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ADVANCED
MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
VOLUME 62
NUMBER 3 SUMMER 1997
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to AMJ Contents
A Comparison of Contingent and Core Workers' Perceptions of
Their Jobs' Characteristics and Motivational Properties
In today's world of ever-tightening pressures on costs,
companies are increasingly using contract, temporary, and part-time workers. Research into
the attitudes, motivations, and behaviors of contingent workers shatters many popular
myths about this burgeoning sector of the labor force. Far from being less committed, less
satisfied, less skillful and so on than core workers, contingent workers frequently scored
higher in such areas. These findings suggest that many companies should rethink their use
of contingent workers and attitudes toward them in order to maximize productivity and
mutual benefits.
Peter Allan and Stephen Sienko
Self-Directed Learning: The Quiet Revolution in Corporate
Training and Development
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In many corporations in the U.S., learning from teachers and
trainers is giving way, to self-directed learning (SDL) in which the individual, supported
by the employer, takes the initiative in identifying knowledge and skills needed, finding
ways to acquire them, and evaluating the strategies and results. Motorola, whose learning
plan process and enrollment procedures guide is included here, made a commitment to SDL in
1993 and has found the payback far exceeds the initial expenses.
Paul J. Guglielmino and Robert G. Murdick
Cooperative Education: A Natural Synergy Between Business
and Academia
Paid and unpaid internships are the most usual form of
cooperative education between students and business or other institutions and
organizations. Although such programs have been around a long time, lack of oversight,
analysis, monitoring, and rational structure may keep most from fulfilling their potential
-for the student and the employer. Strategies developed by, the management faculty at
Robert Morris College may help others in assuring that such experiences are fruitful for
all parties.
Glenn R. Thiel and Nell T. Hartley
Organizational Therapy: Building Survivor Health and
Competitiveness
- For some years, stories in the media about corporate
downsizing and restructuring have become almost as common as those about the weather. Less
frequent are stories about the survivors of such corporate surgery, many of whom
experience anxiety, anger, and other alienating emotions. A regime of therapy involving
better communications and clarification of company goals may help restore health.
- Charles R. Stoner and Richard 1. Hartman
ISO 14000: The Nest Focus in Standarization
With the growth in global trade, companies should take
"an ounce of prevention" by making sure they meet the new ISO 14000 standards
for environmental management. ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
registration is a virtual requirement in many world markets, and proactive efforts to meet
environmental standards can save future headaches and probably lawsuits as well.
Amir M. Hormozi
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