Explanations: What Factors Enhance Their Perceived Adequacy

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Eleanor "Holly" Buttner, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Factors that enhance the perceived adequacy of explanations for bad news were examined in three studies: two cross-sectional surveys and a simulation experiment. All studies found that the specificity of the explanation's substance accounted for more variance in judgments of explanation adequacy than did the interpersonal sensitivity of the explanation's delivery. Moderators of the relationship between explanation features and perceptions of explanation adequacy were found as well: These explanation features enhanced the perceived adequacy of explanations more when outcomes of greater, rather than lesser, severity were being explained, and when the explanation was delivered verbally instead of in writing. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Additional Information

Publication
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 58(3),346-368.
Language: English
Date: 1994
Keywords
Perceived explanation adequacy, Explanation features

Email this document to