bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group Environment and Group Interaction in Psychiatric Assessment Meetings
Authors: Brock Daryl , Barker Chris
Published: March 2007

This study examines two aspects of psychiatric assessment meetings: staff percep tions of group social climate, and staff verbal interaction. An Experimental group using a novel format was compared with two groups using a Traditional format. Group environment was measured by the Group Environment Scale (GES). Staff verbal interaction was rated both in terms of discussion content and distribution of discus sion time among the categories of Chair, Keyworker, and Others. Changes in group environment were found on four out of ten GES subscales: in the Experimental meetings Expressiveness and Independence both increased, while Leader Control and Anger & Aggression decreased. Content of discussion remained largely unchanged, but there was a marked shift in the distribution of discussion time towards Keyworkers and away from the Chair.
Comparison of Urban and Rural Respondents' Experience and Opinion of Ethical Issues in Medical Care
Authors: Sriram T.G. , Radhika M.R. , Shanmugham V. , Srinivasa Murthy R.
Published: March 2007

Ninety-four urban and 54 rural respondents who had undergone hospitalisation in the previous three years were interviewed using a semistructured interview schedule to ascertain their experiences and opinion regarding ethical issues. The interview focussed particularly on patients' satisfaction and expectations about information pro vided by medical professionals on various aspects of their illness. Results revealed that both the groups were satisfied with the amount of information they had received during their hospitalisation. Rural respondents were comparatively less satisfied with the information they received regarding complications of illness, possible side effects/complications of treatment, and nature of investigations. A higher proportion of urban respondents required information about other available treatment options and possible outcome of illness if left untreated. A higher number of urban respondents felt that provision of information about illness may have harmful consequences to the patient, and more frequently reported that receiving information was the patient's right. These results suggest that although both urban and rural respondents were sensitive to ethical issues, the response of urban respondents from developing coun tries is more akin to that of their counterparts in the developed countries.
Addressing Racism in Psychiatry: Is the Therapeutic Community Model Applicable?
Authors: Dolan Bridget , Polley Kevin , Allen Ruth , Norton Kingsley
Published: March 2007

Several reports have documented the failure of statutory psychiatric services in Britain to provide for the needs of clients from minority ethnic groups. Black clients are particularly underrepresented in Psychotherapy for reasons which are complex and varied, but include the institutionalised racism which pervades British society. We argue that the Therapeutic Community (TC) model of treatment (or aspects of it deployed in other mental health situations) provides a potential for a less racist service. Usi ng the Henderson Hospital TC as a case in point, we argue that the TC is an approach which can meet the needs of black peoples. However, it is acknowledged that despite the ideological suitability of the TC model for black clients, in practice the Henderson Hospital is not fulfilling its role in providing therapy to this group. We discuss possible explanations and suggest the practical changes necessary, so that Henderson Hospital can meet the needs of clients in a multi-cultural Britain.
Politics and Mental Health I
Authors: Jablensky Assen
Published: March 2007

The origins and evolution of psychiatry as a medical discipline since the end of the 18th century have been influenced by society's beliefs aboutthe 'nature of man', the dominant forms of social organisation, and the level of technology which could be mobilised to modify human behaviour. These are also the themes from which politics develop. Throughout the past two centuries and up to the present day, two distinct streams can be traced in the political history of psychiatry: first, psychiatry as social control of deviance; and secondly, psychiatry as advocacy of the 'right to be different'. The 'third psychiatric revolution' which is now in progress in many parts of the world has been inspired by the second set of beliefs. It has already produced positive effects on the quality of life of many patients but is also experiencing certain setbacks. The extent to which the new approach to mental health care delivery will benefit patients and society depends not so much on psychiatry as a discipline as on the perceptions and actions of politicians.
Changes ? What Changes? The Views of the European Patients' Movement
Authors: Van Hoorn Ed
Published: March 2007

People on the receiving end of mental health services have an increasingly important role to play in the transformation of mental health care. It is argued that user involvement in itself does not guarantee a good outcome, but we need to take the views of (ex-)patients seriously without trying to fit them into theories. Dealing with the, often uncomfortable, relationship between patients and mental health professionals, and that between patients and relatives' organisations, two main strands in the European patients' movement are identified: those who seek to abolish psychiatry (abolitionists) and those who seek to reform it (reformists).
Depression and Anxiety Among Afro-Caribbean General Practice Attenders in Britain
Authors: Lloyd Keith
Published: March 2007

Schizophrenia is diagnosed more frequently among Afro-Caribbeans in Britain than among white British controls. Studies among the general population indicate that non-psychotic disorders such as anxiety, depression and functional somatic symptoms are the commonest expression of psychiatric morbidity. Yet, among Afro- Caribbean primary care attenders, rates of anxiety and depression appear lower than in the general population. This finding is at odds with the reportedly higher rates of schizophrenia among this group. The majority of authors favour socio cultural explanations to account for the higher rates of schizophrenia. Yet many of the factors that are evoked to account for the greater incidence of schizophrenia would be expected to lead to higher rates of non-psychotic disorders in primary care settings. Possible explanations for these apparently contradictory findings are discussed.
Freud's Influence on American Political Science
Authors: Vogel Sunshine Karen
Published: March 2007

In an effort to assess which of Sigmund Freud's theories have had an influence on political scientists in the United States, the author conducted a survey of the American Political Science Association. The results of the survey showed that two concepts, the concepts of repression and the unconscious, were deemed most useful for political analysis and/or teaching. This paper traces the origins and infusion of these two constructs into American political thought.
Prediction of Repetition of Parasuicide: With Special Reference to Unemployment
Authors: Morton Mary J.
Published: March 2007

Economically active male parasuicides admitted to the Regional Poisoning Treatment Centre, Edinburgh in 1984 were divided into two groups - those with a previous history of parasuicide and those without. The two groups were compared on a number of psychosocial and clinical characteristics to examine which were related to repetition.

A further analysis (of economically active male admissions in 1985 and 1986) tested the predictive value of these discriminating characteristics. By stratification of the population, the interaction of unemployment (a discriminator and a predictor of repetition) with certain other variables was examined. A final analysis examined the risk of repetition by duration of unemployment.

Unemployment discriminated those with a past history of repetition from those with no past history and also predicted repetition within a calendar year of the initial episode. The 35-64 age group were particularly vulnerable to repetition if unemployed as were those in social classes I-III and those with a past psychiatric history (inpatient or outpatient). The relationship between unemployment and parasuicide was no longer significant when the population was stratified by presence or absence of personality disorder and history of previous parasuicide, suggesting that these might be confounding variables in the relationship. The particular vulnerability of the long-term unemployed (greater than one year) to repetition was confirmed.
Changes in Social Support and Quality of Life: a Case Study of a Man With an Enduring Psychotic Illness
Authors: Bridges Keith , Gage Andrew , Oliver Joe , Ewert Chris , Kershaw Alison , Wood Louise
Published: March 2007

The Government's White Paper on community care has drawn attention to the importance of assessing changes in a person's well-being which occur as a consequence of clinical and social interventions. In the UK the evaluation of the quality of life of people with chronic mental illness is relatively new. This case study demonstrates the use of the 'Lancashire Quality of Life Profile' in routine clinical practice with reference to residential changes in the 'care programme' of a person with a long history of a severely disabling psychotic illness. The formulation and review of his care plan were determined by a network of agencies involved in his long term care.
Homeless Women, Disaffiliation and Social Agencies
Authors: Stovall Jeffrey , Flaherty Joseph
Published: March 2007

Homeless individuals have limited social support systems. Not clearly defined, however, is the relationship between homelessness, gender, and social agencies. In our study 102 homeless individuals were interviewed in shelters. This included administration of the SADS and the subject's rating their perceived level of support from friends, family and social agencies. Significant findings in the analysis showed a higher level of perceived support by males than by females (p<0.05). More precisely, this was true in the area of support from social agencies, where females rated support from these organizations as significantly lower than did males (p<0.05). The findings were unchanged when age, presence of psychiatric illness or length of time homeless were factored in. Important implications for public policy are clear since existing social service agencies working with the homeless are less likely to be perceived as supportive by females than by males.
Use of the Brief Symptom Inventory to Assess Psychological Distress in Three Immigrant Groups
Authors: Aroian Karen J. , Patsdaughter Carol A. , Levin Anatoly , Gianan Maria Eden
Published: March 2007

This paper examined the internal consistency reliability of two newly developed alternate language versions of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) (This is not the Bradford Somatic Inventory, which is also known as the BSI) when used with Polish and Filipino immigrants and the original versions of the BSI and its parent instrument, the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) when used with Irish immigrants; and, the theoretical and criterion related validity of the Psychoticism subscale of the BSI for Polish, Filipino, and Irish immigrants. Internal consistency estimates and triangulation of individual BSI global and subscale scores with verbal self- reports and clinical assessments demonstrated that the BSI is a relatively reliable and valid cross-cultural measure of psychological distress. However, problems with the Psychoticism subscale occurred across all three immigrant groups, which suggested that this subscale should be interpreted with caution when used with immigrants.
Elder Abuse and Dementia - a Pilot Study
Authors: Cooney Colm , Mortimer Ann
Published: March 2007

An anonymous postal questionnaire was distributed to 200 members of a voluntary organisation providing information and support for the carers of dementia sufferers. Carers were asked about the possible occurrence of verbal, physical abuse and neglect. Those carers who admitted to any form of abuse were compared with those who did not and risk factors in both carers and patients were analysed to determine risk factors for abuse. Fifty-five per cent of carers admitted to some form of abuse with verbal abuse being the most common form. Verbal abuse was associated with a poor premorbid relationship and social isolation of the carer and was found to be a risk factor for physical abuse. Those carers who had high GHQ scores and who had been caring for longer were more likely to physically abuse the person they cared for. This study supports the hypothesis that various categories of abuse have different correlates.
Does Acculturation Influence Psychosocial Adaptation and Well-Being in Native Hawaiians?
Authors: Streltzer Jon , Rezentes William C. , Arakaki Masa
Published: March 2007

Native Hawaiians have suffered higher disease rates and achieved lower educational and economic levels than other ethnic groups living in Hawaii. This study tests the hypothesis that cultural afifiliation protects against psychosocial pathology in Hawaiians.

Subjects included 172 Hawaiians of varying blood quantum and 92 non- Hawaiians. The Na Mea Hawai'i, a rationally derived, empirically validated measure of Hawaiian acculturation was administered to all subjects in addition to psychological tests which included 19 visual analogue scales that measure both state and trait variables.

The Na Mea Hawai'i proved excellent at differentiating Hawaiians from non- Hawaiians (p = .0001), and it correlated well with blood quantum (r = 0.31, p = .0001). Low acculturation scores among Hawaiians did not correlate with any measure of discontent or psychosocial pathology irrespective of blood quantum.

We conclude that Na Mea Hawai'i is a valid measure of Hawaiian acculturation, and that adaptation of the Hawallans in our sample has been unaffected by level of acculturation.
The Cultural Origins Western Depression
Authors: Jadhav Sushrut
Published: March 2007

Focusing on the British cultural vocabulary of guilt, fatigue, energy, stress and depression; this paper argues that such vocabularies have their own unique histories and meanings; deeply embedded, in this instance, within "white British and western European" institutions. Predicated on a western epistemology, these constructs developed in response to prevailing concerns at different periods in western history; but are now assumed to be universal natural entities that await further scientific research and investigation. The cross-cultural validity of depression as a universal disorder is therefore dubious and needs an extensive re-examination.
Community Care Services for the Mentally Ill: Consumers' Views
Authors: Macdonald Geraldine , Sheldon Brian
Published: March 2007

In this study a broadly representative sample of clients in the City of Westminster, receiving Care in the Community for reasons of mental ill-health, were interviewed regarding their experiences of, and levels of satisfaction with, services provided. The results reveal the vulnerability of services users, the benefits of community care, the high regard the majority have for their helpers, the limitations imposed by scarce resources, and the negative effects of only loose co-ordination between health and social services. Respondents also provide a rich source of data on how services might be improved.
A Historical Review of Mental Health Services in Hong Kong (1841 To 1995)
Authors: Yip Kam-Shing
Published: March 2007

This paper is a historical review of mental health services in Hong Kong. The development of mental health services in Hong Kong can be roughly divided into several stages: the pre-asylum period (1841-1924), the asylum period (1925-1948), the organization period (1948-1965), the initial rehabilitation period (1966-1973), the centralized rehabilitation period (1974-1981) and the civic control vs community care period (1982-1995). From the development of mental health services in Hong Kong, it is clearly demonstrated that the aims and the trends of mental health services had gradually progressed from a detention model, to a treatment model and finally to a rehabilitation model. Nevertheless, under a shortage of governmental resources and the severe opposition of public stigmatization, community based rehabilitation existed in the form of institution-like service units. In comparison with the international de-institutionalization and community care movement, mental health services in Hong Kong are not affected by any de-institutionalization movement. Instead, the unique political and social context nurtured a parallel development of both institutional care and community care for mental patients.
Determinants of Help-Seeking Behaviour of Families of Schizophrenic Patients Attending a Teaching Hospital in India: an Indigenous Explanatory Model
Authors: Banerjee Gauranga , Roy Suparna
Published: March 2007

A growing body of data derived from field-surveys indicate that many people with psychiatric disorders seek no professional help in any kind of health facility. These results argue for more research on barriers to help-seeking. The determinants and patterns of help-seeking behaviour of 83 families of schizophrenic patients attending a teaching hospital in India was studied in the context of their indigenous concept of health and illness. While all the families consulted any kind of health facility within two years, over 27% of them took more than five years to report to the referral centre. Those who consulted indigenous healers first took a short time to reach the referral centre. Belief in the supernatural causation of schizophrenia was very common. Most of those who believed in supernatural causation, consulted indigenous healers first and those who identified schizophrenia as a medical problem consulted practitioners of modern medicine.

These findings suggest that cultural factors like indigenous belief systems about causes of illness are important determinants of patterns of help-seeking behaviour in schizophrenia.
Suicides in Hong-Kong and Singapore: a Tale of Two Cities
Authors: Yip Paul S.F. , Tan Roger C.E.
Published: March 2007

Suicide statistics from Hong Kong and Singapore over the period 1984-1994 were studied. The suicide behaviours in Hong Kong and Singapore are remarkably similar. Suicide rates increased with age, with a sharp increase among the elderly which was about four to five times the average. A relatively low male:female ratio and low teenage suicide were also found. Jumping from a height was the commonest method of suicide. Nevertheless, a different time trend of the suicide rates was observed, with an upward and downward trend for Hong Kong and Singapore respectively. The cultural, social and economic aspects in understand ing suicidal behaviour in Hong Kong and Singapore are also discussed.
Enlisting Community Support for Child Abuse Programs: Blueprint Action
Authors: Osborn Patricia E. , Kaplan Harvey S.
Published: March 2007

There are few reports concerning the effectiveness of the media in enlisting community support for child abuse programs. This paper describes the development of a total community awareness campaign for a suburban California county and includes a discussion of the ramifications for line social workers within a cumbersome and unwieldy public agency. Various techniques to increase com munity awareness are suggested and a description of specific procedures utilized and problems encountered is given. The approach to community awareness must be multidisciplinary and the outcome is dependent upon total group support. The outcome was positive in that new programs were developed and public atten tion and concern were mobilized.
Writing Research Studies in Business Administration
Authors: Trewatha Robert L. , Holliday William A.
Published: March 2007

A great deal has been written about methodology in the social sciences but little about scienti fic research in business specifi cally. In this paper the authors present a positive adaptive outline to help structure busi ness research.
How To Be a Good Business Speech Writer
Authors: Dyer Frederick C. , Dyer John M.
Published: March 2007

The authors believe speech writing is an ethical activity and an economic and practical necessity in the business world today. From many years of experience, they offer a number of hints to the speech writer, from what should be charged to the actual writing of the speech itself.
The Writing Experiences of College Business Students
Authors: Garman E. Thomas
Published: March 2007

A survey of College of Business graduates at Northern Illinois University in 1970 revealed the number and length of their course reports, their attitudes toward their writing, and the extent of their plagiarism.
Analysis of Ductile Bursting in Pressure Vessels of Texture-Hardening and Filament-Wrapped Materials
Authors: Bert Charles W. , Hyler Walter S.
Published: March 2007

Analyses are presented for predicting the strength governed by the plastic tensile instability (PTI) phenomenon in thin-walled cylindrical and spherical pressure vessels constructed of texture- hardening alloys and with or without over-wrapped filaments. These analyses are important in predicting ductile bursting of pressure vessels used in such high-performance applications as high-pressure storage bottles, liquid-propellant tankage, and solid rocket casings. The analyses cover cylindrical pressure vessels subject to any ratio of biaxial stresses. Also means of estimating the effect of finite length is presented. Spherical vessels of texture- hardening material and cylindrical vessels with filaments over wrapped on a texture-hardening metallic substrate are treated as special cases. The analytical results are compared with available experimental results with good success.
The End Problem for a Laminated Elastic Strip —
Authors: Hess Milton S.
Published: March 2007

A plane elasticity solution is derived for the end problem in a two- layer laminated strip. The laminae may have arbitrary elastic constants and an arbitrary thickness ratio. The solution is obtained as a series of non-orthogonal eigenfunctions, each of which varies exponentially along the axis of the strip. Each exponential coefficient is a complex root of an eigenvalue equation that results from the requirement of compatible displacements at the interface.

The general solution obtained in this paper may be used to find the stress field in a two-layer laminated strip subjected to specified self- equilibrating end loading. It thus permits the determination of the stress concentration near the end which is usually neglected by invok ing St. Venant's Principle.
Elastic Constants of Layered Media
Authors: Chou P.C. , Carleone J. , Hsu C.M.
Published: March 2007

A three-dimensional laminated medium is studied by an approach which replaces the heterogeneous medium by an equivalent homogeneous material. A set of macroscopic elastic constants is developed in terms of the properties of the constituent layers by considering a representative small element of the laminated medium and imposing the condition of continuity of stress and displacement at the layer interfaces. An example boundary value problem is also considered. Based on the solution of the boundary value problem for the homogeneous material, stress and strain fields corresponding to each layer are then calculated. This individual layer solution contains certain dis continuous stresses and strains as does the exact solution for the layered material.
Processing Thermoplastic Composites in a Press and by Tape Laying—Experimental Results
Authors: Mantell Susan C. , Qiuling Wang  , Springer George S.
Published: March 2007

Tests were conducted to validate the thermoplastic manufacturing process models described by Mantell and Springer. In the tests, APC-2 graphite/PEEK plates were fabricated both in a press and with a specially constructed tape laying apparatus. The tem perature, intimate contact and bonding inside the plates were measured. The data agreed well with the results of the model.
Extracting Dynamic Basic Ply Properties from Test Data on Angle Ply Laminates — 1. Theoretical Procedures
Authors: Al-Salehi F.A.R. , Al-Hassani S.T.S. , Al-Bastaki N.M. , Hinton M.J.
Published: March 2007

Several theoretical procedures are proposed to extract unidirectional ply properties from the results of dynamic tests on angle ply laminates. The tests were carried out on filament wound tubes under hoop loading. It has been shown that the response of certain laminates is dominated by particular ply properties which can be isolated and ex tracted with accuracy. The extracted properties include longitudinal, transverse and in- plane shear moduli and strengths. The procedures are based on conventional 2D laminate analysis with extensions to cater for lamina non-linear and progressive failure behaviour. These procedures are equally valid for static or dynamic test data. Full descriptions of methodology and computational flow charts are presented.
Career Orientations and Unionization Among Technical Specialists
Authors: Lansbury Russell
Published: March 2007

Industrialized countries have experienced a considerable expansion in the white-collar sector, particularly at the professional, technical and executive level. This study is concerned with various technical specialists, known collectively as management services, which are representative of a group of emergent technical specialists not readily falling into traditional occupational categories. It examines the attitude of technical specialist staff employed in management services toward future careers and how their career orientations influence their membership of occupational associations. The study supports the view that membership of professional associations and trade unions, increasingly, is regarded as complementary rather than contradictory. Furthermore, the results contain implications for the future organization of technical specialists.
Changing Union-Management Relation at the Plant Level in Australian Metalworking
Authors: Derber Milton
Published: March 2007

The period 1969-1976 has been a dramatic one in Australian industrial relations history. This paper focuses on the changing character of plant union- management relations in metalworking over these years with a view to explaining the more significant developments. Data collected from a study made in 1969 is compared to information gathered in 1976. This indicates that plant union-management relations now are receiving much more serious attention from managers, unions and government. Many of the deficiencies evident in 1969, however, have not been remedied and new problems have emerged.
Measurement of Unemployment in Australia
Authors: Steinke John
Published: March 2007

According to the Commonwealth Employment Service, 357,000 Australians were unemployed in November 1977—an increase of 283,800 since November 1973. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 314,300 Australians were unemployed in November 1977—an increase of 208,900 since November 1973.

Because of this divergence, and the well-documented deficiencies of CES unemployment statistics, publication of the CES series seems likely to be terminated not long after introduction of a monthly ABS unemployment series in February 1978.

This article examines the background of the present situation; examines the differences in CES and ABS methods of measuring unemployment; compares the magnitude of the resulting unemployment statistics; and examines possible explanations of the change in relative magnitude of the two sets of unemploy ment statistics.

The article concludes that such empirical evidence as is available suggests the change in their relative magnitudes has been caused by a simultaneous rise in coverage by CES statistics and decline in coverage by ABS statistics; that a considerable body of empirical evidence suggests the actual level of unemploy ment is greater than indicated by either CES or ABS unemployment statistics; and that the gap between actual and measured unemployment is growing.
The Application of Industrial Torts in Australia
Authors: Latimer Paul
Published: March 2007

The Swanson Committee's proposition that common law actions in tort are "dead-letters" in practice, even though they are still available for use in theory, is examined in this paper. Tort law tends to indicate that there are five essential ingredients which are necessary to procure a breach of contract. Other indus trial torts may be brought for interference with economic relations or loss of services and, while this type of tort is out of date, it can still apply. Tort action for civil corrspiracy or intimidation also provides areas of relevance for industrial activity. As a result of this analysis the author questions the accuracy of the Swanson Committee's proposition. The conclusion notes that many areas of union activity not "caught" by the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act, the Commonwealth Crimes Act and the New South Wales Crimes Act may in fact be "caught" by the 1974 Trade Practices Act which, the author contends, opens up a whole new area of statutory liability for unions.
Industrial Democracy and Managers An Explanatory and Critical Perspective
Authors: Poole Michael
Published: March 2007

Despite the substantial corpus of knowledge on the question of industrial democracy, our understanding of the effects of the main intemational experi ments upon managerial personnel within the enterprise remains deficient. The essential argument of this paper, moreover, is that contrary to popular im pression managerial influence in the workplace would not appear to have been circumscribed by these major developments of the twentieth century. The analysis itself commences with an outline of a general model of industrial democracy in which structural and environmental conditions, subjective factors and the distribution of power are all countenanced. These, then, form the analytical boxes from which a series of more specific forces which have affected actual managerial attitudes and behaviour in key experiments may be readily identified. Thus the principal factors include, at a structural level, the growth of the state, industrial concentration, the social composition of managerial per sonnel, technology, pace of change, economic movements and the institutional structure of trade unions. Secondly, the subjective forces (which encompass the notion of choice) embrace egalitarian-democratic values and the strategies of particular labour movements, the goals of productivity and efficiency, human growth and development theories and the concern to integrate disparate social and occupational groups. Finally, the power factors include not only changing balances amongst the main industrial groups but also new types of conflict in the enterprise itself. The respective impact of these forces are then analysed in terms of four main classes of industrial democracy: (1) managerially-initiated ventures, (2) co-determination, (3) workers' councils and (4) producer co- operatives. Moreover, notwithstanding the varying impress of these factors, we were still able to demonstrate how the role of managerial personnel would appear to be secure in every major instance of the phenomenon under review.
Utah and the Mining Unions: A Case Study of Collective Negotiation at the Company Level
Authors: Hince Kevin
Published: March 2007

Utah Development Company operates four open-cut black coal mines in Central Queensland—Goonyella, Peak Downs, Saraji and Blackwater. A fifth, Norwich Park, commences production in 1980. The company is by far the largest single coal producer and exporter in Australia. It is currently the second highest Australian corporate annual profit earner. This paper examines the events surrounding the renegotiation during 1978 of a company level industrial agreement with the mining unions. The background to the disputa tion, the participants, the issues, the stances and outcomes are identified and analysed. A specific aim is to present a case study of industrial relations pro cesses at the company level. A more general objective is to provide a con tribution to a further understanding of the dynamics of industrial conflict.
The Relationship between Perceived Influence and Job Satisfaction among Assembly Line Employees
Authors: O'Brien Gordon E. , Stevens Lyndell
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the relationship. between perceived influence in decision making and job satisfaction with a sample of 192 assembly line employees at an Adelaide food factory. It also examined the way in which the influence-job satisfaction relationship was moderated by desired influence, need for control and need for participation. New scales were developed for measuring influence and desired influence as it was considered that previous scales were either unreliable or deficient in range. Job satisfaction was measured using the Job Description Index which had separate scales for satisfaction with work, pay, promotions, supervision and co-workers. It was found that influence had a moderate positive association with work and promotion satisfaction. This association was not moderated by desired influence or personality factors. There was a negative correlation (-0.22) between perceived and desired influence. Influence was not the dominant predictor of job satisfaction, as skill utilisation, pressure and tenure were also significant predictors. The results were related to various theories of worker participation and industrial democracy and it was indicated how such a survey could be used to structure the introduction of worker participation.
The Fetish of Order: Reform in Australian Union Structure
Authors: Gill Howard , Griffin Vivien
Published: March 2007

The idea of reorganising Australian unions inio bigger and industry-based units has almost unanimous support from industrial practioneers, committees of inquiry, politicians and academics. In practice, however, unions seem oblivious to the benefits and are not adjusting according to the model. Since practice has not followed theory it is possible that it is theory which is ill informed. This can only be resolved by reconsidering both theory and practice. The concern of this paper is which of these most requires reconstruction.
Research and Reform in Industrial Relations
Authors: Niland John
Published: March 2007

Industrial relations issues are never far from the limelight in most English-speaking countries. Calls for greater insights to the problems, often through better research, are not infrequent, at least in Britain and the United States. In Australia the role of research is less obvious. This paper examines the idea that relevant research might inform and direct reform efforts. Aspects of US and British experience are explored and an attempt made to explain the relative apathy in Australia to industrial relations reform and research. The conclusion is that universally the research -reform links are indirect at best, and that the barriers in Australia to reform are considerable. However, changes are likely to evolve as the impact of education (and research) in the preparation of industrial relations practitioners continue to grow.
The Referral and Vacancy Filling Performance of the Commonwealth Employment Service: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Wielgosz John , Maclachlan Maureen
Published: March 2007

This study makes use of specially collected data to analyse the referral and vacancy filling performance of the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES). The main objectives of the study are to: (i) assess employer criticisms of the CES, in particular that the CES refers too few or too many applicants and takes too long to fill vacancies; (ii) analyse the factors which may be associated with vacancies being filled or not by the CES and the number of referrals to and the duration of these vacancies; and (iii) examine the impact of the self-service referral facility on the number of referrals to and duration of vacancies. The conclusion which emerges from this paper in respect of CES performance is generally favourable although clearly more research is needed in this important but sparsely researched area of labour economics.
The Influence of Labour Market Fluctuations on School Participation
Authors: Thompson G. Brian
Published: March 2007

This study examines the entry of young people into the full-time labour market. A model is presented in which young people are considered as decision makers in relation to both school and the labour market. School participation, in part, func tions as a short-term buffer for fluctuations in slackness of the labour market. The model satisfactorily describes data for New Zealand in the period 1966 to 1981. Implications are derived for the determination of 'hidden unemployment' among young people, and also for appraisal of duration of schooling as an indication of quality of labour force entrants.
Contract Labour and Industrial Regulation: Owner-Drivers in the Sydney Ready-Mixed Concrete Industry
Authors: Bray Mark
Published: March 2007

The study of contract labour and its implications for industrial regulation has been neglected in Australia. As an initial attempt to remedy past neglect, this paper offers an account of contract labour (in the form of self-employed o wner-drivers) and its regulation in one section of the road transport industry, namely, the delivery of ready-mixed concrete in the Sydney metropolitan area. This industry represents an unusual example of contractors becoming strongly unionised and establishing an effective pattern of joint regulation over their rates and conditions. The close relationship between the contractors and the Transport Workers Union has also led to the industry playing an important role in the wider struggle between unions and employers in New South Wales over legislation designed to regulate contract labour.
The Hancock Report: False Prescription for a Wrong Diagnosis
Authors: Brown W.J. , Rowe L.G.
Published: March 2007

For many, the Hancock Report is the definitive work on Australia's industrial relations system. Those who welcomed the findings of the report, even with qualifications, saw it as laying to rest all the arguments for change towards a decentralized, enterprise- bargaining model. This paper argues that the Hancock Report is the beginning and not the end of significant debate. It argues that the central tenet of the Hancock Report—that there is a need for an incomes policy, and that the centralized conciliation and arbitration system is the best way of achieving that incomes policy—is misconceived. It also argues that orderly, evolutionary change towards a new model for an industrial relations system is both possible and desirable.
A Critical Examination of the Hancock Report
Authors: Dabscheck Braham
Published: March 2007

The report of the Committee of Review into Australian Industrial Relations Law and Systems is most disappointing. It is poorly structured, lacks a theoretical base, is confused and contradictory, and contains unfounded assertions. The Committee endorsed the status quo, producing an anti-climactic report, and made no serious attempt to consider alternative proposals for the future development of Australian industrial relations. This paper highlights various problems associated with three key recommendations of the report: the cross-commissioning of state and federal personnel; the creation of a new Court and Commission and the use of dual appointments; and the abolition of unions with less than a thousand members.
The Hancock Report and Industrial Democracy
Authors: Lansbury Russell D. , Davis Edward M.
Published: March 2007

The Hancock Committee did not embark upon an investigation of industrial democracy in Australia. Nonetheless, several of its recommendations will influence the extent to which workers and their representatives participate in the decisions that affect their lives at work. Attention is paid here to the Committee's comments on the consultative style of decision making witnessed at the macroeconomic level, to its advocacy of union amalgamations and the signrficance for industrial democracy, and to its support for a broadening of the jurisdiction of the Arbitration Commission. Also discussed are the Committee's recommendations on industry consultative councils and on grievance procedures.
The Stockpile Thesis and Industrial Relations at Kambalda
Authors: Lang Helen
Published: March 2007

Some recent work on industrial relations in the Australian minirtg industry has focused on a close relationship between the incidence of strikes and the stockpiling of the mineral mined. It is argued that when demand for a mineral falls and the stockpile grows, management can afford the disruption to production caused by strikes. Hence management will take action to provoke strikes by introducing changes in work practices it knows will be opposed by unionists. Not only are the unions more likely to be defeated, but the company concerned is also able to reduce the size of its stockpile of ore. A case-study of the nickel-mining centre of Kambalda in Western Australia suggests that the size of the stockpile isfar less relevant when management and unions have a consensual approach to industrial relations. The stockpile is a strategic variable rather than a cause of industrial disputes. Whether the stockpile is manipulated as part of management's strategy will depend on innumerable, interdependent factors, including the organization of social life in a mining town and whether effective co operative relations develop between managers and unions.
Industrial Relations in the Chinese Factory
Authors: Warner Malcolm
Published: March 2007

New economic reforms in China since the late 1970s have promoted workers congresses alongside reconstituted trade unions. This paper examines industrial relations and personnel activities in a number of Chinese factories, involved in heavy and light industry, with the aim of determining whether a new model of industrial relations is emerging, Despite changes in the workplace, the reform of the labour market, and increasing specialization and professionalization, China has neither embraced western style capitalisrn nor adopted workers'self management. Changes in industrial relations in China must be seen within a wider conlext than comparable changes in the west.
Health Assessments before Job Placement
Authors: Low Ian , Holz Allan
Published: March 2007

Health assessments before job placement are done by many of the largest manufacturing companies in Australia. The method by which the risk is assessed, the content of the assessment and the format in which the result is conveyed to management may, at least in some of the organizations, result in adverse industrial relations consequences. Fewer allegations of discrimination may result if those characteristics and conditions that are absolute contraindications to employment or that increase the risk to the applicant or others have been clearly defined. The perceived utility of the assessments appears to be inconsistent with our current knowledge of their effectiveness. Further research should be done to determine whether the apparent reliance on the assessments, in controlling risks, is due to a relative lack of knowledge of risk assessment and reduction techniques.
Access of Different Socio-Economic Groups to Trades in Australia
Authors: Davis Denis
Published: March 2007

Using New South Wales survey data, the author shows how a social discriminatory process operates bet ween firms and households to restrict apprenticeship opportunities in general and to restrict opportunities to preferred trades in particular for persons without strong family links to the labour market. This firm/household link is strongest in the case of apprenticeship recruitment in small firms.
Turnover Down Under: Trade Unions and Exit Behaviour in Australia
Authors: Drago Robert , Wooden Mark
Published: March 2007

Researchers typically find a negative union effect on quits in United States data and attribute part of this to 'voice' effects. In an analysis of plant-level Australian data, no significant correlation between unionization rates and quits is found. More direct measures of union voice in the workplace, however, exhibit a strong negative relationship to quits. It is concluded that unions must devote resources in order to provide meaningful voice, which, in turn, reduces quits.
Award Restructuring and Clerical Work: Skills, Training and Careers in a Feminized Occupation
Authors: Probert Belinda
Published: March 2007

Clerical workers are the largest single occupational grouping in Australia, and they are predominantly female. For most women, clerical work has meant poor pay, low status, few career prospects and little recognition of their skills. This paper looks at the potential of award restructuring to improve women's employment opportunities in this occupation. In particular it examines the restructuring of the Victorian Commercial Clerks' Award, and analyzes the obstacles that lie in the way of its translation into real benefits for female clerical workers. Comparisons are drawn with developments in public sector award restructuring.

The paper looks at the structure of clerical employment in the private sector, and the implications of its distribution across all industries—the predominance of small firms and the absence of industry-based career paths. It goes on to apply a feminist perspective to the key issues of skill, training and careers in clerical work, arguing that it is essential to any analysis of the actual outcomes of award restructuring in this area. The paper concludes that award restructuring is an inappropriate mechanism for improving skills and career paths in such afeminized occupation. The paper uses data from a survey of clerical employees in a wide range of workplaces to illustrate the argument. The potential of award restructuring to address unequal pay among male and female clerks through the process of reclassifying women's skills is also considered. Finally, the significance of the low level of unionization among private sector clerical employees is discussed, raising further doubts about the real benefits of award restructuring.
The Collective Organization of Australian Academic Staff 1949-1983
Authors: O'Brien John M.
Published: March 2007

This paper examines the development of the collective organization of academic staff in the Australian higher education sector. This examination tests the relevance of the claim that the arbitration system largely rendered powerless those organizations designed to 'bring comfort, security, peace of mind' to society as well as to union members. The paper argues that the development of academic unionism was both a reflection of shifts in state policy on higher education and the changing consciousness of academic staff. Further, industrial registration was sought because it was perceived that it would strengthen the organizational effectiveness of academic unionism. Finally, the paper contests the view that the achievement of federal registration by academic staff organizations represented the beginning of the adoption of an industrial relations model in institutions of higher education in Australia.