Summary In response to competitive pressures, Brazilian firms are developing Quality and Productivity Programmes. An analysis of these programmes in different sectors of industry ‐ both modern and traditional ‐ reveals that while they can significantly improve company performance, they do not always make progress in terms of worker involvement and participation. This question is given special attention because polls of entrepreneurs in Brazil show an almost unanimous opinion that involvement and participations are essential for success. Even in the metalworking sector, where quality and productivity programmes have been most extensively applied, the issue of worker participation remains problematic. In less dynamic and innovative sectors, such as footwear and furniture, organizational change is even more limited. A comparison of these different sectors shows important differences in the implantation of quality and productivity strategies.