IMPACT OF MATERIAL FLOW POLICIES AND GOALS ON JOB OUTCOMES

A manual production line was examined for effects of 2 different mater ial flow policies and 3 different goal-setting policies. The line used a push system, where workers work at their own pace(assuming availabl e work) and pass work to the next station as soon as the work is compl eted, and a pull system, where workers pass work only when the next wo rker needs it. Three different goal-setting policies involved no speci fied goals, individual goals, or group goals confounded with monetary incentives and feedback. Measurements were taken from unobtrusive vide otaping and worker questionnaires. Analyses indicated productivity inc reased approximately 25% when group goals were matched to a pull polic y (compared to a push policy with no specified goals). Other results r elating to productivity and job satisfaction are discussed.