Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • Article
  • Organizational Dynamics

Do Supervisors Thrive in Participative Work Systems?

By: Leonard A. Schlesinger and Richard E. Walton
  • Format:Print
ShareBar

Abstract

This article presents the findings regarding the nature of the difficulties surrounding the supervisory role in participative work systems, a conceptualization of the supervisor/work group interface, and some action implications for the management of organizations. Supervisory roles within innovative work systems can be analyzed and improved by emphasizing task accomplishment through increased employee participation and self direction. As workplace innovations that promote employee participation and self-direction become more widespread, models of collaborative leadership are needed that can provide the operating manager with tools for the design and management of organizations capable of enhancing both employer productivity and the quality of working life.

Keywords

Managerial Roles; Organizational Design; Management Practices And Processes; Innovation And Invention

Citation

Schlesinger, Leonard A., and Richard E. Walton. "Do Supervisors Thrive in Participative Work Systems?" Organizational Dynamics 7, no. 3 (Winter 1979): 24–38.
  • Find it at Harvard

About The Authors

Leonard A. Schlesinger

General Management
→More Publications

Richard E. Walton

→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • March 31, 2020
    • Harvard Business Review Digital Articles

    Reinventing the Direct-to-Consumer Business Model

    By: Len Schlesinger, Matt Higgins and Shaye Roseman
    • January 2020 (Revised March 2020)
    • Faculty Research

    SmileDirectClub: Better Is Better

    By: Leonard A. Schlesinger and Aldo Sesia
    • January 2020 (Revised March 2020)
    • Faculty Research

    LOLA: Do You Know What's in Your Tampon?

    By: Leonard A. Schlesinger and Aldo Sesia
More from the Authors
  • Reinventing the Direct-to-Consumer Business Model By: Len Schlesinger, Matt Higgins and Shaye Roseman
  • SmileDirectClub: Better Is Better By: Leonard A. Schlesinger and Aldo Sesia
  • LOLA: Do You Know What's in Your Tampon? By: Leonard A. Schlesinger and Aldo Sesia
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College