Human Relations in Organizations: Applications and Skill Building 8th Edition by Robert Lussier

Exercise 23

Job Satisfaction
Kathy Barns was the first woman hired by Kelly Construction Co. to perform a "man's job." When Kathy was interviewed for the job by Jean Rossi, the personnel director, Kathy was excited to get the opportunity to prove a woman could do a man's job. During the first month Kathy never missed a day. However, in the second month she missed four days of work, and by the end of the month she came to tell Ms. Rossi she was quitting. Jean was surprised and wanted to find out what happened, so she asked Kathy some questions.
JEAN: How did your orientation for the job go?
KATHY: Well, the foreman, Jack, started things off by telling me that he was against my being hired. He told me that a woman couldn't do the job and that I would not last very long.
JEAN: Did Jack teach you the job?
KATHY: He taught me the different parts of the job by beginning with a statement about how difficult it was. Jack made comments like "I'm watching you-don't mess up." He was constantly looking over my shoulder waiting for me to make a mistake, and when I did, he would give me the old "I told you so" speech. A couple of the guys gave me some help, but for the most part they ignored me.
JEAN: Is your job performance satisfactory?
KATHY: It's not as good as it could be, but it cannot be too bad because Jack hasn't fired me. I enjoy the work when Jack leaves me alone, and I do better work, too. But it seems he's always around.
JEAN: Are you really sure you want to quit?
KATHY: Pauses and thinks.
Answer the following questions. Then in the space between questions, state why you selected that answer.
Jack's behavior contributed to the _______ of Kathy's self-efficacy.
a. development
b. deterioration