Job Characteristics and the Identification of Deviant Drinking

Abstract

Factors in the organizational environment have been posited to be related to the development of employee alcohol problems and the identification of such problems. Previous research has yielded ambiguous findings on these relationships, but has indicated that some role is played. Data from a study of the experience of 2,083 Federal supervisors and managers with employees who had alcohol problems indicate that task interdependence and opportunities for mobility on the job are associated with greater probability of the identification of alcohol problems. The pattern of relationships indicates that peer influences may overshadow those of supervisors in the identification of employee drinking problems. Work characteristics were not related to the success of treating such problems and returning employees to the job.