Work Organizational Reforms and Employment Relations in the Automotive Industry: American Employment Relations in Transition

The book explores GM's failed attempt to adapt the Toyota production system, analyzing work organization reforms, labor-management relations, and the impact of continuous improvement activities and the meritocratic system on performance success. It also examines the challenges of electric vehicle assembly at Factory Zero.

Format: Hardback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

General Motors (GM) attempted to adapt the renowned Toyota production system for its automotive manufacturing plants, but the results were historically disappointing. Why was this adaptation not sufficiently successful? This book aims to shed light on GM's failed attempt by analyzing work organization reforms and labor-management relations in relation to production-system efficiency. The book delves into collective bargaining agreements between automakers and the United Auto Workers union, as well as retrospective arbitration rulings, to highlight the crucial role of continuous improvement activities initiated by production workers in enhancing performance management. It also examines the impact of the meritocratic system in Japanese auto plants on performance success. As GM embarks on operations at its new electric vehicle assembly plant, Factory Zero, the book analyzes the challenges of such production for employment relations and workforce deployment. The book will serve as a valuable resource for those interested in conducting a comparative study of management styles and gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese manufacturing practices.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032252704