a social influence analysis of perceived organizational support

coordinating over 80 campus tours a week. Over the course of a year, the organization conducts
over 4,000 walking tours of the campus and 300 bus tours. During tours, employees provide
information and answer questions related to the university. In addition, employees perform
telemarketing duties including calling students admitted to the university to congratulate them
and answering any questions that they have. Employees also help with two or three admissions
programs per year, host prospective students for overnight programs, attend weekly
organizational meetings, and represent the university on recruiting trips.
All hiring decisions are handled by the organization itself. Employees, mainly
undergraduate students, could be described as “contract employees” – if they perform well for a
year, they are asked to return the next year. About one quarter of the employees work year-
round, while the other three quarters work during the fall and spring semesters. On average,
these employees work 25 hours per week.
Procedures
Data were collected as part of a larger survey given during a regular retreat sponsored by
the organization. In addition to the data utilized in this dissertation, other measures were
collected which were not utilized in the present research. Respondents were told that the purpose
of the survey was to investigate their experiences and the knowledge they had gained while
performing their jobs. Employees were assured that their responses would remain confidential.
To encourage participation, six $50 gift certificates to local businesses were provided to
randomly selected employees who completed the survey.
The sociometric portion of the survey measured employees’ network ties. Employees
were given a roster including the names of all employees and asked questions about their
relationships with them. According to Marsden (1990), a roster increases the reliability of
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