New Forms of Work Organization

Taylorism has been the dominant mode of organizing paid work since early in the twentieth century. Tom Rankin argues that industrial unionism is inextricably linked to Taylorism, and Taylorism is breaking down. In its place is developing a new paradigm of organization. If unions are to survive and prosper they will have to develop a form of unionism better suited to the new paradigm. Rankin uses a socio-technical systems framework to analyse the transition, arguing that it encompasses similar views put forward by other disciplines such as production management. Focusing on one case study as an example, he explores the possibilities for unions to sustain themselves while adapting to a new work pattern. Ranking concludes that adaptation requires a fundamental change in traditional union policies and practices, but that it is achievable. The result is a new, post-industrial form of unionism in which a strong and independent union and a new pattern of work organization can be mutually reinforcing.