Workers Participation in Management

ConceptIt is a mental and emotional involvement of a person in a group situation which encourages him to contribute to goals and share responsibility with him. - Davis

EvolutionFirstly the demand of continuous production during the two world wars prompted the managers to introduce such strategies as would ensure uninterrupted industrial activity. Secondly the differentiation b/w mgmt and entrepreneurs accelerated the pace of professionalisation in industrial mgmt.

ObjectivesIn the words of second five year plan - to increase productivity for the general benefit - to give employees a better understanding - to satisfy the workers urge for self expression

Forms of participationCollective bargaining Joint administration Joint decision making Consultation Information sharing

Levels of participationInformal co-operation coAdvisory co-operation coConstructive co-operation coJoint determination

The participation of worker in Management Bill 1990In Rajya Sabha on 30 may, 1990 The bill sought to provide for specific and meaningful participation of workers in management from shop floor to the board level in all industrial establishments defined under Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

Forms of workers participation in IndiaWorks committees Joint management councils Joint councils Unit councils Plant councils Shop councils Workers representative on board of management Workers participation in share capital

Joint CouncilsFeatures Each organization/ service shall decide the no. of councils. Only engaged persons are members The tenure of the councils should be 2 years Chief executive shall be the chairman Secretary should be appointed Meeting at least ones in a quarter Decisions based on consensus not by voting

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Functions Settlements of matters Review of working of the unit level Unit level matters having bearing on in other branches or on enterprise Development of skills Improvement of general conditions of work Preparation of schedules of working hours and holidays Proper recognition and appreciation of useful suggestions of workers

Unit CouncilsFeatures A unit level council Equal no. of representatives of management and workers Management representative should be nominated by management and should consist of persons from concerned unit Implemented within a month Secretary appointment Decisions should have bearing on other unit of the organization The council once formed should work for three years Meeting at least once in a month Chairman from management, vice chairman from workers

Plant CouncilsFormed in pursuance of the recommendations of the second meeting of the Group on labor at New Delhi on 23 Sep, 1985. Features - One plant council for the whole unit - Member not less than 6 and not more than 18 - Member should be engaged in the unit - Tenure is 3 years - The chief executive of the unit shall be the chairman of the plant council - Secretary should be appointed - Mid term casual vacancy - Meeting at least once in a quarter - Decisions should be based on consensus

Function of Plant CouncilOperational areas Economic and financial area Personnel matters Welfare areas Environmental areas

Shop CouncilsFeatures For every unit of 500 or more workers Equal no. of representatives of employers and workers All the members should be concerned with unit Total no. of members may not exceed by 12 Decisions based on consensus Implement within a month Meeting within a month Tenure is 3 years Chairman from management and vice chairman from workers

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Function To assist in production target To improve working Corrective steps To study absenteeism and reduced it To suggest safety measures To assist in maintaining general discipline To suggest improvement in physical working conditions To suggest welfare and measures To ensure two way communication To suggest technological innovation To assist in implementation of cost reduction program

ConclusionScheme should be made to work at least in the field of increasing the production and productivity of labor. Workers may get reasonable opportunity to show his work in contributing to production targets. Management should have a constructive attitude and should regard trade unions as a highly valuable and powerful struments.

Both employers and unions should have proper sprit. The govt. should take responsibility for workers education programs.