Reviews recent literature on school climate noting conceptual and methodological confusion in research studies. Examines the metaphors used to communicate the essential characteristics of the concept. Concludes that accepted conceptualizations are based on metaphors which highlight the uncontrollability of school climate and thereby deny the power…

Examined the relationship of personality and demographic variables to job satisfaction in school counselors (N=123). Results supported Holland's theory of person environment interactions in predicting job satisfaction. Age, sex, experience, and education level were not correlated with satisfaction. (JAC)

Activity theory posits that culturally organized actions guide the acquisition and organization of knowledge. This theory was applied to the organization of knowledge within a large milk processing plant. The dairy was found to be organized by social knowledge, yet individuals creatively synthesized several domains of knowledge to organize their…

A summary of evidence from a study of payment structures in six industries in three local labor markets in the United Kingdom is used to show that the conditions under which labor is made available exert an influence on wages that is relatively independent of the skill, experience, and effort of the workers concerned. (Author/CT)

Examines the structure, form, and nature of the content and context of memorable messages exchanged within an organization. Discusses how these features enhance the socializing and memorable nature of such messages. (MS)

Described is the global climate model CONSTABLE (Climatic One-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of the Annual Balance of Latitudinal Energy), which can be used in undergraduate and graduate level climatology courses. Classroom exercises that can be used with the model are also included. (RM)

Three views of higher education propose that it is functional, social service-oriented, or cultural, but any given higher education institution is more likely to be a hybrid of the three. (MSE)

Describes results of a questionnaire designed to probe how human resources professionals viewed ongoing communication practices as they related to four concept areas: formal and informal systemwide communication, communication to facilitate change, small-group communication, and superior-subordinate communication and the resulting organizational…

Manufacturing productivity, as measured by output per hour, rose in 1984 in the United States and 11 other industrial countries studied. (Statistics are presented in the following areas: productivity trends, employment and hours, hourly compensation, unit labor costs, and relative productivity and labor cost trends.) (CT)

The two dimensions of the professional-client relationship in school psychology examined are the determination of client as it relates to (1) the service delivery roles in which a psychologist engages and (2) organizational factors within the system in which a psychologist works. (Author/LMO)

Describes how a major corporation adapted the prime-time television model to the workplace by using video to help create a more flexible, open culture conducive to change, innovation, and productivity. Discusses the series' objectives, the educational experience, the design method, lessons learned, and potential uses. (CT)

Examines the organization of quality circles in Italy, the training aspect of these quality circles, and advantages and limitations of quality circles. For successful circles, the author recommends a feasibility study by qualified consultants, an experimental pilot project confined to certain parts of the company, and a fully informed management.…

Outlines the differences between collaborative efforts and cooperative ones. Provides a discussion of concepts of interrelationships and institutional/organizational relationships. Points to the lack of research available on collaborative efforts. Includes models of cooperation and collaboration, examples contrasting collaboration and cooperation,…

Elements of system analysis (social, technical, and administrative system), culture analysis, and culture change versus system change are discussed. Two famous case studies--one representing system change (Coch-French case) and the other culture change (Guest case)--are examined. (CT)

An introduction to the missing linkages between the fields of organizational behavior and higher education is provided. A discussion of why gaps persist and of alternative theoretical perspectives for organizing the application of behavioral science to higher education are included. (Author/MLW)