Because of today's increasingly complex business environment, decision makers in business need to use a process that takes into account and balances various forces--economic goals, personal values, and explicit values of the corporation. A process model provides a systematic method for ethical decision making. (Author/JOW)

The dominant theoretical perspective suggests that unions reduce job satisfaction by making workers more critical of the workplace and more willing to complain. However, unions reduce wage inequality and increase worker control and commitment. A survey of 978 workers shows that unionization has a positive effect on job satisfaction. (JOW)

Programs for the employment of mentally challenged workers are commendable; however, some of these workers simply cannot participate in them. The experiences of the Marriott Corporation provide a glimpse of the positive and negative aspects of hiring mentally challenged workers. (Author/JOW)

Discusses a study of burnout among 25 community development practitioners. Indicates that those experiencing more severe forms of burnout were employed in grassroots staff positions. (JOW)

Describes adaptation to the job and the organization as one of seven key stages in the transition from college to career. Presents the performance review as probably the most important measure of adaptation. Suggests other adaptation enhancement techniques companies may employ: using Pygmalion effect, providing recognition, conducting meetings,…

When 504 public school secretaries were interviewed concerning their jobs, most expressed satisfaction with their work and their bosses. A small percentage suggested improvements in office efficiency. Most disliked nursing or disciplinary duties and telephone problems. Included are 10 tips to help secretaries. (MLH)

Because of increasing incidence of burnout among midlevel managers, many companies are reducing workload schedules, an arrangement that would have been unthinkable 10 years ago. Surveys have made the case that flexible work arrangements increase employee happiness and, therefore, productivity. (JOW)

Addresses questions related to team building: Are teams appropriate for the situation? What kind of team is most relevant? What practical steps will develop and sustain effective teamwork? Looks at needs of four kinds of teams ranging from informal to formal, temporary to permanent: project, work, alliance, and network. (SK)

Awareness of diversity in the workplace is on the rise, but so is a backlash to some of the issues that it raises. Ways to prevent backlash include getting management support, involving employees in training design, using an inclusive definition of diversity, acknowledging resistance, valuing sameness, and affirming the value of individual views.…

Discusses the difficulties faced by technical communicators who work in organizations that manage by crisis or by whim. Offers recommendations. (SR)

This study reports creativity policies and practices used by Central Florida corporations. Survey responses (n=105) indicated that businesses are using a variety of creativity techniques with usage greater among the newer companies but that these techniques are not yet a formal part of business operations. (DB)

Reviewed records of 134 police officers. Fifty-five percent admitted to suicide attempts. Logistic regression model correctly classified 79.1% of subjects as to whether or not they attempted suicide. Results indicated that officers reporting marital problems were 4.8 times more likely to have attempted suicide and 6.7 times more likely if they had…

Describes the role of judges in Canadian society and the notion of judicial independence that produces complexities for educators. Looks at the characteristics and working environment of judges and describes the part played by the existing agencies involved in judicial education. Suggests potential roles for continuing education units in…

Discusses employer-sponsored child care, specifically on college and university campuses and briefly reviews history and status of campus children's centers. Describes campus child care provided at University of Nevada, Reno. Shows how important it is for institutions to develop a corporate culture that is truly family friendly. Proposes agenda…

Discusses the importance of managing diversity in the workplace, dealing with multiculturalism in schools, and the need for bilingual education. (JOW)