WPM Workers participation is a system where workers

WPM Worker’s participation is a system where workers and management share important information with each other and participate in decision taking.

• • WPM encompasses the following: - It provides scope for employees in decision-making of the organization. The participation may be at the shop level, departmental level or at the top level. The participation includes the willingness to share the responsibility of the organization by the workers. It is conducted through the mechanism of forums which provide for association of workers representatives.

Definition of WPM A system of communication and consultation, either formal or informal, by which employees of an organization are kept informed about the affairs of the undertaking and through which they express

Participation refers to the mental and emotional involvement of a person in a group situation which encourages him to contribute to group goals and share the responsibility of achievement.

Participation in Management gives the worker a sense of importance, pride and accomplishment; it gives him the freedom of opportunity for self-expression; a feeling of belongingness with the place of work and a sense of workmanship and creativity.

• • Objective To elevate worker’s status in industry. To promote democratic practice. Increase productivity with joint efforts. Promote cordial relations.

Importance of WPM • • • Mutual understanding Higher productivity Industrial harmony Industrial democracy Less resistance to change Creativity & Innovation

Forms of participation • • • Consultative participation Informative participation Administrative participation Associative participation Decision / Decisive participation

1. Consultative • • Involves a high degree of sharing of views of the members and giving them an opportunity to express their feelings. Members are consulted on matters such as: – Welfare amenities (work, health) – Adoption of New Technology – The problems emanating from it

2. Information • It ensures that employees are able to receive information and express their views pertaining to the matters of: – General economic situation. – The state of market, production & sales programmes. – Organisation & general running of the undertaking. – The annual balance sheet & profit & loss account statement & connected

• • • 3. Administrative Involves a greater degree of sharing of authority and responsibility of the management functions. It ensures greater share of workers’ participation in discharge of managerial functions. Employees take part in decisions,

• Members are given little for autonomy in the exercise of administrative and supervisory powers with regard to – – Welfare measures – Supervision of safety measure – Operation of vocational training & apprenticeship schemes – Preparation of schedules of working hours, breaks, holidays

4. Decision • • Highest form of participation. Maximum delegation of authority and responsibility of managerial function. Decisions mutually taken. Matters concerned are – – – Economic, Production Welfare Financial and Administrative policies

5. Associative • • Extension of consultative participation Management here is under the moral obligation to accept and implement the unanimous(agreed) decisions of the employees.