Social Desirability as an Intervening Variable in Interpreting OD Effects

Abstract

The data obtained imply the usefulness of taking "social desirability" (SD) differences into account in interpreting any effects of OD interventions measured by self-reports. Broadly, SD differences can mask measurements of such effects, especially in before vs. after designs. High SD scorers seem to provide preintervention responses that reflect the socially acceptable rather than what exists, and these responses consequently constitute an unreliable benchmark against which to compare postinter-vention responses. The Crowne-Marlowe SD scale is used to assess SD differences between individuals.

This report deals with a measurement issue, and specifically in relation to Likert's Profile of Organizational Characteristics. The results apply strictly to uses of the Profile, which is a prominent measuring instrument in OD work. However presumptively, the present findings are also meant to "cast their shadow" on interpretations of various other self-reports used to measure OD effects.

References

Bachman, J. G. , et al. Youth in transition, Vol. II. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Survey Research Center, University of Michigan, 1967.

Campbell, D. T. From description to experimentation. In Chester W. Harris (Ed.), Problems in measuring change. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1963. Pp. 212-242.

Crowne, D. P. , & Marlowe, D. The approval motive. New York: Wiley, 1964.

Edwards, A. L. The social desirability variable in personality assessment and research. New York: Dryden, 1957.

Golembiewski, R. , & Carrigan, S. B. Planned change in organization style based on the laboratory approach. Administrative Science Quarterly, March 1970, 15, 79-93. (a)

Golembiewski, R. , & Carrigan, S. B. The persistence of laboratory-induced changes in organization styles. Administrative Science Quarterly, September 1970, 15, 330-340. (b)

Golembiewski, R. T. , & Munzenrider, R. Persistence and change: A note on the longterm effects of an organization development program. Journal of the Academy of Management, March 1973, 16, 149-153.

Golembiewski, R. , Munzenrider, R. , Blumberg, A. , & Carrigan, S. B. Changing climate in a complex organization. Journal of the Academy of Management, December 1971, 14, 465-481.

Likert, R. The human organization. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967.

10.

Milgram, S. Some conditions of obedience and disobedience to authority. Human Relations, 1965, 18 (1), 57-76.

11.

Robinson, J. P. , & Shaver, P. R. Measures of social psychological attitudes. Ann Arbor: Survey Research Center, University of Michigan, August 1969. Pp. 641-642.

12.

Sonquist, J. Multivariate model building. Ann Arbor: Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, 1970.

13.

Webb, E. J. , Campbell, D. T. , Schwartz, R. D. , & Sechrest, L. Unobtrusive measures. Chicago: Rand McNally, 1966.

14.

Wiggins, J. S. Personality structure. Annual Review of Psychology, 1968, 19, esp. pp. 305-307.