A Test of Control – Alienation Theory Among Cuban Workers

This study tests the relationships between control mechanisms such as leadership, job design, performance appraisal, and workers’ alienation in Cuba. Beyond internal Cuban economic data or external intelligence reports, limited evidence has appeared in Western business journals on management practices and worker alienation in Cuba. The present research examines the responses of 327 workers who were surveyed anonymously. The results suggest that Western management control mechanisms such as leadership and job design have the potential of reducing alienation, while a worker’s job performance appraisal does not influence alienation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.