Time Pressure and Performance of Scientists and Engineers; A Five-Year Panel Study

Abstract Time pressure experienced by scientists and engineers predicted positively to several aspects of performance including usefulness, innovation, and productivity. Higher time pressure was associated with above average performance during the following five years, even when supervisory status, education, and seniority were controlled. Performance, however, did not predict well to subsequent reports of time pressure, suggesting a possible causal relationship from pressure to performance. High performing scientists also desired more pressure. Innovation and productivity (but not usefulness) were low if the pressure experienced was markedly above that desired. The five-year panel data derived from approximately. 100 scientists in a NASA laboratory. Some theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.

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