To evaluate the effectiveness of works councils for the public services. Heads of organization and chairmen of works council have been interviewed / description of ( public ) organization and its works council: size, educational level of personnel, union memberships, pressure of work a.o. / switch over to new style of works council / opinions about effects of employee participation on organizations / ( legal ) procedures, responsibilities and interests / attitudes of works council and head of organization at council meeting / actual and preferred legal structure, regulations and procedures regarding works council, special facilities for council members, competence a.o. / suggestions for improvements in procedures. Background variables: place of work/ occupation/employment