Describe the various kinds of employee empowerment/involvement programs that have been implemented since the 1970s. How effective have these program been?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Since the 1970s, several types of employee involvement programs have arisen. Quality circles provide a forum for workers to make suggestions about how to improve productivity and quality through regular group meetings with supervisors. High performance work systems combine flexibility with employee involvement in decision making. Quality of work life programs provide a forum for workers to make suggests about improving working conditions. Gainsharing programs reward worker suggestions for cost reduction and efficiency improvements. Self-directed work teams change the mass production mentality to one where employees are responsible for a full range of job tasks, maintenance and even personnel decisions. Research has linked the use of quality circles, work teams, and job rotation to higher levels of stress and cumulative trauma disorders such as carpal tunnel. On the other hand, employee satisfaction, esteem, and commitment may be achieved.