Despite the prominence of work-based training in British national policy debate, published statistics fail to give solid data on training volume or quality. The Labor Force Survey, commonly used to give a picture of increasing training, shows proportions of training over any 4-week period rose from 10.8 percent in 1985 to 15.2 percent in 1994.…

Although public policy debate centers on education and training (ET) as a primary determinant of economic success, this study suggests that instead the economy determines patterns of participation in education and training. Research over time shows that planned government ET policies have little ability to affect the economy because the effects of…

This paper summarizes findings of a 3-year study of the job satisfaction and turnover of home visitors, both professional and paraprofessional, in programs which link families-at-risk for impaired functioning to medical home care and other resources. Specifically, the study examined: (1) home visitor personal characteristics that influence…

This preliminary research examined employers' assessment of the general attributes of their new college graduate recruits. While some wanted more people with specific technical training, others preferred to train the employees themselves, especially for managerial positions. Still others felt college graduates were overrated as employees. (IS)

Provides guidance for center directors in dealing with difficult behaviors from employees. Suggests strategies for facing employee problems, including looking inward and assessing employee motives; setting the tone for employees; taking steps to deal with persistent problems; reacting to defensive behaviors, including tearfulness, silence,…

Provides tips for improving staff communication in early-childhood centers. Suggests directors use a bulletin board that invites notes from employees; make sure that the center's newsletter invites input and letters to the editor; have an open-door policy or a visitors' time; and most importantly, focus on listening to what staff has to say. (AA)

Examined Latack-Dozier model of career growth through job loss using a sample of 515 involuntarily displaced professionals. Results supported the model and identified variables most predictive of career growth for men and women. Found partial support for hypothesis that men and women rely on different forms of social support after job loss. (JBJ)

Studied working conditions of female domestic workers in Dakar, Senegal, using group interviews. Found that most leave rural families for economic reasons. Village solidarity networks help find work, maintain rural norms, and provide support. Few employers provide written contracts, medical insurance, or adequate wages. Heavy work responsibilities…

Thirty-one downsizing survivors from both the private and public sector were interviewed to determine incidents that either helped or hindered their transition through 1 or more organizational downsizings. A critical incident technique was used to analyze and organize the data around themes that emerged, themes were represented by both positive…

Results from a study examining the predictors of skill transfer from an instructional to a work environment are presented. Prior research indicates that skill transfer is a function of both individual and contextual factors. A total of 186 employees from a work organization were surveyed on individual dimensions (goal orientation, training…

This study examines eight exemplary pre- and in-service principal development programs. The programs were chosen both because they provide evidence of strong outcomes in preparing school leaders and because, in combination, they represent a variety of approaches with respect to their designs, policy contexts, and the nature of partnerships between…

Purpose: While the importance of measuring customer satisfaction levels is well established, less research exists on how organizations operationalize such knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to describe an action research (AR) case study resulting in a workshop model to operationalize the concept of value. The model facilitates organizational…

A study examined the problems encountered when organizations adopt management strategies based on teamwork and total quality management (TQM) and the effectiveness of training in avoiding such problems. Survey instruments were mailed to 85 individuals involved in implementing work teams at 85 companies in 4 Missouri cities; 23 responses (27.1%…

A study identified workplace know-how skills and characteristics that employers in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties in Michigan feel workers need to succeed and be productive. Employer input was obtained in fall 1993 at 12 focus group meetings during which a total of 103 of 192 invited local employers (a 53.6% attendance rate) completed…

These five papers are from a symposium facilitated by Ronald L. Jacobs on financial analysis of human resource development (HRD) at the 1995 Academy of Human Resource Development conference. "Return on Investment--Beyond the Four Levels!" (Jack J. Phillips) offers a modification of the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation for HRD in…