co-determination

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co-determination A translation of the German term mitbestimmung which refers to the form of workers' participation in management practised in Germany since 1951. Under the terms of the law passed in that year, employees have a right to participate not just in the management of the workplace but also in that of the company as a whole, through elected board representatives. With the notable exception of Britain, this model has inspired similar schemes throughout much of the rest of Europe. See also INDUSTRIAL DEMOCRACY.