Gainsharing and Power: Lessons from Six Scanlon Plans

Rating:
Summary: Delving into the REALITIES of gainsharing.
Review: The purposes of this study of six companies that use the Scanlon programs (a way to link improvements in productivity with pay) are to understand how they work and explore the concerns of employees, management and unions. The research and discussion also highlight political games relating to sharing power and economic gains. This book stands out from others we have reviewed on this subject because it is a truly in-depth exploration of the REALITIES of gainsharing. This is an insightful and informative work that is solidly based on empirical findings. Read this book before you plunge into implementing a gainsharing program. Too many management books toss out some trend data, cherry-pick a few happy examples, and then propose that you implement the 'great idea.' Collins' book illustrates the vital importance of careful research. If management is going to make informed decisions about approaches to motivating employees (and other organizational and human resource management initiatives), research of the type this book is based upon, is desperately needed. Unfortunately, it is the quick-read, fad fostering, pop-management books that tend to get the spotlight. Includes references. Excellent-highly recommended.