This paper discusses the development and application ofa questionnaire
designed to measure the degree ofparticipation experienced by a work
group. It relies on the conceptual framework of socio-technical systems the
ory and is based on studies of Australian organisations. It offers prac
titioners a valid and reliable method of indexing changes in autonomy at the level of the work group. It can thus be of use in situations where struc
tural, technological or other organisational change is taking place, as it
allows measurement of 'before' and 'after'conditions ofautonomy and glo
bal job satisfaction.
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