Team briefing, a technique used to communicate information to employees on issues of concern, is examined in three different establishments. Problems in the way it is practiced are identified, with the suggestion that its appropriateness and effectiveness may depend on the type of company or service in question. (SK)

Provides a case study of a Japanese-owned British manufacturing plant. Its purpose was to establish reasons for the introduction of employee participation in the company's manufacturing plant. (JOW)

The author analyzes the collaboration between unions and universities to provide courses in "Industrial Studies" in Great Britain from the mid-1970s to the present. He states that the main problem between these two entities was one of clashing educational philosophies. (CH)

The new superintendent of Montgomery Township (New Jersey) Schools was confronted with multiple crises ranging from labor disputes and a defeated budget to poor staff and community relations. A nurturing, problem-solving ambience was needed. This article discusses theoretical bases for participant involvement in decision making and the methodology…

Data from two surveys of manufacturers (325 of 650 responded) suggest that those with quality improvement programs jointly administered by labor and management achieve significantly greater improvements than those with no programs. Those with programs administered solely by management fared no better than those with no programs. (Author/SK)

The effect of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) on working conditions depends on the way in which the technologies are designed to fit operator requirements, work organization, and organizational objectives. Recent attempts to promote skill-based human-centered approaches to CIM design are aimed at introducing humane working conditions…

At the national level, factors that may discourage teacher strikes include the availability of revenues and the greater "sophistication" of negotiators. Highlights legislation proposed in Pennsylvania that sets a timetable for negotiations and puts restrictions on when teachers can call a strike. (MLF)

Somewhere between easygoing and hardboiled management extremes lies the realm of true leadership. An effective administrator gets results by leading people (not ordering them), learning how to handle them, and discovering what makes each one tick. A true leader captures and holds staff members' confidence, helps them develop needed skills, and…

Despite the benefits of employee participation in decision making, it is not widespread. Making it work requires commitment, job security, training, access to information, communication channels, goal setting, flat organizational structures, and financial reinforcement. (SK)

The rapid technological changes and competitive pressure of Western economies are breathing new life into efforts to establish partnerships between workers and management. A lower union membership rate, less government regulation, and outmoded legislation may hinder such arrangements to a greater extent in the United States than in Europe. (Author)

A cooperative effort by a teacher's union and administrators in a vocational-technical system in Connecticut sought to reduce the instance and impact of student conflict. Techniques included peer mediation, problem solving, and a conflict- resolution curriculum. (JOW)

Studies how public relation efforts affected labor dispute negotiations during the 1946 steel strike. Finds that neither national nor local public relations campaigns had any impact on the resolution of the strike. Suggests that national campaigns, in fact, may have confused the community by offering messages that did not correspond to the local…

Explores how labor history has been written in books for young readers. Discusses 12 books that focus on the "monstrous working conditions, the miserable poverty of the workers, and the callous apathy of the bosses." Notes that these novels avoid any meaningful discussion of the inherent injustices of capitalism, class structure, and the belief in…

The technique of computer simulation applied to collective bargaining situations is presented in the setting of negotiations between library administration and staff (representing, respectively, management and labor union). The negotiation simulation exercise was developed for use in both college and industry. (MF)

The growing trend of judicial support allowing employers and third parties to seek damages in public employee strikes is reviewed from the union perspective. Includes a discussion of the historical trend of liability theories. This area of public sector labor relations law is developing with no clear national trend. (MD)