IJMB Journal – Abstracts
International Journal of Management and Business
IJMB Volume V, Issue 1
Modelling Employees’ Suggestion-Making Behavior
Davide Girardelli
Assistant Professor, Wenzhou-Kean University
88 University Road, Li’ao Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, China
davidegirardelli@wku.edu.cn
ABSTRACT
The paper outlines a model of employee participation in suggestion systems that builds on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991). According to the proposed model, employees’ suggestion-making behavior is primarily explained by TPB’s antecedents. The model was tested by administering a questionnaire to line workers in an automotive plant (Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc.). Participation rates in the suggestion system were assessed three-months after the main data collection. The model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Overall, the findings supported the proposed model. Structural model A, which included the TPB variables only, accounted for 5% of explained variance in participation in the suggestion system and 46% of explained variance in intention to submit suggestions. Structural model B, which considered the indirect effects of other relevant constructs (proactive personality, organizational trust, perceived rewards, and supervisory support for continuous improvement activities) accounted for 4% of explained variance in participation in the suggestion system, 38% of explained variance in intention to submit suggestions, and 29% of explained variance in attitudes toward submitting suggestions.
Keywords: Suggestion systems; Employee involvement; Discretionary Work Behavior; Theory of Planned Behavior; Toyota Manufacturing System.
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