Work Places

How do the physical surroundings affect people who work in offices and factories? Work Places attempts to answer this question by summarising what is known about the psychological and social influences of work settings. Environmental psychologist Eric Sundstrom, in collaboration with Mary Graehl Sundstrom, discusses research and theory concerning individual satisfaction and performance, interpersonal relationships, group cohesion, and, organisational effectiveness. Separate chapters address the physical aspects of the environment - temperature and air quality, lighting and windows, noise, music, colour, and work-stations - the symbolic aspects of the work environment - status and selfidentity - and issues of communication, privacy, small groups, and the organization as a whole.