Observation Methodology and Supervisory Behavior1

Abstract

SummaryA direct observation technique was used to study the job of the production foreman. Approximately 32,000 observations on 85 foremen in four production departments of two widely separated automotive assembly plants were gathered. Criterion data were obtained on each of the foremen. From 24 criterion measures studied, eight (4 objective; 4 subjective) were selected for use in this analysis. A chi‐square analysis of the data showed differences which were significant but did not stand up in cross‐validation (first half vs. second half). Also, the information obtained was not sufficiently novel to justify its use over less expensive interview and questionnaire techniques. Discussion related to the crucial importance in supervision of the intellectual and abstract behaviors which do not lend themselves to direct observation. The broad claims made by proponents of direct observations as an appropriate measure of supervisory behavior do not appear justified by the results of this study.