Although much has been written about the effects of industrial restructuring on the advanced industrialized economies of the West, little research has been conducted on the impact of restructuring on newly industrializing economies such as Singapore. This exploratory study of 224 Singaporean workers reveals that while there did not appear to be a sense of generalized alienation, many were dissatisfied with work intensification and bureaucratic constraints in their workplaces. The article suggests reforms which could help to achieve happier and more productive workplaces.
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