Participation is a social process which is basically part of an exchange relationship. Thus
it is principally pluralist and ambiguous in its meaning. As a consequence the reconciliation
of voices needs innovative approaches to support balanced participation experiences. The
ambivalent character of participation intends to provide a look at new initiatives in the
various fields of workplace participation. Leading international scholars examine the role of
institutional contexts for participation the development of new forms of interest organisation
as well as the relationship between organisational performance participation practices and
quality of working life. The contributions are not limited to taking stock of new experiences
in the field of workplace participation but also contribute to designing a new research
agenda.
