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The transformation of employee participation: Consequences for the work environment

Author

Listed:
  • Ole Busck

    (Aalborg University, oleb@plan.aau.dk)

  • Herman Knudsen

    (Aalborg University)

  • Jens Lind

    (Aalborg University)

Abstract

This article reviews the research literature on the relationship between employee participation, influence and the work environment. The main part of the literature points to a positive connection in line with how it has been almost institutionalized in Karasek and Theorell’s demand—control model. However, more recent research into psychosocial work environment problems questions the model’s assumption of high job control compensating for high job demands. Taking its point of departure in a ‘deconstruction’ of the concept of participation based on research on employee participation from the past few decades, the article questions why increased employee participation does not seem to result in a healthy work environment.The article concludes that there are limitations to the demand— control model in modern working life given the contextual changes in the employer—employee relationship, which may mean a transformation of the significance of participation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ole Busck & Herman Knudsen & Jens Lind, 2010. "The transformation of employee participation: Consequences for the work environment," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 31(3), pages 285-305, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:31:y:2010:i:3:p:285-305
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X09351212
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Walters & Theo Nichols, 2007. "Worker Representation and Workplace Health and Safety," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-21071-4.
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    Cited by:

    1. Raúl Payá Castiblanque, 2020. "The Impact of the Direct Participation of Workers on the Rates of Absenteeism in the Spanish Labor Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Kristin Alsos & Sissel C Trygstad, 2023. "Do participation structures affect workers’ voice?," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 44(2), pages 410-431, May.
    3. Lorraine Ryan & Thomas Turner, 2021. "Does work socialisation matter? Worker engagement in political activities, attachment to democracy and openness to immigration," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(2), pages 125-144, March.

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