The effects of appraisal instrument,feedback and goal-setting on worker satisfaction and commitment

Twenty managers and 125 subordinates participated in a field experiment performed in the Israel Airport Authority. The managers received intensive training in giving performance feedback and setting specific goals when conducting appraisals of their subordinates. Following training, the managers were assigned randomly to one of four conditions: feedback and goals using BOS-based appraisal; feedback using BOS-based appraisal with no goals; feedback and goals using GRS-based appraisal; feedback alone using GRS-based appraisal. Work satisfaction and organizational commitment were measured before and after the performance appraisals were conducted. A two-way analysis of variance followed by univariate analyses by means of a studentized range test revealed that (1) the use of BOS-based appraisal increased work satisfaction significantly more than the use of GRS-based appraisal, (2) feedback followed by goal-setting resulted in significantly higher work satisfaction and organizational commitment than feedback alone, regardless of the appraisal scale that was used, and (3) the combination of BOS-based appraisal, feedback and goal-setting led to significantly higher work satisfaction than was the case in the other experimental conditions.     

The expected impact of the “Peace Conduit” project (the Red Sea - Dead Sea pipeline) on the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a severely disturbed ecosystem, greatly damaged by anthropogenic intervention in its water balance. During the 20th century, the Dead Sea level dropped by more than 25 meters, and presently (2003) it is at about 416 meters below mean sea level. This negative water balance is mainly due to the diversion of water from the catchment area of the lake by Israel, Jordan and Syria. During the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development Israel and Jordan jointly announced their interest in saving the Dead Sea by constructing the “Peace Conduit” that will pipe water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The inflow of seawater (or reject brine after desalinization) into the Dead Sea will have a major impact on its limnology, geochemistry and biology. During the filling stage, relatively diluted surface water will form and the rate of evaporation will therefore increase. Dilution of the surface water will most likely result in microbial blooming whose duration is not known, while the lower water layer is likely to develop reducing conditions, including bacterial sulfate reduction and presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Mixing between the calcium-rich Dead Sea brine and the sulfate-rich seawater will result in gypsum precipitation (CaSO₄⋅ 2H₂O). Once the target level is reached, inflow will be outbalanced by evaporation and salinity of the surface water will increase due to accumulation of seawater-salts. The water column will re-mix when the density of the surface water will equal that of the lower water column. In spite of its large volume and high salinity relative to that of the inflowing water, over the long run the composition of this unique lake will change. Before a decision is made on the planning and construction of the Conduit, it is essential that the long term evolution and characteristics of the “renewed” Dead Sea be known and anticipated changes examined. Once decided upon, the planning and construction of the Conduit should be conducted so as to minimize possible negative impacts of seawater introduction on the Dead Sea. This can only be achieved through a thorough understanding of the expected changes in the limnological physical/chemical characteristics of the Dead Sea and its unique brine.     

Implementing computer-based automation in the office: A study of experienced stress

This study focuses on the impact of previous experience with automation implementations on experienced stress associated with different work aspects, following the introduction of computer-based office automation. One hundred and ninety-one full-time secretaries at a large university in Canada completed questionnaires related to stress perception and prior experience with office automation. Results indicated that those without previous experience reported higher levels of experienced stress associated with work content aspects such as task difficulty and interest in the task, whereas those with prior experience reported greater problems with contextual aspects such as training and instruction. These findings are discussed in the context of research on ‘technological change as a source of organizational and occupational stress’.     

Biodegradation of dibromoneopentyl glycol by a bacterial consortium

Dibromoneopentyl glycol (DBNPG) is a brominated flame retardant that is used as an additive during the manufacture of plastic polymers and as a chemical intermediate for other flame retardants. It is classified as not readily biodegradable and based on experimental studies in animals is believed to be a carcinogen. We have demonstrated, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, the complete biodegradation of DBNPG under aerobic conditions. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis indicates the complete mineralization of DBNPG. DBNPG biodegradation was accompanied by the release of bromide into the medium, probably due to a biological debromination reaction by bacterial consortia. A denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of PCR amplified 16S rRNA gene was used, to characterize the bacterial consortia involved in DBNPG biodegradation. At least seven bacterial species were found to be involved in this process, among them species with similarity to strains that are known for their dehalogenating ability.     

A fairer examination of rating scales when used for performance appraisal in a real organizational setting

Fifty-seven managers in an aircraft plant who had received rater training, appraised their subordinates (n = 376) using both a BARS format and a graphic scale. Less leniency and halo effect occurred with the BARS format. In addition, the use of BARS resulted in higher interrater reliability than ratings obtained with the graphic scale. Finally, the overall (global) evaluation derived with the BARS form was significantly less susceptible to leniency effect. A tentative conceptual framework to explain this finding was suggested.     

The Expected Impact of the Peace Conduit Project (The Red Sea – Dead Sea Pipeline) on the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea of Israel, Jordan and Syria is a severely disturbed ecosystem, greatly damaged by anthropogenic intervention in its water balance. During the 20 th century, the Dead Sea level dropped by more than 25 meters, and presently (2003) it is at about 416 meters below mean sea level. This negative water balance is mainly due to the diversion of water from the catchment area of the lake by Israel, Jordan and Syria. During the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development Israel and Jordan jointly announced their interest in saving the Dead Sea by constructing the ‘Peace Conduit’ that will pipe water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The inflow of seawater (or reject brine after desalinization) into the Dead Sea will have a major impact on its limnology, geochemistry and biology. During the filling stage, relatively diluted surface water will form and the rate of evaporation will therefore increase. Dilution of the surface water will most likely result in microbial blooming whose duration is not known, while the lower water layer is likely to develop reducing conditions, including bacterial sulfate reduction and presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Mixing between the calcium-rich Dead Sea brine and the sulfate-rich seawater will result in gypsum precipitation (CaSO₄·2H₂O). Once the target level is reached, inflow will be outbalanced by evaporation and salinity of the surface water will increase due to accumulation of sea water-salts. The water column will remix when the density of the surface water will equal that of the lower water column. In spite of its large volume and high salinity relative to that of the inflowing water, over the long run the composition of this unique lake will change. Before a decision is made on the planning and construction of the Conduit, it is essential that the long term evolution and characteristics of the ‘renewed’ Dead Sea be known and anticipated changes examined. Once decided upon, the planning and construction of the Conduit should be conducted so as to minimize possible negative impacts of seawater introduction on the Dead Sea. This can only be achieved through a thorough understanding of the expected changes in the limnological physical/chemical characteristics of the Dead Sea and its unique brine.     

A four-year validation study of an assessment center in a financial corporation

Ratings on 18 assessment dimensions formulated independently by assessors (psychologists and high-level managers), consensus ratings on the same dimensions, and overall assessment ratings were collected for 329 assessees. Two hundred and seventy-four of the assessees were promoted based on their scores obtained in the assessment process. For 240 of these we succeeded in obtaining ratings on two criterion measures over a period of four years. These criterion data were provided by their superiors who were unaware of the scores obtained in the assessment process. Multiple regression analyses were run on the data from all the assessment ratings and criterion measures. The results demonstrated a long-term validity for the assessment center. However, we were not able to discern a consistent pattern of statistically significant differences between the predictive validities of high-level managers and psychologists as assessors. Possibly, the type of criterion measure moderates the predictive validity of managers' and psychologists' ratings. Further, theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.     

Telecommunications in Israeli field hospitals deployed to three crisis zones

A field hospital overseas requires various types of communication equipment. This study presents the communications equipment used by three Israeli field hospital delegations to earthquake sites at Adapazari, Turkey, in 1999, Port‐au‐Prince, Haiti, in 2010 and Minamisanriku, Japan, in 2011. The delegations to Turkey and Haiti were relatively large (105–230 personnel) and were on the site early (three to four days after each event). The 55‐person delegation to Japan arrived later and was established as an outpatient community hospital. Standard military VHF radios were the only effective tool up to 5 km, until cellular coverage was regained (1–2 weeks after each event). International communication was good. While short‐wave communication (telephone and Internet) was used in Turkey, a direct satellite channel was set up in Haiti. In Japan, BGAN Inmarsat provided efficient Wi‐Fi for all needs. Motorola walkie talkies were not efficient beyond the immediate vicinity. This paper recommends continued use of military‐specification equipment alongside newer modalities, particularly in situations where infrastructure is damaged.