The social relations of productivity: A longitudinal and comparative study of aluminium smelters

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
The social relations of productivity: A longitudinal and comparative study of aluminium smelters
Abstract
This article uses time-series data from two aluminium plants from Canada and the U.K. to analyze the social relations of productivity. The eventual turn to teamwork reflected, not hard evidence that productivity change had dried up, but a belief that they were the next step towards further improvement. By considering the structure of social relations over time in each smelter, this paper contributes to ongoing debates on the complex connections between productivity growth and organizational innovation. On the basis of direct observation and interviews, the article also reveals some of the social dynamics generating productivity growth and describes the development of idiosyncratic competencies. It stresses how the development of teamwork was historically in line with the productive ethos that had developed over time under continuous process technology.
Publication
Relations Industrielles
Volume
57
Issue
2
Pages
309-330
Date
Spring 2002
Language
English
ISSN
0034379X
Short Title
The social relations of productivity
Accessed
3/10/15, 1:03 AM
Library Catalog
ProQuest
Rights
Copyright Universite Laval - Departement des Relations Industrielles Spring 2002
Citation
Edwards, P., Bélanger, J., & Wright, M. (2002). The social relations of productivity: A longitudinal and comparative study of aluminium smelters. Relations Industrielles, 57(2), 309–330. http://www.erudit.org/revue/ri/2002/v57/n2/index.html