Fostering Worker Participation in Companies: Insights from a Multi- Stakeholder Study in the Basque Autonomous Community

The aim of this article is to identify the factors hindering and those favouring participatory business models in the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC). Specifically, the study was carried out using the Delphi method, drawing on the expert opinion of 20 people from the business, trade union and academic spheres. The results of the study indicate that various cultural, structural, organisational and economic factors hinder the development of worker participation in companies. With regard to the strategies that should be implemented by the different stakeholders to promote participatory business models, consensus was reached on so-called “soft measures” and on the necessary institutional support for their promotion and implementation. On the other hand, the disagreements revealed in the study reflect different sensitivities regarding the role that both the state and trade unions should play in the development of participatory models, as well as the scope of participation in companies. The findings of the research provide elements for a more completed and informed debate on worker participation in companies. Based on the information obtained, the study aims to provide a basis for guiding public policies, business initiatives and trade union actions for the promotion of participatory companies, which would contribute to the advancement of worker participation.