ABSTRACT
Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) can be seen as a new stage in the automation of small batch production. The prevailing manpower approach to these systems is characterized by concepts of a hierarchical and differentiated job structure. This chapter analyses experiences with new forms of skilled group work in a flexible manufacturing system. The work organization is based on a high division of labour according to functions, tasks, and hierarchical levels. It was expected that the organization of work within the flexible manufacturing system would tend towards the first type of work organization based on a distinct division of labour. Although a higher degree of division of labour had been established than originally intended, there were nevertheless strong differences to the far more differentiated, traditional organization of work in the area of conventional production. Government programmes have played a significant role in fostering wide public discussion on the subject of new technologies and work organization.
