Worker Participation in the Dynavac Organization

Abstract

This paper traces the development of the participatory management scheme of Dynavac Pty Ltd and examines the organizational forms which currently provide every employee with the opportunity to contribute to, and participate in, the decision-making processes. Employee opinion of the scheme and the problems encountered in its operation are canvassed. Specific attention is paid to the relevance of Dynavac's experience to other Australian firms. It is argued that collective decision-making in the Dynavac organization represents only one of many alternative management styles. It should not be seen as a blueprint for worker participation per se, as mere duplication of the model would be fraught with difficulty. Dynavac's organizational form is a product of its employees' attitudes, its technology, size and, more importantly, its ownership. Nevertheless, Dynavac is capable of providing valuable guidance to individuals and organizations concerned with fostering greater employee involvement in decision-making.