Organizational climate refers to workers' perceptions that a given workplace possesses a distinctive atmosphere. Managers appreciate the behavioral implications of this concept, assuming staff performance or well-being might be improved by managing the climate. Attempts to manipulate organizational climate have generally been unsuccessful, and the…

This study with 64 deaf employees working in either signing work groups or nonsigning workgroups found that employees' perceived empowerment was significantly higher in the signing work groups. Deaf associates in signing work groups experienced greater psychological stress and role conflicts, whereas deaf associates in nonsigning groups…

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…

Presents a model of the interaction of external, work related, and internal factors that may influence the decision of academic library professionals to leave the library. The results of a survey that examined factors related to a decision to leave a library are reported, and further research is suggested. (CLB)

This study, involving 85 workers with and without disabilities, found few differences in coworker relations and interactions. Of nine interaction categories, coworkers without disabilities interacted more among themselves in only one--befriending off the job. Individual workers with disabilities in light industry occupations experienced less…

Reports on an assessment of a sample of environmental health practitioners in Illinois which dealt with overall job satisfaction and the characteristics that contribute to job satisfaction/dissatisfaction. Results indicated that 36 percent of the respondents were satisfied with their jobs, with 64 percent somewhat dissatisfied. (TW)

This study attempted to develop a reliable and valid instrument for assessing work environment and continuous quality improvement efforts in the non-academic sectors of colleges and universities particularly those institutions who have adopted Total Quality Management programs. A model of a work environment for continuous quality improvement was…

Discovers distinct differences and a few similarities between men and women concerning values and expectations associated with employment. Women attach greater importance to intrinsic, altruistic, and social rewards. Earlier research suggested significant gender differences regarding extrinsic rewards; however, this category revealed no…

Examines the vocal demands of teaching in a noisy environment for elementary vocal music teachers. Uses the Voice Conservation Index (VCI), a 31-item self-report scale, to collect data on vocal stress. Correlates this data with other factors including years spent in teaching and teaching schedule. (MJP)

Discusses the gender composition and degree of job segregation among current and recently hired employees in four-year colleges and universities. Results suggest that the gender composition of an institution is more balanced where there is a relatively high proportion of women administrators, women students, and less emphasis on research. (MJP)