Evening Star Newspaper, September 26, 1929, Page 6

EXECUTIVE ABILTY SURVEY PLANNE George Washington Professor | post Will Conduct Study Dealing With Store Problems. BY THOMAS R. HENRY. The boss—what is he, why is he, and how did he get that way? With a few notable exceptions, the greatest material rewards fall to the| individual with outstanding ability to| direct the labor of others and to keep a human organization running without friction, provided he gts an oppor- tunity to make use of his talents. But at present nobody knows very much about theé specifications for such a man. These will be the subifl:! of & co-operative research project of George Washington University, the Social common _factors of . the . executive, . the nature of which is obscure. . System to Be Asked. Dr. Moss’ first move will be to find out how the present store exécutives are selected and the success in obtain- ing good men:which attended various methods. A questionnaire will be sent to 1,000 store department heads over the country, to learn the systems they em- ploy in selecting persons for executive tions. The returns of these questionnaires are expected fo. reveal a wide varlety of systems, some of which may ‘prove quite successful in actuai ractice. Many stores, on the other and. have no real system for filling| executive positions. The fellow who gets to the top is the clever offiee politician, the relative of the owner or prominent stockholder, the man who has Wen on the job longest, the best salesman, etc. In such cases if a good executive is secured it is by accident, for there is| not necessarily anything in common be- tween adeptness in office politics, family connections, seniority or salesmanship and those obscure qualities which make the successful director the work of others. Lack of system in sclecting execu- tives, Dr. Moss points out, probably re- sults in enormous waste of time, money and organization mor.le. The man with qualities which would make him an outstanding success as head of a department may be an_ indifferent, blundering salesman or buyer, while THE EVENING S1AR, WASHINGLUN, ml.ur-ble'nnu of greater abstract intelligence | under the weight of his responsibility | like him and work for him. the incompetent executive, and making -everybody else miserable, may be a marvelous saleaman, . Even where definite syscems of select- ing men are used; as in the larger, de- partment. store ' organizations, it is doubtful - if they have ~much real validity. The qualities to be sought in -an individuai at:present are too obscure. Lists Will Be Given. -The next 'step will be to give the Gieorge Washington University social intelligence test and other measures of ability to get along with people to a large group of successful department store execu'ives in the different cities. The Hecht group of stores, Dr. Moss | sald, have already arranged ‘for their | executives to participate in these pre- liminary tests, The. social intelligence test, which was designed .by Dr.. Moss | several years ago, tests the ability of the individual to get along with others tions. This, after all, may be the prime | qualification of an executive. The pre- { sump'ion is that the store. executives | will make exceptionally high scores. The “social intelligence” - measured by this test is quite different from ap- stract_intelligence and it is not certain that there is much relationship between them. The sort of ability which would enabie an individual to get high marks in college would not necessarily denote the good executive. The boss may be “dumb” and yet able to make subordi- and to meet successfully social situa- |- “A- careful study of the qualities of the-so-called successful man,” says Dr. Moss, “will reveal, in 9 cases out of 10; that his success depends not on:his deep and ,profound knowledge A which guulu the brains of the average man, ut on the simple and more common- place- qualities which please the un- derstanding -of the common. folk and arouse in their hearts a feeling of sympathy. For all practical purposes in life, social intelligence wins over ab- stract intelligence, 10 to 1. Abstraect intelligence knows what to do, but 5oclnl Intelligence knows how to get it lone. Those with high social intelli- gence rarely attain the best grades, but they are usually rewarded with all the offices within the power of their feflow students to bestow, and later in life their former instructors are astounded that they get along so fast.” Applied to Several Groups. The social intelligence test already has been applied to several industrial groups and has shown that the execu-'| tives, as a group, are superior in the traits measured. It is likely that this test, as it.now stands, would afford at least a rough measure of the individ- ugls fitnegs for-an executive job. 4 “The next step will be to construct a test specifically for department atore D, U, Woay ci g2 X, Dy, executives, making use of the data se- cured from.the questionnaire and the social intelligence tests. The object will be to work out a series of questions and performances in which successful de- partment® store exécutives will obtain almost - invariably high marks which will distinguish them from those who are not successful in.directing others. Step by step in its construction, this test will be checked up against actual rformance on the job. Irrevelent qual- ities will be eliminated as they are dis- covered. . The result sought for will be & test which will reveal without any guessing those members of a group of employes with the sort of ability which fits them to be executives. Once this test Is standardized it is expected to replace methods of selecting executives row in use and gradually to eliminate the evils of nepotism, office politics and seniority in selecting heads of departments. In- dividuals can be placed in charge of others with & practical certainty that they will make good on the job. This test, Dr. Moss points out, will be specifically for the selection of depart-, ment store executives, who may require somewhat different qualifications from executives In other flelds of business and industry. But this is a ploneering effort which is likely to blaze a trail for other business activities, since tesls can be constructed along similar lines 2oasab 20, 1929, for them. It is-likely that the basic] executive qualities \are the same in all fields, with specific additional qualifica- tions necessary according to the nature of the activity. Dr. Moss and his assistants in the psychology department of George Wash- ington ajready have constructed a test for ability n salesmanship which has been lprlled with strikingly encourag- ing results in several department stores. By means of this test it has been found possible to select with reasonable cer- tainty those individuals with selling ability, thus largely eliminating the ele- ment of chance in hiring applicants and in making promotions. = Persons raak- ing high scores on the test, it has been found, almast invariably 'make good | salesmen and those with low scores seldom make ®ood. { 2 —— Prison for Flappers. CHANGSHA, China (#).—Girls whose sleeves and skirts are too short are to be put in a hoosegow. Chow An-Han, commissioner of public safety, intends to see to it personally that all women of the city dress after the fashion of their ancestors. who insist on intro- | ducing occidental fashions will be kept | in special detention quarters till they see the erior of their ways. JURY OF CONDEMNATION VALUES ROAD ADDITION Property Needed for Piney Branch ' Highway Is Priced by Group at $57,723.07. The “jury of condemnation for the widening of Piney Branch road from Georgla avenue to Van Buren street re- ported its verdict yesterday to Justice | Wendell Phillips Stafford. The land to | be condemned is valued by the jury at | $57,723.07 and the proceedings cost | $996.98, and the total amount is as- | Andirons and Fireplace Goods FRIES, BEALL & SHARP 734 10th St. N.W. Natl. 1964 i sessed as benefits against a large num- ber of adjacent lots and weelgaot ‘;:I estate. The jury was composed of Henry Z. Bittinger, L. C. Barnett, Edward ' igflnm. R. A. Ennis and Joseph R. Bunions and Tender Joints Gives Instant Relief b stop pain instantly, protect enlarged joint from pressure of shoe, and soothe and heal t sitation. Thin, mildly med; guaranteed safe, suze. At drug, and dept. stores—35¢ box. Dz Scholls Zino-pads Put one on—thé pain is gone! e ek e o . - ", JU Lo s LANSBURGH FURNITURE €., 909 F ST . |10 00 e Science Research Council and Hecht group of department stores int — pening Fall Sale . The study will be in charge of Dr. F. OISTERED of REGISTERED ORIENTAL RUGS At Sloan’s Art Galleries specifically with the qualifications of 715 Thirteenth Street N.W. e e e e gtk 9o A Magnificent Collection of Oriental Rugs and Carpets evecutive qualifications in other fields. Primarily it will be a search for the common factors possessed by successful | In all sizes and weaves, including in particular _an unusual number of Antique and Semi-Antique * . pieces and extra large carpets. store executives. There are good bosses To Be Sold at PUBLIC AUCTION There are equally good bosses who are Within Our Galleries 715 13th St. N. W. the reins of authority very loosely. A Thursday and Friday, September 26 and 27, man may know all that is to be known about the goods handled in his depart- 1929, at 2 P.M. Each Day Also— ment, have high intelligence, a splendid education, an engaging personality, a SPECIAL NIGHT SESSION Thursday, September 26th, at 8 P.M. | the T ! | TRASE Friday Furniture Features (No Interruption on Account of Store Improvements Now Being Made) Special Values in Rugs & Draperies Attractive Velvet Rugs, de- signs suitable for all rooms. ssivs " $29.75 $2.95 Mottled Axmin- ster Rugs, in 27x54 [ Tailored Filet Panel C tains, 44 inches e oo D1R00 fine appearance, be a wizard of a sales- ‘man and have high standards of honor in dealing with others—and yet fail ramnletelv fn manaoing an avaanizatian because he lacks some of the eccential R T New Wiiton Rugs, heautiful colorings, in floral or modern- istic designs. 9x12 ft. $79 and 8.3x10.6 Two-piece Tailored Lace Curtains, plain center with floral border, pr. $2.95 Dainty Dimity and Voile Curtains, flowered with tie- backs; $4.85 to s 99290 $5.39 values; pr. Kroehler Two-Tone Velour Bed-Davenport Suite ] D: Window Drapes, with 50-in. fringed valance, $ 39 in all the new Fall shade_s. & Values from $6.50 to $9.95; 1 and 2 pairfl'7$4:95 Three massive pieces of splendid quality, Krochler made, at an ex- - ceptionally low price. Davenport conceals a double size bed ; armchair and club chair, upholstered in twd-color velour. Upholstered seats over resilient springs. An attractive and comfortable suite. of a kind; pair Regular $10.50 to $14.75 Junior- & Bridge Lamps $n.95 PBeautiful plaited metal lamps, with silk shades. Varied :styles, some with Italian beaded glass fringe, others handsomely tai- lored designs, also decorated Gesso parchment shades. Many colors from which to choose. Begins MONDAY, September 30th ‘ : IflHlIl"IlHIIIIIIIIHIIlIIIIIIII|IIl|IIII|IHIIIIIlIIIIIIIllIlIIlIIIlIIy'; A | On View Up to Hour of Sale Each Day I The above collection is being sold by order of | a large New York importing firm and represents | examnles from all the famous rug weaving dis- TR tricts of the Far East. C. G. SLOAN & CO., Inc. Auctioneers TERMS: CASH. s222323828 WSISTERED | . . TR . -Luxurious 3-Pc. Mohair Living. Room Suite This handsome period style 3-piece living room suite js uphnlstm o in taupe mohair all over. Comprises large settee, armchair and throrie $ \ chair. Loose reversible spring cushions, covered in beautiful mo- queétte on reverse sides. Double Woven—*‘Pair in One”’ 66x80 double-hed size blankets, in an assortment s 19 22= ea. of pretty jacquard plaids of blue, rose, hrown, gray, tan, green, etc. About three-pound weight. Each ... $5 Part-Wool Blankets Esmond Plaid Blankets, 47-pound 53.45 weight; rose, blue, orchid, green and gold. 4-inch ‘sateen binding, 4 Tows of stitching. pair Plain and Plaid Blankets Esmond and Golden Fleece brands, rose, blue, tan and other wanted shades. 4-inch sateen binding. 2% -pound ® Fall Hats Soft felts, in the popular $ 1 7 Fall shades: all head sizes, too i Kanfman's—Second Floor Silk Hose % 55¢ ~ $2.98 Fully nickel-plated; NO- BURNOUT element rma- nently set in base and GUAR- ANTEED FOR LIFE; heel rest—needs no separate stand. Complete with cord and switch plug. Coil Spring Da-Bed Wood-finished Metal Ends with cretonne-covered mattress and valance. Easily opens %6 double size. $23.75 Slight of famous* make— silk from toe to top; popular two-point black heels included. Service or chiffon weights—assorted shades. Kaufman's—First Floor HARRY AUFMAN:! 10-Pc. Walnut Veneer Dining Room Suite An unusually charming suite of selected walmit veneer, heautifully grained, on hardwood base. Ten pieces, consisting of an extension table, buffet, china cabinet, enclosed server, 5 side chairs and 1 armchair- to match, The suite is very shapely and embodies excellent workman- ship. K 1316 -1326 Seventh St NW, New Shipment! Lovely Fall Frocks Of Silk, Crepes and Satins Coffee Table $6-95 Artistic coffee table. Finished in red, black and gold, yellow and green with flower decora- tions in center. Mahogany Finish Card Table Easily folded. Strong con- struction. 89c Enjoy the New Circular, plaited, silhouette, straight lime, belted, high waisted and others. ‘ Colors in- clude Navy, Wine, Browns, 4-95 i Sizes in the assortment for women, misses and small women. $1 to $2 Silk Remnants | $1.25 Hoover Dresses 36 to 40 Lengths h;r : 89(: of checked ginghams, slightly Inches Wide c Dresses, Etc. hilaigand d solled from handling. Sizes 18 t0,52 in the lot. 0dd lot Bandeau: Choice of Plain Crepe de Chine, Plain and Printed Flat Crepe, Printed Crepe de Chine, also in the assortment Plain and Printed Rayon and Silk Crepe. Many beautiful colors colors; plain and bro sizes 30 to 36. Friday. offered for your selection. Kaufman's—First Floor Girls’ New 9x15-Ft. Congoleum Make Fall Dresses $1 Bordered Rugs Sold at $11.95 when perfect quality—an extra size . rug away under price.is hard to’ get—rugs that will Stylish models that will delight give satistactory service for a long time. No holes, the girls from 7 to 14 years of age. . nor breaks-to-affcct wear mior appearance. Past-color Prints, Broadeloths, Cinghams and other tubable ma- J 6x9 Ft. Wool $9.9° b magon avemms, vt | Brossels Rugy 24-Inch Felt-base 25x50 Washable _ Runner 29c Rag Rugs 590 peach and white; sizes 8, 390 49 grade ... . B . Hit_and_miss_design.. o - 59¢ apnquo 10 and 12 vears... 9x12 Ft. Seamles: 52'_ 4 Window Shades 39¢ Tots’ $1 Print Dresses, fast-color Axminster Rugs Green, Duplex,' White Weol Rugs May l_e Purchased on Our Budget Plan washable materials: sleeveless and $32.50 value ....... and Ecru { Some of the cleverest models are shown in this collection of | frocks, while the materials | used are among those in high ‘ favor. [ A suite possessing all the quality and. smart designing of higher- priced furniture. Four attractive pieces, comprising straight bed, French 4-Pc. Genuine Walnut Veneer Bedroom Suite : RADIO vanity, deck chest of drawers and large dresser. The construction is of genuine walnut veneer on gumwood ; neatly decorated overlay. 1 2 ; 5-Pc. Maple and Green Breakfast Suite $19.75 Five sturdily constructed pieces, —And get the world's greatest entertainment most clearly and life-like, and all the latest news events. < Philco Lowboy Neutrodyne Plus, Come plete With Tubes, Noth ing Else to Buy. $149 Screen Grid, Compiete $139.00 No Interest or Carrying Charges Kaufman's—Second Floor 27x54 Tapestry Rugs Regulatly ‘$1.49 comprising gracefully curved drop- leaf table and 4 chairs to match. Of maple and green finish. - Julius Lansburgh furaiture (0. Convenient Defertl Paymints Entrance—909 F' Street N.W. e e e N shiort sleeves; sizes 2 106 7Q years . : .Glr'l;d l-;:e;eh rB"; % sssorted shades; for school wear ... 69c - Tots’ k broadcloth; assorted colors, sizes 1 to 3 years.. Convenient Deferred Payments B