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 Author

Leonard A. Schlesinger

General Management
→More Publications

More from the Authors

    • May 2024
    • Faculty Research

    The Meteoric Rise of Skims

    By: Ayelet Israeli, Jill Avery and Leonard A. Schlesinger
    • May–June 2024
    • Harvard Business Review

    What Makes a Successful Celebrity Brand?

    By: Ayelet Israeli, Jill Avery, Leonard A. Schlesinger and Matt Higgins
    • April 2024
    • Faculty Research

    Growing as a Purposeful Leader (GPL)

    By: Hubert Joly and Leonard A. Schlesinger
More from the Authors
  • The Meteoric Rise of Skims By: Ayelet Israeli, Jill Avery and Leonard A. Schlesinger
  • What Makes a Successful Celebrity Brand? By: Ayelet Israeli, Jill Avery, Leonard A. Schlesinger and Matt Higgins
  • Growing as a Purposeful Leader (GPL) By: Hubert Joly and Leonard A. Schlesinger
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
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College.