Publication Type: Poster
Abstract: For the first time, data from OJJDP’s Performance-based Standards
(PbS) for Youth Correction and Detention Facilities project is available
for analysis. We use it to predict victimization and fear among individual
juvenile inmates. We estimate hierarchical linear models using both
facility and individual level factors. Our results depart from prior research
efforts, which have focused primarily on either an importation or a
deprivation model for explaining facility disorder. In contrast, we find
evidence of a third model that merges individual and facility level
variables to consider individual youths’ perceptions of facility rules and
practices. We find that the best predictors of victimization are youths’
understanding of facility rules, and their perceptions of how good the
school is and how helpful the staff are.

Publication Type: Invited Paper
Abstract: The rapidly expanding number of elderly within our population represents a social phenomenon without historical precedent. Housing and care of the elderly is and will continue to be a significant social issue. When the elderly can no longer manage activities of daily living in their own home, they must seek alternative living arrangements. One option is housing within an assisted living community where in 2007 close to one million Americans resided. While previous research has examined the job satisfaction of assisted living primary caregiver employees, there exists a gap in the study of assisted living facility managers. This study examines assisted living facility managers’ job satisfaction and communication competence as related to facility size and length of employment.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The concept of creative facility was explained as an individual's ability to develop unique ideations in response to message production demands and to do so rapidly; in other words, quick-wittedness. As experimental paradigm was used that required participants to create unique messages, and the participants were timed for response latencies. Three individual-difference variables (speed of information processing, cognitive tempo and need for cognitive structure) were examined to see if they accounted for differences in response latencies. Results showed no significant relationship between response latency and speed of information processing or cognitive tempo, but need for cognitive structure was significantly related to latencies. These findings suggest new directions for studying the creative component of message production.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The results of the study will be used to provide guidance on achieving organizational goals and improving utilization of resources. Specifically, this study considers organizational structure, institutional goals and missions, power and politics, and the climate in which the institution operates as dynamic influences on organizational function.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Abstract

This paper explores the working lives of animal welfare workers at a non-profit facility called the National Animal Organization or NAO (name fictitious). Specifically, this paper focuses on the stress associated with working at an animal shelter that euthanizes its animals after a certain period of time. Through participant observation and personal interviews, the researcher explores the different kinds of stress NAO shelter workers experience and the many different coping strategies they use to manage their tension. Finally, the researcher evaluates the impact of gender on shelter work and tension management.
Conducted as an ethnographic study, this research uncovers much of the “behind the scenes” feelings and beliefs of animal welfare workers. As an identified researcher who also volunteered with the NAO, the researcher had access to the entire NAO facility and staff, including management.
The findings of this exploratory study suggest that gender does play a significant role in the working lives of animal welfare workers. Male shelter workers were seen as more stoic and less apt to show visible signs of distress, whereas female shelter workers were seen as more emotional and better suited to shelter work.