Topics

Abstract

The Work Research Unit of the Department of the Employment has recently published the result of its sponsored survey of Scottish companies. It reveals a growing interest in the application of job re‐design to industry and commerce in Scotland, particularly amongst the large companies. The survey was prepared by Mary Weir, a Research Fellow at the Manschester Business School, and introduces seven detailed case studies concentrated in the manufacturing sector of industry. Each study looks at the original method of work, the reasons for improving jobs, the objectives of the changes, and the ways in which they were carried out. The report emphasises that re‐designing jobs is not easily accomplished. Indeed, one of the case studies describes an attempt to introduce autonomous work groups in clothing factory and outlines the difficluties that led to its abandonment. It is underlined in the survey that while considerable scope exists in Scotland and elsewhere for improving the quality of working life, the methods used must meet individual needs and local circumtances.

Citation

(1976), "Topics", Education + Training, Vol. 18 No. 8, pp. 255-255. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb016434