Leader errors and the influence on performance: An investigation of differing levels of impact

Errors will inevitably occur when one is involved in decision making tasks with complex, ill-defined problems. Qualitative research on this topic has illuminated the complex nature of problems faced by many leaders and organizations as they make decisions. Although this research has answered many questions about the nature of errors, empirical research on errors among leaders remains scarce. To further explore this topic, 170 undergraduates were assigned to one of five work conditions and asked to read three cases with initiating structure problems and three cases with consideration problems while taking on the role of the CEO in the scenario. Errors committed by leaders were examined to answer questions about how work conditions influence errors committed. Additionally, how these errors influence performance outcomes was also examined. Results indicated that work conditions paired with errors made by leaders influenced levels of performance. Under certain conditions, most notably process overload, errors led to negative performance. We also discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the influence of work conditions on errors committed and their combined influence on performance outcomes.     

After the Adolescent Pregnancy: Parents, Teens, and Families

This article introduces a framework for understanding adolescent conditions and decisions during and after pregnancy. The framework provides a structure for a systematic examination of literatures within five dimensions: pregnancy, abortion, childbearing, adoption, and teen parenthood. The article presents a review of these five conditions or decisions organized around 22 empirically based practice guidelines. Themes across the practices emphasize individualized approaches, future orientation, and family system support.     

System measures ambulatory care quality

As physician executives, what we need in ambulatory quality assurance is a very carefully thought out system that will enable us to monitor quality in such a way that we will also be able to measure it. Only if we have the capability to measure quality can we begin to manage it.     

Labeling theory and community care of the mentally ill in California: the relationship of social theory and ideology to public policy

The practical merit of a labeling theory approach to mental illness is examined and assessed through an exploration of its application in terms of public policy, i.e., community mental health policy in the state of California since 1968. Primary focus is placed on the impact of the deinstitutionalization of mental health services in that state, and the release of former mental patients into the community. Similarities in the fundamental ideological underpinnings of labeling theory, an associated conspiratorial model of mental illness, and contemporary California mental health policy, are presented and examples of policy input by labeling theorists and researchers are detailed. The impact of the California policy on the mentally ill is generally negatively assessed in terms of three major criteria: (1) rehabilitation; (2) reintegration; and (3) quality and continuity of care. The "translation" of several theoretical misconceptions regarding mental illness, caused by putting labeling theory into official policy, is suggested to lie at the root of many of the policy's implementation problems. The uses of social science theory and research are discussed, and caution is advised in the translation and application of social scientific theory and research to public policy proposals and programs.     

Safety Investment and the Value of Life and Injury

The requirement to reduce risk is moderated under British law by the notion of practicability or reasonable practicability. This implies that a balance should be struck, inter alia , between the costs of a risk-reducing measure and its benefits in terms of life-saving and injury avoidance. Clearly, were lives and injuries valued in monetary terms, balances and imbalances would be all the more easily identified. This paper reports on progress on the application of the Relative Utility Loss Approach to the valuation of injuries in the consumer and transportation spheres in the United Kingdom. Although the tools are as yet imperfect, striking accord is noticed between valuations of a range of serious and slight injuries obtained using three health state utility indices of disparate origin.     

Formative evaluation of a motivational intervention for increasing physical activity in underserved youth

The present study was designed to develop an innovative motivational intervention (based on Self-Determination Theory and Social Cognitive Theory) to increase physical activity (PA) in underserved adolescents. Sixty-four adolescents (35 females, 29 males; 50% minority; 65% on reduced lunch program; ages 11-13 yr) participated in either an 8-week motivational intervention after-school (n = 32) or a typical after-school program (n = 32). The conceptual framework for the intervention targeted the social environment (perceived autonomy, perceived social support, participation, fun), cognitive mediators (perceived choice, self-efficacy, and relatedness/belongingness), and motivational orientation (intrinsic motivation, commitment, positive self-concept). Formative evaluation data was collected by staff through daily forms throughout the 8-week program and through observational data completed by independent objective observers during 2 weeks of the program. The major themes that were identified addressed theoretical concepts regarding the intervention and logistical issues in delivering the intervention. The data revealed information regarding the importance of the cognitive appropriateness of the PA and motivational activities, the environmental climate for promoting nurturing relationships, developing specific strategies for increasing intrinsic rather than extrinsic reinforcement, and developing methods for preventing social "cliques" and gender conflicts to maintain an appropriate level of support in the social climate. Themes for training staff included focusing on team building, leadership, and nurturing. This formative evaluation is being used to formalize a randomized trial to test the effects of a student-centered motivational intervention on increasing PA in underserved 6th graders.     

Awareness and use of a university recreational trail

The purpose of this study was to assess awareness and use of a university recreational trail. The authors used an Internet questionnaire developed by the university's Institutional Research Department, with questions derived from the Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire and the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey Physical Activity Module. Four hundred and sixty-seven undergraduate college students participated. Ninety-one percent of students reported being aware of the trail, and 73% reported using the trail. Sixty-four percent of students reported seeing signage referring to the recreational trail. Sixty-seven percent of the students reported using the trail once in the past week, 7% reported using the trail twice in the past week, and only 2% of the students reported using the trail more than 3 times in the past week. Sixty-two percent reported using the trail with another individual. Students who were aware of the trail were more likely to use the trail. However, of the individuals who used the trail, the majority only used the trail 1 day a week. University programming is needed to increase trail usage among college students.     

Exploring the Racial Identities of Black Immigrants in the United States

This study draws upon immigrant incorporation theories to investigate whether native origin trumps skin color in shaping the racial identities of black migrants. Using survey data from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality, six groups of black migrants are compared across two racial identity dimensions: racial group identification and racial group consciousness. The results demonstrate that while black migrants, with the exception of Puerto Ricans, develop a shared racial group identity with native-born blacks over time, the meaning they attach to being black in America varies by native origin.