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Work at the Uddevalla Volvo Plant from the Perspective of the Demand-Control Model

University of Toronto, danielle.lottridge{at}utoronto.ca

The Uddevalla Volvo plant represents a different paradigm for automotive assembly. In parallel-flow work, self-managed work groups assemble entire automobiles with comparable productivity as conventional series-flow assembly lines. From the perspective of the demand-control model, operators at the Uddevalla plant have low physical and timing demands, high psychological demands because of increased duties and high-decision latitude due to varied and complex skills utilized, the two latter characterizing active work. Operators at standard assembly lines have higher levels of physical and timing demands, lower levels of psychological demand, and lower control, characterizing high-strain work. Active work is related to lower incidence of heart disease than high-strain work.

Key Words: parallel flow • assembly work • automotive industry • psychosocial effects • demand-control model • Uddevalla Volvo plant

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