Beyond Taylorism Computerization and the New Industrial Relations [Paperback]

This book explores two major contemporary changes in the workplace: the impact of computerization on skills and the organization of production; and the role of quality circles in the 'democratization' of the workplace and the reorganization of bureaucratic decision-making. It is concerned with the labour processes which experience deskilling, reskilling and shifts in the lines of demarcation between occupations. Participation in quality circles raises issues of conflict rather than labour-management cooperation and management's attempt to undermine collective bargaining agreements.Acknowledgements - Introduction - Methodology - PART 1: AUTOMATION AND THE LABOUR PROCESS - Review of the Literature - Machinists and Automation on the Shopfloor - Merger of Job Classifications and the Reorganization of the Labour Process - Process Engineers - Automation and the Design Process: Drafters - Design Drafters - PART 2: THE 'NEW INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS' - Historical Overview and Review of the Literature - Quality Circles - Conclusions - Appendices - Bibliography - Index