Attributions for Participation and Nonparticipation in Gainsharing- Plan Involvement Systems

Abstract

Gainsharing plans often provide highly structured suggestion systems that allow employees to participate in work-related decisions. However, individuals differ in their willingness to become involved in this suggestion-making process. To better understand the reasons for this, interviews were conducted with 149 supervisors and nonmanagement employees in five gainsharing companies. Nonmanagement suggestion contributors as well as their supervisors said that the desire to improve performance, make the work easier, and become involved in work decisions were important determinants ot an employee's decision to contribute suggestions. Both groups viewed the desire for influence as being more influential than the desire for bonuses. Nonmanagement noncontributors and their supervisors indicated that apathy and negative attitudes toward the plan, management, and the company were important determinants of an employee's decision not to contribute suggestions. The discussion includes implications for practice and a tentative model describing the multiple determinants of behavior under gainsharing.