A Human Resource Planning Approach for Reducing the Cost of Absenteeism

Although absenteeism rates can be reduced significantly in most organizations, it must be recognized that absenteeism is a legitimate employee benefit and will occur at some level despite control efforts. The author proposes that a human resource planning approach can substantially reduce the cost of absenteeism by staffing for predicted levels of absenteeism. There are three preconditions for such an approach: (1) absenteeism measures must be developed and attendance data collected: (2) the probability that jobs will be vacant must be calculated; and (3) a cost analysis for alternative strategies of filling job vacancies must be completed. Diagnostic instruments are included so managers can determine if this approach will reduce cost of absenteeism for their organizations. Dow Scott is with the College of Business at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Hippie Acid Freak Drag Queens: Situating the Cockettes within an Art Historical Context

This thesis situates the Cockettes – a performance group rarely referenced in art historical discourse - within Bay Area performance art, second-wave feminist art, and the Gay Liberation Movement. Contextualizing the Cockettes within their contemporary art movements provides a new understanding of the group and emphasizes their significance to art history

A Tried-and-True Method for Encouraging Innovation

CEOs recognize that continuous innovation is absolutely essential for company survival (e.g., Craren 2010; Mitchell, Ray, and van Ark 2015; Pawlenty 2014). McMullen and Lash (2014) found that the “best companies for leadership” are more likely to reward innovation and collaboration than are other companies. Thus, the trend toward expanding the responsibility for innovation beyond the research and development (R&D) department to employees throughout the organization is not surprising (Baumann and Stieglitz 2013). There are two distinct forms of innovation. The first focuses on developing products and services that allow companies to charge a premium for their products and services and compete in new markets. Second, innovation allows companies to improve quality and drive costs down through process improvement. Although most business leaders agree that continuous innovation is absolutely essential, this is easier said than done. This is especially true when one is trying to create an environment where all employees are in a position to create innovation — not just senior management or those involved in research and development (R&D)