Work System Design — Deciding between Alternatives

Currently there is much public concern about the quality of working life and the degree to which current methods of organising work meet the expectations and aspirations of the labour force. A large sector of the population, particularly school‐leavers, no longer seem to be attracted by the prospect of factory life. During a period of stagnation in the economy, occupations considered to be relatively desirable, such as teaching, may become difficult to enter, no longer offering the promotion opportunities available in the expansion of the 1960s. Rising levels of academic attainment and more “progressive” teaching methods develop expectations from work amongst school‐leavers considerably different from previous generations. The work system designer is required to develop solutions which achieve organisational objectives relating to aspects such as quantity, quality and cost of conversion. In order to achieve long term viability, however, the system must also satisfy the needs and expectations of individual employees.