Theories of Labour Welfare (Approaches)

Theories of Labour Welfare
(Approaches)
Ajit Singh MSW Prog CCS University Meerut

Theories of Labour Welfare
The theories of labour welfare reflect the evolution of the concept
of welfare. Earlier, the Government had to compel the industrial
organizations to provide basic amenities to their employees. Such
compulsion was necessary because the employers used to exploit
the labour and treated them in an unfair manner. With the passage
of time, the concept of welfare has undergone changes.
Progressive managements today provide welfare facilities
voluntarily and with enlightened willingness and enthusiasm. In
fact, welfare facilities are no longer restricted to workers alone
but also extended to social welfare also. In this regard, a brief
description of the various theories of employee welfare has been
outlined hereunder.
The theories of labour welfare
 The Police Theory
 The Religious Theory of
 The Philanthropic Theory
 The Trusteeship Theory
 The Placating Theory
 The Public Relations Theory
 The Functional Theory
Police Theory
The police theory is based on the contention that a minimum
standard of welfare is necessary for labourers. Apparently,
this theory assumes that man is selfish and self-centred, and
always tries to achieve his own ends, even at the cost of the
welfare of others. If wealth or authority or both help him to
be in an advantageous position, he uses it for his own
advantage, exploiting those who are under him. According
to this theory, owners and managers of industrial
undertakings get many opportunities for this kind of
exploitation. The welfare state has to prevent this kind of
exploitation and coerce the industrialists to offer a minimum
standard of welfare to their workers
Religious Theory
 This theory is based on the concept that man is essential “a religious
animal”. Even today, many acts of men are related to religious
sentiments and beliefs. These religious feelings, sometimes, prompt an
employer to take up welfare activities in the expectation of future
benefit, either in this life or in some future life. According to this
theory, any good work is considered as“Investment”. In this case, both
benefactor and the beneficiary are rewarded. Many trusts and charitable
institutions in India function on the basis of this belief.
 Another aspect of religious theory is the atonement aspect. Some
people take up welfare work in a spirit of atonement for their
sins. Thus, the benevolent acts of welfare are treated either as an
investment or an atonement. According to this theory, man is primarily
concerned with his own welfare and only secondarily with the welfare of
others.The religious basis of welfare, however, can not be rational
Philanthropic Theory
This theory is based on man’s love for mankind. In
Greek, ‘philo’ means love of and ‘anthropes’ means man.
So philanthropic means loving mankind. Man is believed
to have an instinctive urge by which he strives to remove
the sufferings of others and promote their well-being.
This drive may be a rather powerful one and may impel
him to perform noble sacrifices. When some employers
have compassion for their fellowmen, they may
undertake labour welfare measures for the benefit of
their workers
Trusteeship Theory
This is also called the paternalistic theory of labour
welfare, according to which “the industrialist or
employer holds the total industrial estate, properties and
profits”. These properties and profits, he uses for himself,
for the benefit of his workers and also for society.
Workers are like minors. They are ignorant because of
lack of education and are not able to look after their own
interests.
Placating Theory
This theory is based on the fact that labour groups are
becoming more militant and are conscious of their rights
and privileges than ever before. Their demand for higher
wages and better standards can not be ignored.
According to this theory, timely and periodical acts of
labour welfare can appease the workers. They are some
kind of pacifiers by way of friendly gestures. Sincerity
may be lacking in these programs. Psychologically this
theory is unsound, though it has often been acted upon
to secure the worker’s cooperation.
Public Relations Theory
This theory provides the basis for an atmosphere of
goodwill between labour and management and also
between management and the public. Labour welfare
programs, under this theory, work as a sort of an
advertisement and help an industrialist to build up good
and healthy public relations. This theory is based on the
assumption that the labour welfare movement may be
utilized to improve relations between management and
labour.
Functional Theory
This is also called Efficiency Theory. Here, welfare work
is used as a means to secure, preserve and develop the
efficiency and productivity of labour. It is obvious that if
an employer takes good care of his workers, they will
tend to become more efficient and thereby they step up
production. But all this will depend on a healthy
collaboration between union and management and their
mutual concern for the growth and development of the
organization.
Conclusion
Labour welfare and job satisfaction are two dimensions that are
important to ensure industrial peace, excellent industrial relations
and progress of the nation. Labour welfare facilities provided by
employers are based on diverse approaches and connected to
various theories. Job satisfaction is influenced by different factors,
which determine the level of satisfaction employees will
experience at the workplace. Job satisfaction also rests on certain
theories and is influenced by different schools of thought.
The job is satisfying when there is a match between the
characteristics of the job and the needs of the individual. Labour
welfare facilities can bring about the fulfilment of employees’
expectations and thus promote job satisfaction.
Thank You

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Theories of Labour Welfare

Ajit Singh MSW Prog CCS University Meerut

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