2021/09/20 by Felix FitzRoy, Michael A. Nolan · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Health Professions · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Labor Movements and Unions #Employment and Welfare Studies #Taxation and Compliance Studies
paper · doi:10.1108/jpeo-05-2020-0014
openalex publication_date 2021/09/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Purpose The purpose is to review the effects of employee participation (EP) in decision-making, ownership and profit on job quality, worker well-being and productivity, and derive policy recommendations from the findings. Design/methodology/approach The authors summarise results of “declining labour power”, plus theoretical arguments and empirical evidence for the benefits of EP for job quality, satisfaction and productivity. Findings Worker well-being and job satisfaction are ignored unless they contribute directly to profitability. EP is needed to remedy this situation when employers have market power and unions are weak. The result can be a rise in both productivity and well-being. Research limitations/implications The chief issue here is that there are data limitations, particularly on the well-being effects of participation. Practical implications Lots of encouraging examples in many countries need legislative help to multiply. Social implications It is quite possible that there could be major implications for welfare and employment. Originality/value The authors make the case for public sector subsidies for employee buyouts and new cooperative start-ups, as well as legislation for works councils and profit sharing.