Tested the effect of group member interdependence on supervisory performance ratings. Students (N=72) played the role of supervisors in charge of evaluating members of a three-person work group. Results showed supervisors rated the poor performer higher and the good performers lower when the group was portrayed as highly interdependent. (JAC)

Reviews literature about symptoms and causes of burnout. Most offer little theoretical foundation but assume an energy scarcity model. Offers an alternative model based on the assumption that energy is highly expendable. Marks (1977) argues that the critical variable is commitment, enhanced by loyalty, enjoyment and rewards. (Author/JAC)

Examined the social, psychological and temporal dimensions of "disturbance calls" and evaluated effects of crisis intervention training on 64 patrol officers. Found that trained officers tended to rate their handling of cases more positively, and citizens gave more favorable evaluations of the services provided by trained officers.…

This article explores linkages between stress and effective job performance: while too much stress can lead to burnout, too little stressful stimulation can result in boredom. Generating the proper amount of stress for optimal job performance is discussed. (PP)

Describes miniature job training and evaluation situations administered to 1,034 "low aptitude" Navy recruits. Checklist criterion data describing the on-the-job performance of the sample were collected after the recruits were on their fleet assignments. The results confirmed the predictive validity of the miniature job training…

The authors offer a plan for a competency-based education program. Teachers need to follow three steps: (1) identify competencies needed by graduates, (2) plan and provide learning activities to develop the competencies identified, and (3) verify acquisition of competencies. (Office of Vocational Education, State Dept. of Education, P.O. Box 1131,…

Investigated the impact of a Management by Objectives (MBO) application in a university setting. Faculty (N=23) completed a questionnaire about perceptions of performance and satisfaction both prior to and after the MBO application. Results suggest that performance increased while satisfaction generally declined. (Author/RC)

Charts significant elements of organizational culture centering on four "dimensions of difference": a company's stock of managers, the conceptual job model managers used, significant influences on job performance, and managers' perceptions of freedom. Portrays two organizations in these terms, exploring factors that appear to have influenced their…

Examined the relationship between subjective and objective performance measures for vocational/rehabilitation counselors. No relationship was found between subjective and objective measures. Evidence suggests that the subjective measure reflected more the quality of the interpersonal relationship between the supervisor and the subordinate.…

Describes the relationship between instructional technology and organization performance and examines the critical shifts in emphasis in the relationship over the past 20 years. Methodology-driven, subject-matter-driven, and "real world"-driven training systems are discussed. Two figures accompany the text. (Author/JL)

Madison Elementary School District in Phoenix (Arizona) uses five evaluation forms--measuring goal accomplishment, performance of assigned duties, professional growth, peer rating, and subordinate rating--to yield numerical bases for administrator merit pay increases. Samples of an evaluation form, performance profile, and merit pay increase…

A cross-sectional study of 306 male accountants and managers at two public accounting firms examined the relationship of physical attractiveness, attitude similarity, and social background to performance ratings and salaries. Results suggest that physical attractiveness leads to higher ratings and salaries but that attitudes and background have…

The Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS) technique was employed with 16 dormitory resident assistants (RAs) to develop an RA job description. Results revealed that RA's generally preferred BARS to the existing job description. Procedural refinements and further uses for the BARS job description are discussed. (Author/RC)

The symptoms of stress are outlined; misconceptions about stress and techniques used in stress management are discussed; and managers' role in stress management is explained. (MLF)

A national survey of 181 physicians' assistants and their supervising physicians indicates that occupational role development proceeds through several stages. In each stage such causal factors as task performance, decision making, and role ambiguity and conflict exert differing influences. (Author/RW)