Mao’s Worker-Led Enterprise Model | Generated by AI
This describes Mao Zedong’s management philosophy for Chinese enterprises, known as “两参一改三结合” (Two Participations, One Reform, Three Combinations).
Let me break down each component:
两参 (Two Participations):
- 干部参加劳动 - Cadres/managers participate in manual labor
- 工人参加管理 - Workers participate in management decisions
一改 (One Reform):
- 改革不合理的规章制度 - Reform unreasonable rules and regulations
三结合 (Three Combinations):
- 工人群众、领导干部和技术人员三结合 - Integration of three groups: workers, leadership cadres, and technical personnel
Historical Context:
This was part of Mao’s vision during the 1950s-1970s to:
- Break down hierarchical barriers between mental and manual labor
- Prevent the emergence of a bureaucratic management class
- Promote egalitarianism in the workplace
- Incorporate workers’ practical knowledge into decision-making
The philosophy challenged traditional Soviet-style top-down management and reflected Mao’s populist ideals about worker empowerment and preventing class divisions within socialist enterprises.
In practice, implementation varied widely, and this approach was largely abandoned after China’s economic reforms began in the late 1970s in favor of more conventional management structures.