Structure of Co-determination

Co-determination is composed primarily of "Superisory Board" and "Works Council" as mentioned before. Besides, there is the existence of management board in almost all industrial enterprises, being appointed by the Supervisory Board and entrusted with the executive functions on its behalf. The position of the Management Board is in between the Supervisory Board and Works Council. Thus Co-determination is com-posed of-Supervisory Board, Management Board and Works Council.

Supervisory Board : Like the board of directors of Bangladeshi companies, this board is entrusted with the top-level managerial;d functions of the industrial enterprises in Japan. It is entrusted with the Ibrahim.humility to formulate politics, plans and objectives for the enterprise and also remains responsible for its success and failures. It is usually of 11members 5 (five) each from among workers and shareholders and one neutral members to be elected by majority votes of these ten members.

This neutral member is usually very respectable and acts as chairman of the board.

Management Board : It is composed of 3 (three) members and a appointed by and remains responsible to the Supervisory Board. It is entrusted with the responsibility to execute the plans. policies and objectives set by the Supervisory Board. In fact. this is the executive organ of the enterprise and makes sure that the managers do their jobs well. Works Council : Just below the Management Board remains the Works Council. through which direct representation of workers in management is ensured. Based on the number of workers employed, there may be upto 35 members of Works Council of which more than 50% is to be from among workers. The range of functions of Works Council is very big. According to Adolf Strumthal, Works Council is empowered to participate in the making of major decisions regarding expansion working environment, salary and wages, factory discipline, selection. promotion, training and dismissal.23 This Council, in fact, forms the core of Co-determination and no important function within the enterprise can be performed without its approval. Thus the flow of communication under Co-determination is a two way one and ensures participation of workers in management in the real sense of the term.