LEAN PRODUCTION AND CHANGING EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS IN THE INTERNATIONAL AUTO INDUSTRY

The auto industry provides a useful focus for examining the changing n ature of employment relations around the world as new production syste ms are introduced. This article summarizes the results of an internati onal project which analyzed the diffusion of lean production and assoc iated employment patterns in different national contexts. It was found that despite the widespread application of lean production principles , significant variation existed in the way that management and unions adapted to change. There is a need to comprehend both the role of nati onal institutions and local practices in the choices which parties mak e at the workplace level. These factors are significant in shaping emp loyment relations in the auto industry despite the pervasive influence of new production systems.