The time management behaviour scale (TMB)

DESCRIPTION
The setting of goals and priorities
The setting of goals and priorities includes items that tap the setting of goals
the person wants or needs to accomplish and prioritising of the various tasks to
achieve these goals (Macan et al., 1990, p. 761). Goal-setting and prioritising does
not refer exclusively to such overt behaviour as writing notes to self, it also includes
the mental operations required for the short- and long-term planning which
precedes the setting and prioritising of goals (Chang & Nguyen, 2011).
Mechanics of time management
According to Macan et al., (1990), the mechanics of time management is a
behaviour which is conducive to the managing of time. Perfect illustrations of such
behaviour include the making of lists, and planning. Similarly, Chang and Nguyen
(2011) describe the mechanics of time management behaviour as a collection of
mechanical behaviours, such as handling letters and memos, carrying an
appointment book, and making a to-do list.
Preference for organisation
Preference for organisation refers to the extent to which an individual
believes that he/she influences his/her spent time (Macan, et al., 1990). Preference
for organisation involves more than such physical states as having a tidy desk; it
encompasses an individuals temperamental penchant for an intrinsically
meaningful life (Chang & Nguyen, 2011).
Perceived control of time
In clearer terms, perceived control of time is associated with an employees
sense of his/her ability to timeously complete works or meet deadlines. An
employee should cultivate the habit of scheduling and planning tasks, be confident
about his/her ability to complete outstanding tasks in the available time, and avoid
procrastination (Macan et al., 1990). The perception of control of time is furthermore
described as an individuals belief that a person is in control of his/her time.
Perceived control of time is therefore not a reflection of how an individuals time is
truly spent (Chang & Nguyen, 2011). However, according to Macan et al., (1990),
perceived control of time encompasses an individuals belief in his/her ability to
control what he/she learns and how this would influence his/her subsequent
performance.

The setting of goals and priorities

they have a clear understanding of their functions and are able to set clear
goals for themselves, experience more job satisfaction and enhanced
performance (Macan et al., 1990).
Ishimura and Kodama (2009) suggest that an autotelic (a person who
frequently experiences flow in everyday activities) individual achieves his/her
goals through a combination of time management and effective goal-setting.
Mechanics of time management
Strategies for time management behaviour, such as prioritising activities,
foster better behavioural operations at work; in particular, they enhance work
conduct (Kearns & Gardiner, 2007).

Kearns and Gardiner (2007), furthermore suggest that these time

management behaviour strategies have crucial meaning for the wellbeing
and happiness of university staff and students alike.
The employees, who formed part of a time management training group
facilitated by and reported on in Hfner and Stocks (2010) study, indicated
that they had successfully applied some of the learnt time management
techniques to their own jobs.
Knig and Kleinmann (2006) individuals attribute less value to options that
are available solely in the future and attached more significance to those that
are instantly attainable. An individual, who has to select between a lesser,
immediate choice and, a larger, delayed choice, would rather take the lessrewarding, immediate option. The disregard of the delayed option is justified
by its postponed incentive.
Preference for organisation
Seven of the eight questions of this subscale are reversely scored; thus,
higher scores indicate a higher preference for organisation.
According to Macan et al., (1990), preference for organisation is less
behavioural than the other three dimensions.
(Chang & Nguyen, 2011; Pekrun, Elliot, & Maier, 2006; Rawsthorne & Elliott,
1999) suggest that the mental and temperamental factors, which enhance an
individuals intentions, intrinsic motivation, and governance, result in greater
job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing.
Perceived control of time
Barling, Cheung and Kelloway (1996)Engaging in time management
behaviour offers one a means of effectively controlling the environment and it
is likely to have its greatest effect on individuals with a strong desire to exert
such control.

Claessens (2004) the ability of perceived control of time to predict job

satisfaction, performance, and wellbeing.