Traditionally, it has been the
workers' role to work and management's role to manage. Managers have planned and
directed the firm's operations with little thought to consulting the labor
force. Managers have rarely felt compelled to obtain the workers' opinions or to
explain their decisions to their employees. At most, companies have provided
"suggestion boxes" in which workers could place ideas for improving procedures.
In recent years, however, many management specialists have been arguing that
workers are more than sellers of labor—they have a vital stake in the company
and may be able to make significant contributions to its management.
Furthermore, major company decisions profoundly affect workers and their
dependents. This is particularly true of plant closings, which may put thousands
on the unemployment lines. Should workers, then, play a stronger role in
management? Workers should have a role in management. At the
very least, the labor force should be informed of major policy decisions (A
common complaint among rank-and-file workers is the lack of information about
company policies and actions). Between 1980 and 1985 about five million workers
were the victims of plant closings and permanent layoffs, often with no warning.
At least 90 days' notice ought to be given in such instances so that workers
have time to adjust. Management should consult workers before closing a plant,
because the workers might be able to suggest ways of improving productivity and
reducing costs and might be willing to make concessions that will help keep the
plant operating. It should become a general practice to include
workers in some managerial decision makings. There ought to be representatives
of the workers on the firm's board of directors or other major policy making
groups. If rank-and-file workers are given a voice in the planning and
management of the work flow, they will help to make improvements, their morale
will rise, and their productivity will increase. As a further incentive, they
must be given a share in the company's profits. This can be done through
employee stockownership plans, bonuses, or rewards for efficiency and
productivity. Finally, when a plant can no longer operate at a profit, the
workers should be given the opportunity to purchase the plant and run it
themselves.
单选题
Traditional workers showed no interest in management.
单选题
One of the advantages of involving workers in making a decision is that
the interpersonal relationship between workers and managers can be improved.