Title: Preferences for involving employees in the management of organisations: the USA versus Mexico

Authors: Jai Ghorpade, Jim Lackritz, Gangaram Singh

Addresses: Department of Management, College of Business Administration, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA. Department of Management, College of Business Administration, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA. Department of Management, College of Business Administration, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA

Abstract: Understanding similarities and differences between the USA and Mexico has become critical because of NAFTA and geographical proximity. In this paper, our objective is to illustrate how errors can occur with respect to management across the two countries when inappropriate research methodology is used. The management issue under scrutiny is preferences for involving employees in the management of organisations. We developed a measure for the construct. We then used a traditional analytical technique to test the measure in the USA and Mexico. Our results indicated psychometric outcomes that are acceptable. An advanced analytical technique (structural equations model), however, indicated that the measure was not equivalent across the USA and Mexico. The implications of this difference are illustrated with the inapplicability of a management practice if the traditional research tool is used.

Keywords: cross cultural research; structural equations model; international management; international human resource management; employee involvement program.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2002.001031

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2002 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.298-307

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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