Title: Productivity improvement: impacts from Quality of Work Life

Authors: Kongkiti Phusavat, Pornthep Anussornnitisarn, Bordin Rassameethes, Pekka Kess

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, PO Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland

Abstract: The research examines the characteristics of the impacts from Quality of Work Life (QWL) on productivity. This study takes place at one manufacturer, the Bangkok Interfood Company Limited (BIF) in Thailand. Initially, several ratios representing both productivity and QWL are developed. Afterwards, quantitative data is collected over the period of 13 months. Primary techniques used for this study include the Multi-Criteria Performance/Productivity Measurement Technique (MCPMT), and statistical and mathematical models. The MCPMT helps combine information from all ratios into one dimensionless scale – the overall levels of both QWL and productivity. Then, the liner and quadratic models are applied to gain insights on how QWL influences productivity. The results illustrate positive impacts from QWL on productivity. Furthermore, based on the findings from a nonlinear model, the impacts from QWL appear to be diminishing at the beginning before a more accelerated pace later. These imply the need for a company|s top management to be patient with QWL. Finally, the limitations and future research are discussed.

Keywords: competitiveness; enterprise development; productivity improvement; QWL; quality of work life; Thailand.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2009.024236

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2009 Vol.6 No.4, pp.465 - 478

Published online: 30 Mar 2009 *

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