QWL Applications in Public Agencies: Do Sucess Rates Reflect a Positive-Findings Bias?

Abstract

This article builds on reports of substantial success rates in Quality of Working Life (QWL) applications, and tests the criticism that these attractive outcomes merely reflect wimpish methodology. As the rigor of research designs increases, critical observers predict, so also will outcomes deteriorate. This panel of QWL applications, N = 44, does not support a positive-findings bias in public-sector applications, where QWL success rates approximate those in business applications.