Tests two theories regarding the factors that influence job satisfaction in an organizational setting: the job characteristic theory, and the social information processing theory. Finds individuals' job satisfaction is predicted by objective characteristics of the job, and an individual's level of job satisfaction is influenced by the job…

Examines the role of physical surroundings and artifacts and how they contribute to the knowledge work occurring there, based on preliminary analysis of data collected in interviews and observations of a research group over a four-month period. General issues of the interaction between information work and environment can be revealed and applied…

Defining small talk as "superficial talk about matters of little concern," a study examined the role of small talk in the work place. Subjects, 51 white collar workers and clerical employees at three corporations, an Eastern state university, and two small businesses completed a questionnaire concerning the following questions: (1) What…

A study examined the relationship between dyadic and normative accessibility of work supervisors and task characteristics of autonomy, variety, and identity (whether the task is part of a process or results in a finished product). Dyadic accessibility refers to workers' estimates of their supervisors' accessibility. Normative accessibility is the…

A study examined the extent and causes of burnout among extension agents in Ohio. From the 241 extension agents working in the 88 counties of Ohio, researchers selected a random sample of 101 agents. Included in the sample were 34 agriculture agents, 33 home economics agents. Included in the sample agents were asked to complete a survey…

Reviews conceptual and methodological progress in climate research. A discussion of current thinking on the etiology of climates follows, and an integrative conceptual scheme is developed, based on Mead's (1934) symbolic interactionism. Implications are discussed with respect to measurement issues, management of climate acquisition, and the change…

Studies indicate that employees experience increased equity, respect, and job satisfaction when able to assume more responsibility for work processes. The new work structures resulting from organizational change often necessitate new employee attitudes, knowledge, and skills as well as new management techniques. Integrated training programs are…

The job survival of 1,736 newly hired workers across a variety of organizations is examined. Voluntary and involuntary turnover are analyzed separately. Organization related factors such as pay and training are better predictors of job survival than are individual variables such as race, sex, age, and education. (Author/KC)

Discusses employees on international assignments and describes a study that examined reasons for the failure rate of expatriates. Topics include business issues; employee issues, including psychological and professional; personal factors; organizational factors; cultural factors; and the need for cultural training prior to departure. (LRW)

Survey responses from a national sample of 1,195 nonunion, nonfarm workers suggest that corporations legitimize themselves by appealing to occupational identities of high-status workers, whereas unions legitimize themselves by appealing to social background identities (ethnic, racial, and gender identities) of low-status workers. Prounion…

Conducted comparative case study of organizational climates in two prisons Findings from 149 staff members and 442 inmates revealed that flattening organizational structure without decentralizing authority seemed to have negative effects on staff supervisory relations and job satisfaction. Inmates reported better quality of life and more effective…

Compares results of a 1998 survey concerning university library support staff perceptions and opinions about technological change to results of a similar survey administered to the same population in 1988. Offers the evolving perceptions, opinions, and suggestions of these library personnel as a resource for better planning of library automation…

Examines factors that contribute to the development of an organizational culture. Discusses the vision/mission; training; technology, equipment and supplies; and decor/appearance. Describes how one library created a staff-friendly environment through increasing communication between departments and cross-training to provide interdepartmental…

A study highlighted the extent to which TV news directors and subordinates perceived negative reinforcement to be used to help establish working climate in their newsrooms, and examined the differences in their perceptions that working climate affects personal ability to do "best" work on the job. Twenty news directors and 40…

The standard organizational communication audit measures employees' perceptions of and satisfaction with communication in an organization. It does not, however, examine the structural characteristics of an organization, such as centralization or stratification--characteristics that can disclose whether a total communication system is appropriate…