后人定法:信息政策与机器世界

导言 法律是由人制定并且为人服务的,这是一个不言而喻的假设.然而这个假设遭到了挑战:信息、传播和文化这些信息法规中的主体因素,越来越倾向于在机器之间或者人机之间流动.机器价值--而不是社会价值--在决策的过程中起着空前重要的作用.人类社会的信息政策制定正在被机器决策的方式所补充、所排挤甚至取代.随着技术被植入人体--现在已经可以将计算机芯片直接植入人脑的中枢神经--人与机器之间的法律区别几乎完全消融.这是种种信息传播技术观念发展进程的逻辑步骤:     

Stress and Unemployment: A Comparative Review and Research Model of Female and Male Managers

This paper presents a multifaceted approach to unemployment stress experienced by male and female managers, in the form of a literature review and comparative research model. In order to develop a working model which can be applied to both male and female managers, the paper covers a substantial range of the literature pertaining to the processes and effects of unemployment for managers. Previous studies often provide conflicting data which generally results from differential approaches taken to the study of unemployment. In addition, it is important to note that the majority of studies focus on blue-collar male workers and that the vast majority are based on a male model of work. The proposed model highlights sources of stress, moderators of stress and stress outcomes that may affect unemployed managers, and distinguishes areas in which gender differences are likely to be found. However, these differences are only hypothesized from the current literature and require in-depth research if they are to be fully understood.     

Assessing Competencies in Couples and Family Therapy/Counseling: A Call to the Profession

Psychometrically sound measures of family therapy competencies are necessary to assess the effectiveness of training on student performance. This article critiques the self-report and observer rating measures developed to date to assess the clinical skills of trainees in the individual and in the family therapy fields. Suggestions are made to foster future instrument development specifically designed for the field of couples and family therapy/counseling.     

The electronic ‘go-between service provider': a new ‘middle' role taking centre stage

While the full impact of the Internet on traditional business models and strategies is yet to be played out, one thing is already certain: it will irrevocably challenge the nature of the traditional middle role. A full spectrum of Internet-driven consequences — from disintermediation to cybermediation — has already been observed by numerous academics and practitioners. This article describes a different intermediary: the ‘go-between service provider,' who is increasingly challenging traditionalists benefiting from the new market and economic dynamics of our time. This paper, based on case studies and interviews as part of a long-term research project, presents a conceptual framework; lists critical success factors; and assesses the impact of all this on corporate thinking and practice.     

Strategic leadership and the chief executive

This article is based on research undertaken among South African chief executives occupying the most senior operational positions in public-quoted companies. In looking at distinctive characteristics in these individuals the research attempts to bring together the activities that shape the chief executive's job and explore possible trends in their background; career route and behaviour patterns, and from the compositie picture to provide guidelines for executive development.