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The innovation diffusion paradox in the light of ‘shop-floor games’ and micro-politics

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Listed:
  • Pasi Koski

    (University of Tampere, Finland, pasi.koski@uta.fi)

  • Anu Järvensivu

    (University of Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

In the literature on workplace innovation or organizational innovation, the concept of high-performance work systems (HPWS) has gained a prominent position. Theoretical and empirical evidence supports the argument that HPWS and their innovative workplace practices can increase firms’ performance. However, several studies have shown that, surprisingly, these practices are only infrequently adopted. Drawing insights from labour process theory and by using an in-depth qualitative approach, this article sheds light on this innovation diffusion paradox. It demonstrates how the realm of micro-politics and related conflicts, resistance and factory games affect the introduction of new practices in two Finnish factories.

Suggested Citation

  • Pasi Koski & Anu Järvensivu, 2010. "The innovation diffusion paradox in the light of ‘shop-floor games’ and micro-politics," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 31(3), pages 345-363, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:31:y:2010:i:3:p:345-363
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X09351216
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. John Godard, 2004. "A Critical Assessment of the High‐Performance Paradigm," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(2), pages 349-378, June.
    2. Harvie Ramsay & Dora Scholarios & Bill Harley, 2000. "Employees and High‐Performance Work Systems: Testing inside the Black Box," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 38(4), pages 501-531, December.
    3. Jukka Niemelä & Satu Kalliola, 2007. "Team Membership and Experiences of Work in the Finnish Context," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 28(4), pages 552-588, November.
    4. Caroline Lloyd & Jonathan Payne, 2006. "Goodbye to all that? a critical re-evaluation of the role of the high performance work organization within the UK skills debate," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 20(1), pages 151-165, March.
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