This study reports a single time-series quasi-experiment in a Canadian firm to evaluate the effect over a five-year period of implementing a structured, seven-step strategy to obtain improved organization performance through employee-centered management. A significant change in the condition of the human organization resulting from the intervention was measured over the five-year period and shown to be correlated with a 66% increase in profitability. The results of the study indicate that in the Canadian/U.S. context, employee-centered management is at least compatible with high performance and competitive advantage. There is also evidence that in some instances organization performance can be significantly enhanced through the participation and contribution of employees in problem-solving and decision-making processes.

This article is based on presentations by Carla J. Stoffle at the Ontario Library Association, January 31, 2002, and the Rare Book and Manuscripts Section Pre-Conference, American Library Association Conference, June 12, 2002.