1996
DOI: 10.1177/017084069601700606
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Research Note: The Hidden Trade-offs of Cooperative Work — An Empirical Study

Abstract: There is an increasing interest in introducing autonomous (or at least semi-autonomous) working groups into firms. The underlying view of 'cooperative work' is rather euphoric and uncritical. The aim of this research note, therefore, is to confront the often cited advantages for employees with an empirical study of an 'ideal' case. The presented group is ideal in that it features maximal autonomy of the group and maximal involvement of the group members in all the relevant decisions. The results of this invest… Show more

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Cited by 15 publications
(6 citation statements)
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“…Pateman's (1970) classic work drew attention to the multiple levels of society at which participation can occur, thereby enlarging the notion of democracy in practice. Of course, as Hanappi-Egger (1996) observed, many democratic interventions in businesses and other organizations are made without a broader perspective on the merits of participation. Moreover, even when both economic and social democracy are present, as in a combination of shared equity and governance, there will be contradictions felt by employee-owners between the firm's practices and those of the larger capitalist society, especially at a time when the gap between the rich and the poor is widening in many parts of the world.…”
Section: Challenges and Balances In The Pursuit Of The Worker-cooperamentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Pateman's (1970) classic work drew attention to the multiple levels of society at which participation can occur, thereby enlarging the notion of democracy in practice. Of course, as Hanappi-Egger (1996) observed, many democratic interventions in businesses and other organizations are made without a broader perspective on the merits of participation. Moreover, even when both economic and social democracy are present, as in a combination of shared equity and governance, there will be contradictions felt by employee-owners between the firm's practices and those of the larger capitalist society, especially at a time when the gap between the rich and the poor is widening in many parts of the world.…”
Section: Challenges and Balances In The Pursuit Of The Worker-cooperamentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The group literature provides an explanation for this result. Based on case studies, Hanappi-Egger (1996) observed that, while giving autonomy to teams generates benefits such as task flexibility, it also produces negative repercussions. In the absence of a central power residing outside the group to provide direction and arbitrate issues, confusion and ambiguity can arise, resulting in members failing to cooperate with each other and abdicating responsibility.…”
Section: Implications From the Findingsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The autonomy of the individual is regarded as one basic feature of team members that is not characteristic of members of working groups. As pointed out by, Hanappi-Egger (1996), if an individual's autonomy is strong, this could lead to diminishing competence in teamwork. Further, the surrounding environment (society and organisation) influences the team.…”
Section: Teams and Teamworkmentioning
confidence: 99%