Current topics in management

The last decade has seen quite dramatic changes in political, industrial and social arenas. The collapse of socialism in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union has precipitated the introduction of market economics which have in turn required managers in these countries to learn new management skills and gain knowledge of free market dynamics. This has been coupled with an upsurge in the use of electronic networks and personal contacts disseminating knowledge about theory and practice. This volume reflects the early steps in developing both networks and knowledge. The first section deals with the methods of investigation in management and organizational phenomena. One chapter is generic whilst the other two deal with the key issue of leadership and burnout. Other issues in organizational behaviour are examined in the second part with chapters on psychological contract, organizational commitment and managerial self-esteem. The third section deals with social issues such as public policy, ethics, conflict management, managing wellness and measuring organizational climate in hospitals. The final section presents two international studies: one examines the USA and South Korea and the other compares personal values in Yugoslavia, Russia and the USA.