Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Psychology / Clive J. A. Fullagar / Entrenched within the sphere of positive psychology, the present series of studies takes a progressive approach to understanding and furthering the practical application of constructs subsumed within the subfield of positive organizational behavior (POB). The progression begins with Study 1, which analyzes the factorial structure and psychometric footholds of the primary measurement instrument for Psychological Capital (PsyCap), one of the newer positive psychological constructs. This study suggested that both the measurement of this construct in addition to its factor structure may need to be reevaluated in order to best conceptualize the multifactorial nature of this variable. In turn, Study 2 involves resilience, one of the four aspects of PsyCap, and suggests that it may play an important role in molding employees’ work experiences. Specifically, Study 2 explores the relations between workload and eudaimonic and hedonic well-being over a two-week period, finding that workload is negatively related to eudaimonic well-being, but, interestingly, positively related to hedonic well-being. However, hypotheses suggesting that resilience and role salience may independently moderate workload’s relations with eudaimonic and hedonic well-being were not supported. Finally, recognizing the potential value of these positive psychological constructs (resilience and well-being in particular) for employers and employees alike, Study 3 aimed to develop interventions capable of increasing individuals’ positive personal resources, whereby they may enhance their ability to endure work challenges and even thrive in the face of such challenges. Findings indicated that the intervention targeting resilience did not result in significant differences between a control group and the intervention group. The intervention targeting well-being resulted in no differences in hedonic well-being, but did evidence differences on the personal growth aspect of eudaimonic well-being. Overall, these three studies taken together speak to the applicability of positive organizational behavior constructs in the workplace, and how such constructs might be enhanced in employees.

L’appropriation du feed-back a fait l’objet de plusieurs modèles théoriques en contexte d’évaluation de la performance, notamment par Ilgen, Fisher et Taylor (1979) qui suggèrent un modèle explicitant comment un feed-back en vient à susciter des changements comportementaux. Ce modèle a été repris dans divers domaines de recherche, sans pour autant être adapté en fonction du contexte spécifique dans lequel le feed-back était transmis. Cette thèse propose un modèle d’appropriation du feed-back inspiré des travaux d’Ilgen et al. (1979), mais reflétant les spécificités de l’évaluation du potentiel. Le modèle comporte trois étapes qui sont l’appropriation cognitive (composée de l’acceptation et de la conscientisation), l’intention d’agir dans le sens du feed-back et l’appropriation comportementale. La présente thèse se décompose en trois articles poursuivant les objectifs suivants : (1) Proposer un modèle théorique de l’appropriation du feed-back adapté au contexte de l’évaluation du potentiel. (2) Valider une mesure de l’appropriation cognitive combinant l’acceptation et la conscientisation. (3) Tester empiriquement le modèle d’appropriation du feed-back en contexte d’évaluation du potentiel. Le premier article vise d’abord à circonscrire les fondements de l’évaluation du potentiel et à définir l’appropriation du feed-back. Sur la base de ces informations, le modèle d’Ilgen et al. (1979) est ensuite revu et modifié. Les liens entre les différentes étapes du modèle sont subséquemment étayés par des théories et des études empiriques. L’article se conclue par une réflexion sur les retombées théoriques et pratiques du modèle revisité. L’objectif du second article consiste à développer et valider une mesure de l’appropriation cognitive incluant deux dimensions, à savoir l’acceptation et la conscientisation. Pour ce faire, deux études ont été menées auprès de candidats ayant reçu un feed-back suite à une évaluation du potentiel. Des analyses factorielles exploratoires (N = 111), puis des analyses factorielles confirmatoires (N = 178) ont été réalisées en ce sens. Chaque dimension de l’appropriation cognitive a également été mise en relation avec des variables critères afin de recueillir des éléments de preuve appuyant la validité de l’instrument. La majorité des indices obtenus confirment la présence des deux dimensions pressenties et des constats sont tirés sur la base de ces résultats. Le troisième article vise à vérifier empiriquement les liens anticipés entre les composantes du modèle d’appropriation du feed-back détaillé dans le premier article. Les deux premières étapes du modèle, soit l’appropriation cognitive et l’intention d’agir, ont été mesurées via un questionnaire complété immédiatement après le feed-back par 178 candidats. Ces derniers ont été sollicités trois mois plus tard afin de compléter un second questionnaire portant sur la dernière étape, l’appropriation comportementale, et 97 d’entre eux y ont répondu. Les résultats d’analyses par équations structurelles supportent le modèle et une discussion sur la portée de tels résultats s’en suit. / Feedback appropriation has been the subject of several theoretical models in the context of performance evaluation, namely by Ilgen, Fisher, and Taylor (1979), who proposed a model explaining how feedback elicits behavioural change. This model has been applied in various research areas, but has yet to be adapted to a specific context in which feedback is given. This thesis proposes a feedback appropriation model inspired by Ilgen et al. (1979) that reflects the specific characteristics of individual psychological assessment. The model is divided into three stages, which are cognitive appropriation (comprised of acceptance and insight), the intention to act in accordance with feedback, and behavioural appropriation. The present thesis includes three articles that pursue the following objectives: (1) Propose a theoretical model on feedback appropriation adapted to the context of individual psychological assessment. (2) Validation of a measure of cognitive appropriation, combining acceptance and insight. (3) Empirical testing of the model of feedback appropriation in the context of individual psychological assessment. The first article presents the nature of individual psychological assessment practice and seeks to define feedback appropriation in this context. Thereafter, Ilgen et al.’s (1979) feedback model is reviewed and modified based on psychological individual assessment context. Support for links between the different stages of the model are subsequently shown using various theories and empirical studies. The article concludes with a reflection on the theoretical and practical implications of the revised model. The goal of the second article is to develop and validate a measure of cognitive appropriation that includes two dimensions, acceptance and insight. This was accomplished by way of two studies conducted on candidates having received feedback following an individual psychological assessment. Exploratory factor analyses (N= 111), followed by confirmatory factor analyses (N= 178) were conducted. Links between each dimension of cognitive appropriation and key variables were tested in order to support the validity of the instrument. The results confirmed the presence of both proposed dimensions, and observations based on these findings are discussed. The third article seeks to empirically verify the anticipated relationships between elements of the feedback appropriation model outlined in the first article. The first two stages of the model, cognitive appropriation and intention to act, were measured using a questionnaire completed immediately following feedback received by 178 candidates. These participants were solicited three months later in order to complete a second questionnaire concerning the third stage, behavioural appropriation, 97 of which responded. Structural equation analyses supported the model and a discussion on the significance of these results follows.

Ce mémoire de maîtrise a été accompli simultanément à des études à temps plein en droit. / Le Québec est confronté à un vieillissement de sa population et une pénurie de main-d’œuvre spécialisée. Pour faire face à ces difficultés tout en restant compétitives à l’échelle internationale, les entreprises québécoises doivent adopter des méthodes de gestion novatrices qui génèrent une performance élevée chez leurs travailleurs peu nombreux. Il est donc essentiel de se servir – et de repenser – le mieux possible des déterminants reconnus de la performance au travail, au premier chef : la motivation. Or, les recherches adoptent habituellement une perspective linéaire en un temps entre ces variables, alors que différentes études soulèvent la possibilité que les relations soient différentes lorsque ces variables sont analysées dans une perspective autre que linéaire. La présente étude teste si une dynamique cyclique se produit. Les résultats de médiation multiples ne révèlent pas d’effet significatif de la motivation entre les performances de deux temps de mesure consécutifs. Cela conforte la nécessité d’élargir la recherche sur de nouvelles variables de manière à vérifier le potentiel lien cyclique entre deux performances. Également, cette recherche relève une zone d’ombre dans la relation dynamique entre la motivation et la performance : ce lien n’est pas aussi lisse qu’il ne le semble. Il arrive parfois que les motivations et performances initiales aient un impact plus déterminant sur les comportements futurs. / Québec has to deal with an aging population and a shortage of highly-skilled labor. In order to face these difficulties while remaining competitive internationally, Quebec’s businesses must adopt new management methods that generate a higher performance from their fewer workers. It is therefore essential to better utilize – and rethink – the predictors of work performance with motivation at the forefront of this endeavor. However, studies usually adopt a one-time only linear perspective between these variables, while other studies suggest that the relations between them would differ when analyzed more dynamically. The present study tests if a cyclic relation performance-motivation- performance occurs. Multiple mediation results do not show a significant effect of various forms of motivation on the performance of two consecutive time measures; hence supporting the need for future studies to test new variables in order to verify the potential cyclical link between two performances. Moreover, the present study identifies a grey zone in the dynamic relation between motivation and performance. Indeed, the link isn’t as smooth as it seems since initial motivations and performances appear to have the greatest impact on future behaviors.

The purpose of this study was to empirically support and elaborate upon an integrative theory of career development by examining the worklife adjustment and career development experiences of new Canadian immigrant professionals. In focusing on the participants’ subjective views, the study provided an understanding of the lived experiences of this unique life-career transition, and in so doing, aimed to elaborate upon existing theories of career development towards the development and empirical substantiation of a comprehensive, diversity- and culturally- sensitive integrated meta-theory of the career development of immigrants in Canada. A qualitative methodology was employed and transcripts of in-depth interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to data analysis. The central themes within the narratives that emerged were contrasted against an integrative career development theory and career development theoretical constructs, with the goal of elucidating the role and function of such constructs in immigrants’ Canadian career development. The study’s findings and contribution of a diversity- and culturally- informed, integrated, and enriched meta-theory of career development have implications for career counselling, cross-cultural, immigrant, and vocational psychology literature and practice.

To better understand the impact of task conflict in work teams, an incremental, multi-level model is developed, which distinguishes individual-level perceptions of conflict from more overt group-level manifestations of conflict. Task conflict is conceptualized as being detrimental for teams only to the extent that it positively predicts relationship conflict. The positive relationship between task conflict and relationship conflict is referred to as conflict spillover. The composition of team members’ underlying beliefs concerning the functional value of task conflict (referred to as conflict values) is examined as a moderator of conflict spillover. It is proposed that perceptual conflict spillover is smaller among team members who hold positive conflict values, and that manifest conflict spillover is smaller among teams composed primarily of members who hold positive conflict values. Hypotheses were tested in a longitudinal study of 59 student teams (294 individuals). At the team level, the diversity of team members’ conflict values was found to moderate manifest conflict spillover, such that the association between task and relationship conflict was significantly positive for teams composed of members who held more diverse conflict values. For teams composed of members who had less diverse conflict values, there was no significant association between manifest task conflict and manifest relationship conflict. As a result of these significant differences in conflict spillover, manifest task conflict indirectly and negatively predicted the task performance and viability of teams containing more diverse conflict values, but did not significantly impact the effectiveness of teams with less diverse conflict values. At the individual level, the significant positive association between perceived task conflict and perceived relationship conflict was not moderated by individual conflict values. However, because of this perceptual conflict spillover, task conflict perceptions also indirectly and negatively predicted team members’ personal willingness to continue working in the team. Results of this dissertation highlight important differences in the ways that conflict operates at the individual and group levels. Having identified the diversity of conflict values as a moderator of manifest conflict spillover, this dissertation outlines areas for further academic and practical knowledge development concerning the prevention of dysfunctional team dynamics.

To better understand the impact of task conflict in work teams, an incremental, multi-level model is developed, which distinguishes individual-level perceptions of conflict from more overt group-level manifestations of conflict. Task conflict is conceptualized as being detrimental for teams only to the extent that it positively predicts relationship conflict. The positive relationship between task conflict and relationship conflict is referred to as conflict spillover. The composition of team members’ underlying beliefs concerning the functional value of task conflict (referred to as conflict values) is examined as a moderator of conflict spillover. It is proposed that perceptual conflict spillover is smaller among team members who hold positive conflict values, and that manifest conflict spillover is smaller among teams composed primarily of members who hold positive conflict values. Hypotheses were tested in a longitudinal study of 59 student teams (294 individuals). At the team level, the diversity of team members’ conflict values was found to moderate manifest conflict spillover, such that the association between task and relationship conflict was significantly positive for teams composed of members who held more diverse conflict values. For teams composed of members who had less diverse conflict values, there was no significant association between manifest task conflict and manifest relationship conflict. As a result of these significant differences in conflict spillover, manifest task conflict indirectly and negatively predicted the task performance and viability of teams containing more diverse conflict values, but did not significantly impact the effectiveness of teams with less diverse conflict values. At the individual level, the significant positive association between perceived task conflict and perceived relationship conflict was not moderated by individual conflict values. However, because of this perceptual conflict spillover, task conflict perceptions also indirectly and negatively predicted team members’ personal willingness to continue working in the team. Results of this dissertation highlight important differences in the ways that conflict operates at the individual and group levels. Having identified the diversity of conflict values as a moderator of manifest conflict spillover, this dissertation outlines areas for further academic and practical knowledge development concerning the prevention of dysfunctional team dynamics.

L’appropriation du feed-back a fait l’objet de plusieurs modèles théoriques en contexte d’évaluation de la performance, notamment par Ilgen, Fisher et Taylor (1979) qui suggèrent un modèle explicitant comment un feed-back en vient à susciter des changements comportementaux. Ce modèle a été repris dans divers domaines de recherche, sans pour autant être adapté en fonction du contexte spécifique dans lequel le feed-back était transmis. Cette thèse propose un modèle d’appropriation du feed-back inspiré des travaux d’Ilgen et al. (1979), mais reflétant les spécificités de l’évaluation du potentiel. Le modèle comporte trois étapes qui sont l’appropriation cognitive (composée de l’acceptation et de la conscientisation), l’intention d’agir dans le sens du feed-back et l’appropriation comportementale. La présente thèse se décompose en trois articles poursuivant les objectifs suivants : (1) Proposer un modèle théorique de l’appropriation du feed-back adapté au contexte de l’évaluation du potentiel. (2) Valider une mesure de l’appropriation cognitive combinant l’acceptation et la conscientisation. (3) Tester empiriquement le modèle d’appropriation du feed-back en contexte d’évaluation du potentiel. Le premier article vise d’abord à circonscrire les fondements de l’évaluation du potentiel et à définir l’appropriation du feed-back. Sur la base de ces informations, le modèle d’Ilgen et al. (1979) est ensuite revu et modifié. Les liens entre les différentes étapes du modèle sont subséquemment étayés par des théories et des études empiriques. L’article se conclue par une réflexion sur les retombées théoriques et pratiques du modèle revisité. L’objectif du second article consiste à développer et valider une mesure de l’appropriation cognitive incluant deux dimensions, à savoir l’acceptation et la conscientisation. Pour ce faire, deux études ont été menées auprès de candidats ayant reçu un feed-back suite à une évaluation du potentiel. Des analyses factorielles exploratoires (N = 111), puis des analyses factorielles confirmatoires (N = 178) ont été réalisées en ce sens. Chaque dimension de l’appropriation cognitive a également été mise en relation avec des variables critères afin de recueillir des éléments de preuve appuyant la validité de l’instrument. La majorité des indices obtenus confirment la présence des deux dimensions pressenties et des constats sont tirés sur la base de ces résultats. Le troisième article vise à vérifier empiriquement les liens anticipés entre les composantes du modèle d’appropriation du feed-back détaillé dans le premier article. Les deux premières étapes du modèle, soit l’appropriation cognitive et l’intention d’agir, ont été mesurées via un questionnaire complété immédiatement après le feed-back par 178 candidats. Ces derniers ont été sollicités trois mois plus tard afin de compléter un second questionnaire portant sur la dernière étape, l’appropriation comportementale, et 97 d’entre eux y ont répondu. Les résultats d’analyses par équations structurelles supportent le modèle et une discussion sur la portée de tels résultats s’en suit. / Feedback appropriation has been the subject of several theoretical models in the context of performance evaluation, namely by Ilgen, Fisher, and Taylor (1979), who proposed a model explaining how feedback elicits behavioural change. This model has been applied in various research areas, but has yet to be adapted to a specific context in which feedback is given. This thesis proposes a feedback appropriation model inspired by Ilgen et al. (1979) that reflects the specific characteristics of individual psychological assessment. The model is divided into three stages, which are cognitive appropriation (comprised of acceptance and insight), the intention to act in accordance with feedback, and behavioural appropriation. The present thesis includes three articles that pursue the following objectives: (1) Propose a theoretical model on feedback appropriation adapted to the context of individual psychological assessment. (2) Validation of a measure of cognitive appropriation, combining acceptance and insight. (3) Empirical testing of the model of feedback appropriation in the context of individual psychological assessment. The first article presents the nature of individual psychological assessment practice and seeks to define feedback appropriation in this context. Thereafter, Ilgen et al.’s (1979) feedback model is reviewed and modified based on psychological individual assessment context. Support for links between the different stages of the model are subsequently shown using various theories and empirical studies. The article concludes with a reflection on the theoretical and practical implications of the revised model. The goal of the second article is to develop and validate a measure of cognitive appropriation that includes two dimensions, acceptance and insight. This was accomplished by way of two studies conducted on candidates having received feedback following an individual psychological assessment. Exploratory factor analyses (N= 111), followed by confirmatory factor analyses (N= 178) were conducted. Links between each dimension of cognitive appropriation and key variables were tested in order to support the validity of the instrument. The results confirmed the presence of both proposed dimensions, and observations based on these findings are discussed. The third article seeks to empirically verify the anticipated relationships between elements of the feedback appropriation model outlined in the first article. The first two stages of the model, cognitive appropriation and intention to act, were measured using a questionnaire completed immediately following feedback received by 178 candidates. These participants were solicited three months later in order to complete a second questionnaire concerning the third stage, behavioural appropriation, 97 of which responded. Structural equation analyses supported the model and a discussion on the significance of these results follows.

Le Québec est confronté à un vieillissement de sa population et une pénurie de main-d’œuvre spécialisée. Pour faire face à ces difficultés tout en restant compétitives à l’échelle internationale, les entreprises québécoises doivent adopter des méthodes de gestion novatrices qui génèrent une performance élevée chez leurs travailleurs peu nombreux. Il est donc essentiel de se servir – et de repenser – le mieux possible des déterminants reconnus de la performance au travail, au premier chef : la motivation. Or, les recherches adoptent habituellement une perspective linéaire en un temps entre ces variables, alors que différentes études soulèvent la possibilité que les relations soient différentes lorsque ces variables sont analysées dans une perspective autre que linéaire. La présente étude teste si une dynamique cyclique se produit. Les résultats de médiation multiples ne révèlent pas d’effet significatif de la motivation entre les performances de deux temps de mesure consécutifs. Cela conforte la nécessité d’élargir la recherche sur de nouvelles variables de manière à vérifier le potentiel lien cyclique entre deux performances. Également, cette recherche relève une zone d’ombre dans la relation dynamique entre la motivation et la performance : ce lien n’est pas aussi lisse qu’il ne le semble. Il arrive parfois que les motivations et performances initiales aient un impact plus déterminant sur les comportements futurs. / Québec has to deal with an aging population and a shortage of highly-skilled labor. In order to face these difficulties while remaining competitive internationally, Quebec’s businesses must adopt new management methods that generate a higher performance from their fewer workers. It is therefore essential to better utilize – and rethink – the predictors of work performance with motivation at the forefront of this endeavor. However, studies usually adopt a one-time only linear perspective between these variables, while other studies suggest that the relations between them would differ when analyzed more dynamically. The present study tests if a cyclic relation performance-motivation- performance occurs. Multiple mediation results do not show a significant effect of various forms of motivation on the performance of two consecutive time measures; hence supporting the need for future studies to test new variables in order to verify the potential cyclical link between two performances. Moreover, the present study identifies a grey zone in the dynamic relation between motivation and performance. Indeed, the link isn’t as smooth as it seems since initial motivations and performances appear to have the greatest impact on future behaviors. / Ce mémoire de maîtrise a été accompli simultanément à des études à temps plein en droit.

This thesis investigates the effect of a feedback-reward system on speeding and tailgating behaviours. Data utilized in this study were collected from 37 participants through a field trial commissioned by Transport Canada. In this trial, a feedback-reward system was investigated, which provided feedback and rewards to the drivers based on speed limit compliance and safe headway maintenance. The trial consisted of three phases: baseline, intervention, and post-intervention. During the intervention phase, real-time feedback was provided on an in-vehicle display. Participants also accumulated reward points and could view related information on a website. Results indicate that the intervention resulted in a significant increase in speed limit compliance, and this positive effect, although dampened, was still apparent after system removal. Similarly, results on headway compliance rate indicate a positive intervention effect, however, this effect did not sustain after system removal. These findings have implications for developing better aids to improve driving behaviour.

The purpose of this study was to empirically support and elaborate upon an integrative theory of career development by examining the worklife adjustment and career development experiences of new Canadian immigrant professionals. In focusing on the participants’ subjective views, the study provided an understanding of the lived experiences of this unique life-career transition, and in so doing, aimed to elaborate upon existing theories of career development towards the development and empirical substantiation of a comprehensive, diversity- and culturally- sensitive integrated meta-theory of the career development of immigrants in Canada. A qualitative methodology was employed and transcripts of in-depth interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to data analysis. The central themes within the narratives that emerged were contrasted against an integrative career development theory and career development theoretical constructs, with the goal of elucidating the role and function of such constructs in immigrants’ Canadian career development. The study’s findings and contribution of a diversity- and culturally- informed, integrated, and enriched meta-theory of career development have implications for career counselling, cross-cultural, immigrant, and vocational psychology literature and practice.