PREPARING SUPERVISORS FOR THE FUTURE WORK-FORCE - THE DUAL-INCOME COUPLE AND THE WORK-FAMILY DICHOTOMY

Do conventional, ''best practice'' guidelines for first-line supervisors adequately prepare them for the diverse work force of the next century? Willa Bruce and Christine Reed contrast the complexities of new work and family roles with the simplicity of traditional theories of workplace supervision. These theories reflect a dominant underlying culture that questions the commitment or integrity of employees who are either married to co-workers or are the primary caregivers of young children. Initial research findings suggest that ''family-friendly'' benefits offer limited support to working parents and to dual-career couples, despite their growing numbers in the work force. The authors conclude that supervisory training needs to change to emphasize acceptance of diversity in the workplace.