Neue Arbeitsformen, betriebliche Leistungspolitik und Interessen der Beschäftigten

German firms are introducing new forms of work to tackle problems which emerge from constraints on the utilization of human resources. Managerial objectives in using such new forms (individualized work, modified assembly line work etc.) are at bottom directed towards extending the possibilities for increased worker effort (or high productivity levels). The application of these strategies, however, tends to jeopardize the humanization of work as well as its expected achievements. From the workers' point of view, the new forms of work are ambivalent and deficient in terms of the working conditions which result. Works councils which represent the collective interests of work on the workshop floor are rarely involved in these changes.