Uncovering the Hidden History of the American Workplace

The first part of this report outlines our framework for developing a model of work relations activity. Part II traces an important part of work rela tions history, showing the destruction of the 19th century pattern of craft worker control of industrial production, and its replacement by managerial control, thereby setting the stage for the study of more current forms of workplace organi zation. Part III examines how management has used its power over the structure of the work process as a means for controlling both the workplace and workers. It outlines the strategies management has developed to increase its control over this process. Part IV deals, conversely, with the formal and informal ways that workers have exercised counter-power over their lives at the workplace. It shows worker strategies for establishing and retaining control over their activities on the job. Part V presents a few concluding reflections on the political significance of work relations research.