After discussing the defensive response in interpersonal communications in organizations, the article presents eight communication techniques for improving organizational communication skills and thereby creating a more supportive organizational climate. (MF)

It was hypothesized that factor analysis and elements of social exchange theory could be used to integrate the different perceptions of individuals who make up an organization. An instrument was administered to the faculties of two schools. The results indicate a promising technique for organizational diagnosis. Available from: JABS Order Dept.,…

This is the complete text of President Carter's speech concerning the black community. Here he presents the programs, goals, and objectives the Carter Administration has in mind for black Americans. (Author/AM)

Four models of possible predictors are advanced and tested using data collected from 1,164 faculty in 80 university departments and from published sources. Results indicated that there is no single set of factors that can reliably predict improvement or decline in prestige across all disciplines. (Author/LBH)

Colleges are less willing to cooperate with the American Association of University Professors in its investigations of institutional violations of faculty's rights, and some criticize the organization's dual role as professional association and union. (MSE)

Compares previous findings regarding dimensions of organizational communication effectiveness with the results of interviews with 48 northwest corporate administrators. Lists six major dimensions of effectiveness: (1) coaching and motivating employees, (2) encouraging worker involvement and participation, (3) self-motivation, (4) problem-solving…

Self-paced instruction as a teaching method can offer flexibility to students and academic institutions, but it must be accompanied by planning and development efforts to identify viable courses and instructors, ensure adequate support for the faculty, and ensure that support systems are responsive to student needs. (MSE)

Reviews both historical and current policies for access to government information, and discusses such current trends in government information as paperwork reduction, commercialization, privatization, and electronic publishing. The possible impact of these trends on the library's ability to provide access to information is briefly considered. (CLB)

Using a sample of registered nurses (N=228) from a large urban hospital, this longitudinal study tested the applicability of a person-environment fit model for predicting job involvement and organizational commitment. Results indicated the proposed person-environment fit model is useful for predicting job involvement, but not organizational…

The concept of organizational culture as explored in recent literature is defined, the application of the concept to colleges and universities is examined, and the concept's relevance to research and practitioners in postsecondary education is discussed. (MSE)

This essay relates the economic cycle, unemployment, and inflation to reading habits and public library circulation. Highlights include recent English sociological study and its implications for current increases in public library use, future library use, effect of the economy on kind of public library use, and reasons why people read. (EJS)

Two paradigms of academic librarians are examined: one, "leader" is closely tied to nineteenth-century ideals; two, "manager" reflects democratization and new technology of twentieth century. Highlights include literature of organization (sociology, psychology, political science), patterns of change, Japanese model, and need to…

Although heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) engineering degrees are not offered, there is a serious need for specialists and consultants in this area (since most have been trained as mechanical engineers). Opportunities exist for individuals possessing a customer-oriented attitude, with knowledge in computerized controls, innovative…

The "Standards for Evaluation of Educational Programs, Projects and Materials" focuses on contextual influences at the individual research project level. Macro-level political and organizational factors can be preconditions for applying the standards at project level. A study of Dutch educational evaluation research is used to illustrate…

Examines views of the work world held by children and adolescents who have experienced two types of economic conditions: (1) direct exposure to an unemployed father and (2) indirect exposure to negative economic conditions of the community. Results indicate communitywide economic conditions influence young people's views of the work world more…