Democracy engenders freedom for all, human rights, participation based on equality, shared values, the rule of law, due process, good governance and transparency. In the workplace, it would include freedom of expression, association, participation, access to available information and the right of workers to understand what goes on where they work.…

The Delaware Education Research and Development Center (DERDC) conducted a two-part study to determine the impacts of this program on participating schools in the state. In the first part, DERDC interviewed a sample of administrators and teachers from 6 of the 15 participating schools. Their responses helped design a survey that was administered…

When Stephanie Smith became the principal of Seaford (Delaware) Middle School four years ago, she was told to accept the fact that the school would never be able to change its status as a school that needed to improve. She did not accept that. To improve performance levels, she set the expectations high. Her defiance paid off: the school is now…

Reviews findings of a study that examined the personal and perceived institutional goals of correctional educators. Results support the authors' recommendation for a participatory approach to the establishment of goals for correctional education. (Author/CH)

Discusses effective management techniques and stresses the importance of practicing positive employee relations. Suggestions for management effectiveness include trusting employees, maintaining flexibility, being accessible to employees, having a written problem-solving policy, and giving employees equal opportunity for advancement. (BH)

A study of 204 managers in large organizations found that managers would prefer more participation than currently exists and that those managers who use participatory techniques have a favorable impact on employee performance and attitudes. There is much interest in participative management and usually the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. (JOW)

Spousal response consistency on family decision-making items was examined among spouses in Kentucky. Spousal response consistency was found for all decision-making and task-allocation items. Education level was found to be negatively correlated with response consistency, while low level of spousal tension also was associated with response…

American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) and the union representing its workers--Communications Workers of America--have cooperated in a quality of work life program unique in scope and intensity: a labor-management agreement in which 40,000 Bell System employees have participated. Commitment to the program has survived a 1983 strike and the…

Discusses Japanese management from the perspective of the complex relationship between Japanese culture and their practice of lifelong employment, shared authority in decision making, and dissolution of many of the privileges of rank. (Author)

Nursing managers have tried a number of systems to increase employee participation, and quality circles seem to be the most promising method currently available. Describes effective implementation techniques within a nursing organization. (JOW)

The theory of participative management is sound, but in practice it has been misunderstood. Three common problems are that some managers (1) often view the technique as an exclusive tool, (2) confuse it with democratization, and (3) consciously or unconsciously manipulate the process for their own benefit. (SK)

Explores factors that reinforce the division between college faculty and administrators and discusses processes that can minimize the divide. Offers lessons learned from participation in the Associated New American Colleges (ANAC) Faculty Work Project. (EV)

Examines relationship between principal leadership styles and attitudes toward sharing decision-making with teachers within the context of state-mandated site-based decision-making in Texas. Finds among other things that a principal's collaborative leadership style increases with experience and adaptability. (Contains 34 references.) (PKP)

Presents five strategies (incorporating a strategic plan, shared decision-making, special topic seminars, a community project, and educator seminars) designed to reduce high school student alienation within months and produce long-term effects on students, teachers, and administrators. Cooperation is the key to success. Includes six references.…

Such innovations as employee stock ownership plans, profit sharing, labor-management committees, quality circles, and work redesign appear to be more popular now than in the past. Research on the impact of these programs suggests that they have negligible or short-lived effects. (JOW)