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Influencing the boss : correlates of upward influence strategies

The research reported in this thesis examines some aspects of upward influence behaviours at work, and in particular, the relationship between type of influence behaviours used and a number of potential correlates, including sex of agent, sex of target, sex-role identity, locus of control, job level, job type (secretarial worker or not) and educational level of agent.

To examine these relationships. 64 male and 173 female white-collar workers (at AS01 to AS06 levels, or equivalent) in three large organisations in Canberra (A.C.T.) were surveyed, with a questionnaire containing measures of influence behaviours, attitudes to influencing upwards at work, a measure of sex-role identity, and a measure of locus of control beliefs, as well as demographic information.

The data gathered from this survey was analysed using univariate, bivariate. and multivariate methods.

Results showed limited support for stereotypical differences between males and females in influence behaviours used, and no support for
hypotheses involving sex of target, sex-role identity, or secretarial workers.

Influence behaviours previously identified as having positive outcomes for the agent were found in this study to be significantly associated with job level and educational level; influence behaviours previously identified as having negative outcomes for the agent were significantly associated with the tendency to explain outcomes in terms of control by powerful others, and with a sex-role identity characterised by negative masculinity traits. These findings suggest the importance of both structural and personal factors in choice of upward influence strategies at work.

Suggestions for further research are provided.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218575
Date January 1994
CreatorsByrne, Ros, n/a
PublisherUniversity of Canberra. Administration
Source SetsAustraliasian Digital Theses Program
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Rights), Copyright Ros Byrne

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