Terminology in the training and human resources development field as used in various countries is defined and discussed, from "autonomous work groups" to "two-tier work structure." The author notes that the preferred term to indicate some kind of increased worker influence on organizational conduct seems to be "quality of…

In a research project to examine the relationship between various aspects of the organizational context and transfer of learning, a seven-stage model was set up to examine the training-learning processes from the standpoint of the individual participant. Organizational action steps to be taken both before and after the training course are…

This piece analyzes a central and neglected issue: do survey-feedback designs simply encourage respondents to make "unrealistic" demands for organization resources to ameliorate unattractive features of work? (Author)

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that structural and behavioral changes are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. It discusses origins of the behavioral-structural controversy, major behavioral symptoms of structural problems, advantages of structural interventions, reluctance to utilize structural interventions, and…

This article focuses on team building as a consulting intervention designed to influence the learning environment. The purposes of teaming are facilitating problem solving; maximizing the utilization of skills, competencies, interests, and resources toward organizational goals; improving the planning and decision-making process; and providing a…

This article looks at the kinds of activities school advisory committees can and have engaged in, the type of support they need in order to become effective, and some ways of evaluating their effectiveness. (MB)

Examines some theoretical bases for motivation of personnel, reviews the current research literature on the topic, and analyzes the principal's role in motivation of both himself and the staff. The authors provide an experimental design to critically test the relationship between motivation and the school principal. (Author/IRT)

Staff development, usually geared to the least common denominator and confined to formal leader and staff behavior, needs to be replaced with human development, an informal, interactive process to improve teaching, management, and leadership skills; self-understanding; and political and cultural savvy. Five teacher career stages are suggested as…

Review of literature on instructional improvement services and the role of the media center concludes that such services will enhance media center value to postsecondary faculty and institutions. Five recommendations are offered to media centers and their management-level personnel to prepare them to take on this role. (MBR)

Complex institutional problems require comprehensive and complex solutions, including such strategies as defining or redefining institutional mission, finding a market niche, planning, cutting costs and increasing income, structural change, enterprising leadership, and using existing assets and good luck to best advantage. (MSE)

This is an introduction to a set of four papers in the field of evaluation research. A main theme in these papers is the recognition that evaluation research is not a pure objective scientific self-standing activity, but one that interacts within a context and is influenced by the interchanges. (LMO)

Describes a model for identifying and meeting needs of entire organizations and the society which the organization serves, and suggests ways to integrate these into planning, development, and organizational success. It is suggested that training success can be improved by decreasing focus on means and getting more precise about results. (MBR)

A study of teacher perceptions of more or less powerful teachers found that powerless teachers see themselves and other teachers as less influential, experience meetings as less open and participative, and feel they have a smaller amount of total influence in the schools than do powerful teachers. Includes a reference list. (MD)

External changes and new technological developments along with new perspectives on organizations are changing institutional governance and management in ways that challenge some conventions of institutional research practice. (Author/MLW)

Only with the spirit of cooperation can the two functions of affirmative action and personnel management advise, guide, and protect their institutions and provide real opportunities for protected classes in the extremely important area of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. (Author/MSE)