Abstract
The main focus of this thesis was to explore the link between workers’ participation and attitudes when design improvements are introduced in the workplace. The study was undertaken to examine possible relationships between the user's participation effects on individuals’ attitudes when involved in the design process. A model has been proposed, by combining the theoretical approaches from the existing models on the attitude theory into the design field is recommended. Hence, an examination of the literature provided elements in this regard. These findings reinforced the claim that participatory approaches increase the levels of trust and job satisfaction, improving attitudes in the workplace. Tools were designed for satisfaction and attitudes assessment. Also, a description of conversations with individuals using ethnographic resources attempted to portrait the study conditions. Design attributes were also assessed to complete the approach. In order to investigate this relationship 15 oil drillers working in offshore drilling rigs and engaged in oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) participated in the study. They completed a set of tools covering the nine attitude dimensions, and five scales of satisfaction. The results showed a low level of participation within the two groups involved. The individuals assumed different patterns of attitude toward their participation and the outcomes of the engineering design intervention. A comparison of the outcomes with the existing taxonomy is provided. On the whole, some quantitative data were added to the qualitative approach when analysing the data, shaping a naturalistic approach to the study. The outcomes substantiated the perception that the individuals’ attitudes related to participation are connected by organisational culture, management practices, and personal experiences from a instrumental perspective. The data suggest that the success of participation is a function of the extent to which there is an organisational climate conducive to worker participation in decisions regarding the work environment. The industry environment pressures, innovation, organisational choices, and social beliefs and norms are determinants driving the organisation and individual patterns for the adoption of participatory approaches in engineering design.