Teaching about the Implementation of Job Redesign Using Simulation and Group Discussions

Abstract

The traditional social science research model maintains a power differential between researcher and subjects by keeping the latter as ignorant as possible--deceiving them about the purpose of the research, denying them any influence on the methods used and, at times, keeping them uninformed about the results. In recent years, increasing concern has been expressed about this process, and it has been suggested that participatory research models be developed which give the participants more influence and, if possible, provide a learning opportunity for them [5, p. 1003] This paper describes a workshop on the implementation of job redesign; this workshop was designed with the objective of creating a research setting which would also provide an opportunity for personal learning for the participants.