The ECHO Multi-Response Method for Surveying Value and Influence Patterns in Groups

Abstract

A technique originated by Bavelas was modified in 2 ways: (a) the responses of 91 Ss (female clerical employees) were classified by 8 other Ss rather than by E, and (b) a resultant list of salient values was judged by 43 new Ss against a list generated by an expert (a personnel director). Alternate instructions to the judges favored values “important to” (a) employees and (b) the company; as hypothesized, Ss preferred the employee list under the employee condition and no preference was observed under the company condition. E concludes the company may be overlooking employee needs for pleasant personal relations and interest in the work. Methodological and theoretical questions are listed for later study.