Four conclusions were reached through case studies of four production improvement teams: (1) collective production of new knowledge requires active and reflective work; (2) members with insufficient formal power have difficulties with such work; (3) technical knowledge production occurs only when power differences are controlled; and (4) social…

Adopts symbolic convergence theory to analyze the stories and rituals that form the shared consciousness of bargaining teams and of labor-management relationships. Uses a case comparison approach to highlight similarities and differences in the fantasy themes and bargaining rights of two teachers' negotiation units in two school districts. (KEH)

A study of the effects of team roles on the success of teams in business simulations found, contrary to expectation, that teams analyzing data on the basis of beliefs and values rather than logic were more successful. Implications for use of simulation in management education are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Cooperative learning is a structured form of small group work based on interdependence, accountability, group processing, and social skills. In continuing education, cooperative learning can positively affect achievement, multiethnic relationships, self-esteem, retention, and attitudes. (SK)

Analyzes the document review process in organizations as described in the literature and describes 1 real-life case at the General Accounting Office in which 20 drafts are written and 9 people review them a total of 31 times. Discusses additional research needed to prepare students for this process. (SR)

Open, modular, and distance forms of learning pose a risk to the continuity of the group in continuing and community education. Group sharing of learning and experience is the environment in which adult learning takes place. (SK)

Examines the relationship between the characteristics of second-year MBA student writing groups and the quality of their group-written reports. Finds that the most significant correlation between the groups and their writing was whether or not individuals chose to form teams on the basis of having worked together previously in writing projects.…

Discusses using open Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for teaching sociology courses. Suggests that the meetings provide excellent case studies and can exemplify a variety of topics. Stresses that three conditions must be present: (1) easy access to meetings and high student interest; (2) meeting experience is integrated into course; and (3) student…

Uses the Sexual Experiences Survey to investigate the incidence and nature of sexual coercion among 140 sorority women in the context of their involvement in fraternal life. Provides evidence that the fraternity environment tolerates and even encourages sexual coercion of women. (CJS)

In the controlled environment of prison education, students can learn to be creators of their own learning and to cooperate with others in pursuit of knowledge. They assimilate important social and thinking skills that can produce individual empowerment and prosocial awareness. (SK)

Examined group participant interpersonal style, group development stage, and endorsement of therapeutic factors. Classified critical incidents forms completed by 36 growth-group members. More affiliative participants emphasized cognitive factors; nonaffiliative participants emphasized behavioral factors. Universality and hope decreased and…

Presents fundamental principles of short-term psychotherapy in reference to psychotic patients. Emphasizes empirical hermeneutical research into group process within the phenomenological approach. Presents case study of short-term psychotherapy with psychotic patients. Outlines four-stage approach to short-term therapy. (Author/ABL)

A model is presented for treating complex child abuse cases involving different agencies. The model proposes five stages in processing cases: interagency cross referral, joint case conferences, allocation of treatment responsibilities, simultaneous treatment, and formal joint periodic reassessment. Analyzing the dynamics at each stage can help…

"Composition analysis" refers to the mathematics of how component measures combine to produce composite measures based on Bookstein's functions. Composition analysis is applied to the different ways group members might work together such that their individual measures can be combined mathematically to calculate an expected measure for…

Describes Robert Terry's ethical principles for leadership that have been adopted by the outdoor adventure organization, Woodswomen, for their leadership training process. Leader tasks correspond to each of the following ethical principles: (1) dwelling (acknowledging one's own history and values); (2) freedom; (3) justice; (4) participation; (5)…