Explaining the unionism gap: Public-private sector differences in preferences for unionization

Data indicate a substantial and growing “unionism gap” between the public and private sectors. Previous research identifies possible explanations for this gap, including preferences for collective action, political considerations, fears of employer retaliation, and concerns about job security. Our results provide support for these explanations, but also suggest that perceived differences between private and public sector unions may be a significant factor.     

JOB STRESS, DRINKING NETWORKS, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AT WORK:

Most research examining the problem drinking behaviors of employees has sought to demonstrate that variation in alcohol consumption derives from nonrewarding or stressful aspects of modern work that promote intrapsychic stress and/or alienation. These inquiries have ignored additional job factors that might influence employee drinking patterns. We extend this literature by developing and testing a comprehensive model of influences on employee problem drinking. The model includes the simultaneous influences of stressful working conditions, participation in job-based drinking networks, and perceived social support on the job. Analyses of data from the 1991 National Employee Survey (NES) indicate that this explanatory model significantly improves our understanding of the job-related influences on employee problem drinking. We also demonstrate that each class of job factors has important mediated influences on problem drinking that result from their association with individualized job escapist-oriented reasons for drinking.     

Social accounting for nonprofits: Two models

After giving an overview of the development of social accounting, this article presents two models of social accounting for nonprofits: the community social return on investment model and the expanded value‐added statement. The discussion focuses on the process for establishing a comparative market value for nonmarket social outputs. The authors discuss these models and the comparative market value in relation to social accounting, an academic field that has evolved as part of a critique of financial accounting, especially its failure to analyze the impact of the organization on society and the natural environment. For the most part, scholars have not related social accounting to nonprofits. This article attempts to draw nonprofits into the field of social accounting. Both models address the social impact of nonprofits by including social inputs and outputs that accounting statements normally exclude.     

Determinants of maltreatment substantiation in a sample of infants involved with the child welfare system

Children under one year of age are highly vulnerable to child maltreatment, which can lead to serious immediate and long-term physical and mental health consequences. Child welfare workers encounter unique challenges when assessing allegations of maltreatment involving infants. This study identifies correlates of maltreatment substantiation in a sample of 793 infants less than one year of age investigated by child welfare. It is based on data from the 2003 Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS-2003), a national study of reports of child maltreatment. The analysis consisted of two stages. First, bivariate analyses were conducted using unadjusted odds ratios and chi-square tests on variables known to be associated with substantiation. In the second stage, a logistic regression was performed to examine these associations in a multivariate model.Multivariate findings suggest that certain vulnerabilities present in the primary caregiver, such as substance abuse and few social supports, as well as the child's positive toxicology at birth are associated with substantiated infant maltreatment. Exposure to domestic violence, which is reported mostly by the police, and physical harm stemming from maltreatment are strongly associated with substantiation, whereas reports of physical abuse and neglect have an inverse relationship. The authors discuss these results and implications for policy and programs.