The literature concerning the work experience of faculty members, administrators, and clerical and support staff is reviewed. The experience of these employee groups is examined in relation to: the characteristics of their work and work environment, the extent of their autonomy and power, and their relationship to their institution. In addition, the following external pressures affecting colleges as workplaces are addressed: economic pressures, labor market trends, and the decrease in the number of traditional college age students. Attention is directed to the work characteristics that affect faculty members, including faculty salary levels, governance, job security, opportunities for career growth, workload and responsibilities, and role conflict. The following factors influencing the college president's work are identified: the stress of financial pressures, declining enrollments, legislative demands, and other external pressures. The work situations for academic deans and department heads and lower-level administrators are also briefly described. In addition, job and workplace factors affecting middle-level administrators are discussed, including role complexity, the opportunity and salary structure, and their low status and low power to develop policy. (SW)