The Complexities of the Automotive Industry: positive and negative feedbacks in production systems

Authors

  • Dale Spencer Carleton University
  • Niki Carlan University of Windsor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/cjs721

Keywords:

Complexity Theory, Labour, Organizations, Positive and Negative Feedback,

Abstract

Abstract (English): This paper utilizes complexity theory to analyze the implications of systemic changes that have occurred over the last 30 years in the automotive industry. We argue by dint of complexity analysis that the networked automotive production system characterized by just in time and lean production creates states far from equilibrium in individual parts manufacturers and assembler plants. Positive feedback creates system disturbances and adverse health and safety issues in the local plant environments. In addition, we examine four mechanisms that serve as negative feedback loops to absorb stresses in local plant environments and rectify health and safety related issues. This paper draws on thirty interviews with health and safety representatives at automotive manufacturing and assembly plants. Abstract (French): Ce papier utilise la théorie de complexité pour analyser les implications de changements systémiques qui se sont produits pendant les trente dernières années dans l'industrie automotrice. Nous soutenons, au moyen de l'analyse de complexité, que le système de production automoteur en réseau, caractérisé par la production juste à temps et mince, crée des états loin de l'équilibre dans les fabricants de parties individuels et les usines d'assembleur. Les rétroactions positives créent des dérangements dans le système qui causent des conditions défavorables de santé et sécurité dans les environs locaux de l’usine. En plus, nous examinons quatre mécanismes qui servent comme boucles de rétroactions négatives pour absorber ces tensions environnementales, et résoudre les problèmes de santé et sécurité. Ce papier est comprit de trente entretiens avec des représentants de santé et sécurité venant des usines fabricants et d’assemblage automotrices.

Author Biographies

Dale Spencer, Carleton University

Dale Spencer is a PhD candidate in sociology at Carleton University. He has a piece in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Research interests include organizational sociology, sociology of emotions, critical criminology, sociology of sport and masculinities.

Niki Carlan, University of Windsor

Niki Carlan is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Windsor. Her areas of interest include the creation, transfer and dissemination of knowledge, occupational health and work organization and participatory action research and transdisciplinary methodologies. She has recently published in Industrial Relations and is working on projects concerning the non-linear transfer of knowledge in the construction sector.

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Published

2008-03-12

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 2 (2008)

Section

Articles

License

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