Is there a rôle for managers?

Abstract

It is sometimes argued that worker participation is only the beginning of more radical change in the business system of Western Europe. Eventually this may evolve into a legal form very similar to the Yugoslavian system of self-management. But how does this work in practice? What rôle, if any. do managers perform? How is the firm's income distributed? How is provision for future investment decided? How are major policy changes made? In this article the author explains the various socio legal elements which constitute the business enterprise in Yugoslavia. Drawing on his personal experience as a manager he formulates a conceptual framework to explain how strategic and other management decisions are actually made under this system. He explains how Yugoslav managers need to appreciate and be expert in the application of political and philosophical concepts in order to do their jobs properly.