• Ryuji Takahara.
• International Economy and Work Research Institute, Osaka Prefectural Labor Center, Osaka, Japan. takahara@iewri.or.jp
• Sangyo Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2010 Jan 1; 52 (1): 28-38.

AbstractWhen using attitude surveys to improve the psychological problems in an organization, its main objective is to provide material for organizational decision-making by exploring the necessity of countermeasures; and if countermeasures are necessary, the objective is to illustrate the factors behind the issues quantitatively. In this case study, we attempted to clarify the necessity of the organization to address the psychological problems its members carried; In order to find effective countermeasures, an attitude survey was performed. The questionnaire consisted of general survey items and items uniquely prepared for the organization. Based on the results of the questionnaire, countermeasures were proposed. After the proposed countermeasures were implemented, a follow-up investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect. Acting upon a request from a labor union, we conducted interviews at a regional plant of a major manufacturing company where many employees carry out strenuous tasks and sick leave due to mental illness is a frequent occurrence. Then, a questionnaire-based survey that reflected the results of the interviews was performed. Analyses of variance of the general survey items showed that the mental health and morale of the union members were significantly poor. Also, a comparison of structure of consciousness using a multi-group structural equation analysis and a comparison with the survey items uniquely prepared for the organization indicated that a dehumanizing workload and a negative environment created by the high turnover rate and confusion in the chain of command had alienated the employees. These results were reported to the management by the union and they jointly implemented some countermeasures. A year later, a second survey that included items that reflected the countermeasures taken by the organization was conducted. Analyses of variance showed a significant improvement in the results, and multi-regression analysis using the aggregated data (baseline and post-intervention) showed that some of the countermeasures taken by the union and the management were probably effective. The results suggest that, when the party conducting the investigation and the party implementing the countermeasures are different, it would be effective to devise an investigation and a statistical analysis that can unravel the actual status of the organization based on the empirical findings, since it would provide useful materials for organizational decision-making and validation of the effects of the implemented countermeasures.

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