Abstract
Work process and the conceptual mastery of it can be improved in a development program based on systematic analysis and modelling of the work process. In this study the results of the development program based on modelling of the work process were studied on a paper machine, which had given a considerable proportion of it's staff to the new paper machine installed in the mill. As a result productivity of the old production line decreased. A development program to develop the work process itself and the staffs conceptual mastery of it was organized to recover from the situation. The workers, foremen, production engineers and experts of different areas of paper production participated in the modelling of the process. During the modelling process the staff made 101 proposals to develop the work process of the old paper machine. Development of conceptual mastery of work, work characteristics and well being of the personnel were also studied during the change process. The study followed up the groups staying on the old production line (n=23) and leaving for the new one (n=18). The two basic groups were also compared with the new groups coming from outside (n=37 for the old production line, 60 for the new one). The careers of the workers, work, and job satisfaction improved during the change process in both groups followed up. And although those who stayed on the old production line were older and less educated than the other groups, there were no differences between the groups in the conceptual mastery of work or in the assessments of work, job satisfaction or other indicators of subjective well-being
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