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Which conditions foster high-involvement work processes? A synthesis of the literature and agenda for research

Author

Listed:
  • Peter Boxall

    (University of Auckland, New Zealand)

  • Jonathan Winterton

    (Taylor’s University, Malaysia)

Abstract

High-involvement models of working are associated with high levels of worker influence over the work process, identified through worker perceptions of their jobs and working environment. This article reviews what is known about the conditions that foster the adoption of such models. Drawing on studies of worker participation in management since the 1950s, the article seeks to understand what explains the dispersion of high-involvement work processes in the private sector. In terms of understanding the potential for worker involvement in decision-making, the article argues that it is important to analyse the way in which managers develop production systems in firms. A range of conditions in manufacturing and in services are then discussed. While economic incentives are critical, the ongoing existence of societal differences, including a pronounced ‘Nordic effect’, suggests that economically unattractive environments do not necessarily lack opportunities to enhance worker well-being through greater involvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Boxall & Jonathan Winterton, 2018. "Which conditions foster high-involvement work processes? A synthesis of the literature and agenda for research," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 39(1), pages 27-47, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:39:y:2018:i:1:p:27-47
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X15599584
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Josef Ringqvist, 2024. "Integrating Collective Voice within Job Demands–Resources Theory," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 38(6), pages 1465-1484, December.
    2. Firat K Sayin & Margaret Denton & Catherine Brookman & Sharon Davies & James Chowhan & Isik U Zeytinoglu, 2021. "The role of work intensification in intention to stay: A study of personal support workers in home and community care in Ontario, Canada," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 42(4), pages 917-936, November.
    3. Nayara Cardoso de Medeiros & Moacir Godinho Filho & Mario Henrique Callefi & Gilberto Miller Devós Ganga & Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva & Matthias Thürer & Léony Luis Lopes Negrão & Fabiane Letícia L, 2025. "Measuring employee involvement in Lean Manufacturing efforts: proposal of a robust scale," Post-Print hal-05376906, HAL.
    4. Luigi Stirpe & Antonio J Revilla, 2025. "Elucidating the relationship between high-investment HR systems and workforce engagement: The role of employee education," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 46(2), pages 568-595, May.
    5. Beckmann, Michael & Grunau, Philipp & Kretschmer, Tobias & Shvartsman, Elena, 2025. "Does High Involvement Management Drive Affective Commitment? Causal Tests on System Coherence and Complementarity," IZA Discussion Papers 18047, IZA Network @ LISER.

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