Beyond Taylorism: Computerization and the New Industrial Relations - Hardcover

Giordano, Lorraine

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0333551133 ISBN 13: 9780333551134

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 1992

Synopsis

This book explores two major contemporary changes in the workplace: the impact of computerization on skills and the organization of production; Participation in quality circles raises issues of conflict rather than labour-management cooperation and management's attempt to undermine collective bargaining agreements.

About this title

Synopsis

This book explores two major contemporary changes in corporate reorganization strategies: the impact of computerization on skills and the organization of production; and the role of quality circles in the reorganization of bureaucratic decision-making. It is concerned with labour processes which experience deskilling, reskilling and shifts in the lines of demarcation between occupations. Based on a case study of workers in a US defence plant, the author conducted in-depth interviews with machinists, process engineers, drafters and design drafters - occupations which represent related phases in design and production work. The findings indicate that the impact of computerized automation is complex, contradictory and multi-dimensional. Workers' experiences in quality circles are examined as part of the labour relations within the firm and changes in the structure of managerial decision-making. Quality circles, rather than transforming labour relations toward democratic participation, are managerial strategies to create a decentralized structure to facilitate workers' cooperation in management's goals for efficiency and productivity.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0333551133
• ISBN 13: 9780333551134
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 244