There are many factors that could contribute to the onset of alcoholism. This paper examines the possible role that the work organization plays in alcohol misuse among employees. It is suggested that perceived organizational and job characteristics facilitate the onset or continuance of an alcohol problem. The mechanism by which these perceptions may affect alcohol misuse and attitudes toward alcohol use by co-workers is through their contribution to feelings of self-estrangement and powerlessness. Two hundred and ninetythree full-time employees completed surveys which were analyzed using correlational and path-analytic techniques. The results indicate support for the perceptions-self-estrangement-alcohol misuse sequence. Feelings of powerlessness at work were not significantly associated with the dependent measures. The results are discussed.
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