ABSTRACT

This chapter identifies major themes in the present discourse on participation, such as the finality/instrumentality of participation in organisations. After reviewing important individual prerequisites of participation (motivational bases and competence), I discuss social prerequisites which are seen to reside in value systems, organisational structures, technology, norms for participation, leadership style and organisational environments. The chapter then moves on to scrutinise the process characteristics of direct and indirect participation and to review empirical evidence of participatory outcomes at the individual, organisational and societal levels. It concludes by identifying major lacunae and promises of research on participation.