Work - Volume 48, issue 2

Authors: Lounsbury, John W. | Foster, Nancy A. | Levy, Jacob J. | Gibson, Lucy W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sales managers are crucial for producing positive sales outcomes for companies. However, there has been a relative dearth of scholarly investigations into the personal attributes of sales managers. Such information could prove important in the recruitment, selection, training needs identification, career planning, counseling, and development of sales managers. OBJECTIVE: Drawing on Holland's [32] vocational theory, we sought to identify key personality traits that distinguish sales managers from other occupations and …are related to their career satisfaction. PARTICIPANTS: The main sample was comprised of a total of 978 sales managers employed in a large number of companies across the United States (along with a comparison sample drawn from 79,512 individuals from other professional occupations). METHODS: Participants completed an online version of Resource Associates' Personal Style Inventory as well a measure of career satisfaction. RESULTS: Our sample of 978 sales managers had higher levels of Assertiveness, Customer Service Orientation, Extraversion, Image Management, Optimism, and Visionary Style; and lower levels of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Intrinsic Motivation, Openness, and Tough-Mindedness than a sample of 79,512 individuals in a variety of other occupations. Nine of these traits were significantly correlated with sales managers' career satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, a psychological profile of sales managers was presented as were implications for their recruitment, selection, training, development, and mentoring. Show more

Keywords: Big five, career satisfaction, business, person-environment fit

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131615

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 239-253, 2014

Authors: Mobo, B.H. | Foster, L.A. | Rabesa, M.J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High-level disinfection is crucial in preventing instrument-related infections. However, inadequate process and practice may expose technicians to chemicals and other hazards. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the health effects related to high-level disinfection, the process of identifying hazards and safer practice recommendations. PARTICIPANTS: Two endoscope technicians with different clinical presentations were evaluated for workplace exposures. METHODS: In addition to acute clinical care, corroborative information was obtained …through walkthrough and observing patients performing their daily tasks, interview of co-workers, environmental assessment and review of published literature. Recommendations for improvement and clinical follow up were made. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation and workplace assessment identified potential exposures to: denatonium benzoate, ortho-phthalaldehyde, proteinase subtilisin, and isopropyl alcohol. Environmental monitoring showed adequate ventilation but with potential for acute high-level exposure to high-level disinfectants. Ergonomic stressors and noise were addressed. Following work restrictions and work practice changes, both patients were able to return to work without recurrence of symptoms. CONCLUSION: The occupational hazards of working in an endoscopy disinfection unit include chemicals that are irritants and/or allergenic. In addition to bioengineering controls, administrative controls and proper respiratory and dermal protections may mitigate exposure and allow workers to continue working safely. Show more

Keywords: Endoscope technicians, denatonium benzoate, ortho-phthalaldehyde, proteinase subtilisin, isopropyl alcohol

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131618

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 255-260, 2014

Authors: Stewart, Sasha K. | Rothmore, Paul R. | Doda, Diana V.D. | Hiller, Janet E. | Mahmood, M.A. | Pisaniello, Dino L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of work-related ill health, and a major cost burden for the individual, industry and the community. Despite the broad range of risk factors that have been identified, most studies have focused only on specific occupations or categories of risk factors, meaning that there is limited understanding of the relative contributions of individual and organisational, physical and psychosocial factors. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional survey of workers …in medium-to-large workplaces in South Australia sought to examine a broad range of factors within various workplaces and industries. PARTICIPANTS: 404 workers from 29 workgroups and 23 separate companies participated in the research. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered face-to-face, assessing demographic and job characteristics, safety climate, musculoskeletal pain and discomfort (MSPD) and job satisfaction. Potential predictors were grouped in terms of personal/job and organizational characteristics and associations with MSPD examined. RESULTS: A considerable proportion of workers (40%) had experienced MSPD in the last 7 days and 15% had experienced severe MSPD. In a multivariate model, four variables were found to be significantly associated with MSPD, namely being aged ⩾ 40 years (adjusted odds ratio=1.73), overall job satisfaction (negatively associated) (AOR=0.37), medium (vs. large) company size (AOR=1.80) and workgroup safety climate score (negatively associated) (AOR=0.58). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm a link between non-physical factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders, suggesting that these factors should received increased attention as part of overall health and safety strategies. Organizations should give greater consideration to both the satisfaction of their employees and organizational factors that set the tone for safety climate. Show more

Keywords: Occupational, safety climate, injury, predictor, workplace, psychosocial, job satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131622

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 261-271, 2014

Authors: Grozdanovic, Miroljub | Jekic, Savko | Stojiljkovic, Evica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adequate application of the static and dynamic anthropometric measures of pre-school children in ergonometric design of children's playground equipment should eliminate all dangers and difficulties in their use. Possibilities of injuries, insecure movements, discomfort able positions and some other dangerous actions may be minimized; and safety and health protection of pre-school children will be increased. OBJECTIVE: Children's playground represents a significant space of activity for pre-school children. Therefore, it is necessary to apply …ergonomic principles which contribute to the adjustment of the playground elements to children's anatomic features. Based on the results presented in this paper, new constructions were designed and new playgrounds were installed in Serbia. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were children from three pre-school age groups: Junior age group (3–4 years of age, 17 children), Medium age group (4–5 years of age, 22 children), and Senior age group (5–6 years of age, 26 children). METHODS: Thirty-one static anthropometric measures (12 in standing position, 11 in sitting position, 7 related to dimensions of hand, foot an head, with body weight and shoe size) and 15 dynamic anthropometric measures (7 in standing position, 6 in sitting position and 2 dimension of foot and hand) were defined for the study. Measurements were taken using an anthrop-meter, a flexible measuring tape. Equations for ergonomic design of children's playground elements were also defined. RESULTS: Basic statistical data of static and dynamic anthropometric measurements of the pre-school children are presented in this paper, as well as the statistical calculation of the corrective anthropometric measurements. Measurements were performed in "Poletarac" kindergarten, part of the pre-school institution "Radost" in Cacak. Elements of playground equipment in "Bambi" kindergarten in Kragujevac (the Indian tent "wigwam", gate-house, swing and carousel) were designed and built using these parameters. CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results, several playgrounds were designed, manufactured and equipped with the appropriate items. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics for children, static anthropometric measures, dynamic anthropometric measures, pre-school children

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131661

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 273-288, 2014

Authors: Pelzer, B. | Schaffrath, S. | Vernaleken, Ingo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unemployment is known to be associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. However, there is ambiguity about the direction of this association. OBJECTIVE: Different to large surveys, the present pilot-study focuses on a detailed characterization of unemployed and strictly matched employed subjects. Besides depressive symptoms and personality factors, their level of social and communicative skills was determined by an experimental behavioral paradigm. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-two subjects were screened; 62 showed relevant …exclusion criteria or failed the matching procedure. Finally, 30 subjects (15 employed, 15 unemployed) participated. METHODS: The experimental group-paradigm consisted of a complex standardized challenge situation, which demands communicative and social skills for a successful solution. This was followed by an individualized video-based behavioral analysis. RESULTS: Expectedly, unemployed subjects showed more depressive symptoms than employed subjects but did not show higher levels of susceptible personality traits. There were no differences between employed and unemployed subjects in social and communicative competencies; these skills however correlated positively with the level of depression. CONCLUSION: Unemployment is an important stressor, affecting mental health. The absence of susceptible traits and skills deficits suggests that depressive syndromes are rather resulting than cause of unemployment. Social skills do not prevent depressive reactions during unemployment. Show more

Keywords: Employment, personality, depressive symptoms, individual competencies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131626

Citation: Work, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 289-295, 2014