Personnel Literature


Book Description







Flexible Benefits and Employee Choice


Book Description

Flexible Benefits and Employee Choice summarizes literature on a series of issues related to flexible compensation. Both academic and practical pieces published in the areas of economics, demography, business, sociology, psychology, law, and administration are included. The review is divided into five main sections. The first section presents an overview of the literature on flexible compensation. Within this broad overview, subsections focus on (1) the advent and growth of flexible compensation; (2) the present legal status of flexible compensation; (3) the design, structure, and operation of flexible compensation plans; (4) the advantages and disadvantages of flexible compensation plans; and (5) the future outlook for flexible compensation. The second section presents seven organization case studies. The organizations were chosen so as to capture a range of industries, flexible compensation plans, and experiences with those plans. The third section presents 56 abstracts of the main published pieces on this subject. References to the abstracted material plus some additional pieces relating to fringe-benefit systems and benefit planning are listed in the section entitled "Recommended Reading." The section on "Additional Reading" lists many older pieces on flexible compensation and fringe benefits which might be of some use to practitioners and other individuals trying to develop a deeper and more historical understanding of the development of the literature on this subject.




Policymaking under Adversity


Book Description

This groundbreaking study systematically treats recent policymaking trends, starting with a reconsideration of salient theoretical issues of policymaking and its study and culminating with a survey of current policy-related predicaments in various countries. Dror proposes that the task for social science research is to uncover underlying causes of policymaking inadequacies. Standard research methods, Dror states, have been unable to uncover the realities of important decisions made inside governments. In order to gain an understanding of pressing predicaments, he believes that policymakers need to examine the foundations of contemporary practices of present assumptions, and that they need a multiplicity of approaches to policymaking.After prescribing a set of requirements that policymaking must satisfy in order to adequately respond to challenges, Dror posits several improvements needed in education and in policy decision making. The book concludes with an extensive bibliography, including numerous important German works not found in other English-language studies. This book supplements the earlier basic theory and models propounded in Dror's Public Policymaking Reexamined by dealing with current trends. As a guide to public policy literature and related works, it will be invaluable to students and practitioners.




The Flexible Workplace


Book Description

Flextime, telecommuting, compressed work week, job sharing, downshifting, and hot desking—these terms are infiltrating our vocabulary at an increasing rate, keeping pace with change in the workplace. Although there is a large body of literature on the changing nature of work and workplace flexibility, there is no handbook that synthesizes the research on all aspects of this topic. Pulling together the vast literature on this subject, Avery and Zabel explain the concept of flexible work, trace the origin and growth of this workplace trend, and review the research on a range of flexible work arrangements. Workplace flexibility is international in scope. Companies, both in the United States and abroad, have become increasingly interested in implementing flexible work arrangements. The authors include a chapter on companies in North America, Western Europe, and the United Kingdom that have been leaders in implementing flexible work arrangements. They identify areas ripe for additional research, suggest a broad array of resources, and discuss strategies for locating additional information, including relevant databases, Internet resources, organizations, and search terms. This is a valuable handbook for managers, researchers, and students working or studying in the areas of human resource management, industrial/organizational psychology, and the sociology of work.




Let My People Go Surfing


Book Description

"Wonderful . . . a moving autobiography, the story of a unique business, and a detailed blueprint for hope." —Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel In this 10th anniversary edition, Yvon Chouinard—legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc.—shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth. From his youth as the son of a French Canadian handyman to the thrilling, ambitious climbing expeditions that inspired his innovative designs for the sport's equipment, Let My People Go Surfing is the story of a man who brought doing good and having grand adventures into the heart of his business life-a book that will deeply affect entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.




The Flexibility Paradigm


Book Description

A strategic framework for businesses leaders who are grappling with the backlash against the post-pandemic "return to office" demonstrates the strong case for holistic flexibility Forced to allow remote and hybrid work arrangements during the onset of COVID-19, some organizations made the transition to flexibility with great success, but others floundered because they failed to integrate diversity and flexibility policies throughout their culture. This book shows how to build practices that maximize the potential of every work environment, whether hybrid or not, for connection, collaboration, communication, and contribution. The Flexibility Paradigm posits that in order to create the return on experience required for flexibility, leaders and managers need to shift their perspective and recognize flexibility as a way to strengthen their organization. Hybrid work is just one part of holistic flexibility, whereby people have options for not just where they work but also how long they work and when they work. Formerly misperceived as a "women's issue," flexibility is now seen to benefit all employees; therefore, it must be degendered, deparented, and destigmatized. This book presents the strategy and framework needed by professional services firms and other organizations to create an entire culture that allows their organization to build on their strengths and lead the future of work. Leaders will learn that flexibility has a strong business case: it drives productivity, talent, diversity, engagement, sustainability, and ultimately profitability.




Handbook on Human Service Administration


Book Description

Introducing theories and concepts essential for human services administration, this book covers organization theory and management, budgeting and financial management, personnel administration and labor relations, laws and regulations, innovation and change, and data administration and information systems. The author explores bioethics and managing "Babies Doe," legal right to refuse treatment, nursing home payments, and more. He applies important general concepts to specific concerns such as organizational structure and service delivery arrangements, internal financial planning, innovations in drug services delivery, and implementing medical information systems.




Retirement Benefit Plans


Book Description