Research Note: The Hidden Trade-offs of Cooperative Work — An Empirical Study

Organization Studies · 1996 · Volume 17 · Issue 6

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in introducing autonomous (or at least semi-autonomous) working groups into firms. The underlying view of 'cooperative work' is rather euphoric and uncritical. The aim of this research note, therefore, is to confront the often cited advantages for employees with an empirical study of an 'ideal' case. The presented group is ideal in that it features maximal autonomy of the group and maximal involvement of the group members in all the relevant decisions. The results of this investigation are extrapolated for 'normal' working groups in firms. In other words, the aspect examined is that group work may be less beneficial for employees than is often suggested by proponents of group work.

Keywords

Descriptors: group work, cooperation, firm theory

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