중소 자동차부품업체들의 숙련 활용 제약 요인: 조직구조와 직무특성을 중심으로

Over the last half century, Korea has implemented an overall skills policy, investing considerable funds; however, it is not considered a highly skilled country. This study shows that the reason behind skill formation–skill building and skill use–skill utilization is not the latter. It analyzes the determinants of skill utilization in small and medium-sized auto parts manufacturers. The organizational structures of such auto parts manufacturers are homogeneous, top-down, hierarchical, and characterized by paternalistic industrial relations wherein subordinates do not have authority but must nevertheless assume responsibility. The job characteristics are repetitive and routine, involving multiple tasks. Additionally, as the number of key personnel increases, job-related manuals are found to be insufficient. These characteristics limit the significant use of skills, thereby confining small and medium-sized auto parts manufacturers to simple production-based functions. To increase skill utilization, the current state of family-centered ownership needs to be dismantled, and workers should grow to recognize the importance of their capabilities and trust their skill level. Such approaches could potentially solve the skill utilization problem.