Page 112 - [Uma_Sekaran]_Research_methods_for_business__a_sk(BookZZ.org)

96 THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Figure 5.7
Diagram of the relationship among the independent, intervening, moderating, and
dependent variables.
Time: t 1 t 2 t 3

Workforce Creative Organizational
diversity synergy effectiveness

Independent variable Intervening variable Dependent variable

Managerial
expertise

Moderating variable

variance already explained by the independent variable, whereas the moderating
variable has an interaction effect with the independent variable in explaining the
variance. That is, unless the moderating variable is present, the theorized relation-
ship between the other two variables considered will not hold.
Whether a variable is an independent variable, a dependent variable, an inter-
vening variable, or a moderating variable should be determined by a careful
reading of the dynamics operating in any given situation. For instance, a variable
such as motivation to work could be a dependent variable, an independent vari-
able, an intervening variable, or a moderating variable, depending on the theo-
retical model that is being advanced.

Now do Exercises 5.7, 5.8, and 5.9

Exercise 5.7
Make up three different situations in which motivation to work would be an
independent variable, an intervening variable, and a moderating variable.

Exercise 5.8
List and label the variables in the following situation, explain the relation-
ships among the variables, and diagram these.
Failure to follow accounting principles causes immense confusion,
which in turn creates a number of problems for the organization. Those
with vast experience in bookkeeping, however, are able to avert the prob-
lems by taking timely corrective action.