The people dimension in manufacturing strategy: contextual factors influencing a joint view

Abstract

This paper explicates the contextual factors influencing the workers’ perceptions of theMS, and hence, the possibilities for a joint view between workers and managers. Thepaper is based on in depth interviews with 16 workers in four metal working SMEs inSweden. The contextual factors can be viewed at two levels: individual andorganisational. This paper contributes to richer descriptions of what the individual andorganisational contextual factors incorporate, and to the clarification of the importantrole communication channels plays for the possibilities of a joint view. Thereby,contributing to increased knowledge on the manufacturing strategy formation process