The Social Relations of Productivity: A Longitudinal and Comparative Study of Aluminum Smelters

Posted: 31 Aug 2010

See all articles by Paul K. Edwards

Paul K. Edwards

University of Warwick - Warwick Business School

Jacques Bélanger

Laval University, Faculté des Sciences Sociales, Department of Industrial Relations

Martyn Wright

University of Warwick - Warwick Business School

Date Written: June 15, 2002

Abstract

This article uses time-series data from two aluminum plants from Canada and the U.K. to analyze the social relations of productivity. The eventual turn to teamwork reflected, not hard evidence that productivity change had dried up, but a belief that they were the next step towards further improvement. By considering the structure of social relations over time in each smelter, we contribute to ongoing debates on the complex connections between productivity growth and organizational innovation. On the basis of direct observation and interviews, the article also reveals some of the social dynamics generating productivity growth and describes the development of idiosyncratic competencies. It stresses how the development of teamwork was historically in line with the productive ethos that had developed over time under continuous process technology.

JEL Classification: L61

Suggested Citation

Edwards, Paul K. and Bélanger, Jacques and Wright, Martyn, The Social Relations of Productivity: A Longitudinal and Comparative Study of Aluminum Smelters (June 15, 2002). Relations Industrielles/Industrial Relations, Vol. 57, No. 2, 2002, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1668825

Paul K. Edwards (Contact Author)

University of Warwick - Warwick Business School ( email )

Coventry CV4 7AL
United Kingdom

Jacques Bélanger

Laval University, Faculté des Sciences Sociales, Department of Industrial Relations ( email )

Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6
Canada

Martyn Wright

University of Warwick - Warwick Business School ( email )

Coventry CV4 7AL
United Kingdom
+44 0 24 7652 4267 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/wbs/subjects/irob/people/?email=Martyn.Wright@wbs.ac.uk

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