Compares the American and Japanese first-line supervisor: production statistics, supervisory style, company loyalty, management style, and communication. Also suggests what Americans might learn from the Japanese methods. (CT)

The Westchester (New York) Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development presented a panel discussion focusing on the process of matching skills, career goals, and objectives of employees to the needs of the corporation. Their findings are presented in this article. (CT)

Describes five false assumptions that managers make when discussing career planning with a subordinate. (CH)

Refutes seven myths that keep employers from welcoming disabled persons into the workplace. Myths include higher turnover, lower productivity, greater safety risk, higher cost, more demanding, embarrassment, and incompatibility. Makes recommendations for managers. (CH)

With more mothers than ever in the labor force, companies are realizing they must help workers deal with multiple roles. Employer-sponsored programs include day care centers, vouchers, and referrals; flextime; job sharing; extended leave, flexible benefits, and work-at-home plans; and support groups. (CH)

The authors state that 50 percent of current participative work groups will dissolve. They focus on some of the actual problems associated with participative work group strategies. They discuss (1) macroorganizational issues, (2) organizational hierarchy, (3) climate of uncertainty, (4) leadership conflicts, and (5) microorganizational issues. (CH)