WORKERS

PARTICIPATION IN
MANAGEMENT

Meaning of WPM
WPM is a system of communication and
consultation, either formal or informal, by
which employees of an organization are
kept informed about the affairs of an
undertaking and through which they
express their opinion and contribute to
mgt decisions.

Industrial Democracy and

Workers participation
Both concepts are closely related
and supplementary in character.
Industrial
democracy
can
be
introduced through various form of
workers
participation
in
management.

Objectives of WPM

Increasing productivity for the general

benefit of the enterprise, the employees
and the community;
Giving employees a better understanding
of their role in the working of the industry
& of the production process; and
Satisfying the workers urge for selfexpression, thus leading to industrial
peace, better relations and increased cooperation.

Development of leaders from within

the industry.
Development of human personality.

Levels of Participation
Informative participation
Consultative participation
Associative participation
Administrative participation
Decisive participation

Mode of Participation
Work Committee
Joint Management Council
Joint Management Council
Collective Bargaining
Co-partnership
Worker-Director
Suggestion Scheme

Grievance Procedure
Quality Circle

Conditions necessary for effective

working of the scheme

Democratic Attitude of Management

Strong Union
Mutual Trust and Faith
Clarity of objectives of workers
participation
Continuity
Training in participation

Importance of WPM
Reduced industrial unrest
Reduced misunderstanding
Improved communication
Higher productivity
Industrial democracy
Development of individuals

Reasons for failure of WPM

Ideological differences between the employer

and the employees regarding the degree of
participation.
Multiplicity of participative forums
Lack of strong trade unionism
Unhappy IR
Illiteracy of workers
Non co-operative attitude of the working class
Delays in the implementation of the decisions of
the participative bodies