Labor-Management Productivity Programs: Their Operation and Effect on Employment and Productivity

摘要

This field study investigated cooperative union-management productivity programs (Scanlon and Rucker Plans and Plant-wide committees) in ten engine parts and steel fabrication plants. Using a stratified single-intervention interrupted time-series design for a two year period before and two year period after the introduction of the cooperative program, it was found that productivity had increased in four of six plants and employment had stabilized in five of six plants. An intensive case analysis was used to identify factors, and develop a model of productivity program effectiveness. Employee commitment was hypothesized to be the key causal variable influencing effectiveness. This was said to be influenced by a structure for employee participation, the method, frequency, and amount of compensation forthcoming from the program, and employment security. Moderating variables were hypothesized to be technology, an effective acceptance strategy, perceived political security by the union leadership, and organizational values.