Lean Production and Changing Employment Relations in the International Auto Industry

Abstract

The auto industry provides a useful focus for examining the changing nature of employment relations around the world as new production systems are introduced. This article summarizes the results of an international project which analyzed the diffusion of lean production and associated employment patterns in different national contexts. It was found that despite the widespread application of lean production principles, significant variation existed in the way that management and unions adapted to change. There is a need to comprehend both the role of national institutions and local practices in the choices which parties make at the workplace level. These factors are significant in shaping employment relations in the auto industry despite the pervasive influence of new production systems.

Integrating human resource management into lean production and their impact on organizational performance

“…On the other hand, the principles of lean production are controversial from the point of view of human wellbeing (Hiltrop, 1992;Kochan and Lansbury, 1997;Power and Sohal, 1997;Delbridge et al, 2000;Godard, 2004;Seppälä and Klemola, 2004). It is even discussed whether teamwork or empowerment, for example, there are other ways to persistence of managerial control on the employees in workplaces with LP (Sewell, 2005).…”

Collective Bargaining Context and Worker Attitudes: Comparing Team and Traditional Work Systems

“…One of the organizational objectives for advancing team systems is to increase workforce flexibility (Kochan et al 1992). Thus, team initiatives often collapse large numbers of job classifications into a few broad categories, requiring workers to cross-train and rotate among job duties within teams, and place greater emphasis on payfor-skills and performance rather than on job-based compensation (Barker 1993;Kochan and Lansbury 1997). These practices, therefore, alter the connection between seniority and competitive status seniority preferences.…”

Manufatura Enxuta: uma revisão que classifica e analisa os trabalhos apontando perspectivas de pesquisas futuras

“…Os resultados desse estudo mostram que as empresas que adotaram a ME se interessam mais por questões relacionadas à organização do trabalho e pessoas do que as empresas tradicionais. Kochan & Lansbury (1997) avaliam a organização do trabalho dentro do contexto da ME na indústria de automóveis de diversos países. A conclusão é que, apesar da difusão das técnicas enxutas ao redor do mundo, há uma variação de país para país na maneira da gerência e dos sindicatos se adaptarem às mudanças.…”