Transforming the German metalworking industry: moves toward numerical flexibility

Abstract

The success of Germany’s “diversified quality production” model has been challenged by changes in the global marketplace in the 1990s. German manufacturers have responded by searching for new ways to enhance the numerical flexibility of their labour force. This article focuses on the adoption of three forms of numerical flexibility ‐ annual hour contracts, temporary work and outsourcing ‐ in the German pump industry.

Citation

Finegold, D. and Wagner, K. (1999), "Transforming the German metalworking industry: moves toward numerical flexibility", Work Study, Vol. 48 No. 3, pp. 81-87. https://doi.org/10.1108/00438029910262455