information Age Publishing, 2014) Jagannathan, Usha; Blair, RisaItem Webcams and Virtual Teams: An Impact Model(Emerald Publishing, 2014) Olson, Joel; Appunn, Frank; McAllister, Chad; Walters, Kimberly; Grinnell, LynnPurpose - The paper aims to address the question, "What is the impact of web-based video via webcams on virtual team trust and effectiveness?" Change and evolution in team perceptions over time are described. The result is the creation of a theoretical model describing the effect of webcams on virtual team development. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative phenomenological heuristic case study was used to explore the individual expectations and experiences of the team members over a six-week period. To strengthen reliability and validity, two qualitative methods, content analysis and constant comparative analysis -- a means of grounded theory, were used to both test the historic basis of the existing literature on trust and effectiveness in virtual teams and to explore how the use of webcams influenced the work, interactions and effectiveness of a virtual team. Both qualitative methods involved different pairs of researchers using inter-rater coefficients to address coding reliability and validity. Results from the two methods were then compared and contrasted. Findings - The resulting model highlights the importance of ongoing, formal differentiated training on new technology. This research also suggests careful management of technology change and its deployment to enhance outcomes of various organization forms. Research limitations/implications - Given the nature of the qualitative study, the findings are not generalizable, but may illumine the understanding of webcams and technology adaptation in similar virtual teams. Practical implications - The resulting model highlights the importance of ongoing, formal differentiated training on new technology. This research also suggests careful management of technology change and its deployment to enhance outcomes of various organization forms. The study incorporates Technology Acceptance Theory and applications of the Kirton Adaptation-Innovation Inventory. Originality/value - With the increase in bandwidth on the Internet, technologies such as webcams have become more viable for use in virtual teams.Item Best Practices and Creation of an Online Tutoring Center for Accounting, Finance, and Economic Disciplines(Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines, 2015) Felder-Strauss, Jaclyn; Franklin, Paul; Machuca, Ana; Self, Stanley; Offil, Tommy; Kuhlmann, BruceItem The Relationship of Employee Status to Organizational Culture and Organizational Effectiveness(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2015) Deem, Jack; DeLotell, Pam J.; Kathryn, KellyPurpose – This study investigates the relationship between employment status (full time (FT)/part time (PT)), organizational culture and institutional effectiveness in higher education. The purpose of this paper is to answer the question, “Does the growing population of PT faculty preclude effective cultures from developing and, accordingly, adversely affect institutional effectiveness?” Design/methodology/approach – The study surveyed 159 PT faculty and 65 FT faculty from seven schools of an online, proprietary university. The instrument, consisting of the Organizational Culture Survey Instrument and demographic questions, was distributed and data collected utilizing an online survey application. Statistical analysis methods including descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings – The study found no significant differences between perceptions of organizational culture or institutional effectiveness FT and PT faculty. Inter-school differences in perceptions were identified. Further research in this area is warranted to investigate discipline as a cause for the inter-school differences. Research limitations/implications – The study included respondents from only one online university. Therefore, additional studies involving traditional, ground based and hybrid institutions are required to establish generalizability. Additionally, self-assessments of institutional effectiveness were used. Future studies should consider quantitative research models for the measurement of institutional effectiveness. Practical implications – The study indicates that PT faculty are not less committed to the institution than their FT counterparts. This strengthens the case for using PT faculty, particularly in an online environment. Originality/value – This study investigates the relationship between organizational culture and institutional effectiveness in higher education from the faculty perspective. This has not been done before.Item Lean Six Sigma Implementation and Organizational Culture(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2015) Knapp, SusanPurpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between four organizational cultural types defined by the Competing Values Framework and three Lean Six Sigma implementation components – management involvement, use of Lean Six Sigma methods and Lean Six Sigma infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach – The study involved surveying 446 human resource and quality managers from 223 hospitals located in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Rhode Island using the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument. Findings – In total, 104 completed responses were received and analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. Follow-up analysis of variances showed management support was significant, F(3,100)1⁄44.89, po0.01, η21⁄41.28; infrastructure was not significant, F(3,100)1⁄41.55, p1⁄40.21, η21⁄40.05; and using Lean Six Sigma methods was also not significant, F(3,100)1⁄41.34, p1⁄40.26, η2 1⁄4 0.04. Post hoc analysis identified group and development cultures having significant interactions with management support. Practical implications – The relationship between organizational culture and Lean Six Sigma in hospitals provides information on how specific cultural characteristics impact the Lean Six Sigma initiative key components. This information assists hospital staff who are considering implementing quality initiatives by providing an understanding of what cultural values correspond to effective Lean Six Sigma implementation. Originality/value – Managers understanding the quality initiative cultural underpinnings, are attentive to the culture-shared values and norm’s influence can utilize strategies to better implement Lean Six Sigma.Item Viewing the Work of Lillian M. Gilbreth through the Lens of Critical Biography(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2015) Gibson, Jane Whitney; Clayton, Russell W.; Deem, Jack; Einstein, Jacqueline E.; Henry, Erin L.Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the significant contributions of Lillian M. Gilbreth through the lens of critical biography to put her work in the context of her life events, her key roles, the turning points in her life and the societal context within which her contributions to management thought were made. Design/methodology/approach – Critical biography examines the interaction of a person’s life events with the social, economic and political contexts surrounding his or her life and draws inferences as to why the person made specific decisions and contributions. Findings – Key contributions to management thought made by Lillian M. Gilbreth are linked to her biographical events, including the multiple roles she played as daughter, student, wife, mother, author, engineer, psychologist, breadwinner, domestic scientist and teacher. Various turning points in her life are identified, including being allowed to go to college, taking her first psychology course, marrying Frank Gilbreth, publishing Fatigue Studies and Frank’s death. Key societal factors that influenced Gilbreth’s contributions were the growing interest in scientific management, the status of women and the increased interest in domestic science. Research limitations/implications – The qualitative technique of critical biography is demonstrated as a useful methodology for examining individual contributions to management history. The authors acknowledge the limitation of subjective interpretation. Practical implications – The reasons behind Lillian Gilbreth’s contributions, which were considered a precursor to the human relations era, are extrapolated from this research. Social implications – The influence of social context is examined, as it pertains to the life and work of Lillian Gilbreth. Originality/value – This paper provides a critical biography of Lillian M. Gilbreth and her work within the context of her life and times.Item Improving the Asynchronous Online Learning Environment Using Discussion Boards(i-Manager Publications, 2015) Ringler, Ilene; Schubert, Carol; Deem, Jack; Flores, Jimmie; Friestad-Tate, Jill; Lockwood, RobertDiscussion Boards are at the heart of an Asynchronous Online Learning or Distance Education Environment and can have a great impact on the learning experience. Understanding the individual factors that create a high quality discussion board experience for students and their interrelationships is critical to continuous improvement in distance education. Research which contributes to increased effectiveness of virtual Discussion Boards for both instructors and students can result in greater student involvement and success in learning new skills. This paper discusses Phase 1 and 2 of a multi phase applied research effort on improving the quality of virtual Discussion Boards. "Applied research is defined as systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to determine the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met" ("Research and development," 2010, para 4). The study was completed in two phases with additional phases to be developed as the data analysis continues to yield results. In Phase 1, a literature review was completed and qualitative data employing a focus group methodology was completed. The focus group was comprised of full time faculty from a large, proprietary, online university with significant experience in the use of Discussion Boards. The data was collected from the focus group and was analyzed to create hypotheses for additional research on the topic. Phase 2 focused on collecting data utilizing a quantitative research methodology supported by continued research of the literature on this topic. The results of the data analyzed during these phases will become the basis for additional studies on recommended best practices in discussion board participation as it applies to both the student and the instructor.