Work - Volume 43, issue 2

Authors: Dhar, Rajib Lochan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: Organizational support relates to an organization's readiness to reward increased work effort and to meet socio-emotional needs. This study investigated the various constructs of employees' perceptions of organizational support in the Indian context, with specific reference to the information technology (IT) industry. Participants: Thirty six semi-structured interviews were conducted from three different organizations over a period of four months. The participants were employed as Project Managers, Team Leaders and Executives in …these organizations operating in Pune and were selected via randomized quota sampling to reflect a mix of age, positions, genders and experience with organization. Methods: Qualitative methods were used in order to collect the data, through phenomenological principles. Results: Discussion with the participants led to the emergence of five different themes which influence employees' perception of organizational support. These were: materialistic support, supervisor support, building reciprocal relationships, Organizational justice and intentions to leave. Conclusions: This study provided a tentative starting point towards the greater understanding of the employee's perceived notion of organizational support. Based on the study findings, there is an imperative that the human resource department and organizational forerunners continue to use research findings to support IT professionals in various ways in order to improve their quality of work life. Show more

Keywords: Organizational support, information technology professionals and performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1426

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 211-222, 2012

Authors: Brock, M. | Northcraft-Baxter, L. | Escoffery, C. | Greene, B.L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Musculoskeletal injuries are recognized as an important health issue for farmworkers. This study aimed to assess musculoskeletal health in South Georgia farmworkers through an exploration of pain status, health beliefs, occupational tasks, work conditions, access to care, and demographics. Participants: Interviews were conducted with 83 farmworkers at pro bono medical clinics. Methods: Mixed methods interview topics, based upon an adapted theoretical model, included: work history, current work practices, …musculoskeletal symptoms, health beliefs, acculturation, general health, access to care, and demographics. Results: Pain was reported by 81.9% of participants. The low back (57.4%) and mid back (52.9%) were the most commonly reported sites of pain. Adapted model constructs were identified quantitatively and qualitatively. Open-ended responses described health beliefs, barriers to accessing care, and farmworkers' sense of responsibility to provide for their families. Conclusions: Data revealed that musculoskeletal pain is common and suggest associations with work tasks and conditions. Numerous barriers to accessing care exist and must be considered. Solutions may include farm-based prevention, enhanced education, improved measurement tools, and ongoing use of ecological models to guide research and interventions. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, injury, Latino

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1368

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 223-236, 2012

Authors: Mårtensson, Lena | Hensing, Gunnel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Functional, interactive and critical skills to use and act on health information, i.e. health literacy, are central preconditions for decision-making. To construct a decision aid that strengthens women's abilities to make decisions during sick leave, knowledge is needed about factors that increase health literacy. The aim of this study was for that reason to explore and describe women's experiences of factors that contribute to their ability to make informed decisions about the process of rehabilitation …and return to work. Participants: Nineteen women with a period of sick leave during the previous 12 months participated. Methods: A qualitative design with a focus group methodology was used. The qualitative data analysis was based on five focus group discussions. Results: A number of factors emerged that were experienced as supporting. They were distributed over five qualitative categories. Trusting in, valuing and using one's own resources, taking the initiative and obtaining information were described as crucial to making well-founded decisions. Being coached by a professional or being supported by significant others were other factors that contributed to decision-making. The women also experienced that a trustful, transparent, continuous relationship with the professionals involved in the rehabilitation process contributed to well-founded decisions. Conclusions: The factors experienced as contributing to sick-listed women's ability to make informed decisions were both personal and environmental. Some have a connection with theories that conceptualize intentional relationships and self-efficacy. The factors may be useful as an initial source for the development of a decision aid for women. Show more

Keywords: Health literacy, interpersonal treatment, rehabilitation, return to work, self-efficacy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1397

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 237-248, 2012

Authors: Verbeek, Jos | Kuijer, P. Paul F.M.

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/DMA-2012-1457

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 249-250, 2012

Authors: Steinberg, Ulf | Liebers, Falk | Klußmann, André | Gebhardt, Hansjürgen | Latza, Ute

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1458

Citation: Work, vol. 43, no. 2, pp. 251-252, 2012