INFLUENCES OF THE VIRTUAL OFFICE ON ASPECTS OF WORK AND WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Millions of employees now use portable electronic tools to do their jobs from a "virtual office" with extensive flexibility in the timing and location of work. However, little scholarly research exists about the effects of this burgeoning work form. This study of IBM employees explored influences of the virtual office on aspects of work and work/life balance as reported by virtual office teleworkers ( n = 157) and an equivalent group of traditional office workers ( n = 89). Qualitative analyses revealed the perception of greater productivity, higher morale, increased flexibility and longer work hours due to telework, as well as an equivocal influence on work/life balance and a negative influence on teamwork. Using a quasi-experimental design, quantitative multivariate analyses supported the qualitative findings related to productivity, flexibility and work/life balance. However, multivariate analyses failed to support the qualitative findings for morale, teamwork and work hours. This study highlights the need for a multi-method approach, including both qualitative and quantitative elements, when studying telework.     

Using the Spiritual Perspective in Counseling Persons with HIV/AIDS: An Integrative Approach

The authors explore counseling persons infected with HIV and AIDS, within the specific themes of rejection, powerlessness, and death. These themes have been chosen because they are common concerns of people with HIV and AIDS. Selected quotations from 14 interviews with persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are used to clarify these concerns. Specific counseling recommendations are provided to make counseling an effective, compassionate endeavor with this population. Counselors are encouraged to struggle with these themes to enhance the counseling they provide to people with HIV and AIDS.     

THE IMPACT OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL METHODS ON AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT CASES

This study investigated the impact of personal and organizational factors and performance appraisal methods on 53 Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) federal court cases. Discriminant analysis suggested that the employer was most likely to be the successful party when the employee was younger, particularly between 40-49 years old. Appraisal system characteristics which in previous studies were found to be significantly related to case outcome, were not reported in these case decisions. Traditional legal case analysis was used to explore the relationship of performance appraisal methods and the personnel action giving rise to the complaint.     

The Use of Counselor Profanity in Counseling

In this article the author reviews some of the literature on counselor profanity and provides guidelines for its use in counseling.     

Career Counseling: Those Powerful Beginning Counselor Leads

This article partially fills an expressed void in our professional literature: articles illustrating effective career counseling techniques.     

Client-Centered Reflections on Career Decision Making

This article offers some reflections about the career decision-making process that are congruent with client-centered philosophy.