Third ISA Forum of Sociology (July 10-14, 2016)

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The Future of Organizational and Workplace Participation: Capacities, Capabilities, Innovations

RC10 Participation, Organizational Democracy and Self-Management (host committee)

Language: English

Researchers and practitioners have observed that employee participation in workplace and organizational politics and decision-making is frequently subject to fluctuations in interest, commitment, durability and effectiveness. Participation presents an ambivalent character. Many have noted decline in established institutional channels such as works councils and trade union representation and/or the distinct unevenness of active retention of those institutions across sectors, occupations, and demographic distribution. Organizations are pressured to adopt dynamic and flexible structures for market competitiveness which can inhibit the development and effectiveness of participatory channels. 
At the same time, new or refreshed models of voice expression and interest representation are evident, including, over the recent decade, efforts to implement the Information and Consultation of employees Directive in various European Union member states. Also, the continuing development of European Works Councils in transnational companies is generating new institutional arrangements and capacities. Furthermore, researchers turn their attention to investigation of the uses and potential of the new social media as channels for employee expression and demand formation. 
What are the factors that may affect the capacity, quality and effectiveness of participation institutions in organizations? What stimulates or obstructs development among organizational personnel of the skills and capabilities to participate? How are actors addressing those concerns? Are fresh linkages between capabilities and democratic polities emerging? 
This session invites papers that address questions of the future of participation in organizational life. In particular, papers that address questions of the development of capabilities, capacities and innovations are encouraged. Posters: