Understanding the Perception of Information System Niche: Conceptualization, Measurement, and Validation

The number of niche technologies is growing, and they are getting noticed. However, the usage dynamics of such systems have not been explored. This study introduces the “niche” information systems (IS) construct to differentiate between mainstream and niche technologies and to illustrate how such differences potentially influence a person’s IS usage behavior. We posit that niche-ness is perceptual, and a measurement to gauge an individual’s niche perception in the domain of systems usage is desired. Resting on Optimal Distinctiveness theory, the study develops a novel conceptualization and operationalization of niche technology perceptions, focusing on social networking systems. Our main contribution includes the examination of the typology of the perceived niche, which results in the development and validation of an eight-item instrument for perceived technology niche through three studies. In addition, by placing the construct in a nomological network in a fourth study, we demonstrate that the perceived technology niche construct is related to IS continuance intention.

Psychometric Validation of the Dutch Version of the Promotive and Prohibitive Voice Scale

The aim of this three-study report was to validate the Dutch version of the promotive and prohibitive voice scale and to further embed the constructs of promotive and prohibitive voice within their nomological network. Promotive voice refers to the expression of suggestions for improving work practices, whereas prohibitive voice refers to the expression of concerns about practices and behaviors that are detrimental. In Study 1 (N = 121), confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) provided evidence for the two-factor structure, which was replicated in the other two studies. In Study 2 (NT1 = 209/NT2 = 107), we investigated the convergent and discriminant validity of the promotive and prohibitive voice scale, and tested measurement invariance across gender and time. Results provided validity evidence, partial scalar invariance for gender, and scalar invariance across time. In Study 3 (N = 149), we expanded the nomological network of the promotive and prohibitive voice scales through their relationship with personal initiative, approach temperament, and risk propensity. Taken together, our results provide strong evidence for the validity of the Dutch version of the promotive and prohibitive voice scale.

The Impostor Phenomenon: Toward a Better Understanding of the Nomological Network and Gender Differences

The impostor phenomenon (IP) refers to the tendency to perceive oneself as intellectually incompetent and to attribute one’s own success to effort-related or external factors, such as fortunate circumstances. The present study (N=209) aimed to contribute to open questions regarding gender differences in the IP and the nomological network of the IP. The results show that the consistently found key correlates of the IP, that is, lower self-esteem and higher neuroticism, could also play a role in explaining why women report higher impostor feelings than men in many studies. Moreover, the results suggest that IP is characterized by the more maladaptive, socially prescribed perfectionism, which is related to the belief that others expect perfection from oneself, whereas self-oriented perfectionism, which is characterized by a critical view on oneself, plays a smaller role in differences in the IP. Finally, a strong association with the sandbagging construct challenges the conceptualization of the IP as a genuine doubt about one’s own competence, because similarly to IP, sandbaggers present themselves negatively to others, but do so for very strategic reasons in order to create a low expectation base in other individuals. Regression analysis was used to assess the incremental value of the personality factors in explaining variance in the IP. It was found that sandbagging and IP are highly related but not interchangeable.

Every coin has two sides: the case of thriving at work

Drawing upon the thriving at work and agism literature, we added unexplored thriving antecedents (i.e., negative age-based metastereotypes and associated reactions) to the thriving nomological network. Additionally, we investigated the thriving-turnover intentions link throughout the lifespan. Parallel multiple mediator models were used to analyze the role played by threat and challenge in the relationship between negative age-based metastereotypes and overall thriving. Survey results (n = 326 employees) showed that threat and challenge mediated this relationship, yet differential relationships between antecedents and thriving appeared when analyzing thriving dimensions (i.e., learning and vitality) separately. Relatedly, turnover intentions were negatively predicted by overall thriving, but learning and vitality effects on turnover intentions were distinct across age groups. Findings recommend a clearer distinction between thriving dimensions role in the thriving experience throughout the lifespan. Overall, this study contends that the combination of thriving and agism literature contributes to further understand employee growth.

The Theory and Measurement of Expertise-Based Problem Solving in Organizational Teams: Revisiting Demonstrability

The current paper revisits and builds upon task demonstrability, which defines the criteria necessary for groups to choose a correct response if any member prefers that response. We identify boundary conditions of the current conceptualization of task demonstrability with respect to its use in understanding modern organizational teams. Specifically, we argue that, in its current form, task demonstrability is not optimally suited to studying ongoing teams in which member expertise varies and teams work to complete complex multifaceted tasks. To address this issue, we provide a revisited perspective on demonstrability. We specify the nomological network of revisited demonstrability and recast each of its criteria in a form that preserves the original intent of the construct, but has broader applicability, particularly to organizational contexts. We then discuss theoretical implications and managerial applications of the construct. Finally, noting that there is no standard assessment tool for demonstrability (original or revisited), we develop and validate a measure to facilitate future research.

An exploration of the nomological network of trypophobia

Background Trypophobia is characterised by an aversion to or even revulsion for patterns of holes or visual stimuli featuring such patterns. Past research has shown that trypophobic stimuli trigger emotional and physiological reactions, but relatively little is known about the antecedents, prodromes, or simply covariates of trypophobia. Aim The goals of this study were (a) to draw the contours of the nomological network of trypophobia by assessing the associations of symptoms of trypophobia with several constructs that were deemed relevant from past research on anxiety disorders and specific phobias, (b) to compare such associations with those found for symptoms of spider phobia and blood and injection phobia (alternative dependent variables), and (c) to investigate the main effect of gender on symptoms of trypophobia and replicate the association of gender with symptoms of spider phobia and blood and injection phobia (higher scores for women). Methods Participants (N = 1,134, 53% men) in this cross-sectional study completed an online questionnaire assessing the constructs of interest. Results Most assessed constructs typically associated with anxiety disorders (neuroticism, conscientiousness, anxiety sensitivity, trait anxiety, disgust sensitivity, and disgust propensity) were also associated with trypophobia in the predicted direction. All of these constructs were also associated with spider phobia and blood and injection phobia. Behavioral inhibition was negatively associated with trypophobia and spider phobia—contrary to what was expected, but positively with blood and injection phobia. We found no gender difference in trypophobia, whereas women scored higher on spider phobia and blood and injection phobia. Discussion Although some differences were observed, the nomological network of trypophobia was largely similar to that of spider phobia and blood and injection phobia. Further studies are needed to clarify similarities and dissimilarities between trypophobia and specific phobia.

To be fooled or not to be fooled: Approach and avoidance facets of Machiavellianism

The antagonistic personality trait Machiavellianism (Mach) should be characterized by duplicity, proclivity to manipulation, cynical disregard of others, long-term planning, and low aggression. Opposed to theoretical descriptions, recent studies revealed links between Mach and neuroticism, impulsivity, and aggression. The advantages of a multidimensional assessment of Mach are well known but were seldom implemented. Hence, differential effects within Mach have often been neglected. Based on previous research on basic motivational orientations, we derived two facets—Machiavellian approach and Machiavellian avoidance. These facets account for exploitative, strategic striving for resources and for misanthropic, distrustful loss-prevention, respectively. In two studies (total N = 1,000, 21% men), we found support for the two-factor structure, for measurement invariance across sexes, and the nomological network of the 8-item Machiavellian Approach and Avoidance Questionnaire (MaaQ). As expected, Machiavellian approach was primarily associated with hope for power, whereas Machiavellian avoidance was linked to affective criteria and aggression. Both approach and avoidance shared links with disagreeableness, dishonesty, and cynicism. Furthermore, they correlated with other Mach scales. The findings explain counterintuitive links with other constructs found in earlier studies and thereby further the understanding of Mach.