An Experimental Test for Goal Congruence in an Air Force Major Command.

Abstract

The author adapted a policy-capturing model frequently used in psychological research to test for goal congruence between managers at different levels of a large U.S. Air Force service organization. The data base was derived from a field experiment wherein 660 military officers and civilian managers were asked to make decisions based on identical information cues. The decisions were then grouped according to command level and a multivariate linear regression model was derived for each group. These models were compared for equality of regression coefficients as a determinant of the effectiveness of goal communication between organizational layers. Significant differences in decision-making behavior were indicated at different command levels. Decisions of senior managers and subordinate middle management groups, made under identical conditions, differed significantly in some cases. These differences suggest that goal congruence within the Command might have considerable importance, and that it might be improved through a more effective management information system.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA045996

Entities

People

  • Carl G. O'berry

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

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  • Biomedical
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  • Air Force
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  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
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