Development of the Pragmatic Executive Help-Seeking Scale

• In Event: 29.083 - Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: 29.083-4 - Poster Session 3: Cognitive Processes

Abstract

A new scale, designed to measure executive help-seeking, is presented. Previously, scales have been used to measure executive help-seeking. However, the existing scales have been unable to distinguish executive help-seeking from avoidant help-seeking. These scales defined executive help-seeking as a detrimental, work avoidant approach. However, executive help-seeking may be more necessary, practical, or prevalent in certain situations. For example, it may be more beneficial to have an expert solve non-reoccurring problems or problems that are not central to an individual’s job. Therefore, it is important to be able to measure executive help-seeking. Results provide two types of validity evidence to suggest that the Pragmatic Executive Help-seeking Scale measures a distinct element of help-seeking. The results were consistent with theoretical expectations.

Authors

• Philip M. Reeves, Yale University

• Rayne A. Sperling, The Pennsylvania State University