The Quality of Working Life: An Important Issue for Managers of the Federal Work Force

A review of the literature suggested four major causes for the increasing importance of the quality of working life (QWL): the declining rate of productivity increase, the restricted growth environment, the deteriorating quality of goods and services, and the changing nature of the work force. The QWL is discussed from three perspectives--reasons for concern over QWL, evidence available regarding benefits from improving QWL, and implications for the Federal Government.