Using temporally-lagged data from 146 business and engineering newcomers, we found evidence for a "positive side" of plasticity theory (Brockner, 1988, p. 547) in fostering newcomer adjustment. Specifically, as predicted, we found that higher newcomer generalized self-efficacy positively moderates the association between job design (i.e., task…

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. It is the broadest and largest funding package in American history. The intent of the statute is to stimulate the economy both through direct spending on a range of programs and to create tax relief. Key to the stimulus is the…

This report on a job creation program for poor people deals with the organizations within which jobs were created, the responses of the organizations to the jobs, and the techniques which seemed useful in working with the organizations. Major sections include: (1) Employment, Unemployment and New Careers, (2) Organizational Barriers, (3) The Forms…

Comments from Blustein, Eldredge, and Hesketh on research reported by Feij et al. on the role of proximal and distal context factors and the theories of organizational socialization and work adjustment. A rejoinder from Feij et al. clarifies some of the issues. (SK)

A survey of 859 entry-level workers from 8 European countries employed as machine operators and office technology workers identified the processes that account for the development of career-enhancing strategies and job content innovations. Supervisor or coworker relations and intrinsic work values were most important. (SK)

Research has shown that three main barriers impede the ability of inner-city, low-income job seekers to find employment in the suburbs: an administrative or information barrier, a physical barrier, and a social barrier. The Bridges to Work demonstration program was designed to test the idea that improved access to suburban jobs can significantly…

This report describes the experience of a group of New Careers paraprofessionals who were trained in human service occupations by the National Committee on Employment of Youth (NCEY) in a special project in 1965 and 1966 and employed by a variety of public and private human service agencies. The report provides data on the longest period for…

Identifies reasons to provide comprehensive induction programs for beginning counselors. Describes a pilot mentor education program on developmental principles, which features a new model of an in-service program aimed at addressing the needs of the novice counselor while providing experienced counselors with continued professional development.…

Work force growth will slow dramatically in the 1990s. To ensure a more prosperous future, productivity and competitive position must be improved. New high performance forms of work organization operate very differently from the system of mass manufacturing. These work organizations require large investments in training. The approach to work and…

This paper outlines the increasing need for low-skilled entry level workers, documents business and industry's response to the resulting labor shortage by tapping the resources of individuals with physical and mental disabilities, and reviews problems in job placement of workers with severe disabilities. The Work Inventory for Severely disAbled…

This is the final report of Phase I research pertaining to the Social Service Aide Project. This project has made it possible for four community colleges and the Metropolitan YMCA to jointly explore the feasibility of vocational training and exemplary education of paraprofessionals for new and perhaps unprecedented career entry in the field of…

In order to measure the degree of upward mobility among nonsupervisory workers in private industry, a study was made of 11 major service, manufacturing, and retail sales industries. That investigation, which stressed the opportunities available to the average worker with normal motivation, is reviewed both in general and by industry in this…

Intended to assist in the development phase of New Careers program development, this trainer's sourcebook contains: (1) descriptions of 44 entry level positions in the major human services fields, including explanations of such elements as position title, introduction and general description, position control, duties, responsibilities, and…

A study identified trends influencing the literacy requirements of two entry-level jobs at each of three manufacturing sites and three hospital sites. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and focus groups with workers, employers, and union representatives. Materials that workers were expected to read were analyzed. The study…

This manual outlines concepts, approaches, strategies, and tactics for developing new careers in local government. "The Why and What of New Careers" explains the general concepts of New Careers and discusses the manpower needs of local government agencies. "The How of New Careers" describes the process of designing new careers…