Understanding changes in work organisation: How do Australian manufacturers compare?

Whilst manufacturing has fluctuated in relative importance during much of the 20th century it continues to play a key role in the development of most economies. In the past decade there have been a large number of significant changes in the organisation of work in manufacturing, which have resulted in more flexible and cost efficient methods and higher quality products. This study examines some of the differences in work organisation practices and training between Australian firms and firms in other countries and examines outcomes across the differing regions. Empirical studies provide an opportunity to test whether the 'capabilities' or strengths of a firm can be linked to improvement activities and if Australia is using approaches to work organisation in manufacturing in ways that provide different outcomes to firms in other regions. The analysis utilises data from the second International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS), which was carried out over the period 1996-98.