AbstractWorkers at all levels in both capitalist and socialist countries are taking on management responsibilities and owning their own firms.In the US the legislation of the Employment Stock Ownership Plan has helped this process. Employee purchases of closing plants is now helped by the Small Business Ownership Act.Some union leaders are still reluctant to get involved in advancing the process of worker self management, but there are successful cases of union involvement, such as General Motors.In some instances the local community has become involved in the purchase of a firm by buying shares in it, or helping in the negotiations.