Accurate estimation of the standard deviation of job performance in dollars (SD t) can improve the precision of utility estimates of expected payofls from personnel programs. The purpose of this study was to compare directly the estimates of SD y obtained using a cost-accounting-based estimate of SD f , the Global Estimation Model, and the CREPID procedure. The study was conducted in a large, soft-drink bottling company. Each method for estimating SD t was applied to the job classification, route salesman, producing three independent estimates of SD y. These estimates were tested for significant differences. Results indicated that the Global Estimation Model estimate and the costaccounting-based estimate were not significantly different, whereas the estimate produced by the CREPID procedure was significantly smaller. Limitations of the cost-accounting-based estimate are identified and results are discussed in terms of their implications for the theory and practice of utility analysis in organizations. Utility analysis (or decision theory) is the determination of institutional gain or loss anticipated to result from various courses of action (Cascio, 1987a). The utility of a selection de

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