The Influence of Decentralized Bargaining Systems on the Introduction of Continuous Improvement Practices in Australian Automotive Components Companies

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Gough, Richard, MacIntosh, Malcolm and Park, Robert (2006) The Influence of Decentralized Bargaining Systems on the Introduction of Continuous Improvement Practices in Australian Automotive Components Companies. Asia Pacific Business Review, 12 (2). pp. 209-224. ISSN 1360-2381

Abstract

The study examines the nature and impact of Japanese idea of continuous improvement (CI) at 14 automobile components companies in Australia. It assesses the extent to which CI practices inform management systems and work organization. The study is focused on the degree to which decentralized bargaining systems, and reforms in the Australian vocational education system have facilitated the adoption of continuous production. The results indicate two patterns of production management in the companies, termed the elaborated commitment, and the basic commitment, respectively. The authors conclude that collective agreements were seen as an important vehicle for the advancement of management strategies on CI, although management preferences in relation to work demarcations and training were not significantly advanced within the agreements. They observe that there is no single Australian production model, and that company effects, as described by MacDuffie (1995) seem to predominate.

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Item type Article
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/2978
DOI 10.1080/13602380500532347
Official URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13602380500532347
Subjects Historical > Faculty/School/Research Centre/Department > School of Management and Information Systems
Historical > FOR Classification > 0902 Automotive Engineering
Historical > FOR Classification > 1503 Business and Management
Keywords ResPubID11240, Australia, automotive components industry, continuous improvement, lean production, work organization
Citations in Scopus 1 - View on Scopus
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