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Psychology of work organization - 534 entries found

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  • Psychology of work organization

1998

CIS 00-149 Vartiainen M., Teikari V.
Problems of a continuous change: A follow-up study (1988-1994) in a FMS factory
The economic and sociotechnical changes in a factory workshop during 1988-1994 are described. A large flexible manufacturing system (FMS) project was realized during the first two years, and finished on schedule. The project was designed and carried out in a participative manner involving all personnel in the development groups. The follow-up study shows that the goals concerning productivity of the workshop and personnel well-being were mainly achieved. There were two main phases in the development: a quick and profound change during the first two years, and a more stable, "freezing" phase after it. Challenges, problems, and hindrances to making the development continuous are also discussed.
Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing, Summer 1998, Vol.8, No.3, p.197-214. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 00-268 Kleiner B.M.
Macroergonomic analysis of formalization in a dynamic work system
A simulation-based experiment was used to develop a set of indicators to measure and analyze formal and informal planning strategies. Eight planning groups of three members were assigned to a low formalization, high formalization and a control condition. Following planning strategy training, groups performed an organizational decision-making task for four simulated years. While differences in performance were not significant, significant differences in strategy were found and an interesting temporal effect was detected. In a dynamic environment, the groups exhibiting highly formalized strategies migrated in the direction of lower formalization. Results support the assertion that formal planning does not, and cannot, work very well, and contradicts the traditional belief that planning is advantageous to overall organizational performance, at least in a dynamic/uncertain environment.
Applied Ergonomics, Aug. 1998, Vol.29, No.4, p.255-259. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 99-1744 Mardarás Platas E.
Motivation - Integration of preventive action and applied psychology
La motivación - La integración de la actividad preventiva y la psicosociología aplicada [in Spanish]
Topics: human factors; human relations; motivation; occupational psychology; plant safety and health organization; psychology of accident prevention; work organization.
Prevención, Oct.-Dec. 1998, No.146, p.7-19. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 99-444 Wright M.S.
Health and Safety Executive
Factors motivating proactive health and safety management
Topics: cost of accidents; cost of diseases; economic aspects; enforcement; implementation of control measures; legislation; literature survey; motivation; plant safety and health organization; report; role of labour inspection; role of management; safety consciousness; small enterprises; United Kingdom.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 1998. ix, 113p. Illus. 104 ref. Price: GBP 32.50.

CIS 98-1746 Job satisfaction and perceptions of health
Topics: human relations; job dissatisfaction; psychology of work organization; social aspects; state of health.
Safety Review, Mar. 1998, No.63, insert p.i-x.

1997

CIS 09-994 Quick J.C., Quick J.D., Nelson D.L., Hurrell J.J.
Preventive stress management in organizations
This book offers a comprehensive, orderly framework for practicing an effective stress management programme. Following a historical review of the stress field from its medical and physiological origins in the early 1900s, it goes on to examine the sources of stress, the psychophysiology of stress response and individual moderators that condition vulnerability for distress, the psychological, behavioural and medical forms of individual distress and the organizational costs of distress. A framework for preventive stress management that can be practiced by both organizations and individuals is proposed. Examples of healthy organizations are illustrated throughout the text, with specific cases of implementing preventive management systems.
American Psychological Association, First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, 1997. xx, 368p. Illus. Approx. 800 ref. Index. Price: USD 34.95.

CIS 01-1270 Burkardt F., Colin I.
Leading to safety - Motivation in occupational safety and health
Zur Sicherheit führen - Motivation im Arbeitsschutz [in German]
Topics: human behaviour; information of personnel; motivation; psychology of accident prevention; role of management; safety and health propaganda; supply of information; workplace design.
Universum Verlagsanstalt, GmbH KG, 65175 Wiesbaden, Germany, 1997. 145p. Illus. 48 ref.

CIS 01-892 Wisner A.
Ministério do Trabalho
Intelligence at work: Selected articles on ergonomics
A inteligência no trabalho [in Portuguese]
Collection of 10 articles on ergonomics and occupational psychology written between 1981 and 1991, translated from the French. Main topics covered include: organization of work; mental and physical workload; relations with co-workers; psychology of work; work intensity; work safety and human error; cognitive psychology applied to work; work ergonomics and psychopathology; ergonomic methodology; cultural and technical influences; influence of technology transfers on company and work organization.
Fundacentro, Rua Capote Valente 710, São Paulo, SP 05409-002, Brazil, 1997. 191p. Bibl.ref.

CIS 00-1199 Martín Daza F., Pérez Bilbao J.
Psychosocial factors: Assessment methodology
Factores psicosociales: metodología de evaluación [in Spanish]
Topics: data sheet; description of technique; fatigue; human factors; human relations; job dissatisfaction; mental stress; mental workload; psychology of work organization; Spain.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1997. 6p. 3 ref.

CIS 99-1387 Martínez Alcántara S.
Study of mental health at work: A theoretical, methodological and technical proposal
Estudio de la integridad mental en el trabajo. Propuesta teórica, metodológica y técnica [in Spanish]
The relevance of the production process, as well as the need for a precise conceptual definition of mental health or sickness, is emphasized. Objective and subjective alienation are explained as a direct consequence of the production process, and the appearance of mental disorders associated with the work process is thus explained from a psychosocial point of view. The study of the personality of workers is considered as an intermediate category rather than a direct cause of mental disorder. Active participation of the workers in the research process is regarded as fundamental. Therefore, participatory approach and social representation at work are used as tools to explore workers subjectivity. Topics: behaviour study; character; mental disorders; mental health; mental illness; psychology and sociology; psychology of work organization; social aspects; Venezuela; workers participation.
Salud de los Trabajadores, Jan. 1997, Vol.5, No.1, p.5-18. 37 ref.

CIS 99-681 Burdorf A., Sorock G.
Positive and negative evidence of risk factors for back disorders
Review of the scientific literature with quantitative information on work-related back disorders. Lifting or carrying loads, whole-body vibration, and frequent bending or twisting were consistently associated with work-related back disorders. Job dissatisfaction and low job decision latitude were important, but the evidence was not consistent across different studies and study designs. Epidemiological studies showed the importance of several confounding factors, especially age, smoking habits and education. Gender, height, weight, exercise and marital status were consistently not associated with back disorders in occupational populations. Topics: back disorders; bending posture; epidemiologic study; individual variables; job dissatisfaction; literature survey; manual handling; monotonous work; neuropsychic stress; physical workload; psychology of work organization; repetitive work; risk factors; whole-body vibration.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Aug. 1997, Vol.23, No.4, p.243-256. 80 ref.

CIS 98-1535 Laschinger H.K.S., Havens D.S.
The effect of workplace empowerment on staff nurses' occupational mental health and work effectiveness
Topics: Canada; mental health; mental stress; nursing personnel; psychology of work organization; stress studies; work efficiency; work involving responsibility.
Journal of Nursing Administration, June 1997, Vol.27, No.6, p.42-50. Illus. 35 ref.

CIS 98-1198 Oncins de Frutos M.
Work psychosociology: Trainer's guide
Psicosociología del trabajo: guía del monitor [in Spanish]
Topics: human factors; human relations; individual variables; job dissatisfaction; mental stress; neuropsychic stress; occupational psychology; psychological effects; psychology of work organization; social aspects; Spain; stress evaluation; stress factors; training course; training manuals; training material.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1997. 205p. Illus.

CIS 98-1030 Langan-Fox J., Deery T., van Vliet S.
Power motivation, illness, coping strategies and psychological stress in police trainees
Topics: character; health impairment; human behaviour; individual susceptibility; motivation; neuropsychic stress; police forces; stress studies.
Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1997, Vol.11, No.2, p.186-195. 31 ref.

CIS 98-157 Lingard H., Rowlinson S.
Behavior-based safety management in Hong Kong's construction industry
Topics: construction industry; Hong Kong; housekeeping; human behaviour; motivation; psychology of work organization; risk awareness; role of management; safety consciousness; safety programmes; work at height.
Journal of Safety Research, Winter 1997, Vol.28, No.4, p.243-256. Illus. 32 ref.

CIS 97-1874 Eriksson N., et al.
Facial skin symptoms in office workers: A five-year follow-up study
The objective of this long-term study was to investigate changes in and causes of facial skin symptoms among visual display terminal (VDT) workers in northern Sweden, based on questionnaire surveys, workplace assessment, interviews with personnel staff and clinical examinations of 163 subjects selected as a case-referent group from 3,233 VDT workers. Among workers with isolated skin symptoms, facial symptoms were of a transitory nature, whereas the prognosis for those with a more complex set of symptoms was less favourable. Changes in the use of VDTs and other electric devices had no effect on facial skin symptoms, and the strongest external risk indicators for lasting skin symptoms were in the psychosocial work environment and in individual health factors.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1997, Vol.39, No.2, p.108-118. 28 ref.

CIS 97-2104 Bosma H., et al.
Low job control and risk of coronary heart disease in Whitehall II (prospective cohort) study
This prospective cohort study provided information on psychosocial factors of the work environment and coronary heart disease. Mean length of follow-up was 5.3 years. 10,308 civil servants aged 35-55 - 6,895 men (67%) and 3,413 women (33%) - were studied. Subjects with low job control, either self-reported or independently assessed, had a higher risk of newly reported coronary heart disease during follow up. The cumulative effect of low job control assessed on two occasions indicates that giving employees more variety in tasks and a stronger say in decisions about work may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.
British Medical Journal, Feb. 1997, Vol.314, p.558-565. 34 ref.

CIS 97-2096 Toomingas A., et al.
Associations between self-rated psychosocial work conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms and signs
In a cross-sectional study of 358 men and women in various occupations, the statistical association between psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders was analyzed. Perceived poor psychosocial work conditions were more strongly associated with signs of muscular (soft tissue) tenderness than with signs of tenderness in the joints, tendons or in nerve compression tests. Decision latitude at work showed few associations with musculoskeletal disorders.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 1997, Vol.23, No.2, p.130-139. Illus. 41 ref.

CIS 97-1405 Simard M., Marchand A.
Workgroups' propensity to comply with safety rules: The influence of micro-macro organisational factors
In a study of 1061 workgroups in 97 manufacturing plants, a model of organizational factors and safety compliance behaviour was developed and tested. Variables studied included work processes and risk, workgroup characteristics, and supervision characteristics (micro level organizational factors), and management commitment to safety, and the firm socio-economic context (macro factors). Micro organizational factors were the primary determinants of the propensity to comply with safety rules, in particular, variables relating to social relationships at the shopfloor level. In addition, it appeared that these relationships could be influenced by implementation of a participatory approach in the supervisory management of safety.
Ergonomics, Feb. 1997, Vol.40, No.2, p.172-188. 67 ref.

1996

CIS 99-1395 Alvarez Cuenca R.
Prevention of psychosocial workplace risks
Introducción a la prevención de riesgos laborales de origen psicosocial [in Spanish]
Topics: conditions of work; neuropsychic effects; neuropsychic stress; psychology and sociology; psychology of work organization; social aspects; Spain; work organization.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1996. 28p. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 97-1407 Nijhuis F.J.N., Smulders P.G.W.
The influence of job demands and job control on health complaints and absenteeism
Die Wirkung von Arbeitsanforderungen und persönlichen Kontrollmöglichkeiten auf Gesundheitsbeschwerden und Fehlzeiten [in German]
The decision-control-support model to study the relationship between job demands, job control, social support and absenteeism was expanded to include work organization, work design, physical workload, age, sex and smoking habits. This expanded model was used to explain the causes of absenteeism in a construction company with 165 employees. Health complaints and fatigue explained 11% of the variance of absenteeism and were found to be strongly related with social support, job demand and work organization. Physical workload, work design and job control together explained absenteeism in the construction company better than did health complaints and fatigue. The possible reasons for this are discussed.
Zeitschrift für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie, 4th Quarter, 1996, Vol.40, No.4, p.173-180. 25 ref.

CIS 97-1406 Kleinbeck U., Wegge J.
Absenteeism in organizations: Motivational approaches to identify determinants and suggestions for health promotion in the workplace
Fehlzeiten in Organisationen: Motivationspsychologische Ansätze zur Ursachenanalyse und Vorschläge für die Gesundheitsförderung am Arbeitsplatz [in German]
From a review of recent research findings on the causes of absenteeism it is concluded that not enough attention has been paid to the connection between absenteeism and conditions in the workplace. When employees are not motivated enough by their work they may stay away from work for a day or two every now and then and blame it on minor health problems. In order to cut this kind of avoidable absenteeism it is recommended to make work more appealing to employees. In addition, employees should be informed about the consequences of absenteeism to the organization.
Zeitschrift für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie, 4th Quarter 1996, Vol.40, No.4, p.161-172. 66 ref.

CIS 97-697 Peterson M., Wilson J.
Job satisfaction and perceptions of health
A questionnaire survey of 218 university personnel showed that job-satisfaction measures were significantly related to perceptions of health. Satisfactory perceptions of coworkers was the strongest predictor of health perceptions, and the strongest predictor of resistance to illness. Other significant factors were autonomy, the work done on the present job, and pay. Satisfaction with supervision and opportunities for promotion were not predictive of health-perception measures. Implications for enhanced employee health include a greater emphasis on coworker relationships.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sep. 1996, Vol.38, No.9, p.891-898. 52 ref.

CIS 96-2335 Camerino D., Ferrario M., Merluzzi F., Origgi G., Barducci M.
Validation of the Italian version of the Kjellberg & Iwanowski "Mood Scale"
Validazione della versione italiana della Mood Scale di Kjellberg & Iwanowski [in Italian]
Two questionnaires were administered to 1652 office workers of Milan City Council, in order to assess their cardiovascular health status and the impact of stress factors on it. For the first aspect the WHO Mopsy Questionnaire, while for the other the Swedish Kjellberg & Iwanowski Mood Scale were utilized. This method is used for the measurement of stress and arousal conditions in neurotoxicology. The aim of the study was to validate the Italian translation of the original Mood Scale questionnaire, correlating it with other questionnaires, such as the above mentioned Mopsy scale. This questionnaire has possible uses in health surveillance and for investigations of stress and arousal changes in the workplace. A good surface and construct validity and good internal consistency were observed.
Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1996, Vol.87, No.2, p.99-109. Illus. 18 ref.

CIS 96-2331 Brennan W.J.
Coping with aggression and violence at work
Techniques for coping with aggression and violence at work are described: recognizing the signs and symptoms of aggression; responding to violence (stress management); allowing adequate personal space for potentially violent individuals; appropriate posture, body language, eye contact and verbal interaction; management of violence (physical environment, dealing with high risk groups, developing interpersonal skills); victim support.
Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 1996, Vol.14, No.8, p.46-48. Illus. 20 ref.

CIS 96-2330 Gilby R.
Bogus behaviour
Criticisms of the behaviour-based approach to safety are discussed. It is argued that this approach seems to ignore feelings, attitudes and expectations and other cognitive variables that are known to impact on or initiate behaviour. An alternative approach is put forward based on organization development and safety culture. Organizations with a positive safety culture are characterized by communications founded on mutual trust, by shared perceptions of the importance of safety and by confidence in the efficacy of preventive measures.
Safety and Health Practitioner, Aug. 1996, Vol.14, No.8, p.13-15. 12 ref.

1995

CIS 99-1749 Pérez Bilbao J., Fidalgo Vega M.
Job satisfaction: Overall satisfaction scale
Satisfacción laboral: escala general de satisfacción [in Spanish]
Topics: data sheet; human relations; job dissatisfaction; psychology of work organization; questionnaire survey; Spain; stress factors; subjective assessment.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 5p. Illus. 4 ref.

CIS 99-1049 de Arquer M.I., Martín Daza F., Nogareda C.
Role conflict and ambiguity
Ambigüedad y conflicto de rol [in Spanish]
Topics: data sheet; human behaviour; human relations; industrial relations; information of personnel; mental stress; psychology of work organization; role of management; Spain; stress factors; work organization.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 6p. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 98-1749 von Eckardstein D., Lueger G., Niedl K., Schuster B.
Emotional disorders and health in the enterprise
Psychische Befindensbeeinträchtigungen und Gesundheit im Betrieb [in German]
Topics: alcoholism; anxiety; cost of accidents; depressive neurosis; drug dependence; Germany; human behaviour; human relations; mental disorders; neurosis; psychology of absenteeism; psychology of work organization; psychosomatic disorders; round-up; social climate; stress factors.
Rainer Hampp Verlag, Meringerzeller Str.16, 86415 Mering, Germany, 1995. 401p. Illus. 362 ref. Price: DEM 49.80.

CIS 96-1917 Miyazaki K.
Occupational stress and maladjustment
Shokuba no sutoresu to futekiōshō [in Japanese]
High stress or chronic stress from work often cause maladjustment to work. In Japan, such occupational stress is considered to be more serious than other types because many workers regard the company as their prime concern. Occupational stress is classified into three categories: acute stress caused by a change of work, chronic stress due to long hours of work or an inappropriate assignment and stress caused by human relations. There are three symptoms of maladjustment at work: depression, neurosis and psychosomatic disorders. Although cases of depression largely outnumber the other two, cases of neurosis are increasing. Psychosomatic disorders are often followed by ulcers of the digestive tract.
Teishin Igaku, 10 May 1995, Vol.47, No.5, p.33-38. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 96-1916 Laurent P., et al.
Relationship between the total health test (Langner and Amiel) and enterprise organizational structure (Mintzberg) in the tertiary sector: Cross-sectional study conducted in the Lille region from April 1993 to March 1994
Relation entre résultat au test de santé totale (de T. Langner et R. Amiel) et structure organisationnelle de l'entreprise (d'après H. Mintzberg) dans les activités tertiaires: enquête transversale réalisée dans la région lilloise du 1er avril 1993 au 31 mars 1994 [in French]
Mental health disorders seem to become more frequent in the workplace. In order to study their prevalence, a cross-sectional study was carried out among office workers in France involving the administration of the T. Langner and R. Amiel total health test and comparing their scores with those of workers from firms with different work organizational schemes. A 1025-worker random sample was examined by 19 occupational physicians and were asked to fill a questionnaire that examined: socio-administrative data; professional data: job type, hierarchical rank, length of service; mental health by "total health test". The importance of organizational structure type among the studied occupational factors is highlighted.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 1995, Vol.56, No.7, p.535-542. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 96-118 Simard M., Marchand A.
A multilevel analysis of organisational factors related to the taking of safety initiatives by work groups
Empirical data were collected by questionnaire from 1,061 workgroups drawn from a random sample of 97 manufacturing plants. A model combining micro and macro organizational factors was developed and tested by a multilevel analysis. Micro-level factors are variables measuring work processes and hazards, workgroup cohesiveness and cooperation, supervisors' experience and approach to safety management, while macro-level factors consist of variables measuring top management commitment to occupational safety and socio-economic characteristics of firms. Micro organizational factors are the primary determinants of the propensity of workgroups to take safety initiatives, with supervisory participative management of safety being the best predictor. Many micro-level predictors can be substantially influenced by managerial action, particularly the top management commitment to develop the safety programme and joint regulation mechanisms. However, the socio-economic context of the secondary labour market for the firm may act as a structural constraint on such a management commitment and the other shopfloor predictors of workers' safety initiative behaviour.
Safety Science, Dec. 1995, Vol.21, No.2, p.113-129. Illus. 41 ref.

CIS 96-116 Harms-Ringdahl L., Ohlsson K.
Approaches to accident prevention - A comparative study of eleven Swedish authorities
A comparison was made between 11 Swedish authorities involved in accident prevention in the fields of industry, transportation, the environment, and medical care. Approaches to and methods for the prevention of accidents were examined. Representatives from the authorities participated in three seminars and responded to a questionnaire. Issues and problems of common concern to the authorities were: inciting workers to take responsibility, act in a committed manner and work systematically; overcoming safety problems with computer-controlled equipment; problems related to demands imposed on individuals, e.g. skills. Method for investigation of accidents, surveillance and inspection, and scrutiny of results of safety analyses were stated to be in progress. There did not seem to be any appreciable collaboration between authorities across sectoral boundaries with regard to safety issues. Few authorities placed importance on contacts with the international scientific community as a means for improving their approaches and working methods in relation to safety.
Safety Science, Nov. 1995, Vol.21, No.1, p.51-63. 18 ref.

CIS 95-2305 Cenova V., Tat'ozov T., Antonova C., Cvetkova M.
"Burn-out" syndrome in personnel at child-care establishments
Razprostranenie na burn-out sindroma pri personal na detski zavedenija [in Bulgarian]
The study covered 180 persons taking care of children at nurseries and Mother-and-Child Homes (MCH). Burnout is a consequence of unsurmounted prolonged occupational stress characterized by a growing sense of professional exhaustion, indifference to the ones under one's care, decreased reliance on one's own professional skills and loss of motivation for work. These symptoms were assessed with the Maslach Burn-Out Inventory. Clearly manifested symptoms were noted in 30% of the subjects. The prevalence was higher in MCHs. Burn-out in attending personnel carries a risk for the general development of children, which increases the need to recognize the problem and define responsibilities for prevention. Summary in English.
Problemi na higienata, 1995, Vol.20, p.90-100. 9 ref.

CIS 95-2044 The psychosociology of work
Psicosociología del trabajo [in Spanish]
Contents of this introductory manual into occupational psychology, usable for training purposes as well: general concepts related to stress and other psychosocial problems in the workplace; characteristics of the enterprise; structure of organizations; personal characteristics; task-related factors; physiological consequences of stress; psychological consequences of stress and dissatisfaction; dysfunctions at work and in social life; methodology for the evaluation of psychosocial factors; evaluation techniques; changes in work organization; changes in management style; changes at the level of the individual.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo (INSHT), Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 1995. 173p. Illus. 74 ref.

1994

CIS 05-499 Lantz A., Sconfienza C.
Working groups in Swedish industry - A critical research review from a socio-psychological perspective
This document reviews published research in the field of working-in-groups in Swedish industry from a socio-psychological perspective. It gives an overall picture of theoretical approaches to group work designs, examines the relationships between frame conditions and intra-group interaction and investigates the effects of working-in-groups on the organization and on the individual.
Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1994. 29p. Illus. 109 ref.

CIS 96-1527 Jayet C., Allard N., Carré A., Dubois A., Huez D., Méry J., Ramirez M., Thilliez A.
Service Général de Médecine du Travail EDF-GDF
Psychodynamics of daily work
Psychodynamique du travail au quotidien [in French]
This book is intended to provide practical help to occupational physicians in the area of occupational psychodynamics. It is also addressed to those who, in the enterprise or in society at large, want a better understanding of how persons relate to their work and how human resources can be mobilized and invested at work. To all those interested in the subjective dimension of human beings in the occupational environment, it presents the broad outlines of the methods that can be used to reveal and solve problems.
Alexitère éditions, route du Château de Fontanges, 12850 Onet le Château, France, 1994. 117p. 23 ref. Index. Price: FRF 100.00.

CIS 95-2307 Bunce D., West M.
Changing work environments: Innovative coping responses to occupational stress
A questionnaire survey was carried out among 333 health care professionals to investigate the extent to which individuals adapt their work environment in response to occupational stress. Approximately 32% reported innovative responses to occupational stress. Paramedics and community nurses reported the highest frequency; clerical and hospital nurses reported the lowest incidence. The majority of the innovative responses involved some change in working procedures. Overwork, procedural difficulties and dealing with others elicited most innovative coping responses. The study shows that such responses were perceived as an effective and important means of dealing with occupational stress.
Work and Stress, Oct.-Dec. 1994, Vol.8, No.4, p.319-331. 44 ref.

CIS 95-900 Lehmann F., Hoff H.G.
Potential of promoting health within a corporation by a group of employees
Potential zur betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung bei einer Gruppe von Angestellten [in German]
A questionnaire survey of 134 employees from different companies who volunteered to promote the health of fellow employees was conducted. Self-improvement, enhancing the quality of work and the wish to support colleagues were mentioned as the most important motives for volunteering as health promoters in their company. These motives are seen as the basis for permanent implementation of volunteer work in companies to carry out health programmes.
Zeitschrift für Präventivmedizin und Gesundheitsförderung, 1994, Vol.6, No.4, p.108-116. Illus. 24 ref.

CIS 95-375 Wærsted M., Bjørklund R.A.
The effect of motivation on shoulder-muscle tension in attention-demanding tasks
In four separate experiments using a visual display unit based complex reaction-time task, motivation was induced by means of continuous feedback on the level of performance or by means of a money reward for good performance. In all experiments, motivation improved the performance, but an increase in the psychogenic shoulder-muscle tension was only observed in the money-reward condition. Results are discussed in terms of whether this difference in the muscle-tension response is due to changes in the subjects' attitude unrelated to performance or due to a superior performance in the money-reward condition.
Ergonomics, Feb. 1994, Vol.37, No.2, p.363-376. Illus. 32 ref.

1993

CIS 97-706 Cox T., Cox S.
Psychosocial and organizational hazards at work: Control and monitoring
This monograph discusses limitations of the traditional approach to occupational health and explores the effects of psychosocial and organizational hazards and their monitoring as an essential part of a new model. Three main groups of concepts are covered: hazard, risk and harm (with special discussion of the effects of stress, vulnerability and estimation of scale and severity of harm); risk management and control (the control cycle and risk management; control of psychosocial and organizational hazards; agencies and targets); inspection, monitoring and auditing (monitoring systems; factors that promote monitoring; measurement in relation to psychosocial and organizational hazards; standards and legislation).
Occupational Health Programme, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Scherfigsvej 8, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark, 1993. 57p. Illus. 108 ref.

CIS 94-849 To make changes yourself: Six active workplaces
Att förändra själv: Sex aktiva arbetsplatser [in Swedish]
Description of six institutions that have introduced changes in the way work is organized. The changes involve breaking down limits between different groups of workers, giving responsibility to workers, and introducing self-leading groups. The workplaces involved: an adult education centre; a supermarket; a kindergarten; an institution for handicapped children; a housing service; a woodworking factory. Generally, all the workplaces involved characterize the changes as successful.
Arbetarskyddsnämnden, Box 3208, 103 64 Stockholm, Sweden, 1993. 32p. Illus.

CIS 94-626 Dunbar E.
The role of psychological stress and prior experience in the use of personal protective equipment
Effective personal protective equipment (PPE) use was assessed by behaviourally anchored rating scales (BARS). Participants, consisting of 141 emergency response team members of a chemical manufacturing organization, were evaluated in a series of field simulations where PPE was used. Subjects completed a series of paper-and-pencil questionnaires measuring anxiety, type A behaviour, anger expression, and a knowledge test concerning chemical emergency response. Self-estimates of PPE skill were better predictors of observed BARS performance than knowledge scores, the amount of formal training, or emergency response experience. Effective performance scores were related to knowledge and experience in PPE use and negatively related to the outward expression of anger. Discomfort in using PPE was significantly correlated with experience using protective gear, positive teamwork-effectiveness ratings, and lower levels of anxiety symptoms.
Journal of Safety Research, 1993, Vol.24, No.3, p.181-187. 11 ref.

1992

CIS 05-500 Westlander G.
Context-oriented approaches - A discussion of methods with references to the research into the psychology of organizations
Om context-orienterad ansats - En metoddiskussion med anknytning till organisationspsykologisk forskning [in Swedish]
This document discusses methodological problems that arise where human behaviour is related to a complex external social context. Various theoretical approaches and their applications in research in organizational psychology are considered. A case study of how human conditions are affected by computerization and automation in an office environment is also presented.
Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1992. 23p. Illus. 37 ref.

CIS 93-1047 Billette A., Carrier M., Bernier M., De Sève M.
Mental health, constraints, and organization of work as interactive variables - A study of word processing secretaries
This article deals with the effects of different types of work organisation on the mental health of secretaries. The work organisations were characterised by whether the secretary worked: (1) directly for someone; (2) as part of a secretarial "pool" of workers; (3) in a hybrid of the two. The health problems reported by secretaries in the Quebec (Canada) civil service were studied with reference to secretaries in the general population and other working women. The findings indicate that secretaries in the general population are no more at risk than are other similar working women, but that civil service secretaries are at risk. Regression analysis suggests that the context of work organisation is an interactive variable of the effect of work constraints (division of work; performance stressors; lack of autonomy) on the mental health of secretaries.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, July 1992, Vol.34, No.7, p.708-714. 32 ref.

CIS 93-502 Organizational issues in hospitals
This special number of Work Stress is devoted in its integrity to organisational issues in health care systems in Europe. It is not simply concerned with theoretical frameworks and research studies, but also with practical interventions. The authors strongly urge those responsible for the design and management of European health care systems to consult with organisational psychologists. They also argue for more trans-European initiatives to share experience in this important area and harmonise future actions. Finally, they strongly advice the transfer of relevant knowledge and skills developed in West Europe to health care systems in Central and Eastern Europe. Each article is accompanied by a Spanish-language summary.
Work and Stress, July-Sep. 1992, Vol.6, No.3, p.211-343. Bibl.ref.

1991

CIS 93-347 Niño Escalante J.
Psychology of prevention - Subjective reality of risk
Psicología de la prevención - La realidad subjetiva [in Spanish]
Discussion of the psychological and psychosocial aspects of risk prevention. The subjective perception of risk, in particular occupational risk, as an essential factor in the individual's attitude to risk and his motivation regarding preventive measures are discussed. Reference is made to the difference between the objective dimension of risk (probability) and the individual's subjective evaluation. Accident predisposition, personal vulnerability, and stress in relation to the perception of risk, are also discussed.
Mapfre seguridad, 1st Quarter 1991, No.41, p.31-39. Illus.

CIS 92-2089 Lázaro Borja C., Mayor Martínez L.
Motivation for employee safety and the effect of stress on accident rates in the construction industry
(Motivación para la seguridad de los trabajadores e incidencia del estrés en la siniestralidad del sector de la construcción) [in Spanish]
It is assumed that work safety motivation plays an essential role in the number of accidents. In order to assess the perception of employees towards hazardous or high-risk situations and actions, their motivation in the direction of safety, and their perception of work stressors, a questionnaire responding to the specific features of the building industry was developed and distributed to a number of workers in this industry. A direct relationship was found between perception of risks and safety motivation. In addition, perception of work stressors is not correlated with safety motivation. The need for adequate safety schemes to be controlled and planned both by company management and the public administration is pointed out.
Mapfre seguridad, 4th Quarter 1991, No.44, p.23-29. Illus. 10 ref.

CIS 92-1048 Sorensen G., Rigotti N.A., Rosen A., Pinney J., Prible R.
Employee knowledge and attitudes about a work-site nonsmoking policy: Rationale for further smoking restrictions
This study examines employee knowledge of and satisfaction with a nonsmoking policy instituted at approximately 600 work sites of the New England Telephone company in 1986. A stratified random sample of employees was surveyed 20 months after the policy was implemented; 1120 (74.5%) returned surveys. Awareness of the rules about smoking in most areas was high, especially where smoking was totally banned. Respondents were highly satisfied with the policy, but half preferred additional restrictions on smoking. The policy was effective in reducing perceived environmental tobacco smoke exposure in work areas where smoking was banned but not in nonwork areas where smoking was allowed in designated areas. This study suggests that a highly restrictive nonsmoking policy--including a total ban on smoking--may be more easily and successfully implemented than are less restrictive policies.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Nov. 1991, Vol.33, No.11, p.1125-1130. 16 ref.

1989

CIS 91-1034 Gross H., Thoben C., Bauer F.
Data on shift and night work
Daten zur Schicht- und Nachtarbeit [in German]
Data on night and shift work were obtained by a questionnaire survey of 3,515 employees in Germany. Tables give frequencies of shift and night work in various branches of industry, the different shift systems encountered, levels of mechanisation and frequencies of night work for men and women. Some 57% of shift workers would either prefer to do less shift work (25%) or no shift work at all (32%). Of the night workers 29% would prefer less night work or none at all (40%).
AFA-Informationen, 1989, Vol.39, No.4, p.25-32. Illus. 5 ref.

CIS 91-522 Söderberg I.
Change in course - About reorganisation and computerisation at a local government authority
Ändrad kurs - Om organisationsförändring och datorisering i en kommunal förvaltning [in Swedish]
Study of organisational change and computerisation in a local government administration in order to determine how the personnel reacted to the changes and to provide a basis for development of methods for influencing change processes. The transition represented a major adjustment for most of the personnel. Many considered their work more interesting but the workload, time pressure and stress had increased considerably. Three sources of stress could be identified: uncertainty, adaptation and pressure. The computer system met with some resistance during the first year. Changes in work tasks were experienced positively on the condition that the person involved could influence the changes.
Arbetsmiljöinstitutet, Förlagstjänst, 171 84 Solna, Sweden, 1989. 83p. Illus. 41 ref.

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