Human relations in industry

In developed societies, good human relations become of crucial importance as people demand treatment as individuals. However, many in management positions pay only lip service to the implications of this need. The main reasons for this are that good human relations are very expensive in terms of both money and management effort and require fundamental revision of many inherited attitudes. They require appropriate organizational provision, good working conditions and amenities together with broad-ranging welfare facilities. Perhaps more important than these, however, are the intangible factors of caring and involvement by management and workers. Such principles have reached a high and successful stage of development in the author's company. Examples from several companies highlight the value of such hygiene conditions in diminishing disputes and facilitating essential change. Leadership is crucial both in management and trades unions but effective leadership is only possible against a background of good human relations.