In the literature on industrial sociology and psychology, workgroups are discussed in terms of informal relations that unite cohesive groups. In job redesign they tend to be overlooked, possibly because there is a minimum of formal design in natural work settings or because informal relations at work are often viewed within a conflict framework.…

The paper discusses creativity and the creative process, cites current methods used to improve creativity in the workplace, and explains the concept of values and value systems as they relate to creativity. Values and value systems are defined; and their source, their nature and functions, and their measurement are outlined. (JDD)

The challenge for human resource development managers is to design an environment that makes the most of productive people rather than perpetuating the factory system of work. (JOW)

Recognition of the importance of the workplace derives from the pervasive influence of work on adult development, the substantial scale of education and training carried out at work, changes in the nature of work and occupations, and new forms and content in worker education. (SK)

Includes "Chemicals: Benefits and Dangers" (Obadia); "Jobs, Development and Environment" (Bhalla); "Improving the Urban Work Environment" (Miller); "Learning to Manage Tomorrow's World"; and "Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development" (Doohan). (JOW)

Reviews the range of responses taken in industrialized countries seeking to deal with substantial worker displacement. Practices discussed include preventive subsidies, buyouts, retraining, job-search assistance, job creation, local and regional development, and local enterprise development. (Author/JOW)

This article examines some of the indicators that have been used to assess job commitment: statistical series on absence from work; quits; working part time by choice (phenomena generally associated with weak commitment); and multiple job-holding and overtime (often associated with strong commitment). (SSH)

For more than 80 years, jobs in the United States have been designed by people for others. For most of these years, the experts in job design have placed the production technology above the job holder in importance. Since the 1950s, many jobs have been redesigned around new, computer-based technology. Often, the net effect has been to make those…

Redesigning jobs can be cost-effective as well as personnel-effective as organizations change to meet society's changes. The process of redesigning jobs, which allows an organization to use existing personnel and avoid the high cost of recruitment, hiring, and duplicative training, consists of asking the right questions and finding the answers to…

Diverse opinions are held by workers, union officials, and labor researchers about the importance of the quality of working life to workers. Major issues in this debate focus on the following questions: (1) Is there a workers' movement to improve the quality of working life? (2) Do workers seek meaning and self-fulfillment in their jobs? (3) Can…

This publication summarizes the proceedings of the Conference of Union Officials on Issues Related to Labor-Management Cooperation in Quality of Worklife (QWL) Improvement Efforts (March 1979) and subsequently treats issues that emerged in more detail. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to QWL. A summary of the Washington, D.C. conference…

The traditional systems used to produce goods and services in this country are being challenged by evolving alternatives. The focus of these new alternatives is on the human element in the work force. Studies in adult work attitudes indicate that a more humanistic system is needed to promote productivity. Inherent in the human condition is the…