Examines participants' reactions to a special assignment program of the executive branch of the federal government. Results indicate that participants react favorably to their experiences. Suggests that administrators, applicants, and sponsors be aware of factors contributing to the success of special assignment programs. (JOW)

The author discusses the problem of adult illiteracy. Funding sources for adult basic education are reviewed. Suggestions regarding how vocational educators can help solve the literacy problem are included. Initiatives suggested include (1) diversification, (2) collaboration, (3) partnerships, and (4) renewal. (CH)

Examines the role of the occupational socialization process of adults, beginning with the start of the individual's working life and ending with development and advancement of the individual's career. Conflicting views of management and labor concerning employee development are considered and the need for cooperation is stated. (CH)

This study investigated whether occupational changers differed from nonchangers with respect to (1) personal and demographic variables; (2) experience of the life cycle transition periods; and (3) work values, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Changers preferred intrinsic rewards, saw their jobs as vehicles for growth, took risks,…

A definition of sexual harassment includes a scenario of how it could occur in the field of parks and recreation. A sample policy statement and a discussion of how parks and recreation administrators can limit their liability is presented. (CB)

Investigates gender differences in smoking behavior by observing 292 men and 648 women smoking in a university workplace. Finds that men take longer breaks, smoke more cigarettes, and inhale more often than women. (MW)

Based on National Association of Elementary School Principals 1987 survey data, this article presents a profile of the "typical" K-8 principal--White, male age 47, politically conservative, with a masters degree, 11 years' experience as principal, and considerable job satisfaction. Women are gaining representation, but not minorities.…

Predicts that the social contract between employers and employees will be radically different in the future. Discusses four truths in employment and looks at lifelong learning and the role of the university. Identifies most significant aspect of new contract between employees and employers to be continued movement toward individual contracts. (NB)

Cites the advantages of working in the office rather than working at home and telecommuting: discipline, structure, and social interaction, as well as office supplies and working equipment. Suggests that the drama of meetings and the social interactions are important parts of work life. (JOW)

A civil engineer describes his first day as a substitute teacher. Despite detailed lesson plans and good intentions, maintaining an orderly class environment is far from a "piece of cake." Recess duty is an ordeal, and lunch in the shabby teacher's lounge is uninspiring. The biggest benefit is appreciation of what constitutes a full-time teacher's…

A literature review notes how gender expectations lead to nonverbal communication differences in such behaviors as smiling, eye contact, kinesics, proximics, and decoding. The importance of the effective use of nonverbal communication in human resource development is emphasized. (SK)

Provides a summary of the research on the use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) in the workplace with implications for the practical uses of the MBTI. Suggests using the MBTI to aid the office professional, office manager, and office employee in training, career counseling and planning, team building, organizational development, and…

Examined relationships among work-family tension and work conditions. Hypothesized that links between work-family tension and work conditions would be stronger in small than in large workplaces. Results indicated that some perceptions of work conditions differed between small and large workplaces, and that connections between work-family tension…

Case studies were conducted of computer integration in two workplaces: an interdepartment interface in a hospital and a shared maintenance management system in a processing plant. These effects were found: interfacing tightens control by altering the division of labor and increasing supervision; and a shared database does not change the division…

While exploring educational leadership concepts, a group of superintendents on retreat found "grace" considerably harder to define than "vision" or "legacy." Inspired by a superintendent's courageous response to imminent dismissal and another's handling of clinical depression, the group first conjured up graceless…