Why have we not pushed for democracy in the workplace?

[dethklok09]

Been thinking about this recently and I truly wonder why is there no democracy in the workplace. Sure you could say greed but the owners would be nothing if the workers revolted.

[orcus116]

No work would ever get done.

[Riceball]

No work would ever get done.

See above.

[dethklok09]

You get done at the end of the day and for a little bit have a discussion on topics with fellow workers on issues.

[orcus116]

Which no one would agree on and you're make zero progress because everyone thinks they have the best solution. I'm sure there's at least one really solid employee run company out there but the concept seems like a total nightmare outside of theoretical applications.

[dethklok09]

Well just have votes on the few most agreed upon options.

[El Barto]

I don't think anybody could really argue that outside of a Borg cube democracy is one of the least efficient systems there is.  We enjoy it because (in principle) it would mean freedom, which is something we insist on.  In an environment where we choose to be and which requires the most efficiency obtainable for our own benefit, tyranny is the only way to go. 

[ack44]

The government should pay all citizens an equal salary every month. Citizens can choose what work they want to do all month. True utopia!

[Dublagent66]

    This isn't the former USSR.

[PraXis]

The only purpose of a corporation is to make money and enrich its shareholders. Buy stock.

Competition is necessary to drive innovation.

[dethklok09]

Well we need to break past that way of thinking.

[Adami]

Well we need to break past that way of thinking.

Pretty sure it's just a part of the human condition.

[PraXis]

Well we need to break past that way of thinking.

Into what, lack of innovation and unending stagnation and misery like in the USSR?

[dethklok09]

Well we need to break past that way of thinking.

Into what, lack of innovation and unending stagnation and misery like in the USSR?

I am not sure what every one exactly means by lack of wanting innovation. We just have to stop worrying so much about the almighty dollar. Also I'm pretty sure workers democracy does not equals ussr

[William Wallace]

We don't push for democracy in the workplace because it would suck. I can barely stand listening to some of my co-workers speak as it is. I'd probably go insane if I had to work with them to make decisions about the business.

Sure you could say greed but the owners would be nothing if the workers revolted.

Well, without the capital investment, an idea or invention and a good business plan the laborer is equally worthless. The relationship between greedy, asshole owner and humble working folk is reciprocal.

[rumborak]

Germany has implemented something called "workers council" that is required from a certain size on in companies. They represent all employees and have a say in decisions that affect the work force. Works quite well actually.

rumborak

[dethklok09]

Maybe I was going too far earlier but I still believe there should be a bit more democracy in the workplace. That idea in germany would be cool.

[rumborak]

Well we need to break past that way of thinking.

Into what, lack of innovation and unending stagnation and misery like in the USSR?

Wow, the only way of making it even more black & white than that would be to invoke Hitler. Come on, it can be done! *queue Rocky music*

rumborak

[hefdaddy42]

Maybe I was going too far earlier but I still believe there should be a bit more democracy in the workplace.

Why?

[Super Dude]

Well we need to break past that way of thinking.

Into what, lack of innovation and unending stagnation and misery like in the USSR?

Or like modern US corporatism?

We just have to stop worrying so much about the almighty dollar.

While I do agree with you, the idea of the absence thereof sounds pretty utopian to me.

[dethklok09]

We just have to stop worrying so much about the almighty dollar.

While I do agree with you, the idea of the absence thereof sounds pretty utopian to me.

Well obviously you have to care about making money to an extent but I just think we care too much about every last one we can get.

[Super Dude]

Oh to be sure I agree, but don't you think avarice has always been part of human society?  The only thing that's changed in all of (Western) history is that in the Age of Enlightenment philosophers suddenly decided greed was good and invented the word "interest" to replace avarice.

[ack44]

Put Dethklok (the band) in charge of the country and make smoking pot mandatory and I think the nation would be on a better path.