Publication Date

1970

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Novak, Ralph S.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Management

LCSH

Working class--Education

Abstract

One of the most perplexing problems facing management and union leaders is the lack of industrial peace in our society. The purpose of the study was to investigate, through library research, the factors which comprise an industrial society, and determine some means of establishing a harmonious working relationship between these factors. The study indicated that some type of control is necessary for any industry to function and survive. Under our democratic system two types of control can emerge: complete control or co-operative control. It was shown that complete control is typified by management, or the owners, making all, or most, of the decisions concerning the operation of the business. The management determines the worth of the employees, and wages, hours, and working conditions are arbitrarily set. Thus, management fails to consider the employee from a physical, mental, or moral standpoint, and industrial peace is not realized. On the other hand, co-operative control was shown to be a part of the solution to the problem of industrial unrest. Co-operative control is the joint effort of management and labor in the decision-making process. It is the active participation by owners, management, unions, and their members. Co-operative control is only part of the answer to the establishment of industrial peace. Along with this joint effort the study indicated that there must be a feeling of mutual trust and understanding. It was determined that this understanding is only achieved through education. Although it is important that an educational effort reach every individual, this study was primarily concerned with the education of union leaders and rank and file members. It was found that a comprehensive workers' education program sponsored by a university and supported and approved by a union was the most effective means of reaching the union members. A university has the facilities, faculty, educational background, and experience, which are lacking in a union sponsored workers' education program. The writer has determined that simply the fact that union members are made aware of the problems of management, their industry, and their union will give them a new outlook and enable them to co-operate to a fuller extent. If the workers' education program is complimented by a management education program, the conflicts which exist will have a better chance of settlement around the conference table, and industrial strife will be exchanged for industrial peace.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [90]-94)

Extent

94 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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