Betty Jo White

The Role of Facility Managers in the Diffusion of Organizational Telecommuting

This study provides baseline data from a nationwide sample of telecommuting programs in organizations with facility managers. Based on Rogers’ Adoption/Diffusion Theory, the two-phase study revealed a 38% telework adoption rate. The data describe the telecommuting programs, their attributes, and resultant off-site work environments and central office changes. In conclusion, among U.S. organizations that employ facility managers, the rate of adoption of telecommuting is growing steadily, primarily in large, reengineered, and services-oriented firms. The perceived attributes of these programs are (a) their relative advantage as an effective informal method for organizations to attract and retain valued employees and (b) their compatibility with theorganization’s corporateculture. Thus far, thesamplefacility managers’limited involvement in the corporate decision to adopt telecommuting and in evaluating work environment outcomes may constrain their potential effectiveness as telework change agents.

Local housing and service decisions: Planning for aging adults in rural communities

Abstract The purpose of this research was to identify factors associated with local housing and service decisions that support aging adults in rural communities. These decisions represent de factostrategies that affect the quality of life of older residents and their ability to age in place. Data were collected from 951 informants in 134 Midwest rural communities. Analyses were undertaken to identify the role of community characteristics in predicting the availability of a group of housing options and support services. Findings support the notion that the community context is important to the delivery of key housing and service needs. Population size, proportion of community residents 65 years and older, and housing planning processes promoted gains in housing and services.

Universal Design Facility: State of the Art Teaching Tool

AbstractThe purposes, features, funding, and evaluation of Kansas State University’s new Universal Design Research and Demonstration Facility are described. The laboratory permits: 1) hands-on integration of the universal design concept into both resident- and off-campus instruction; and 2) applied research on user-based environmental design innovations. Five state-of-the-art prototype, testing, and demonstration areas include the office/work environment, kitchens, bathroom/restroom modules, lecture/focus group area, and an open product testing space. Classroom and workshop demonstrations and distance learning activities teach students, practitioners, and cooperative extension service clientele across the state. Most research completed to date is based on Rogers’ work on diffusion of innovations. The facility’s Advisory Board and attendant test population represent people of all ages and capabilities. To equip and install the facility, faculty used university funds and obtained furnishings, fixtures, and ...

A Review and Preliminary Survey of Graduated Payment Mortgagors

AbstractThis paper Is a review of the literature on consumer aspects of the Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM). It presents the findings of a pilot study designed to assess borrowers’ knowledge of and experiences with the GPM. In the sample of 43 Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Section 245 GPM holders, over one-third were first-time buyers and over one-third were single persons or household heads. The buyers purchased primarily new or nearly-new single-family detached homes at average or lower prices for the locality. The median housing-income ratio was within the range of 30–34 percent.The majority of the loans were five-year graduation plans, with typical annual mortgage payment increases of 5 or 7.5 percent. Mortgagors perceived the final GPM principal to be higher than that for a standard fixed-payment mortgage (SFPM); the GPM interest rate and minimum down payment to be about the same or lower; GPM dosing costs to be about the same; and GPM equity buildup to be slower. Major perceived GPM advantag...

A Research Note on: Colorado Housing Cooperatives

AbstractThis paper describes two metropolitan Denver, Colorado-area housing cooperatives and their shareholders. Specifically, it presents the financing and equity provisions and the resident motivations and perceptions of the South Dahlia Lane and Rose Hill Town houses cooperatives. Data were gathered from the cooperatives’ organizational documents and a Cooperative Housing Resident Questionnaire that was developed to survey 146 current and former members. The response rate was 62 percent. One cooperative is a limited equity development. The other development has evolved into a market-equity cooperative. The respondents most frequently cite the following as reasons for joining the cooperatives: down payments, membership fees and operating costs that fit their income levels, payments that build ownership, acceptable units, buildings and physical layouts, and control over the environment. The advantages of cooperative living listed most frequently are neighbors and community and affordability. Disadvantage...

Elderly Residents’ Evaluation of Rural Rental Housing in Northwest Missouri

The population of 330 elderly tenants of FmHA Section 515 Rural Rental housing developments in 16 small towns in five northwest Missouri counties was surveyed by mail to assess the importance of specified features of the apartment units and complexes. The purpose of the study was to determine satisfaction with selected aspects and to identify features desired to be changed. A usable response rate of 62 percent, or 204 cases, was achieved.The apartment units and complexes appeared to be meeting user needs, although sources of dissatisfaction for a minority, suggested changes centered on parking spaces, community building/room size and laundry facilities, bathtubs without showers, accessible and adequate storage space, and location. The concerns apparently unique to subsidized multi-family housing for rural small town elderly related to parking, community buildings and site selection.