Discusses the definitions of contingent workers and alternative work arrangements used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to analyze data, and presents aggregate estimates of the number of workers in each group. Discusses the overlap between contingent workers and workers in alternative arrangements. (Author/JOW)

Discusses the alternative arrangements of four groups of workers: (1) independent contractors; (2) temporary help agency workers; (3) employees of contract companies; and (4) on-call workers. (JOW)

Emphasizes the need to address the human side of technology when upgrading equipment and systems. Stresses the importance of involving employees in technology design and implementation and ensuring that training practices support the new way of doing things. (JOW)

In a learning organization, growth, learning, improvement, and everlasting experimentation are woven into its culture and employees not in a perpetual state of change will be unable to cope. Mentors can assist by finding a teachable moment, providing support without rescuing, and demonstrating authenticity, not perfection. JOW)

Drug testing continues to develop as a popular strategy to control substance abuse in the workplace. The incidence of testing is partially based on the type of worksite, characteristics of employees, and policies of the company. (Author)

Describes three scenarios for the future workplace: (1) the Wave--high demand for smart products, high degree of connectivity, high ability of intellectual capital to attract financial capital; (2) the Current--high demand and connectivity, low ability to attract capital; and (3) the Wake--low demand and ability to attract, high connectivity. (SK)

Survey responses from 1,213 Turkish management students indicated that the most motivating factors in job selection were power and authority, peaceful work environment, career advancement opportunities, and pay. Least motivating were close supervision, supervisor praise, performance feedback and a sense of belonging. Charismatic leadership style…

Examines a virtual work team to determine the domains of the team and the effect the virtual work environment had on the domains. Discusses results of a literature review and a phenomenological heuristic case study, including the effects of post-modern philosophy and postindustrial society on changes in the marketplace. (Contains 79 references.)…

Comments on the changed expectations of what it means to be a professional given the discursive and self-reflective turn in professional practice and the mistrust between the hard medical sciences and the soft social sciences. Discusses the necessary but difficult collaboration between observer and observed, researcher and researched, and the…

Summarizes the results of the American Society for Training and Development Human Resource and Performance Management Survey of 1996 that examined the performance outcomes of downsizing and high performance work systems, explored the relationship between high performance work systems and downsizing, and asked whether some downsizing practices were…

A survey of 24 mentors and 30 proteges in formal relationships and 13 mentors and 16 proteges in informal relationships found the following factors influenced the amount of psychosocial support, career guidance, role modeling, and communication proteges reported: past mentoring experience, length of relationship, and relationship structure…

Discusses the experience of an American executive working in Paris. Touches on the working environment, working hours and vacation, dress code, professional hierarchy, internal communication, benefits, and cultural attitudes. (Six references) (CK)

Argues that adult education discourse about the workplace uncritically adopts management perspectives and pays inadequate attention to gender and power issues. States that understanding gender as an organizing principle provides insights into these issues that can be applied to organizational change. (SK)

Explores extent to which devolved management is drawing school-based union representatives into a more prominent role. Argues that while there can be significant differences between individual schools, increased school autonomy is raising the profile of trade union activity in the workplace, and this needs to be better reflected in educational…

Describes the controversy in the school of architecture of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, over the dismissal of the dean of the school and the influence wielded by four senior professors who did not agree with the dean's policies. Also describes complaints by younger faculty members about the work environment. (SLD)