ABSTRACT
This chapter tests the theoretical arguments outlined relating to functional flexibility and technological change within the Post-Fordist economy. The arguments explores feminist theories of Post-Fordism and gender relations at work and revealed that, alongside numerical flexibility, the simultaneous development of functional flexibility and the significance of technological change are important issues. The chapter explores a number of criteria, thereby enabling a comparison of the quantity and status of tasks undertaken by production line workers and team members. It looks at the implications of this process for team members. A number of criteria are explored in order to assess the extent to which the quantity and status of tasks undertaken by machinists affects the quality of their working life. The chapter explores the validity of the job enlargement versus job enrichment dichotomy. It also utilises both qualitative and quantitative evidence, drawing upon the operative questionnaire results, the focus groups with machinists and the interviews with managers.
