In order to develop responsibility and initiative in their employees the Filenes have put them on a self-governing basis.

The workers do not literally make their own rules, but the vote of the majority can change any rule made by the firm.

The firm furnishes its employees with a printed book of rules, in which the policy of the store is set forth.

If the employees object to any of the rules, or any part of the policy, they can vote a change.
The medium through which the clerks express their opinions and desires is the Filene Co-operative Association, of which every clerk and every employee in the place is a member.

No dues are exacted, as is the custom in the usual employees' association.