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Dissertation Information for Denis Owens Gray

NAME:
- Denis Owens Gray

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Psychology

SCHOOL:
- Michigan State University (USA) (1980)

ADVISORS:
- None

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- None

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Not_Inspected

Title: A JOB CLUB FOR OLDER WORKERS AND RETIREES: AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF OUTCOME AND PROCESS

Abstract: "Unemployment among older workers and ""retirees"" is a significant but neglected contemporary social problem. Large numbers of unemployed older individuals are not counted in aggregate Department of Labor statistics, including discouraged older job seekers, middle-aged and older women just entering the workforce and retirees who desire part-time employment. It is estimated that 4 million people over 65 would like to work for money and are not being considered among the unemployed (NCOA, 1975).

The present study focused on one contributor to unemployment among older individuals--less than optimum job search performance. The specific vehicle for enhancing job search competence was a modified version of the Job Club program. This social learning based program, which relies on mutual help and support among job seekers, has been proven effective and cost efficient with other hard-to-place groups.

Older individuals (50 and older) who sought employment assistance at a local Older Worker-Retiree Employment Service were randomly assigned to receive normally available services (Control) or the Older Worker-Retiree Job Club (Job Club). The Job Club involved a half day training workshop and ongoing biweekly Job Club meetings. Over a six month span a total of 48 participants received eithr Job Club or Control employment assistance.

The study attempted to provide answers to three major research questions. The first question asked, ""Is the Job Club program an effective method for increasing employment among the target population?"" The second question asked, ""How (through what mechanisms) does the Job Club help people find employment?"" The final question asked, ""What is the individual's subjective psychological reaction to the job search experience and the intervention they experience?"" The measurement strategy used to provide answers to these questions was both longitudinal and multivariate. Personal interviews were held with participants when they first sought assistance, just prior to receiving assistance (Premeasure), and four, eight and twelve weeks after Premeasure.

The results provided strong support for the effectiveness of the Job Club program with older job seekers. After twelve weeks 74% of the Job Club and 22% of the Control group were employed. The Job Club placement rate was significantly higher than the Control after 4 weeks (39% versus 4%). In addition, by eight weeks the average Job Club S had earned significantly more income ($203 versus $20) and worked more hours (46 hours versus 6 hours) for the preceding month than the average Control S. Among other findings, process results indicated that Job Club participants had become better job seekers and felt more people were helping them find work.

These results indicate that meaningful increases in the employment rates of older job seekers can be achieved by careful implementation of a job club program tailored to the needs of this group. However, the relatively low status of many of the obtained placements should serve as a signal that real progress in this area will only come about through systems level changes in the economy and the workplace."

MPACT Scores for Denis Owens Gray

A = 0
C = 2
A+C = 2
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:20:50

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