Participation in the design of product-oriented work groups

Abstract Teamwork allows the joint realisation of two aims: first, the improvement of work conditions for staff working in production and, second, an increase in the productivity of the enterprise concerned. The kind of procedure used to set up team structures is an important element in the success of organisational change. The introduction of group structures requires a holistic strategy which is supported by training in the design of the technical and organisational concept. Both production staff and management personnel are included in the training measures whose purpose is twofold: to support the realisation of the necessary changes in conduct, and to secure a greater scope of action for the executing staff. When working out the concept, it is useful to plan details in cooperation with the staff. This ensures a high degree of agreement on problem solutions and, at the same time, the contribution of knowledge of those concerned with the design. The economic success of group work in the production process is dependent on the quality of the concept and the initial position of the enterprise. The benefits of team structures will therefore be illustrated with the help of an example. Furthermore, the results are given of research into a humane evaluation of a work place before and after the introduction of group work. The contribution concludes with the presentation of basic organisational structures for team-oriented production, all of which derive from projects carried out on the subject.