Date of Award

7-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Behavioral Analysis

First Advisor

Nicole Gravina

Second Advisor

Erin Richard

Third Advisor

David Wilder

Fourth Advisor

Lisa Steelman

Abstract

A common concern among business professionals is that rapport building or positive relationships in the workplace can enhance organizational outcomes and employee satisfaction. However, limited research has systematically tested and evaluated the effects of rapport on performance or discretionary effort. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of rapport building on performance and discretionary effort in comparison to no rapport building in an analogue setting. Participants in the present study consisted of 48 undergraduate students who were placed into either the rapport or non-rapport group. Participants completed a check-processing task to evaluate performance and were asked to complete an optional survey to evaluate discretionary effort. The results indicated that rapport-building group produced higher levels of performance and engaged in more discretionary effort in comparison to the non-rapport-building group.

Download

Share

COinS