Previous research literature is reviewed in light of certain weaknesses and inadequacies of drive theory explanation, indicating a need for a more cognitive approach. A more cognitive model, constructed in an expectancy theory framework, is presented as a plausible alternative explanation for possible effects of social facilitation on employees. Recommendations are made regarding directions of future research for testing the model.

System designs for a planning MIS, in particular settings, are developed. The designs are described by one or more information generation modes (personal, interactive, reports, and analysis) applied in a particular sequence. Each design is related to planning stages (formulation, conceptualization, detailing, evaluation, and implementation) and to planning in “simple” and “complex” environments.

The article reviews the book ?Corporate Strategy and Product Innovation,? edited by Robert R. Rothberg.

The article reviews two books: ?Work, Learning, and the American Future,? by James O'Toole; and ?Work, Aging and Social Change,? by Seymour B. Sarason.

The article reviews the book ?The New Science of Management Decision,? by Herbert A. Simon.

Current status of theory and research in organizational climate is reviewed. Major research questions surrounding organizational climate are: (a) Are perceptual and objective measures of climate measuring the same construct? (b) Do perceptual measures of climate measure attributes of people or attributes of organizations? (c) Does the concept of climate merely duplicate other concepts such as job satisfaction? Some research trends are examined and suggestions for future research are made.

Organizational adaptation is a topic that has received only limited and fragmented theoretical treatment. Any attempt to examine organizational adaptation is difficult, since the process is highly complex and changeable. The proposed theoretical framework deals with alternative ways in which organizations define their product-market domains (strategy) and construct mechanisms (structures and processes) to pursue these strategies. The framework is based on interpretation of existing literature and continuing studies in four industries (college textbook publishing, electronics, food processing, and health care).