Survey says: Workers find incompetence in bosses frustrating

Although no one likes working for an abusive boss, many workers are actually more troubled by one who’s incompetent, according to an Ohio State University study.

Sociology professor Randy Hodson analyzed more than 100 studies of contemporary workplaces to discover how employees found or failed to find dignity a sense of meaning and fulfillment in their work.

He found that abuse by managers or mismanagement was connected to negative employee actions such as absenteeism and withholding effort on the job. But mismanagement seemed to be a source of greater frustration for workers.

Economy: Laid-off employees need to stretch severance pay

The amount of severance pay doled out to corporate managers and executives is falling, a trend that could make the consumer-driven economic recovery a bit slower.

Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. found that severance for laid-off managers and executives amounted to eight weeks of salary during the first quarter of 2002. That’s down a third from the same time a year ago, and down two-thirds from the first quarter of 1999.

That means the financial cushion for the average job-seeking manager or executive will run out about six weeks before a new job is found.

Motley Fool: Name that company

I trace my roots back to Blue Ribbon Sports, a 1962 partnership between an athlete and an Oregon track coach. In 1971, the coach was inspired by his breakfast waffles to improve running shoes. Today I employ more than 20,000 people on six continents. I’m named after the winged Greek god of victory and rake in nearly $10 billion annually. My brands include Cole Haan and Bauer. I’m No. 2 in soccer and a new big player in golf. Nearly half my sales are generated internationally and apparel accounts for about 30 percent of sales. I recycle sneakers, too. Who am I?

Summer Vacation: Americans plan to travel

American tourism is expected to surge this summer, due in part to a reluctance to travel overseas because of terrorism fears.

But to what degree will travelers turn to the Internet vs. off-line sources to make their travel plans? Four in 10 will go online, a survey conducted by Harris Interactive found. Yet, three out of four Internet users think it’s important to have access to live travel professionals when planning and purchasing travel.

The poll, commissioned by Trip.com, found that 67 percent of Americans are planning a summer vacation this year, and will spend an average of nearly $1,200 in doing so. Those staying with friends and family will spend the least, $795.

Twenty-four percent of travelers said they’ll visit loved ones, while 70 percent plan simply to relax.