This report by the United States General Accounting Office (GAO) summarizes research findings on what has and what has not been successful in schools and workplaces. Studies concerning successful organizations (elementary and secondary schools and firms in a wide range of businesses) and successful practices were reviewed. Most of the reviewed materials were published in 1990 or later. The studies were of uneven quality and used a variety of research designs and techniques. Findings indicate that successful schools and company workplaces had well-defined missions. They organized the work environment, human-resource practices, curriculum and instruction, or management processes in ways that supported that mission. The missions in schools focused on student learning. In company workplaces, successful work environments typically developed a set of core organizational values that were transmitted to all employees, fostering a sense of community throughout the organization. The extensive appendices contain annotated bibliographies of research on schools (N=41) and workplaces (N=50), which are categorized according to work environment, human resources, curriculum and instruction, and management practices. Lists of GAO contacts and staff acknowledgements are included. (LMI)