AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM UTILIZING SMALL-GROUPS - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY

Thirteen small groups were employed in an intervention program to improve housekeeping and safety conducted at a shipyard. Two main tasks were given to the small groups, which were formed specifically for the one-year program. First, the groups had to solve practical problems in housekeeping to eliminate the obstacles of good housekeeping. Then they had to establish new work practices for the maintenance of a good housekeeping level by using the elements of the behavior modification technique. The groups were responsible for all the actions taken in their own department. Comparative material was gathered about the process and the outcome of the program. The program was successful in improving housekeeping and safety at the shipyard. Differences were noted between the departments, however. In the best departments the small groups worked very actively and succeeded in involving the other personnel into the program. With careful design and coordination, the program using small groups can successfully be applied for improving safety performance in industry. © 1990.