The Workers' Role in Management Traditionally,it has been theworkers' role to work and management'srole to manage. Managers have planned and directed the firm' s operations with littlethought to consulting(咨询) the labor forcc. Managershave rarely felt compelled(被迫) to obtain theworkers' opinions or to explain theirdecisions to their employees. At most,companies have provided"suggestionboxes"in which workers could place ideas for improving procedures. Inrecent years,however,many management specialists have been arguing that workersare more than sellers of labor-they play a vital role in the company and mayloe able to make significant contributions to its management. Furthermore,majorcompany decisions greatly affect workersand their dependents. This is particularly true of plant closings, which mayput thousands on the unemployment lines. Should workers play a stronger role inmanagement? Workers should have a role inmanagement. At the very least the labor force should be informed of majorpolicy decisions. A common complaint among rank-and-file workers(普通工人) is the lack of informationabout company policies and actions. Between 1980 and 1985 about five millionworkers were the victims (受害者) of plant closings and permanent layoffs (解雇) ,often with no warning.At least 90 days notice ought to be givenin such instances so that workers have time to adjust .Management shouldconsult workers before closing a plant because the workers might be able tosuggest ways of improving productivity and reducing costs and might be willingto make colncessions(让步) that will help keep the plantoperating. It should become a general practice toinclude workers in some managerial(管理的)decision .There ought to be representatives(代 表) of the workerson the firm's board of directors or other major policy- groups. Ifrank-and-file workers are given a voice in the planning and management of thework flow,they will help to make improvements,their morale(士气) will rise,and their productivity will increase. As a furtherincentive(激励) they must be given a share in the company's profits. This can be donethrough employee stock-ownership plans,bonuses(奖金) ,orrewards for efficiency and productivity. Finally,when a plant can no longeroperate at a profit,the workers should be given the opportunity to purchase(购买) the plant and run itthemselves.2. "Suggestion box"is one of the many ways for workers to engage in management.