Examines participants' reactions to a special assignment program of the executive branch of the federal government. Results indicate that participants react favorably to their experiences. Suggests that administrators, applicants, and sponsors be aware of factors contributing to the success of special assignment programs. (JOW)

Examines city government managers' metaphorical language, documenting differences in number, type, intensity, and imagery of metaphors used. Identifies several organizational metaphor categories. Suggests that members of an organization share metaphorical meanings, and that there is an association between managers' metaphor use and subordinates'…

The data from this study of Presidential Management Interns from 1978 through 1984 classes confirm that the program has been successful in recruiting talented people to federal service. Some problem of retention remains primarily because of interns' disenchantment with the bureaucracy. (Author)

Surveyed cooperative education program students (n=115) to determine what factors influenced their decision to select an employer. Two factors were statistically significant: challenging work and career-oriented work. Recommends focus on line supervisors and their impact on students. (ABL)

Surveyed human resource directors (n=49) of accounting firms to determine the skills, abilities, and qualifications most desired of prospective employees for professional accounting positions. Determined firms seek accountants who are articulate, pleasant, bright, and motivated. Oral and written communication skills were cited as areas of needed…

Notes that, although occupational social workers routinely assist employees with alcohol- or drug-related problems, workers with disabling problems such as back pain, paralysis, and cancer have not received much attention. Presents analysis of issues confronting workers with disabilities and their employers and provides information about…

Evaluated four diagnostic signs (employment congruence, aspirational congruence, employment coherence, and aspirational coherence) derived from Holland's theory of vocational personalities and occupational environments for their ability to predict personality-environment congruence among 87 employees with special needs. Found that employment…

By 2005, U.S. employment is expected to increase by 26.4 million, a 1.5% annual rate. Services will provide more than half of new job growth. Construction will add jobs; manufacturing employment will decline. Public sector employment will grow more slowly than average. (SK)

An analytic procedure is presented that estimates the expected benefits of personnel classification decisions for which it is assumed that the available criterion estimates are both equi-correlated and equally valid, with equal quotas for the jobs, and the equal importance of all jobs. The numerical method developed for the estimation is…

The article and commentary in this special section consider the ethical implications of a remark by an employee in a business being evaluated that employees have been advised to make the program look good. Explores the implications for the evaluation and its usefulness. (SLD)

Sources of organizational learning were studied for 131 employees, 109 of whom were managers, who participated in projects with external consultants in a large public-transport company in Norway. A multiple regression analysis explained 69% of organizational learning as a function of attitude toward learning. Differences between managers and other…

Comparison of differences in job-retention outcomes for 1,777 welfare-to-work employees and 16,723 other employees in federal agencies reveals that welfare-to-work employees have greater odds of retaining their jobs. (Contains 32 references.) (JOW)

Data on the employment status of persons with disabilities in federal government (average grade level, promotion rates, occupational categories, and earnings) indicate the numbers and percentage are gradually increasing; their average grade level is lower than that of nondisabled workers and they have lower promotion rates. More attention to…

In a legal context, the classification of a worker as either an employee or an independent contractor can have significant consequences. Classification can vary depending on which test is used: common law, economic realities, or hybrid. (Contains 34 notes and references.) (Author/JOW)

Interviews with 25 global talent leaders discuss keeping good people and the challenges and emerging practices for retaining employees. Sidebars discuss retention tips and what keeps people on the job. (JOW)