In a high performance work organization (HPWO), employee basic skills are just one of many components. HPWOs feature the following: they have flatter organizational structures, have work done by teams of highly skilled workers, and have a focus on quality, customer service, and continuous improvement. The collaborative approach to workplace literacy supports the goals of HPWOs in which workers are expected to be involved in the decision making related to their jobs. Part of this decision making involves management, workers, the union, and educators in a participatory process for planning, implementing, and evaluating workplace literacy programs. The collaborative approach to workplace literacy is based on these principles of good practice: there is no "quick fix"; all stakeholders are involved; process and practice are based on an empowerment model of literacy; workplace literacy initiatives accommodate and respect cultural, linguistic, and racial diversity; literacy is analyzed within the context of other workplace issues; upgrading programs are only one component of managing change; workplace basic skills programs are tailored to each workplace and its workers; and workplace upgrading programs should be voluntary. The limited research on literacy development and HPWOs supports the use of a collaborative approach to workplace literacy in a work environment moving toward a high performance model. (Contains 10 references.) (YLB)