Replying to LO11078, LO11092
In a few posts in the past, we have tried to initiate some discussion
about the relationship between LOs and active unions. There is some
evidence from both Australia and Scandinavia which supports Joe
DiVincenzo's observations for the union contribution. In my experience,
there are some important preconditions. The Unions must have some sense
not only that the emphasis on learning will assist the organisation, but
that it will result in substantial improvements to the quality of working
life of the workers. When this condition applies, unions can provide
considerable impetus towards LO implementation. One of the key benefits
which Unions can provide is their capacity to communicate with people in
all parts of an organisation in a manner which is independent of status or
'official' communication prerequisites. When linked with approaches which
value the expertise of workers, and provide systematic support for
workplace-based research and analysis, unions can contribute a quite
powerful dynamic for establishing a shared sense of ownership and
organisational direction.
The project cited by Michael Kelleher in LO 11110 should provide some
interesting insights into these issues.
Bruce Wilson
Union Research Centre on Organisation and Technology
Level 1, 171 Latrobe Street
Melbourne.
Ph 613 9663 4555 Fax 613 9663 4443
Email: zbruce@minyos.its.rmit.edu.au
-- zbruce@minyos.its.rmit.edu.auLearning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>