Alternative Sharing Arrangements: A Review of the Evidence of Their Effects and Some Policy Implications for the US

The available theoretical and empirical evidence on the economic effects of alternative 'sharing arrangements' is partially reviewed. From this, as well as consideration of other non-economic arguments, is derived a package of initiatives in workplace democratization and participation for the US. The package has two halves. First are proposals to expand the sectors in which workers have majority ownership and control. The discussion outlines which industries should be emphasized, the appropriate enabling legislation and how this might be financed. There follows a discussion of policies designed to encourage more modest expansions in worker ownership, participation and profits.