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WPM – It’s meaning:

It is a system of communication and consultation both formal and informal by whichemployees of an organization are kept informed about the affairs of the understanding

and through which they express their opinion and contribute to management decisions

(Mamoria). It is a mental and emotional involvement of a person in a group situationwhich encourages him to contribute to goals and share responsibilities in them (Davis).

ccording to !learance "rancis# !hairman of $eneral "ood !orporation# %&ou can buy aman's time# you can buy a man's physical presence at a given place# you can even buy a

measured number of skilled muscular motions per day or per hour. ut you cannot buy

devotion of hearts# minds and souls you have to earn all these things*.

++ ,articipation has three ideas-

• It is more psychological than physical.

• It motivates person to contribute to achievement of organization by

creative suggestions and initiatives• It encourages people to accept responsibility.

• It is a team working together for a common purpose. It is an idea of 

industrial democracy where workers have greater say over their work 

situation.,articipation may take place at policy level (corporate level)# administration level

(departmental level) and operative level (shop floor level). t the corporate level# long

range strategic policy decisions are taken. ere# workers participate indirectly throughelecting or nominating worker/directors on corporate boards. t the departmental level

also participation is indirect (work committees# 0oint labor/management consultative

committee).

t the shop/floor level workers participate in the decisions relating to day to operations

directly through 0ob enrichment# 0ob enlargement# 0ob rotation# 0ob redesign# semi/

autonomous work group.

,articipation may be formal or informal. "ormal participation has a formal institutional basis. 1he formal approach may be independent of legal sanction or supported by

legislation. Informal participation takes place at the instance of the owner generally takes

the form of consultation.

Benefits of WPM:

2. It satisfies the workers' social and esteem needs.

3. It increases motivation of workers.

4. It ensures the utilization of human resource.

5. It is a panacea for solving industrial relation problem.6. It is a device to counter balance powers of managers.

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Essential conditions for successful WPM:

2. 1here should be a strong trade union so that workers can take part in collective bargaining.

3. Multiple unions in one enterprise should be restricted by legislative measures.

4. oth parties should have genuine faith in the system and in each other and bewilling to work together.

5. Management should provide all information connected with the working of the

industry and the worker should handle that information with full confidence andresponsibility.

6. 1he workers should become aware of their responsibilities.

7. 1raining and education should be given to the workers so that they can think deeply and logically and feel emotionally.

8. 1he follow/up action on the decisions of the participation forums should be

ensured.

"orms of participation-

a) !- 1heoretically# ! is based on the principle of balance of power. ut practically each party tries to win over the other party. 1he business organizations

of 9: mainly use this form.

 b) ;ork !ommittee- !onsists of representatives of employers and employees. 1heir functions include discussion of conditions of work like safety# canteen# welfare#

 provident fund# etc.

c)