Today, however, the continuing emergence of the democratic value set of our society and the heightened competitive standards of international markets are forcing the leadership of American organizations to seek new and higher levels of legitimization. Expose their stewardship of the organization to open critique and adjustment through consensus processes. Increasingly, it has become obvious that this task is no longer optional. Let us examine the power gains and losses. The ownership of the business and its attendant rights and powers still reside in management.
Management sets direction and strategy.
It makes the essential business decisions and retains the right to allocate its resources as it sees fit. It can still close operations subject only to current NLRB and court decisions and guidelines. It can still adjust the work force subject only to whatever employment security agreement it negotiates with the union. It retains all its prior powers over the management work force. It retains and even enhances the power of its functional expertise.