%0 Journal Article %A Edwards, Ron %D 2017 %T From powerless to empowered: a case study and critique of production teams %U https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/journal_contribution/From_powerless_to_empowered_a_case_study_and_critique_of_production_teams/5090323 %R 10.4225/03/5938acf192175 %2 https://bridges.monash.edu/ndownloader/files/8628280 %K 1998 %K monash:62670 %K 1959.1/469083 %X This paper examines the introduction of team-based production systems in three Australian manufacturing facilities, all being small parts of much larger global concerns. Using a longitudinal case study approach, the paper identifies a range of problems experienced by the firms when introducing teams. While all firms enjoyed significant productivity growth, at least in part because of teams, a range of other reforms also contributed to this result. The quality of working life for production workers improved but managers and supervisors experienced an increase in work intensity. %I Monash University