ABSTRACT
The practical consequences were solidly positive; and the theoretical follow-on work highlighted what seems a relevant issue in organization development (OD) analysis and application. Results of the quality of working life (QWL) pilot study with a flexible work-hours program would be reviewed in detail, and two goals would dominate. First, discussion would center around whether HR would join in spirit in the favorable recommendation by the QWL team to extend flexible work hours. Second, discussion would explore the related issue of HR's views concerning implementation —willingness to help, appropriate strategies, possible problems, and so on. The premeeting talk bustled with the electricity of opposed interests-in-the-air. But some opening remarks had a galvanizing effect: "Gentlemen, people are not here to reinvent the status quo." That put agendas and focus in a usefully different perspective. The careless or ethically unconscious ODer can labor only to cool out those low in economic power.
