From a reactive to a proactive approach

In order to enhance a constructive approach to technological and organisational development it seems important to involve employees proactively. This implies the need for a changing role of employee representatives, trade unions and management. It can, however, be observed that many systems of representative participation are reactively rather than proactively oriented. A proactive approach requires other competences and resources on the side of the involved employees and managers than a reactive approach. In absence of the necessary prerequisites there is a risk of undermining the efficacy of the participatory bodies. Hence, this paper suggests a model to analyse and reflect the prerequisites for transformation of values, norms and behaviour.