Worker Participation In Decision-Making Processes: Evaluating Its Effectiveness In Enhancing Workplace Harmony

Pratyay Sil, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha

ABSTRACT

Worker-Participation is one of the essential ingredients of labour law which has developed since the 1900s. The involvement of workers in decision- making processes has been widely recognized as a crucial factor in fostering workplace harmony and promoting organizational success. This paper analyzes the effectiveness of worker participation in decision-making. It also focuses on how worker-participation in management is done in various countries and how developing economies such as India can learn from them. A brief historical background has been also given along with the essential ingredients which have formed the basis for worker participation. The findings suggest worker participation significantly enhances workplace harmony by fostering empowerment, trust, transparency and open labor- management communication. It increases job satisfaction, organizational commitment and shared ownership over outcomes. However, clear procedures, adequate training, and a culture of mutual respect between labor and management are critical for effective implementation.

Keywords: Worker participation, decision-making, workplace harmony, employee empowerment, organizational commitment