Employee involvement: opening the diversity Pandora’s Box? Available to Purchase

Recent studies have found that initiatives relying on the participation and development of employees, such as TQM, can struggle if different kinds of employees are not involved equally. For instance, part‐time workers, administrative or shift staff often receive less training and communication on company performance levels than full‐time permanent, professional or senior staff. This article analyses research conducted with 14 organisations across eight European Union Member States. It finds that employee involvement, particularly the promotion of teamwork and use of staff experience and creativity frequently highlights the diversity between staff. In spite of this, firms have been slow to develop the skills and capabilities to manage diversity in a positive way. A change in the approach of management is needed to ensure diversity does not damage the improvement process.