A 10-step model of techniques for developing effective teams encompasses credibility, ventilation of issues, orientation, group process, group goals, facilitation, intragroup procedures, intergroup processes, different roles for trainers, and setting groups free to function on their own. (JOW)

Reviews facts about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), HIV transmission, and prevention of HIV/AIDS; discusses risks for contracting HIV; reviews relevant legislation regarding the rights of employees, employers, and consumers; describes HIV/AIDS workplace policies and procedures; and presents implications…

The challenge at Pacific Gas & Electric was to train 27,000 employees to create an environment in which cultural diversity improves the company's competitive advantage. The solution was to train and certify 110 employees as diversity awareness trainers. (JOW)

Evaluated conceptual model hypothesizing that two dimensions of work-family interference, structural role difficulties and negative mood spillover, intervene in direct relationship between discrete characteristics of work and marital quality. Findings from 334 male and female white-collar workers indicated that job characteristics predicted…

In "Harris" the Supreme Court ruled that Title VII is violated when the workplace environment "would reasonably be perceived and is perceived as hostile or abusive." Schools and colleges, by developing appropriate policies, procedures, and educational programs, can substantially increase understanding about the legal aspects of…

Used correctly, teams can increase productivity, raise morale, and spur innovation. Tips for effective teams include using the right team to do the right job, creating a hierarchy of teams, building an atmosphere of trust, and addressing interpersonal issues. (SK)

Surveyed 188 psychiatric social workers, finding overall positive level of job satisfaction. Overall job satisfaction was found to be primarily determined by position satisfaction. Major correlate of position satisfaction was professional respect received from other disciplines and not specific tasks performed. Results showed importance of…

Discussion of working environments that enhance performance highlights a holistic planning model; activity-based versus organizational-based planning; private and collaborative spaces; worker involvement in the planning process; and measuring effectiveness versus efficiency. (LRW)

Examined whether clinical psychology practice facilitated access to and acquisition of wisdom, defined as expert knowledge in fundamental pragmatics of life. Compared responses to wisdom-related dilemmas from young and older clinicians with responses from other professionals. Young and older adults did not differ on factual knowledge, procedural…

According to survey responses from 90 of 250 personnel directors, 49% indicated the diversity of workers was moderate to very high; 86% believe this will increase in 10 years; 61% feel their organizations are poorly prepared for diversity; and only 29% have diversity training. Top areas for manager training are interpersonal skills, understanding…

Four conclusions were reached through case studies of four production improvement teams: (1) collective production of new knowledge requires active and reflective work; (2) members with insufficient formal power have difficulties with such work; (3) technical knowledge production occurs only when power differences are controlled; and (4) social…

Assistant principals are a neglected variable in the effective schools equation. The traditional conceptualization of assistant principals as disciplinarians still prevails, despite these administrators' usefulness as change agents, motivators, ethical models, community relations agent, care givers, and innovators. (MLH)

Today's staff developers are truly social architects aiming to build a culture of learning by transforming the workplace. When teachers and principals develop as caretakers of learning communities and as collaborators, problem seekers, action researchers, and designers of responsive student-centered curricula, then schoolwork will become more…

The recession, reorganization of work, and total quality management are spurring emphasis on creativity training in the workplace. A wide spectrum of techniques are being used to influence the generation of new ideas, although documentation of the benefits is difficult. (SK)

The future of school-based restructuring rests on five conditions: a site-specific vision of school greatness for all students; consequent plans shaped by school partners; a work culture that nurtures and expects development and success; staff empowerment and commitment to energize participants; and a quality control system that guides development…