QWL Development: Three Trajectories

Abstract

This paper describes three contrasting trajectories of quality of working life (QWL) development which appear to match contrasting sets of organizational conditions. The trajectories, while made up of similar components, differ in terms of component order. Based on the sequence of organizational climate improvement, individual commitment, and structural change, "planned, " "evolved, " and "induced" QWL patterns are distinguished. These patterns are derived from a comparative, longitudinal analysis of QWL in six established manufacturing facilities in the United States. Three organizations are used to illustrate the different paths: Polaroid Corporation's ABC plant, Corry Jamestown, and Donnelly Mirrors. The paper discusses the fit between trajectory and organizational properties prior to start-up, early on, and over the course of change. A preliminary integration is made in terms of the need for organizational change and management ability to produce change. Common aspects across the change trajectories then are isolated, and a concluding statement is made about the importance of taking a developmental approach to QWL.

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