Describes three rhetorical strategies used by postmodern corporations to construct social realities and obscure individual causation and control: decentering, deindividuation, and distanciation. Shows that the postmodern corporation mediates and controls the reality of individuals; therefore it, and not its members, should be viewed as morally…

Offers supervisors a standard procedure for managing an employee's unsatisfactory job performance that gives the employee a second chance, yet protects the organization in the event of a termination. Discusses notifying the employee through a meeting and follow-up letter; performance improvement reviews; and employee, supervisor, and company…

Offers strategies for contracting out school services: (1) talk with employees; (2) conduct needs assessment; (3) specify needs and expectations in writing; (4) beware of state laws; (5) investigate the contracting company; and (6) devise a backup plan. (LMI)

This special theme issue includes: "Perspectives on Work" (Supiot); "Work and Usefulness to the World" (Castel); "Work and Identity in India" (Heuze-Brigant); "New Perspectives on Work as Value" (Meda); "Decline and Resurgence of Unremunerated Work" (Le Guidec); "Work and Public/Private…

This paper synthesizes empirical studies from the past 12 years concerning the realities of the workplace for adults with learning disabilities (LD). Employer perspectives address awareness and knowledge, productivity, training, self-advocacy, and reasonable accommodations. Employee perspectives cover advocacy, disclosure, self-knowledge, and…

A collective case study approach was used to examine factors that influence the job retention of persons with vision loss. Computer technology was found to be a major positive influence and print access and technology were a source of stress for most participants (n=10). (Contains 7 references.) (Author/CR)

Two approaches to career development are assessment centers--in which simulations of work situations explore an individual's abilities, skills, and personality--and career management, which encourages individuals and employers to look realistically at personalities, competencies, and weaknesses and bring aspirations in line with reality. (SK)

States need of organizational participants to feel a sense of personal ownership in carrying out their special roles within broader organization. Identifies leadership behaviors that can facilitate ownership sense among student affairs staff members. (Authors/CM)

Explores how managers handle performance problems by isolating particular confrontive techniques recommended by managers. Addresses how these techniques enhance both alignment between managers and employees, and managerial control. Divides techniques into three categories: alternatives to confrontation, investigative actions, and fault finding.…

National Semiconductor, a worldwide firm with headquarters in California, designed dual career paths with the assistance of a compensation and benefits consulting firm. The approach to change was so effective, because of the paths, job evaluations, compensation structure, and the process, that others have adopted it. (JOW)

The California State Mediation and Conciliation Service, a state agency, has conducted approximately 150 mediations per year in public schools. Describes the use of grievance mediation in resolving disputes between California public school systems and their unions. (MLF)

Presents a matrix that suggests that workplace health promotion and employee assistance programs may represent employer involvement in areas over which they have no legitimate control. (JOW)

Efficiency wage models explain unemployment as a manifestation of the unavoidable incompleteness of the employment contract. In hiring workers, firms use education as a screen to determine the quantity and quality of the effort that a worker might exert in performing his or her duties. This generates a hierarchy of workers. (KDP)

Assembles a number of short takes that describe how some human resource professionals have changed their operations to upgrade their bottom line. Includes: Deloitte & Touche, Andersen Consulting, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Brown & Root, AT&T, Ford Motor Company, and The Monsanto Company. Provides advice and tips. (JBJ)

Learning to interact positively with personality-challenged individuals will result in a more productive work and home life. A behavioral-styles model, and the effect of conflict on the personality types in the model, are displayed in figures and text. Case studies demonstrate successful interaction strategies. (MLF)