EXAMINING THE

Abstract

In this dissertation, I use a two-part study to examine, firstly whether preconceived notions, or perceptual differences, exist about organizational characteristics between firms based on size and age, and secondly what the relative salience of each characteristic is as well as possible individual-organizational characteristic interactions. In addition to contributing to theoretical knowledge-building, and providing guidance to practitioners, I use a methodology that has not been used extensively in organizational behavior research - conjoint analysis. Thus, the contributions I make are theoretical, normative and methodological in nature. As hypothesized, there are significant differences in how job seekers perceive organizations based on their size and age. Further, the extent to which an organization is perceived to be Boyscout (e.g., attentive to people, personal and friendly) is significantly more important than any other characteristic to job seekers when assessing fit with an organization or job.