The collective is democratically governed and dedicated to material and social equality. No-one receives individual payment for their work. Yehuda Harel, a kibbutz member and leading proponent of change, believes the movement is a total failure. He says members should have greater personal freedom and less collective governance. Amir Helman of kibbutz Afikim has added a call for greater professionalization of the workforce and direct payment for work.
Industry now provides two thirds of total kibbutz income.
Plans are afoot to reorgan-ize kibbutz factories. More than 20 have been turned into limited liability companies. Other recent initiatives include partnerships with private capital and the abolition of management rotation. The concept of equal value of all work is also threatened. Kibbutz Nir Am is already making open payments to members working overtime.