Work Places : The Psychology of the Physical Environment in Offices and Factories

Work Places discusses the research and theory concerning the physical surroundings that affect people in offices and factories. Environmental psychologist Eric Sundstrom with Mary Graehl Sundstrom explore such factors as interpersonal relationships, group cohesion, organisational effectiveness, status and self-identity as well as colour, air quality, noise, music and windows.

How do the physical surroundings affect people who work in offices and factories? Work Places attempts to answer this question by summarising the psychological and social influences of work settings. Environmental psychologist Eric Sundstrom, in collaboration with Mary Graehl Sundstrom, discusses research and theory concerning individual satisfaction and performance, interpersonal relationships, group cohesion and organisational effectiveness. Separate chapters address the physical aspects of the environment - temperature and air quality, lighting and windows, noise, music, colour and workstations - the symbolic aspects of the work environment - status and self-identity - and issues of communication, privacy, small groups and the organisation as a whole. Work Places offers the reader an integration of research, theory and history. Professionals and students in psychology, management, architecture and environmental design will find it informative, interesting and readable.