Quality of working life: progress problems & prospects

Abstract

<p>It is both feasible and desirable to improve the quality of working life (QWL). Yet , the prospect is bleak , unless management and union s co-operate or goad each other into action; and unless research closes the gap between social science theory and engineering practice. Obstacles to progress could be better dealt with by greater emphasis on action-re search , closer collaboration between organizational and engineering re searchers, and closer involvement of managers, union officials, employees and researchers . In expounding this argument , the article notes recent innovative thrusts, and makes suggestions for research at the micro- and macro- levels .</p>