DRAFT

from the sociology of work concepts discussed in chapter 3; it is empirically based on two
decades of related empirical findings. Table 2 (appendix) shows how items from the BIBB/BAuA
Survey were classified in the index. The index has three subcomponents and a multiplier calculated
as follows.
( )
sitCOM + sitUP + strCOM
LC = · rEX = [0;1]
3
Whereby:
sitCOM =
1
3
3
∑ xi = [0;1]
i=1
sitUP =
1
7
7
∑ yi = [0;1]
i=1
strCOM =
1
7
7
∑ zi = [0;1]
i=1
• Index Component sitCOM ‘Situation-Specific Handling of Complexity‘: Indicates the frequency
of situation-specific problem resolution and decisionmaking, alone and in coordination with
others (F327_01, F327_02 and F327_06).
• Index Component sitUP ‘Situation-Specific Unpredictability’: Much subjectifying work action is
required when under time pressure (F411_01 and _13), when unpredictability (F411_06) is in
play or has to be prevented proactively (F411_09) and when improvisation is necessary due to
the lack of sufficient information, knowledge and/or skills at the right moment (F411_08 to _11
and F700_09) and when non-decision can result in bigger problems (F411_11).
4
• Index Component strCOM ‚Increasing Structural Complexity’: When changes in work equipment,
work objects or work organization occurred during the previous two years with repercussions
for the immediate work environment (F1001_01 bis _03 = instruments of work,
F1001_04 and _05 = objects of work and F1001_06 = work organization) concurrent with an
increase of stress (F1001_10). An increase of stress can be taken to indicate an intensifica-
4
Unfortunately, this last item of the list refers exclusively to financial consequences, although in many jobs situa-
tion-specific pressure for action arises out of the necessity to avoid negative technical repercussions (for example,
a reactor fire) or health hazards.
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