Changing Work Organization in Small Manufacturers: Challenges for Economic Development

Abstract

This review article examines the growing literature on the changing employment practices of small and medium-sized manufacturers. Specifically, the authors examine the literature in three areas: (a) hiring practices, (b) employment security and retention, and (c) career ladders. Observers disagree about the extent to which restructuring has taken place in smaller firms, the nature of workplace change, and the impact of this change on employees and firms. The policy arena is just as contentious; a host of different strategies have been proposed to provide employment opportunities in manufacturing, particularly for low-income populations. By synthesizing the research to date and evaluating the key debates in this area, this literature review will assist economic development researchers and practitioners in making the leap to workforce issues.