Person-situation effects in the prediction of performance: An investigation of ability, self-esteem, and reward contingencies.

Abstract

Abstract : Interactional psychology is concerned with the identification of situational characteristics that enhance the prediction of behavior from knowledge of individual characteristics. Ability, self-esteem, and reward contingencies were examined as predictors of individual effort and performance. Hypotheses were developed using the interactionist approach. Sixty people were hired to work for one week in a simulated organization. Although characteristics of both people and the situation influenced effort and performance, there was no evidence of differential validity. The need to consider situational and individual difference characteristics as independent predictors is discussed and examples of future research questions are presented. Past emphasis on maximization of predictive validities without regard to situational effects on levels of performance is criticized. (Author)