SummaryConfounding occurs when the definitions and measurements of constructs overlap. It is considered a fundamental flaw in both conceptualizing and testing relationships between variables. Although this logical and methodological error is well known, we argue that a significant amount of the published research and models of organizational behavior is undermined by definitional (i.e., conceptual) and subsequent measurement confounds. Throughout this article, examples of confounding are described. The article ends with a discussion of preventive measures that can be taken to reduce both the conceptual and measurement errors that result from confounding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
