BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS

OF WORKMEN

V. SATYASEELAN
 PECULIARITIES OF LABOUR
Labour is manifestly different from other factors of production. It is a
living thing and that makes all the difference. Certain characteristics
distinguish the labour from the rest of the factors. They are known as
peculiarities of Labour

Labour is inseparable from the labourer himself. The

worker sells his work but he himself remains his own property;
those who bear the expenses of rearing and educating him
receive little of the price that is paid for his services later.

When a person sells his labour, he has to present

himself. Therefore the environment in which the worker has to
perform is of utmost importance.
Contd..
 PECULIARITIES OF LABOUR
Labour does not last; it is perishable. If a worker does not work
for a particular day, he looses on the last hours which would never
come back to him in future.

Labour has a very weak bargaining power. As sellers of labour,

they are commonly poor and have no reserve fund to pull on their life
without work.

Supply of labour cannot be rapidly adjusted according to the

demand in the labour market. During the period of depression i.e.,
when the demand for labour depresses, its supply cannot be
contracted and therefore the wages in the labour market must come
down. When the demand increases during crises period, the supply
cannot be increased like any other commodity and therefore the
wages will go up.
Contd..
 PECULIARITIES OF LABOUR

Labour is not as mobile as capital. The difference in

environment, language, custom, etc., in different places are a
hindrance to the mobility of workers from one place to another.

Labour is a human factor and therefore, economic, moral and

social considerations should be taken into account in addressing the
problems connected with labour.

As a factor of production, labour is a most important one. The

utilization of other factors largely depends on the proper utilization of
time and energy of the workers.

Contd..
 PECULIARITIES OF LABOUR
Workers are human beings capable of taking responsibilities,
extending co-operation and achieving objectives. They have their
own attributes and aspirations. If they are handled properly, they will
lead to the success of industry and growth of the economy.

Labour is no more an unorganized mass of innocents, obeying

the arbitrary and discretionary orders of the employers. In the
present era, the workers have acquired a dignity and share the
benefits which the country can offer.

The worker enjoys a measure of social security. He is secured

in his employment through statutory protection.
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF
LABOUR PROBLEMS

All problems of labour arise from individual or group conflicts,

friction and competition in the process of adaptation to the working
and living environment. Such problems arise under any system of
economy and administration, whether capitalistic, controlled or
socialistic or combined.

Labour problems always arise from either the personal problems

of the individual worker or the general economic and social
problems arising in the employment.

Contd..
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF
LABOUR PROBLEMS
Three major areas covering all labour problems: Income,
security and organization. These are regarded as special
class of social problems.

Labour problems are transitory and dynamic in nature.

Intensity varies in accordance with economic, social and
political conditions prevailing in the country at any given point
of time.

Contd..
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF
LABOUR PROBLEMS

A worker wants a variety in his work. He wants economic

security, prestige and an opportunity for self advancement.

Magnitude of labour problems usually increases with the

tempo of activities prevailing in the related industry.
 APPROACH TO LABOUR PROBLEMS

Approach to labour problems rests on many considerations; mainly

1) requirements of the well being of the working class

2) Its vital contribution to the economic stability and progress of the
country.

A judicious balance has to be maintained between needs and

aspirations of the workers and the conflicting goals of management
and employment conditions.

Contd..
 APPROACH TO LABOUR PROBLEMS

What is required is not merely striking a balance but

establishing industrial harmony between workers and the
management. Though it is a complex problem, it can be solved
through human understanding which must be the main plank of
approach.

A very important step is to identify the social and psychological

urge of worker and helping him to fulfill the urge. The worker
does not live by bread alone. He has several other needs
besides his physical needs, which should also be given due
attention
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN
WORKERS AND THE MANAGEMENT

They help in economic progress of the country by way of increase

in productivity.

They help in establishing and maintaining true industrial

democracy which is a pre-requisite for establishment of a socialist
society.

They help management both in the formulation of policies and in

transforming the policy into action.

Contd..
 ESSENTIALS OF GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN
WORKERS AND THE MANAGEMENT
They encourage self regulations and involvement of workers in
managements setting targets.

They boost the discipline and morale of workers. Maintenance of

discipline ensures orderliness, effectiveness and economy in the
use of resources. In a climate of good relations, workers get
rightful recognition and encouragement. Vital issues are resolved
by mutual discussions between workers and management
 SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF INDUSTRY

The Society

Employees Consumer

SOCIAL
OBLIGATIONS
TO

Industry itself Shareholders

Government
Contd..
 SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF INDUSTRY
Social obligation to Society at large

To develop a good social living

To cater to the felt need of the immediate community around the
organization
To develop and maintain scarce resources
To maintain price stability
To create employment and sel-employment opportunities
Helping the society at time of crisis, natural calamities due to flood,
cyclone, etc.

Social obligation in general is attitudinal. The nature and extent of the

Obligations depend upon the policies of the organisation.