The distinction between two models of reliability is clarified. Reliability may be conceived of and estimated from a true score model or from the perspective of sampling precision. Basic models are developed and illustrated for each approach using data from the author's work on measuring organizational climate. (SLD)

According to interviews with 123 lesbians, workplace climate significantly influenced occupational stress, coping, and job satisfaction. However, disclosure did not have a significant influence on stress, coping, or satisfaction. (SK)

A resource for the teaching of the history and causes of climate change. Discusses evidence of climate change from the Viking era, early ice ages, the most recent ice age, natural causes of climate change, human-made causes of climate change, projections of global warming, and unequal warming. (LZ)

Increasingly, local governments are at odds with colleges and universities over payment for municipal services. Some see such payments as a challenge to the institutions' tax-exempt status as nonprofit organizations. Others feel that the economic climate demands a redefinition of the school-community relationship. (MSE)

An annual survey reveals that private giving to 992 colleges rose 10.3% in 1993-94, 7.6% when adjusted for inflation, the sharpest increase since 1986-87. The trend is attributed to improvement and increasing confidence in the economy. The greatest increase in giving was at public, master's-granting institutions. Alumni provided 28% of total…

Presents an analysis of the organizational culture at Olivet College in Michigan. Discusses the legacy, roots, and history of the institution; the recent organizational history; and the changing nature of the organization at the time of a racial conflict in the spring of 1992 that gained both state and national attention. (SR)

This paper compares the human brain-mind system to the structure and systems of large organizations and bureaucracies. It argues that effective organizations mirror the systems seen in healthy brains, while ineffective organizations resemble damaged brains and chronically pursue short-term goals through inflexible routines instead of looking for…

Widespread structural gender inequality and job segregation still exist. The glass ceiling is maintained by a combination of both organizational barriers and individual choices. Individual decisions about working toward promotion are colored by their perceptions of the value of the rewards and the climate of the organization. (SK)

Presents a critical-interpretive case study of an organization that illustrates the communicative accomplishment of organizational power. Details how the managing ownership espoused a rhetoric of self-directive management which obscured conflicting political interests and relations of power. Demonstrates the difficulties organizational members…

In a survey, 50 continuing education faculty expressed concern about setting the right climate in the first session of a course. They attempt to balance students' needs and concerns with course and content issues. Although they wanted to create the proper social climate, they were only moderately concerned about "getting acquainted." (SK)

This study used interviews and participant-observation to examine the concept of "brown-nosing" (using compliments and other positive statements to curry favor) in organizational settings in the United States. It identifies various types of brown-nosing, as well as the motives and consequences of such behavior. (30 references) (MDM)

Argues that the United States should not accept all immigrants but that the United States should be more selective about which immigrants it absorbs into society. The article offers suggestions for altering the United States admission criteria in ways that are based, not on nepotism but on the what the applicant can contribute to the United States…

Uses structuration theory to examine the discursive responses of organizational members of a merging utility company as they cope with uncertainty associated with the change. Reveals how members position themselves ideologically not only as a response to the merger, but also to produce and reproduce organizational structures that enhance or…

Eleven colleges worked with the Association of American Colleges to design comprehensive leadership development programs for administrators, faculty, students, support staff, and nonteaching professionals. A variety of models were developed which are intended to maximize benefits to the institution through unique combinations of college community,…

In this interest market, colleges and universities could benefit from careful evaluation of debt portfolios. Refinancing debt is an opportunity to lower debt service costs, ease cash flow, change security pledges, eliminate debt service reserves, update bond documents. Timing is important. Existing and new bonds can also be combined…