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 work place 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.

Today, from the point of view of the European Social Model, one of the most important challenges regards how to manage globalisation and, in this context, how to guarantee a policy approach capable of reinforcing economic development as well as employment and social policy. One answer seems to lie in the role of "quality. This volume focuses on the role of the quality of work as the European strategic response to the challenges deriving from globalised competition. It shows how an increase in the quality in work can contribute to increasing productivity, improving living standards and fostering sustainable economic growth. This book assembles the most relevant contributions presented at the European Conference organized by the international network "Regional and Local Development of Work and Labour (RLDWL) on « Globalisation, Company Strategies and Quality of Working Life in Europe, which took place in Bologna in June 2003.