Defines high performance work organizations, summarizes research findings on their effectiveness, and describes examples in the auto, steel, apparel, airline, and computer industries. (SK)

Short-term longitudinal study assessed single and combined effects of two interventions designed to affect nursing assistants' (n=193) performance by increasing knowledge and motivation. Four sites included skills training only, job redesign only, both interventions, and control. Significant differences were found in knowledge in comparisons…

Sees universal adoption of master's degree in rehabilitation counseling as hiring criterion requiring its validation in relation to job performance. Proposes large-scale validation study involving state-federal vocational rehabilitation agencies that would make use of extensive existing vocational rehabilitation database, and relate type and level…

Relationships between current performance and likelihood of promotion were analyzed for 743 pairs of managers and their supervisors. Although no differences appeared in evaluations of older and younger managers, supervisors' perceptions of promotability of younger managers were related to their performance evaluation, which was not the case for…

Includes "Introduction" (Gordon); "Employee Ownership: Opportunities for Unions" (Blasi, Kruse); "Participation, Control, and Performance" (Rosen); Beyond the Contract: Taking on Ownership" (Mackin); "Worker Participation on Boards of Directors" (Hammer); and "Case Study of Employee Ownership and…

Analysis of data from over 3,000 employers showed that workers who accepted jobs with probationary periods tended to be more efficient and less likely to quit. Possibly workers who think they will not last through the probationary period will not take such jobs, whereas those with confidence in their performance will select such jobs, which…

A deficiency approach to training is inadequate. A proactive approach views training as deliberate organizational strategy that involves organizational scanning, focus/data collection, data interpretation, and action. This action research method anticipates future trends and prepares people for the challenges. (SK)

Data from two groups of cosmetology instructors (n=15) and two groups of machinist instructors (n=17) validated the Occupational Affective Behavior Analysis instrument as capable of identifying affective behaviors viewed as important to success in a given occupation. (SK)

Examines Britain's National Standards Development Programme and assesses the development of National Vocational Qualifications in the purchasing and supply field. (SK)

Roughly 15% of U.S. elementary school principals are working under incentive or performance-pay contracts. Douglas County, Colorado's program, including teachers and administrators, has four components: outstanding performance, skills blocks, group incentive, and district responsibility pay. Bonuses can be major motivators. A sidebar details…

Interviews with 12 older (ages 60 to 78) and 12 younger (ages 38 to 53) administrators showed that they had similar perceptions of the physical features and privacy issues in the workplace that facilitate or impede work. Structural accommodations may not be necessary for older workers, but attention to design and privacy issues is necessary for…

Explores the appropriateness for flexible work schedules for corporate librarians and provides insight into the benefits of flexible work arrangements in other industries. Highlights include technological changes that have changed roles and made resources available electronically; telecommuters; job sharing; and the effects of flexible…

A superintendent-turned-CEO describes similarities and differences between his two careers. Both positions significantly shape the organization's strategic direction, focus on results, and require long hours and great intensity. As CEO, the author is rewarded only for making progress, moves the organization rapidly to address changing…

Reviews the construct of persistence as it relates to achievement motivation at work. Topics include foundational concepts of persistence; achievement motivation theory; a human motivation model; goal-setting theory; self-efficacy theory; expectancy theory; task assignments; confidence; and perceived value. (LRW)

A research review identified findings about the financial analysis method, forecasting of the financial benefits of human resource development (HRD), and recent financial analysis research: (1) HRD embedded in a performance improvement framework yielded high return on investment; and (2) HRD interventions focused on performance variables forecast…