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Supplements the (A) case.

How many times have you heard someone at work say, "Things have just spun way out of control," or "that was lucky?" Perhaps your colleagues are more inclined to say, "I'm to blame," or "I have to accept responsibility for that." Even though most of us fancy ourselves to be unique individuals, psychologists have spent years etching out patterns in our personality traits that suggest we share some very similar qualities-those who believe they are capable of controlling events in their lives and those who don't. This note presumes your students have taken the Locus of Control instrument and are ready to interpret the results. Terry Pettijohn developed a variation to Rotter's original Locus of Control survey which can be accessed at http://www.dushkin.com/connectext/psy/ch11/survey11.mhtml. The test has no time limitation and consists of 20 true or false questions. Once you have completed the test, click on "Tally My Answers," and within a few seconds the screen will return with your choices and score. Some of the questions act as a diversion from the test's intent and are not included in the test score. This note will help you and your students interpret the results.

Lynne Tabor, an IT manager at manufacturing giant MMI, has a great team. Everyone works hard and gets along, except Max Dyer, a talented programmer who is terrible in the interpersonal skills department. Three years ago Tabor reworked his job after employees complained that he was unengaged and even belligerent. Since then, he's been a solid worker, putting in extra hours and meriting good performance evaluations. But recently, Dyer's coworkers have noticed a change for the worse in him. Everyone at MMI is on edge after a round of layoffs. Reports of a workplace shooting in Seattle are all over the news. One coworker finds Max pinning up a certificate from a shooting range in his cubicle, and another worries that they will all end up as statistics of office violence. They want to know how Tabor plans to ensure their safety. Dyer thinks his coworkers are out to get him. They believe he fits the profile of a man on the edge. But what can Tabor do about an employee who has never made so much as a veiled threat to anyone? In R0307A and R0307Z, commentators James Alan Fox, a professor of criminal justice at Northeastern University; Steve Kaufer, a cofounder of the Workplace Violence Research Institute; Christine Pearson, a management professor at Thunderbird; Christine Porath, a professor of management and organizational behavior at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business; and Ronald Schouten, the director of the Law and Psychiatry Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, offer advice on this fictional case study.

Stress is rampant, stress is growing, and stress hurts the bottom line. A 1999 study of 46,000 workers revealed that health care costs are 147% higher for those who are stressed or depressed, independent of other health issues. But what exactly is stress? It usually refers to our internal reaction to negative, threatening, or worrisome situations--a looming performance report, say, or interactions with a dismissive colleague. Accumulated over time, negative stress can depress you, burn you out, make you sick, or even kill you--because it's both an emotional and a physiological habit. Of course, many companies understand the negative impact of cumulative stress and offer programs to help employees counteract it. The problem is that employees in the greatest need of help often don't seek it. Since 1991, the authors have studied the physiological impact of stress on performance, at both the individual and organizational levels. Their goal largely has been to decode the underlying mechanics of stress. After working with more than 50,000 workers and managers in more than 100 organizations, the authors have found that learning to manage stress is easier than most people think. They have devised a scientifically based system of tools, techniques, and technologies that organizations can use to reduce employee stress and boost overall health and performance.

Lynne Tabor, an IT manager at manufacturing giant MMI, has a great team. Everyone works hard and gets along, except Max Dyer, a talented programmer who is terrible in the interpersonal skills department. Three years ago Tabor reworked his job after employees complained that he was unengaged and even belligerent. Since then, he's been a solid worker, putting in extra hours and meriting good performance evaluations. But recently, Dyer's coworkers have noticed a change for the worse in him. Everyone at MMI is on edge after a round of layoffs. Reports of a workplace shooting in Seattle are all over the news. One coworker finds Max pinning up a certificate from a shooting range in his cubicle, and another worries that they will all end up as statistics of office violence. They want to know how Tabor plans to ensure their safety. Dyer thinks his coworkers are out to get him. They believe he fits the profile of a man on the edge. But what can Tabor do about an employee who has never made so much as a veiled threat to anyone? In R0307A and R0307Z, commentators James Alan Fox, a professor of criminal justice at Northeastern University; Steve Kaufer, a cofounder of the Workplace Violence Research Institute; Christine Pearson, a management professor at Thunderbird; Christine Porath, a professor of management and organizational behavior at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business; and Ronald Schouten, the director of the Law and Psychiatry Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, offer advice on this fictional case study.

Lynne Tabor, an IT manager at manufacturing giant MMI, has a great team. Everyone works hard and gets along, except Max Dyer, a talented programmer who is terrible in the interpersonal skills department. Three years ago Tabor reworked his job after employees complained that he was unengaged and even belligerent. Since then, he's been a solid worker, putting in extra hours and meriting good performance evaluations. But recently, Dyer's coworkers have noticed a change for the worse in him. Everyone at MMI is on edge after a round of layoffs. Reports of a workplace shooting in Seattle are all over the news. One coworker finds Max pinning up a certificate from a shooting range in his cubicle, and another worries that they will all end up as statistics of office violence. They want to know how Tabor plans to ensure their safety. Dyer thinks his coworkers are out to get him. They believe he fits the profile of a man on the edge. But what can Tabor do about an employee who has never made so much as a veiled threat to anyone? In R0307A and R0307Z, commentators James Alan Fox, a professor of criminal justice at Northeastern University; Steve Kaufer, a cofounder of the Workplace Violence Research Institute; Christine Pearson, a management professor at Thunderbird; Christine Porath, a professor of management and organizational behavior at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business; and Ronald Schouten, the director of the Law and Psychiatry Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, offer advice on this fictional case study.

In 2000, the Hong Kong government introduced the Language Benchmark Assessment for all teachers in Hong Kong. As part of its education reform, the government wanted all teachers to take the tests to prove that they were skilled enough to teach. The pressure to upgrade English raised hackles and drew severe criticism from the 75,000-strong Professional Teachers' Union. Provides a study of why the government introduced the test, the critical issues in implementing the test, and how the government is managing the results of the first benchmark test. Presents issues such as the validity of the test, what the testing proved, and what has been solved in administering the test. Also presents the issue of whether the test is being used for selection and/or recruitment purposes.

Discusses Hong Kong's attempt to become a knowledge-based economy, its socioeconomic condition, and key trends in labor and manpower as well as manpower projections to 2005. Questions what it would take for Hong Kong to achieve the status of a knowledge-based economy, what industries Hong Kong should focus on, what kind of people it should develop and attract, and how it can develop its human resources. Highlights the mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the needs of industry, examines how to bridge the skills gap, and outlines Hong Kong's challenge in attracting talented, skilled people and specialized resources. Also focuses on Hong Kong's population policy and its new approach to bringing highly skilled knowledge workers and other skilled professionals from Mainland China and other foreign countries through the Admission of Talents Scheme and the Admission of Mainland Professionals.

The research firm Catalyst presents new findings on the barriers that keep women from advancing through the corporate ranks. Its recent survey of Fortune 500 executive women and CEOs shows wide agreement: Lack of line experience bars women from the most senior jobs.

This case illustrates the dilemma of an employee who, having received an offer to go elsewhere (although to a noncompeting business), must decide where his loyalties lie.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of nine chapters written by William Bridges and published by Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. Chapter 1 describes the difference between change, which is situational, and transition, which involves psychological response to change. The author argues that transition is a process comprising three stages: the ending, the neutral zone, and the new beginning. He describes the lifecycle of properly managed transitions, and shows how mismanaged transitions can go wrong.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of 9 chapters written by William Bridges and published by Basic Books/Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming, as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. Chapter 2 begins by examining the case of a software company that underwent changes. The changes did not seem momentous; however, the psychological fallout was considerable, and workplace performance suffered. The author applies his transition model to the situation, proposing three phases of practical response to pressing problems. He also cautions managers about steps they should not take.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of 9 chapters written by William Bridges and published by Basic Books/Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming, as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. Chapter 3 discusses how to successfully begin a transition by ending "what used to be." The chapter's main topics include: balancing subjective losses, dealing with overreactions, and communicating with those affected by change.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of 9 chapters written by William Bridges and published by Basic Books/Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming, as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. Chapter 4 describes the middle period of a transition process, when employees can become immobilized due to the demands of conflicting systems. The author discusses how to create temporary systems, strengthen teams, and manage creatively.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of 9 chapters written by William Bridges and published by Basic Books/Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming, as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. Chapter 5 describes the "new beginnings" phase of an organizational transition. The author states, "The beginning will take place only after [people] have come through the wilderness and are ready to make the emotional commitment to do things the new way and see themselves as new people. Starts involve new situations. Beginnings involve new understandings, new values, new attitudes, and-most of all-new identities." He examines how ambivalence, timing, and purpose can affect the atmosphere of change.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of 9 chapters written by William Bridges and published by Basic Books/Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming, as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. In Chapter 6, the author asserts that organizations, like individuals, have life cycles and that "it is helpful to have a map of the organization's life cycle that is comparable to the human development theories that clarify the path an individual follows through human childhood, adolescence, and adulthood." He goes on to explain "the seven stages of organizational life" -- Dreaming the Dream, Launching the Venture, Getting Organized, Making It, Becoming an Institution, Closing In, and Dying - and he explains the role of transition in this sequence.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of 9 chapters written by William Bridges and published by Basic Books/Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming, as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. Chapter 7 discusses the notion that change is constantly occurring. After introducing the three phases of change-an ending, a "neutral zone", and a beginning-the author uses these concepts to address simultaneous changes, engendering trust, and managing timeframes for change.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of 9 chapters written by William Bridges and published by Basic Books/Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming, as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. In Chapter 8, the author presents a case study of a fictional firm to illustrate the strategies of change management and the decisions that must be made in order to communicate transitions. The case involves a 4,000-employee manufacturing firm, Apex Manufacturing, that is preparing for change.

Managing Transitions, Second Edition (2003), is a book of 9 chapters written by William Bridges and published by Basic Books/Perseus Books Group. The business world is continuously transforming, as layoffs, bankruptcies, mergers, and restructurings occur every day. These situational shifts present psychological challenges to both individuals and organizations, and many of us respond in unhealthy ways. The author describes healthy responses to these challenges, providing practical, step-by-step strategies for minimizing the disruptions caused by workplace change. In the ninth and final chapter, the author focuses on "surviving" transitions. The aftermath of change is described with the acronym "GRASS": Guilt, Resentment, Anxiety, Self-absorption, and Stress.

Karen Barton, Zendal Pharmaceuticals' senior vice-president of human resources, was livid when COO Dave Palmer slashed her executive education budget by 75%. Without funding, there could be no in-house leadership development program, which was to be the first step toward a full-blown Zendal University. Palmer was not against bold initiatives, but sales were down 26%, and there was that $300 million debt Zendal took on when it acquired Premier Pharmaceuticals. As a result, Barton's budget wasn't the only one being cut. Palmer added that it wasn't clear what the return on investment of her proposed program--or any of her current ones for that matter--would be. Barton's analysis had been woefully short on quantitative benefits. Figuring ROI for people isn't the same as calculating the payback from a machine, Barton complained to friend and ally Carlos Freitas, head of the medical devices division. But Freitas disagreed: "If you want dollars, you have to show how you fit in with [management's] plans. You must be willing to fight for resources with the rest of us." She knew Freitas was right. She needed to make the case that doubling her budget was a smart move even in tough times. The question was, How? In R0305A and R0305Z, four commentators--Susan Burnett, an HR executive at Hewlett-Packard; Mike Morrison, dean of the University of Toyota; Noel M. Tichy, professor at the University of Michigan Business School; and David Owens, vice-president of Bausch & Lomb's corporate university--offer advice in this fictional case study.