Amanda Cook, a student researcher at U.C. Berkeley, was a participant observer in one of our member workplaces recently, to explore whether workplace democracy can positively influence self-perception and perceptions of others.  She concludes 

Contrary to conventional workers, who tend to see their work as merely a means to achieve freedom and stability in their personal life, my respondents find meaning in their professional life by embracing the intrinsic value of work and the educational component of workplace democracy. My respondents’ empowered, non-hierarchical, and listening-oriented work experiences discourage them from drawing sharp social boundaries between themselves and others. Specifically, my respondents are much more hesitant than conventional workers to associate moral characteristics with socioeconomic status. Finally, I suggest that my respondents’ balanced view of self-worth and high tolerance for social boundaries makes them particularly well suited to negotiate equitable solutions to social problems and divisions.

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