Beyond Taylorism : Computerization and the New Industrial Relations

This book explores two major contemporary changes in the workplace: the impact of computerization on skills and the organization of production; and the role of quality circles in the democratization of the workplace and the reorganization of bureaucratic decision-making. It is concerned with the labour processes which experience deskilling, reskilling and shifts in the lines of demarcation between occupations. Participation in quality circles raises issues of conflict rather than labour-management cooperation and managements attempt to undermine collective bargaining agreements.