The court's conclusion that educational policy excluded teaching effectiveness programs from the scope of mandatory bargaining was reached by its failure to submit the Michigan Employment Relations Commission decision to rigorous judicial review. Available from Wayne Law Review, Wayne State University Law School, 468 West Ferry Street, Detroit,…

Clarifies some of the conceptual, empirical, and normative issues that have been raised by criticisms of affirmative action. Indicates that the issues are more complex and the criticisms less decisive than some commentators seem to realize; the case against affirmative action has not been made in any rigorous sense. (Author/IRT)

Seventh Circuit cases are examined that have considered the question of whether "state action" is present as stated in section 1983 of the Civil Rights Act of 1871. Standards used by the Seventh Circuit to determine the existence of "state action" are also analyzed. (LBH)

Variables used in applicant selection into the British Civil Service were analyzed for a sample using varimax factor analysis, multidimensional scaling and multiple regression. Results indicated that four dimensions or factors of applicant selection were consistent across a variety of settings and analyses. (JKS)

Examined job tenure among 85 individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Surveyed clients' demographic, clinical, and vocational histories, their initial reactions to specific jobs, and aspects of the work environment. The average job lasted 70 days. Longer tenure was predicted by previous work history, early satisfaction with the job, lower…

Evaluated the structural equivalence and differential item functioning of an employee attitude survey from a large international corporation across three languages, eight cultures, and two mediums of administration. Results for 40,595 employees show the structure of survey data was consistent and items functioned similarly across all groups. (SLD)

Describes the development of job-specific performance appraisal factors for 375 of the 450 classifications in a county government, which covered 90 percent of all employees. (Author)

A survey of 300 public agency personnel directors received 208 responses indicating that 65 percent have substance abuse policies, 66 percent of those test applicants. Most agencies that test employees verify positive results with a second test before disciplinary action; 85 percent have employee assistance programs. Personnel directors' attitudes…

Eighty-seven employed people completed a graphic rating or a forced ranking questionnaire describing their immediate superiors. Transformational and transactional leadership constructs were examined in relation to the participant's leadership prototype, leniency in rating, and general satisfaction. Overall, forced ranking yielded more independent…

Discusses the increasing concern for public service quality, morale, and compensation. Suggests that compensation is a major determinant of whether or not governmental units attract high-grade applicants and retain them. Compares salary increases of the last decade with the consumer price index. (CH)

Outlines the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and examines recent Supreme Court rulings on drug testing of employees. Notes that for the majority of public employees, the requirement remains that drug testing be premised on individualized suspicion of drug use based on supporting evidence. (MLF)

Notes that five-sixths of new workforce entrants between 1986 and 2000 will be women, minorities, and immigrants and that their career development needs must be met. Lists research-based generalizations concerning this issue and provides selected examples of statistics supporting each generalization. Concludes with comments regarding challenges…

Surveyed employers (N=100) on reservations about hiring people with disabilities. Found employers were convinced that workers with physical disabilities had positive work performance abilities and work personality attributes; opinions about workers with mental and emotional disabilities were much less positive. (Author/ABL)

Presents methods and outcomes of a study that analyzed the relationship between learner preferences, received instruction, and learner control. Seventy-five employees of a major corporation were pretested before and posttested after receiving random instruction. Tables display mean pretest and posttest scores, and attitudes toward received…

Examined responses of 43 Texas community colleges to federal Higher Education Act requirement to provide an accessible drug abuse program. Determined vast majority of colleges have developed written student policies and indicated primary influence was federal requirements. Although fewer colleges had employee programs than student programs, those…