Back in the 1970s, when the author was an art professor at California State University at Northridge, he had a colleague who absolutely would not say anything about anybody that he would not say to that person's face. Marvin Harden, the African-American artist, originally came to Los Angeles in the late 1950s from segregated Austin, Texas, to play…

The article addresses teacher retention challenges employers are experiencing in the quest to effectively meet standard human resource management practices. The quality of the employer-employee relationship forms the foundation upon which effective management practices thrive. Teachers who remain in education value students and their personal…

In this essay, the author explains how teaching assistant (TA) unions work to the benefit not only of the graduate students who are their members but also of the writing programs that employ them. While university administrations understand unions to be bothersome at best and forces of evil at their worst, unions are essential to the maintenance…

This article examines the meaning of exploitation with specific reference to industry and business. The authors contend that the concept of exploitation--"the unjust or improper use of another person for one's own profit or advantage"--should be studied to improve understanding of the dynamics of the workplace. (Author/CT)

Workers and employers must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of new "work at home" (flexiplace) arrangements. Discussed are: advantages of flexiplace for workers, such as no commuting; advantages for employers, such as increased productivity; and arguments against, such as supervisory problems. (NW)

Reviews research on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to integrate the more relevant work-related findings. Suggests longitudinal prospective studies, mediating process, attributions, individual coping mechanisms, and interdisciplinary research is needed. (Author/ABL)

Discusses the difficulties faced by technical communicators who work in organizations that manage by crisis or by whim. Offers recommendations. (SR)

Notes that social workers often work in host settings, arenas that are defined and dominated by non-social workers. Identifies four predictable problems that accompany social workers' presence as resident guests within host settings: value discrepancies between hosts and guests; marginality of social workers' token status; devaluing of social work…

Seven key questions for implementing change are as follows: burden or challenge? worthwhile? will benefits appear quickly? limited to one function? impact on existing relationships? will it fit in existing organizational culture? and is the change certain to happen? (JOW)

The introduction of robots into the organization requires that (1) employees be informed of and educated about the action; (2) problems of displaced workers be addressed; and (3) line support be obtained. Responsible management can lessen the fears associated with automating facilities. (JOW)

Flexible working schedules are being implemented by a variety of organizations as an alternative to the conventional work week. Flextime provides a wide array of advantages, but the system also has disadvantages. Properly implemented in appropriate situations, flextime can be a very positive scheduling asset to employees, organizations, and…

In postindustrial workplaces, training enables new forms of control and surveillance of workers. Corporate culture persuades workers to comply through the rhetoric of empowerment, the promise of belonging and reward, and the rhetoric of valuing differences. (SK)

Provides background on organizational trust as product of need satisfaction and presents framework for understanding organizational trust with regard to theoretical differentiation of personal trust and system trust. Defines three factors of organizational trust: openness/congruity, shared values, and autonomy/feedback. Discusses how supervisors…

Discusses how to act and what to expect in the first job. Points out that first jobs are important because they provide an opportunity to develop the technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills that can be used in the second job. (JOW)

Burnout is a problem among nurses and other helping professionals. Reports reviewed here will help nursing administrators recognize signs of burnout among their staff. The author cites the need for research and makes suggestions to alleviate the problem. (JOW)