Effects of realistic job previews: A comparison using an enhancement and a reduction preview

Abstract

Evaluated job previews on subsequent turnover and clarified the processes responsible for any such effects. One, enhancement preview, was constructed to enhance overly pessimistic expectations, whereas the other, reduction preview, was designed to reduce overly optimistic expectations. Subjects, 533 male and female trainees in the U.S. Army, were given either preview, both previews combined, or no preview. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up (5 weeks later) perceptual and attitudinal measures were collected, in addition to demographic and turnover data. Results indicated (a) that trainees exposed to the combined previews had significantly ( p < .05) lower turnover, (b) that those exposed only to the reduction preview had significantly ( p < .05) higher turnover, and (c) that the previews administered in all experimental conditions were more effective in reducing turnover ( p < .05) among more intelligent trainees and those initially more committed to the Army. Survey measures collected immediately after the previews showed that the combined previews increased perceptions of trust and honesty, and that the reduction preview reduced anticipated job satisfaction. Measures collected after 5 weeks revealed that trainees exposed to the combined previews (a) saw the Army as more caring, and trustworthy and honest, (b) were more committed to the Army and more satisfied with their jobs, and (c) experienced less role ambiguity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)