Perspective theories in Industrial Relations

When studying the theories of industrial relations, there are three major perspectives that contrast in their approach to the nature of workplace relations. The three views are generally described as the unitary, pluralist and Marxist perspectives. The Marxist perspective is sometimes referred to as the Conflict Model. Each offers a particular perception of workplace relations and will therefore interpret such events as workplace conflict, the role of trade unions and job regulation very differently.

 

Unitary perspective

In Unitarianism, the organization is perceived as an integrated and harmonious whole with the ideal of "one happy family", where management and other members of the staff all share a common purpose, emphasizing mutual cooperation. Furthermore, Unitarianism has a paternalistic approach where it demands loyalty of all employees, being predominantly managerial in its emphasis and application.

Consequently, trade unions are deemed as unnecessary since the loyalty between trade unions and organizations are considered mutually exclusive, where there can't be two sides of industry. Conflict is perceived as disruptive and the pathological result of agitators, interpersonal friction and communication breakdown.

Author on Unitarism:

"Industrial Sociology and Industrial Relations" by Alan Fox

 

Pluralistic perspective

In pluralism the organization is perceived as being made up of powerful and divergent sub-groups, each with its own legitimate loyalties and with their own set of objectives and leaders. In particular, the two predominant sub-groups of in the pluralistic perspective are the management and trade unions.

Consequently, the role of management would lean less towards enforcing and controlling and more toward persuasion and co-ordination. Trade unions are deemed as legitimate representatives of employees, conflict is dealt by collective bargaining and is viewed not necessarily as a bad thing and if managed could in fact be channeled towards evolution and positive change.

Author on Pluralism:

Bruce E. Kaufman "The Global Evolution of Industrial Relations"

"Pluralims and Management" by the Business and Open Learning Archive.

 

Marxist Perspective

This view of industrial relations looks the nature of the capitalist society, where there is a fundamental division of interest between capital and labour, and sees workplace relations against this background. This perspective sees inequalities of power and economic wealth as having their roots in the nature of the capitalist economic system. Conflict is therefore seen as inevitable and trade unions are a natural response of workers to their exploitation by capital. Whilst there may be periods of acquiescence, the Marxist view would be that institutions of joint regulation would enhance rather limit management's position as they presume the continuation of capitalism rather than challenge it.

 

Selected works by Karl Marx:

"Wage, Labour and Capital"

"The Capital - Vol 1"

"The Capital - Vol 2"

"The Capital - Vol 3"

 

 

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"Industrial Relations is the general state of relationships between Management, Trade Unions and the Workforce"

Industrial Relations, among it's many other functions, is concerned with the process of determining rates of pay and conditions of employment by collective bargaining, the institutions and procedures in which this is done, and the relationships between key people i.e. managers and employees involved.

The main issues concern pay and conditions and, from the employer's perspective, achieving desired levels of productivity, in part through the enforcement of work discipline.

Within organizations industrial relations is often one of the duties of Human Resources Management, although industrial relations negotiations and consultations are usually conducted by outside hired industrial relations experts.

 

Industrial Relations:

The New Zealand Industrial Relations Foundationwww.ers.dol.govt.nz

The Employers and Manufacturers Association Northern Inc www.ema.co.nz

New Zealand Employment Agreements www.ers.dol.govt.nz

Business New Zealand www.businessnz.org.nz

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions union.org.nz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Industrial Relations

The field of industrial relations looks at the relationship between management and workers, particularly groups of workers represented by a union.

Labor relations can take place on many levels, such as the business level, the regional level, and the national level. The distribution of power amongst these levels can greatly shape the way an economy functions.

Another key question when considering systems of labor relations is their ability to adapt to change. This change can be technological, economic, or political.

Governments set the framework for labor relations through legislation and regulation. Usually, employment law would cover issues such as minimum wages and wrongful dismissal.

 

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