Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - 02050143
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED164760 AUTHOR: Joseph, Myron L.
TITLE: Selection and Performance in a Gas Utility Company.
Final Report.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1978
NOTE: 98 p.
AVAILABILITY: National Technical Information Service,
Springfield, Virginia 22151
ABSTRACT: A study of employment procedures at an unnamed
gas
utility company was made, examining selection procedures,
white and blue collar employee performance, promotion
rates,
and turnover. The data is based on application files,
interviews with management personnel, and employee records.
The company relied primarily on walk-ins and employee
referrals for its job applicants. Private employment
agencies were used for some specialized white collar jobs.
Social agencies and the employment service were sources of
black applicants. The company's selection procedures
included informal and subjective elements that led to
employment preference for white applicants who were related
to company employees. Black employees were hired primarily
as a consequence of explicit affirmative action by the
company's personnel office at headquarters. Variables that
had a significant effect on the screening and hiring of new
employees were referral sources, aptitude and intelligence
tests, and evidence of specific skills and experience. The
data suggested the possibility of discrimination against
blacks and female employees in performance ratings and
promotions. Both blue and white collar workers appeared
able
to improve their performance indicators through technical
job-related courses made available or supported by the
company. Short run turnover was highest for employees who
were young, female, or black, and who had transferable
skills. (Appended are statistics and procedures used in the
study.) (Author/CT)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Affirmative-Action; Aptitude-Tests; Blacks
; Employment-Experience; Employment-Qualifications;
Employment-Services; Females-; Intelligence-Tests; Job
Skills; Job-Training; Personnel-Data;
Racial-Discrimination;
Recruitment-; Salaries-; Sex-Discrimination; Skilled
Workers; Statistical-Analysis; Unskilled-Workers
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Employment-Practices; *Labor-Turnover;
*Personnel-Selection; *Promotion-Occupational; *Task
Performance; *Utilities-
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