This investigation focuses on the psychological and social dimensions of managing and solving indoor air problems. The data were collected in nine workplaces by interviews (n=85) and questionnaires (n=375). Indoor air problems in office environments have traditionally utilized industrial hygiene or technical expertise. However, indoor air problems at workplaces are often more complex issues to solve. Technical questions are inter-related with the dynamics of the work community, and the cooperation and interaction skills of the parties involved in the solving process are also put to the test. In the present study, the interviewees were very critical of the process of solving the indoor air problem. The responsibility for coordinating the problem-managing process was generally considered vague, as were the roles and functions of the various parties. Communication problems occurred and rumors about the indoor air problem circulated widely. Conflicts were common, complicating the process in several ways. The research focused on examining different ways of managing and resolving an indoor air problem. In addition, reference material on the causal factors of the indoor air problem was also acquired. The study supported the hypothesis that psychosocial factors play a significant role in indoor air problems.

Practical Implications

Solving an indoor air problem is not solely a technical question. It is also an issue of organizing a focused process: managing social interaction and co-operation, dealing with group dynamics, and, sometimes, also coping with strong emotions and interpersonal conflict situations. Based on this research, the problem-solving skills of organizations could be greatly improved

• experiment: survey and questionnaire : interviews and questionnaires
• IAQ - indoor air quality : psychological and social dimensions

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