Applications of moderated regression analysis in five areas of job design research are described and fully illustrated with actual survey data. Moderated regression analysis was superior to a subgroups analysis for the research questions being asked by investigators interested in job design research. (Author)

It should be deemed an unfair practice under applicable state and local laws for an employer to make a unilateral change in the terms and conditions of employment prior to the exhaustion of post-impasse procedures, whether or not the change is consistent with employer bargaining proposals. (Author/IRT)

Investigates the differential impacts of sociotechnical systems, job redesign, and survey-feedback interventions on a wide array of attitudinal and performance measures in comparable units of an organization. Attitudinal effects were quite similar; however, only the sociotechnical system intervention resulted in major productivity improvements and…

Reported is a study that outlines the factors affecting a consular officer's decision in issuing immigrant visas, and considers the proper role of discretion in such decisions. Recommendations for the control and structuring of existing discretionary power are included. The study questionnaire and data are appended. (JMD)

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)