Organizational Culture and Employee Behavior

Dr. R. L. Hayes

MSA 600, July 17, 2016

Article 1

1) APA Citation

Hurst, J. L., & Good, L. K. (2010, February). A 20-year Evolution of Internships: Implications for Retail Interns, Employers and Educators. The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 20(1), 175-186.

2) Main points

· Longitudinal study of internships and internship programs over the past 20 years

· Internships are becoming a recruiting tool for employers to hire experienced workers

· Paid internships result in a better experience for the student and create better prepared potential employees

3) Paraphrased summary

Hurst and Good reviewed relevant literature regarding internships and internship programs to identify major trends and over the past twenty years. They found the following five major trends among internships in the retail industry; the first trend is internships are being used as a recruiting tool by employers who benefit from the experience interns gain. Secondly, educators and employers are increasingly supporting internship programs as a way to prepare students for future retail careers. Trend number three is how the concern of paid compared to un-paid internships is becoming a larger issue overall and the US Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act is impacting employers and interns alike. The fourth major trend over the past two decades are the change of internship program structures to give interns more job responsibility and real world experience. Finally, orienting inters in the work setting to the corporate culture is becoming increasingly important for employers. In summary, the value of the real work experience gained in a guided setting is proving beneficial not only to the students, but to the employers and to universities. These affiliations improve the student employability, the employer’s pool of qualified applicants and the reputation of the university to be used as recruiting tool for future students. 4) Direct Quotes

“78% of interns agreed that internship experience gave them greater confidence in finding a job upon graduation, and 57% of the interns felt that their internship experience influenced their future career choices (that is, affirming, changing, and so on)” (176).

“Some university programs consider internships as optional; however a growing number of retail-related programs are now requiring an internship as a part of graduation requirements” (178).

“Abercrombie & Fitch expect their interns to be ‘active players in helping make one of A&F’s product categories successful for the upcoming seasons’” (180).

5) Evaluation of the Source

The article from a scholarly journal was a longitudinal study covering twenty years of research. This information is relevant to my topic in that CMU fashion and merchandise design internships are not a required component of the program. Information and conclusions presented are reasonable with specific quotes from top selling retail outlets. There is little to no bias in the report as it is a literature review of previous studies and findings.

6) Why this source will be useful

This source will be useful for my research because it addresses retail internships, which are an optional internship within the Human Environmental Studies programs to be studied with CMU students. The article discusses student employability statistics and self-reports of student post-graduation employment rates. Additionally, program design changes were suggested to include more internship opportunities, which is a desired outcome of this research project.

Article 2

1) APA Citation

Weible, R., & McClure, R. (2011). An Exploration of the Benefits of Student Internships to Marketing Departments. Marketing Education Review, 21(3), 229-240.

2) Main points

· University marketing departments realize benefits from internship programs

· Students benefit by securing higher paying jobs more quickly compared to students not participating in internships

· Employers benefit from internship program with the opportunity to hire best students and gain innovative ideas from newly graduated university students as employees

3) Paraphrased summary The authors investigated the correlation between marketing internship programs in universities and direct benefits to the student, the university marketing department and the organization. Literature review supported benefits to the university in that internship programs can support classroom learning objectives. The research also supports the role of internships as a method to verify and fine-tune curriculum of the program. Additionally supported are the positive benefits for student interns in creating better communication skills with superiors and critical thinking skills improvements. The survey conducted did not show direct or indirect correlation to increase of research opportunities and no increase of consulting jobs created for university faculty. Current research supported students gained far greater benefits than did university marketing departments. No direct correlation could be made in support of financial gains for the school of business or marketing departments as a result of the internship programs. 4) Direct Quotes

“The results supported the assertion that internships improved classroom discussions” (234).

“Results also suggest internships had a positive effect on the employment of students who participated in an internship program” (235).

“It seems that developing long-term relationships that include internships would be sound protocol, but the relatively weak response to the questionnaire items indicate that most institutions do not regularly develop this resource” (237).

5) Evaluation of the Source

Information obtained from the peer reviewed 2011 journal is current and relevant to my topic of research. Information in the article is supported by previous field research studies offered in the literature review. The hypotheses presented were supported by literature review as well as the interviews conducted with college deans. Additionally, one of the assumptions was not supported by the research which was clearly addressed in the article. Numerous scholarly articles supporting this research study were found cited in additional literature review articles which follow.

6) Why this source will be useful

This source will be particularly useful for my research with the support on the benefits for students post-graduation. The higher salaries and quicker job offers cited by students support the research problem I have chosen to undertake. Positive benefits for employers and the suggestions for further implementation of internships as a source of improved curriculum likewise support my research topic.

Article 3

1) APA Citation

Kettis, A., Ring, L., Gustavsson, M., & Wallman, A. (2013). Placements: an underused vehicle for quality enhancement in higher education? Quality in Higher Education, 19(1), 28-40.

2) Main points

· As students’ view of their learning becomes more positive, their identification with their profession of choice strengthens and classroom performance improves

· Students can perform projects of value to an employer and keep universities appraised of current business trends and practices

· Higher education may resist internship placements to keep the mission of academia rooted in scholarly knowledge

3) Paraphrased summary

This source focused on the benefits of internship experience for students and for employers while emphasizing the reasons educational institutions may resist internships in academia. The benefits to employers are related in detail and the effects of increased employability are supported. While supporting the benefits of real world learning of students and application of theory to practice, this article provides a counterpoint to the research objectives of increasing internships and student placements for work experience. The article relays the intention of keeping higher education institutions purely focused on theory, making any correlation between theory and application the responsibility of graduates and their future employers; this counterpoint is both interesting and applicable to the research project.

4) Direct Quotes

“Integrating formal learning activities makes it possible to build theoretical knowledge into practice as well as to use practical knowledge and skills in the theoretical setting” (31).

“Academics who are engaged in arranging high quality placements get insights in to practice in a way that has the potential to positively influence teaching on campus” (35).

“Poor placement experiences may result in students losing interest in their degree subject or abandon educational and career goals” (32).

5) Evaluation of the Source The article is recent (2013) and the information directly relates to internships and placements, their benefit to students and employers. Authors relate the possible links to program design and program evaluation which is a goal of my research study. Current, and often cited scholarly articles and research, are identified in this article tying it back to the common bank of existing knowledge. The article is written by international scholars, bringing into light my research topic at Central Michigan University and broader application and awareness. However, the article makes many broad generalizations which lack specific implication or recommended action.

6) Why this source will be useful

This source makes the connection that internships are beneficial to students and employers, citing research studies done in the U.S. as well as case studies abroad. The authors give us a global perspective to the topic with these comparisons. Support of student employability and relating real world experience to the academic setting is helpful in supporting my research assertion that internships should become a program requirement and a factor considered when reviewing program design and program evaluation.

Article 4

1) APA Citation

Simons, L., Fehr, L., Blank, N., Connell, H., Georganas, D., Fernandez, D., & Peterson, V. (2012). Lessons Learned from Experiential Learning: What Do Student Learn from a Practicum/Internship? International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 24(3), 325-334.

2) Main points

· Employer supervisors reported interns gained a deeper understanding of the psychological disorders, therapies, treatments and techniques

· Employer supervisors reported interns’ work contributed to the organization’s needs

· Large majority of interns secured a position at the placement site following the internship

3) Paraphrased summary

Using a multi-method approach, the authors summarize quantitative and qualitative research relevant to learning outcomes of students participating in experiential learning activities, also called internships or practicum. This research conveys three main objectives, the first being measuring differences in student learning from the beginning to the end of the psychology program. The authors find students increased cultural competence through experiential learning activities, supported by prior research. Citing the second objective, knowledge and skills acquired, the findings support through participation in internships students gain a more thorough understanding of jargon and terminology as well as requirements of the professional role. Lastly, the research set out to determine the value of placements to students, sites and internship supervisors at the academic institution. Reported data support field supervisors as well as university faculty find experiential learning to be beneficial to students.

4) Direct Quotes “Students improved their multicultural skills from the beginning of the program to the end of the program. This finding is consistent with previous research that suggests students acquire cultural competence through participation in experiential learning” (331).

“Students appraised their fieldwork as challenging and felt better prepared to enter the workforce and/or attend graduate school, consistent with previous research on experiential learning” (332).

“Field supervisors concerns were about students’ professional development. Field supervisors suggested that students acquire as much experience as possible so they can learn to trust their clinical judgement and further develop their professional identity” (332).

5) Evaluation of the Source

A current source (2012), the authors cite existing research findings in support of their findings. The multi-method approach gives validity to the study with quantitative as well as qualitative findings from site supervisors, students as well as university faculty members involved with the internship programs. Citing both findings as well as limitations, the authors give credibility to the study findings. Findings in support of currently accepted research makes the article reasonable in its summary and suggestions.

6) Why this source will be useful

The information contained in the scholarly article is relevant to my research topic in that psychology internships or practicum are not a program requirement at the undergraduate level at CMU. In this study, the backing from field supervisors for the growth and learning gained by the interns supports my research assumption that internships enhance learning outcomes of a program and make students more employable post-graduation. Citing both findings as well as limitations, the authors give credibility to the study findings.

Article 5

1) APA Citation

Shows, A. R., Killough, J. E., Jackson, S., & Lui, J. (2015). Instilling Success in an Internship Program: A Dietetics Case Study. Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences, 107(3), 50-54.

2) Main points

· Dietetic internships are not required for undergraduate programs and are difficult to obtain

· Building friendships and reinforcing humor is important to student success

· Reinforcing program key concepts through student assessments increases learning outcomes

3) Paraphrased summary

This source concentrated on dietetic interns and the important factors for a successful placement. Interviewing student participants, the authors reviewed what they determined to be the key components of a successful placement program including building fellowship between the students, instilling and reinforcing a sense of humor and reinforcing program learning objectives. The authors and students find these three components to be critical for successful dietetic placements.

4) Direct Quotes “These experiences help student learn more about the dietetics field and strengthen their knowledge prior to applying for and beginning a post-graduate internship” (50).

“Over the last several years, approximately 50% of total applicants to an internship have not been matched to a dietetics internship program; thus being accepted into an IP is a great accomplishment” (50).

“Many graduates become future preceptors and contact points for possible supervised practice experience or employers, so a positive internship experience is crucial to the future of the dietetics profession” (53).

5) Evaluation of the Source

The information in this source was current (2015) and relevant to my topic. Information found in the article can be verified by current and recent research cited. Relevant to my topic, the information supports the benefits of voluntary internships. The accuracy of the article, in my opinion lacks statistical backing and makes generalizations and broad sweeping comments which lack support.

6) Why this source will be useful

I find this source to be useful in the context of voluntary dietetics internships which are also offered and will be studied in my project. The support for student and site outcomes lends itself to supporting CMU priorities and initiatives of student success and post-graduation employment as well as supporting internship programs as a way of building community partnerships that give credibility to programs and the university as a recruiting tool.

Article 6

1) APA Citation

Raeder Schumacher, J. (2014). Critical-Thinking Dispositions Among dietetic Interns at the Completion of Their Internship. Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences, 206(2), 55-57.

2) Main points

· Critical thinking skills are essential to allied health related caregivers

· Critical thinking skills are enhanced by internship placements and active-learning curriculum in the course of study

· Relatively few dietetic students entering the workforce currently have sufficient critical thinking skills

3) Paraphrased summary

This source reinforces the importance of problem-solving and critical thinking skills for students entering the workforce in the allied health professions, specifically the dietetics field. Problem-solving and critical thinking are key attributes for dietetics professionals in order to maintain and promote patient health and safety. Findings show only moderate critical thinking skills for current dietetics interns which are entering the workforce at the time of the study. Research suggests more student active-learning models will enhance critical thinking skills necessary for dietetics interns as these skills are required for passing the registered dietitian exam and becoming a registered dietician.

4) Direct Quotes

“Making professional judgements is essential to performing the duties of a dietitian. Failure to think critically may potentially cause harm to patients or clients in any work setting” (55).

“Unfortunately, the results suggest that relatively few dietetic interns are entering the work force with strong critical-thinking dispositions” (56).

“Research suggests that developing curriculum using more student-active learning models can enhance critical-thinking dispositions such as truth seeking” (56).

5) Evaluation of the Source

Information in this source was current (2014) and relevant to my topic. The authors’ research is supported by existing studies. Relevant to my topic, the findings support the internship experience can relate back to program design and program assessment to bolster student learning outcomes. The accuracy of the article is supported with statistical findings, yet makes generalizations and broad unsubstantiated comments and suggestions.

6) Why this source will be useful

I find this source useful for my research project in the support of critical thinking skills as necessary learning outcomes for students. The article finds current areas for dietetics interns to increase their skills and relates the weaknesses back to suggestions for program design and program evaluation in the effort to increase desired outcomes.

Article 7

1) APA Citation

Swanson, S. R., & Tomkovick, C. (2011). Perspectives from Marketing Internship Providers. Marketing Education Review. 21(2), 163-176.

2) Main points

· Internship advantages for students

· Internship advantages for universities, colleges and academic departments

· Internship Advantages for employers

3) Paraphrased summary

This article surveys Mid-western United States marketing managers regarding the skills and qualifications considered to be most critical for marketing interns. Researchers identify key skills necessary for interns and the employment managers rated the student employees on abilities and expected benefits the interns relayed to the companies. Intent of the study is to understand marketing internships from the employer perspective and relate back to the student and program level key topics employers felt critical for future employees to have a firm grasp. Results of this study suggest key skills and abilities necessary for marketing interns to be successful appear to match up well with employer expectations.

4) Direct Quotes

“Marketing educators can utilize this knowledge to (1) better prepare students for marketplace success, (2) modify curricula to improve lower-rated skill areas, and (3) to partner with firms looking for marketing interns” (163).

“It is important that marketing internship programs strategically align themselves with ongoing employment market realities” (163).

“With respect to marketing students, having work experience has been identified as the single most important characteristic contributing to a hiring decision” (163).

5) Evaluation of the Source

The information in this source was relevant to my research topic and was current (2011). Information in the source can be verified by several other prominent sources, including the National Association of Colleges and Employers. There was little bias because the source reported findings from previous literature review as well as current research. The source additionally revealed limitations, specifically findings of the current research are limited to the upper Midwest, the source also and future research topics to be investigated.

6) Why this source will be useful

This particular source will provide useful in that the research is focused on the Midwest and specifically marketing internships, which at CMU are not a required portion of the degree program. The source relates critical factors employers are looking for in employees and suggests these topics relate back to program design and program evaluation to benefit the program, the university and the student.

Article 8

1) APA Citation

Sanahuja Velez, G., & Ribes Giner, G. (2015, September). Effects of Business Internships on Students, Employers, and Higher Education Institutions: a systematic review. Journal of Employment Counseling, 52, 121-130.

2) Main points

· The effects of internships on students

· The effects of internships on employers

· The effects of internships on higher education institutions

3) Paraphrased summary

This source conducted a longitudinal study of peer-reviewed literature and research studies from the previous ten years on business internships, then conducted a meta-analysis of the findings for the 57 articles reviewed. The article summarizes the impact of internships on three main parties involved; students, employers and universities or higher education institutions. The findings indicate overall positive effects of internships on students, saving on recruiting cost and incorporating new ideas benefited employers, and universities benefited by feedback from employers and students which can be utilized for curricular assessment.

4) Direct Quotes

“Employers gain the benefits of students’ emerging skill sets at highly affordable compensation rates and save on recruiting costs because they can hire prospective workers from among the interns” (127).

“Internship programs are also beneficial to higher education institutions in that colleges and universities can attract potential students, enhance their reputation and visibility, and strengthen bonds of collaboration between the academic world and industry” (127).

“Our review identified a number of predictors of internship effectiveness, including greater autonomy during the internship, challenging assignments, students’ positive attitudes, and mentoring. These variables should be taken into account when attempting to improve internship programs” (127).

5) Evaluation of the Source

This source is relevant to my topic as well as current (2015). The information is reasonable as it summarizes a then year longitudinal peer-reviewed literature review, as such the information contained can be verified by a number of credible sources. The conclusions are accurate in accordance with existing data and have relevance to my topic in support of my research objectives.

6) Why this source will be useful

The source will be helpful by summarizing a large body of peer-reviewed literature on my chosen research topic. Information summarized indicates benefits to students, employers and institutions as well as suggesting universities implement program design and program evaluation changes in accordance with the findings relayed regarding the benefit of internships for students including higher employment rates and stronger ties to the business community for universities.

Article 9

1) APA Citation

Kilgo, C. A., Ezell Sheets, J. K., & Pascarella, E. T. (2014). The Link between High-impact Practices and Student Learning: Some Longitudinal Evidence. High Education, 69, 509-525.

2) Main points

· Association of American Colleges and Universities four essential learning outcomes for student success

· High-impact educational practices benefits to students

· Internships as a high-impact educational practice shows moderate positive benefits for students learning

3) Paraphrased summary

This source used existing data from a longitudinal study to determine the effects of high-impact learning practices related to the four key learning objectives identified by the Association of American Colleges and Universities necessary for student success. These objectives are designed to ensure students enter the workforce with skills and knowledge to compete locally, globally, to interact with diverse individuals and to solve significant problems. The finding support collaborative learning and research as having significant benefit for undergraduate students as well as internships as having moderate to significant impact on student learning and success.

4) Direct Quotes

“Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has named ten “high-impact” educational practices based on research suggesting positive benefits to students. Specifically, these high-impact practices are suggested to lead to greater engagement and retention among undergraduate students – in other words, to help ensure that students are getting the most out of college” (510-511).

“Participation in an internship had modest positive effects on need for cognition, the MGUDS, and socially responsible leadership” (519).

“Internship was a significant, positive predictor for inclination to inquire and lifelong learning as measured by MCS and socially responsible leadership” (521).

5) Evaluation of the Source

The information contained in this source was relevant to my topic of study as well as being current (2015). Information can be supported by a number of credible, prominent sources including the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) as well as National Leadership Council for Liberal Education. There is little bias in the research utilizes current and peer-reviewed information in support of findings, as well as established and accepted original research data from a longitudinal, pretest/posttest study.

6) Why this source will be useful This source will be useful for my research in that is identifies and supports essential learning outcomes identified for student success. These learning outcomes support the CMU institutional priorities and objectives for its students, and the goal of my research project.

Article 10

1) APA Citation

Ward, C., Yates, D., & Young Song, J. (2014). The Impact of Leadership Roles and Internships on Undergraduate Business Major Field Test (MFT) Scores. Contemporary Issues in Education Research - Fourth Quarter, 7(4), 279-284.

2) Main points

· Goal of higher education is to prepare students for leadership roles

· Students cultivate critical behaviors identified in business through leadership roles

· Students participating in internships have a renewed interest in learning

3) Paraphrased summary

This source focused on leadership and student success as a goal of higher education. The research identified critical behaviors necessary for university students and correlated these to behaviors identified by business and industry as critical leadership behaviors. Students who have mastered leadership skills through their roles in student organizations or participation in internships are more attractive to potential employers in a competitive environment for good jobs.

4) Direct Quotes “Although leadership competencies and behaviors can be developed in many ways, there has been an emerging consensus that leadership is transferred from one situation to another where one person emerges as a leader from a group” (279).

“An important implication of this study is that if we teach students the eight managerial leadership behaviors identified and allow them to practice these behaviors in their student organizations, it would pay dividends for these students when they enter the workforce” (280).

“Students who have completed internships often have a renewed interest in learning, are more focused, and typically elevate their level of work” (282).

5) Evaluation of the Source

The information in this source was current (2014) and relevant to my topic. Information in the source is credible and can be verified by several other prominent sources, including the Association of American Colleges and Universities and Association of College Unions International. There was little bias because the source was reporting information obtained from the Educational Testing Service Major Field Test. Reasonable findings are related however, the source may prove of limited use for my research purposes as it is narrow in scope of its findings for internship implications on post-graduation employment.

6) Why this source will be useful

This source will be useful in my research project with the findings of positive correlation of internship participation and increase in learning efforts and leadership qualities of students. Leadership skills are highly desired skills for the professional world and tying these skills back to internships supports the importance of the academic internship for students. The research findings of this study showed evidence that supports the correlation of students’ holding a leadership position on campus and completing an internship.