Self-View and Norms; Some Longitudinal Laboratory Results

Abstract

Responses of various samples responding to a 15-item survey about personal characteristics are remarkably stable over time. Samples of 21 and 100 undergraduate students, 20 management professors may be compared with an eight year cumulated sample of 455 undergraduates. Respondents appear to be conforming to norms set by our society and by what is expected from a person included in “business administration.” The concern may be what is useful or functional, rather than what is “normal.”