Dilla
Journal of Vocational Behavior 38, 33-48 (1987)
Descriptive versus Prescriptive Information in a Realistic Job Preview
BENJAMIN L. DILLA
Air Force Institute of Technology A realistic job preview (RIP) using a prescriptive approach aimed at enhancing newcomer adaptation to the job was contrasted with a traditional descriptive RJP targeted at expectations concerning objective information about the job. In a laboratory experiment, 132 subjects were recruited to work on a clerical task. Participants received neither, one, or both preview(s) in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Analysis revealed strong effects on the manipulation checks and supportive findings for both types of preview on variables measured before task performance. Differences in post-task criteria favored the traditional descriptive preview over the new prescriptive approach. The descriptive preview increased accuracy of expectations for the task and created greater awareness of problem areas and potential coping strategies; furthermore, it irdhrenced quality of performance and turnover intentions. The descriptive approach did not, however, influence task satisfaction, thus calling into question the traditional met expectations hypothesis for RJP effects. (B 1987 Academic press, IIIC.
Realistic job previews (RIPS) refer to presentations given to new employees prior to coming on a job that provide information about that job. Positive effects from giving realistic information to job applicants were first reported by Weitz (1956) in a study with prospective life insurance salesmen. Wanous (1973) coined the term Realistic Job Preview (RJP) to label this technique, which has been applied in a variety of settings including cadets at a military academy (Ilgen & Seely, 1974), sewing machine operators (Fart-, O’Leary, & Bartlett, 1973), telephone operators (Reilly, Tenopyr, & Sperling, 1979; Wanous, 1973), and employees in a retail food store (Dugoni & Ilgen, 1981).
This article is based on an unpublished
Descriptive versus Prescriptive Information in a Realistic Job Preview
BENJAMIN L. DILLA
Air Force Institute of Technology A realistic job preview (RIP) using a prescriptive approach aimed at enhancing newcomer adaptation to the job was contrasted with a traditional descriptive RJP targeted at expectations concerning objective information about the job. In a laboratory experiment, 132 subjects were recruited to work on a clerical task. Participants received neither, one, or both preview(s) in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Analysis revealed strong effects on the manipulation checks and supportive findings for both types of preview on variables measured before task performance. Differences in post-task criteria favored the traditional descriptive preview over the new prescriptive approach. The descriptive preview increased accuracy of expectations for the task and created greater awareness of problem areas and potential coping strategies; furthermore, it irdhrenced quality of performance and turnover intentions. The descriptive approach did not, however, influence task satisfaction, thus calling into question the traditional met expectations hypothesis for RJP effects. (B 1987 Academic press, IIIC.
Realistic job previews (RIPS) refer to presentations given to new employees prior to coming on a job that provide information about that job. Positive effects from giving realistic information to job applicants were first reported by Weitz (1956) in a study with prospective life insurance salesmen. Wanous (1973) coined the term Realistic Job Preview (RJP) to label this technique, which has been applied in a variety of settings including cadets at a military academy (Ilgen & Seely, 1974), sewing machine operators (Fart-, O’Leary, & Bartlett, 1973), telephone operators (Reilly, Tenopyr, & Sperling, 1979; Wanous, 1973), and employees in a retail food store (Dugoni & Ilgen, 1981).
This article is based on an unpublished
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