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Connecting Cognitive-Experiential Self-Theory's Information-Processing Styles With Organisational-Influencing Tactics: Rational Thinkers are Rational Persuaders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2013

Guy J. Curtis  and
Mindy W.H. Lee
Guy J. Curtis*
Affiliation:
Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Mindy W.H. Lee
Affiliation:
Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
*
address for correspondence: Guy Curtis, School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia. Email: g.curtis@murdoch.edu.au
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Abstract

Several recent studies have connected information-processing styles, as described by Cognitive-Experiential Self-Theory (CEST), with important workplace behaviours, including leadership and conflict-handling styles. This article extends such research by examining the connection between CEST information-processing styles and organisational-influencing tactics. In Study 1 (N = 119), the CEST information-processing styles of behavioural coping and rational thinking were positively correlated with the use of rationality as an influencing tactic, as measured by the Profile of Organizational Influence Strategies. In Study 2 (N = 142), a broader self-report measure of influencing tactics was used; behavioural coping and rational thinking were positively correlated with effective influencing tactics such as rational persuasion. Together, behavioural coping and rational thinking accounted for more than 31% of the variance in preference for rational persuasion as an influencing tactic. Additionally, the apprising tactic was positively correlated with both behavioural coping and rational thinking. These findings emphasise the importance of examining individual differences in information-processing preferences to understand key elements of organisational behaviour.

Keywords

influence tacticsinformation processingrationalityCEST
Type
Articles
Information
The Australasian Journal of Organisational Psychology , Volume 6 , 2013 , e2
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2013 

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