Employee Participation in a Japanese‐owned British Electronics Factory: Reality or Symbolism?

Abstract

In recent years it has become clear that joint consultation has not withered away in British industry but has managed to maintain a considerable institutional presence. The precise character of consultation in these companies is rather more difficult to determine. Drawing on research in a Japanese‐owned electronics factory, with elaborate machinery for participation as well as a single union, no‐strike deal, it is concluded that consultation is little more than a symbol of unitarism. Moreover, other unitarist symbols are also used to convey the “family” message to the workforce.

Citation

Lewis, P. (1989), "Employee Participation in a Japanese‐owned British Electronics Factory: Reality or Symbolism?", Employee Relations, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000001013