18.EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT

Nowadays the employees’ involvement and participation in company’s matters take place more often than years ago. Along with development of management techniques, employees are more appreciated as a source of useful ideas how to improve the performance within the organisation. There can be distinguish two way of workers’ anticipating in company’s matter. They are participation and involvement.

Employee participation is based on pluralist approach, lets employee to say their opinion. Participation is supported by legislation and there are different Workers Councils to ensure employees’ rights. They are allowed to propose changes and their consultation is likely to affect company.

Involvement on the other hand is a bit contrast approach. Management encourages employees to engage in organisational matters. Based on unitarist approach.




Employees can be involved in decision making process in many different ways (Hyman & Mason, 1995):
• Suggestion box – employees can suggest ideas and say their opinions by writing them on the page and putting it to the box. This way can encourage employees to get involved, for they could give their ideas without being asked as to their motives.
• Brainstorming – it is valuable tool, for all ideas are welcome and the group is encouraged to send ideas what helps to put their thoughts into writing.
• Group decisions – are always better and more accurate than individual ones. Especially effective when complex matters and problems need to be solved.




REFERENCES

Hyman, J. & Mason, B., (1995) Managing Employee Involvement and Participation. London: Sage Publications.

Heller, F. & Pusic, E., (1998) Organizational Participation: Myth and Reality. USA: Oxford University Press.