A policy-capturing investigation of the role of expectancies in decisions to pursue job alternatives

Abstract

Two methodological approaches, policy capturing and narrative self-reports, were used to examine how individuals combine information about job characteristics and probabilities of receiving job offers (expectancies) in decisions to pursue job vacancies. 10 college students evaluated 24 hypothetical job alternatives at 3 expectancy levels in terms of overall attractiveness and whether they would apply for a job interview. A variety of within-S analyses were used to infer how probabilities of receiving a job offer affect peoples' propensities to apply for jobs. Results indicate that there was wide individual variability in the way expectancies influenced job-search patterns. Low probabilities of receiving job offers acted as much stronger search deterrrants for some Ss than for others. Results are discussed in terms of (a) possible sources of individual differences in expectancy usage, (b) the value of using multiple methodologies to investigate decision processes, and (c) the desirability of broadening the types of questions typically asked about the role of expectancies in job search and choice. (35 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)