Abstract
Yugoslavia's scheme for worker self-management is the most comprehensive one operating to date. Unlike Soviet Russia, Yugoslavia has attempted to introduce self-management based on Marxist theory before the completion of economic development. Since the 1950s, enterprise level participation has formed the basis of the entire socio-political system; it has recently been codified in the 1974 Constitution and the November 1976 Law on Associated Labour. This paper outlines the historical development of Yugoslav worker self-management and examines the significant theoretical issues as well. as the many problems of practical application, not the least of which are caused by inflation and a poor economic climate. After noting that the Yugoslav system is a unique example of social engineering which produces a web of self- management structures and procedures, this paper concludes by suggesting that discarded or superseded features of socialist Yugoslav worker self-management could be usefully considered in the West.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.