Towards a Critical Analysis of the Concept of Workers' Participation as Introduced and Practised in Tanzania

Abstract

The paper addresses itself to the concept and practice of workers' participation in Tanzania by first pointing out the ideological, ethical and practical objectives for which it was intended to serve. It starts by an enumeration of the various perspectives and expected effects on workers participation in management before tracing the history of the introduction of the system and practice in Tanzania pointing out the legal and political measures taken to introduce and facilitate the practice of workers' participation in the country.The author concludes by pointing out how, despite the numerous legal and political measures taken to effect and effective and meaningful system of workers' participation in the country, this has not been the case. The above state of affairs is attributed to the lack of: (1) Positive managerial attitudes and commitment; (2) Political good will and commitment; (3) Strong, free and independent workers' organization to translate the above mentioned political goodwill and commitment into reality; (4) An effective organizational structure through which workers' participation can be catered for; and (5) Truly egalitarian policies. The paper ends with a more sad note whereby President Mwinyi's concept of "Kuwajibika" (Accountability) has been dubbed as "the latest nail onto the coffin of the working class revolution in Tanzania."