SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC-EFFECTS OF INTRODUCIN G SEMIAUTONOMOUS WORK GROUPS - A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL LONGITUDINAL-STUDY

Based on a literature review the results of a quasi-experimental study of the social and economic effects of self-regulating work groups are analyzed. The results show improved productivity and quality four yea rs after the implementation of the first pilot group and two years aft er the complete change of the production to self-regulating work group s. Objective job analyses proved that there is more potential for self development in the self-regulating work groups compared to the taylor istic production. In contrast to these findings subjective job analyse s did not find similar results. Although employees in the pilot groups rated their jobs better than those in the tayloristic production, the se differences disappeared after the complete production changed to se lf-regulating work groups. However, the new groups did not show improv ed ratings; rather, the pilot groups deteriorated. As possible alterna tive explanations changing rating standards, the effects of a worsenin g economic situation, and insufficient training of employees prior to the implementation of the self-regulating work groups are discussed.