Title: The effects of work sampling and feedback on individuals' work- and safety-related behaviour prior to, during, and after observer presence

Authors: Angela R. Lebbon; Jón G. Sigurjónsson; John Austin

Addresses: Department of Economics and Business, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, USA. ' Department of Economics and Business, Lehman College, City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, USA. ' Reaching Results, 3219 Fleetwood Drive, Portage, MI 49024, USA

Abstract: Work sampling has been demonstrated to be an effective tool for supervisors to motivate and enhance subordinates' work and safety performance. However, the effectiveness of work sampling has been questioned due to data being derived solely from direct observation when supervisors are present. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the effects of observer presence over several weeks on individuals' work- and safety-related behaviour prior to, during, and after direct observation. Additionally, this study will attempt to determine if feedback facilitates performance improvements prior to, during, and after observation. Results from this study suggest that work sampling and feedback are beneficial in improving work- and safety-related behaviour, yet, those improvements do not sustain beyond observation periods. These findings have implications for researchers and managers searching for techniques to improve employee performance.

Keywords: behavioural safety; employee performance; observation; feedback; work sampling; management; organisational behaviour; reactivity; supervisors; motivation.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.2012.047806

Global Business and Economics Review, 2012 Vol.14 No.3, pp.226 - 247

Received: 04 Feb 2011
Accepted: 26 Oct 2011
Published online: 29 Jul 2014 *

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