You are invited to take part in a research project conducted by Professor Dr. Nina O’Brien and M.A. Candidate Lane Schwager of the Department of Communication Studies at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). You were selected to participate in this study because you are, or were previously employed in the restaurant or food service industry as front of house personnel. The goal of this study is to understand areas of organizational culture and the effects on employee satisfaction.

Your participation may include: completing a question about the type of restaurant that you are currently employed in; completing survey questions about your view of your organization’s culture; completing survey questions about emotional expectations of your job and methods of dissent; completing survey questions on your overall job satisfaction; answering basic demographic questions. Completing the survey will take approximately 12-15 minutes.

Participation in this project is voluntary. You may stop your participation at any time during the study.  If you feel uncomfortable or you feel embarrassed with any part of the survey, you will be able to discontinue survey participation without any negative repercussions.

There are minimal risks to this study. For example, you may feel uncomfortable answering questions in the questionnaire about your workplace experience.

Reports resulting from this study will not identify you as a participant. All information gathered in this study will remain confidential and be given out only with your permission or as required by law. Only trained professionals on the project will have access to your information.  If you give us permission by continuing with the survey, we will protect your confidentiality.

If you have any questions about this research please contact: Dr. Nina O’Brien, Department of Communication Studies, e-mail: nobrien2@calstatela.edu

By clicking to the next page at the bottom of the screen, you indicate that you have read this informational cover letter and agree voluntarily to participate in the study. If you choose not to participate there will be no penalty. If you agree to participate, you are free to withdraw from it at any time. Likewise, no penalty will occur.

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE EXEMPT FROM REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS IN RESEARCH.

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