Technical Expertise as Disputed Field: Strategies for Corporate Control in Argentinian Subsidiaries of Multinational Companies

Abstract

This paper studies the required knowledge and professional hierarchies assigned to theworkers through corporate strategies of social control. It is argued that collaboration on“continuous improvement” and intensification of working pace allow corporate appropriationof technical expertise through “working cells”. Corporate strategies unveil fissuresthat sometimes turn into workers’ resistance. We present findings from case studiesin tire and automotive sectors. The methodological strategy is qualitative, focused onworkers and trade union delegates interviews; sustainability reports and collective laboragreements are also analyzed.