Evaluated acceptance by multiple constituencies in a large organization of six human resource management programs: quality circles, flextime, flexible benefits, job posting, cash awards, and a fitness program. Significant differences in acceptance were correlated with program experience, hierarchical level, seniority, and organizational unit.…

Describes the Quality of Work Life (QWL) program at the North American Manufacturing Division of Xerox Corporation and the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union. States that the story of QWL is a description of participatory action research. Notes that the process has become an integral and flexible approach to solving problems and…

Reflects upon participatory action research as used by the cost study teams at Xerox Corporation. Discusses the evolving relationships between union and management and describes the changing role of the union during this process. Notes that even though management instability causes some problems, the program is beneficial in fostering employee…

Recent "Executive Educator" survey of 900 out of 6,200 randomly selected school executives found high school principals had the longest work week; 95.3% reported working over 50 hours weekly. Fully 78% of school executives are devoting more time to educational improvement changes. Despite stressors and salary complaints, most are content with…

Report of a survey that addresses the need to identify elements that retard or enhance incorporation of technology into academic library work routines. Questions related to supervisor impact; training; time/staff; communications; physical resources; and personal interest/experience. Suggestions for improvement include better communications,…

This survey of 716 professionals working with children having mental handicaps found 12 percent reported fairly high levels of stress and tendency to burn out. These individuals were likely to (1) have a higher educational level; (2) have a feeling of incompetence; (3) have negative attitudes; (4) feel generally dissatisfied; and (5) tend to…

A college professor examines her feelings about working in a university, her attempts to create a more supportive and congenial relationship with fellow teachers, and the frustrations of an environment in which colleagues are out of daily communication because of workload and the need and ability to work at home. (MSE)

A 5-year (still ongoing) study of new faculty (originally 54) has found such changes as declining amount of time spent on teaching preparation; teaching increasingly perceived as more satisfying and less stressful than research; increasing time spent on research; increased stress about research productivity; and increased perception of work…

Considers the political and gender issues involved in the provision of trade training for girls in London (England). Focuses on the strategies adopted by the Women's Industrial Council in their campaign to provide trade training for girls and expounds that the Council intended to enhance the economic position of industrial women. (CMK)

Considers how failure to balance excessive work and life/family demands can lead to negative consequences for both individuals and organizations, including higher stress levels, increased absenteeism, and lower productivity. Discusses results of a survey on stressful life events that offers an explanation of why work/life balance programs are so…

Offers a poststructuralist analysis of the UK higher education sector's academic division of labor, exploring some new contradictions from a contract researcher's standpoint. Raises political, social, and methodological questions about these divisions by exploring their class and gender dimensions. Too many academics remain silent about adverse…

Employment counselors should take cultural issues into consideration as they provide consultation or counseling services. Stress is influenced by cultural and social variables. Examines the collectivism-individualism construct to measure cultural variables and attempt to explain the differences of some social behaviors between Eastern and Western…

Discusses the concerns of learning center managers in relation to job stress factors. Reports that respondents to a survey identify "inadequate support by supervisor" as the most severe stressor; "Fellow workers not doing their job" ranked second highest. (Contains 22 references.) (NB)

A study examining the motivation of staff at British residential outdoor centers found that motivation was affected by work environment, nature of work, entry motivation, intrinsic belief, and external and internal motivators and de-motivators. The strongest motivational factor among outdoor center staff revolved around doing a good job. Increased…

The Scandinavian working-life tradition is founded on ideas and values similar to the model of conductivity. However, although the Scandinavian working-life tradition is pragmatic and consensus seeking the model of conductivity is stringent following its principles. The pragmatic approach, here represented by the Danish program of "the…