Social Desirability as an Intervening Variable in Interpreting OD Effects

Abstract

The data obtained imply the usefulness of taking "social desirability" (SD) differences into account in interpreting any effects of OD interventions measured by self-reports. Broadly, SD differences can mask measurements of such effects, especially in before vs. after designs. High SD scorers seem to provide preintervention responses that reflect the socially acceptable rather than what exists, and these responses consequently constitute an unreliable benchmark against which to compare postinter-vention responses. The Crowne-Marlowe SD scale is used to assess SD differences between individuals. This report deals with a measurement issue, and specifically in relation to Likert's Profile of Organizational Characteristics. The results apply strictly to uses of the Profile, which is a prominent measuring instrument in OD work. However presumptively, the present findings are also meant to "cast their shadow" on interpretations of various other self-reports used to measure OD effects.