This article confronts the tension between creative expression and organizational realities in the workplace. It offers tips on diagnosing such components of the work setting as personal potential and ambition, supervisors' roles, colleagues' roles, organizational culture, and other variables that may influence the success of one's innovations in…

Argues that the professional educator can make a major contribution to the workplace literacy effort by working closely with a content expert for the particular business. Describes a five-step procedure to conduct a "literacy audit": observe employees; collect materials; conduct interviews; assess skills; and develop assessment measures. (RS)

Describes the work of itinerant librarians in the United States who organized library collections across the country from 1887-1915. Positive results included the widespread adoption of standard classification and cataloging schemes and the training of local librarians. However, low salaries and the practice of employing untrained people were also…

Two approaches to conflict resolution in the workplace are described. A systems approach questions the organization's systems rather than the behavior or motives of co-workers. Problem-solving retreats encourage team building and group cohesion and focus on long-term issues. (SK)

Examines change in the United States Forest Service, an organization lauded for its ability to control members through its culture. Describes current control practices, and field tests three theoretical claims regarding unobtrusive control. Finds that control practices have changed from more unobtrusive to more obtrusive. Illustrates the pragmatic…

Discusses the "fit" between teachers' abilities and the needs of the workplace, focusing on writing teachers. Discusses the use of various types of computer-assisted instruction to reduce stress by adjusting teacher fit to the demands of the academic environment. (SR)

Analyzes organizational communication about AIDS in the workplace, using the case of a highly publicized AIDS crisis in a large midwestern hospital. Discusses the case, the hospital's responses (included), and the current status of the organization. Highlights the need for a careful balance between patient confidentiality and employee protection.…

Positive management techniques yield great benefits in areas such as group effectiveness, problem solving, and staff commitment. Some qualities for a positive environment are defined. The management retreat process at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is described. (Author/MLW)

A fairly stable set of job clusters was identified as contributing sources of satisfaction and frustration to early childhood edcators in center-based programs. These job clusters were: co-worker relations; supervisor relations; the nature of the work; pay and opportunities for promotion; and general working conditions. Related findings are…

A study looked at how employers expect to contend with the technological complexities of their operation. It focused on (1) the expectations of workers regarding responsibilities and career paths, (2) the impact of those expectations on employers, and (3) how the educational system must change to provide the skills needed for technological…

Notes that the literature shows female intensive professions are usually devalued in terms of pay, status, career opportunities, and working conditions. It is argued that gender equity in librarianship should focus on library specialties, such as children's librarianship and cataloging, that are more likely to employ women than the profession as a…

Discusses a survey of firms undergoing various stages of modernization and assesses the attitudes of those who will be directly involved with productivity-enhancing changes in the work environment. States that management and labor must work toward improved work environment if the United States is to regain its share of the world market for…

To examine the magnitude/nature of short-term fluctuations in work values, seven college students completed the Work Values Inventory daily for approximately 100 days. Results of factor analysis cast doubt on the hypothesis that work values behave exclusively as trait-like dimensions and recommend better use of idiographic approaches. (TJH)

Although assistance with finding a job is important, it is but one competency needed to be aware of the world of work and how it differs from the educational world. The ability of students to adjust and contribute to many roles in the post-high school world is crucial for successful transition. (JOW)

New technology and management styles are increasing the level of basic skills required of workers. In a world of global competition and technological change, basic skills education is a survival issue for businesses. (JOW)