A survey of the 50 state personnel directors found that (1) their attitudes and actions reflect a concern for social equity issues; (2) 21 were women and 6 African American; (3) they experience similar role conflicts and tensions as federal civil servants; and (4) state personnel systems are addressing equity issues and benefit flexibility. (SK)

Data from the appointing managers and personnel directors of 35 newly hired and 33 promoted workers found that (1) employers maintain educational ceilings that are usually flexible and established by default; and (2) some employers willingly hire "overqualified" workers because of their potential for eventual promotion. (SK)

A survey of 261 Irish human resource development (HRD) professionals indicates that some HRD responsibilities have devolved to line managers, but less than in other countries. Most conduct systematic needs analysis (especially larger, private sector firms) and rely on informal evaluation mechanisms. (SK)

Twenty western and northern districts, 10 larger and 10 smaller than Seattle, were surveyed to determine the degree of responsibility of the Personnel Departments in selected functions in the following areas: (1) Certificated Staff, (2) Classified Staff, (3) Records and Payroll, (4) Salary Administration, and (5) Negotiations. Information was also…

Presented are the results of a survey involving personnel directors from 271 local firms in Manatee and Sarasota Counties (Florida) on the employment of the physically impaired, visually impaired, hearing impaired, and mentally retarded. Included are brief descriptions of the goals of the survey and the sampling technique used, and a sample survey…

The executive director of the College and University Personnel Association reviews activities of the 1973-74 year, points up the need for developing a constructive role on the legislative scene, and challenges personnel administrators to realize their role, as colleges and universities begin to think of themselves as service institutions built…

Growth in the importance of training and development came as a result of its changing functions and its ability to meet the objectives of agencies and firms. At the same time, personnel departments have declined in importance because of their reactionary outlook towards staff functions. (EC)

Describes the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Employee Development Program which offers free career development services to employees. Attributes the program's seven successful years to cooperation between the counselor education program and the employee relations/personnel office. (NB)

Defines staff morale, discusses its importance, and delineates the areas in which a personnel administrator should provide leadership to create positive morale. (SRT)

Describes the advantages of computerizing a school's office. Computers save time, boost worker productivity, and, in the end, save money. (MD)

According to the director of Higher Education Management Services for the New York State Education Department, the offices of admissions and student financial aid have long been excluded from the institutional planning process. In an era of projected enrollment declines and increased competition, these offices need to assume a critical new role.…

The purpose of this study was to obtain information from deans of American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business accredited colleges of business and from human resource managers from the 200 largest companies in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. A questionnaire containing 49 selected business communication competencies was developed and mailed to…

The expanding role for personnel administration is following two patterns: the evolution of the traditional staff personnel function and the administrative implementation of a new system of personnel administration. (Editor)

Academic personnel administration, characterized by a decentralized decisionmaking structure based on professional standards and judgments of academic peers, would be seriously deminished if a bureaucratic pattern of centralized and coordinated personnel administration was to occur in universities. (Editor)

Assessed the importance of the informational content of letters of recommendation. Personnel directors (N=98) rated sample letters. Results showed that example specificity and favorability increased the positive perceptions of the recommendee. Example specificity also enhanced the perceived credibility of the letter writer. (JAC)