Premium Essay

What Are "Good" Industrial Relations

In: Business and Management

Submitted By sjem2002
Words 1723
Pages 7
Assignment #3

The importance of industrial relations is the key to the progress and success of an organization. The important benefit of them is to ensure continuity of production. This means continuous employment for all from the managers to the workers. Disputes are the reflections of the failure of basic human urges or motivations to secure adequate satisfaction or expression that are fully cured by good industrial relations. Strikes, lockouts, unfair tactics, and grievances are a few of the reflections of industrial unrest and do not appear in an atmosphere of the industrial calm. In the end “good” industrial relations depends on which theory you find more persuasive: unitarism, radicalism, or pluralism.

Unitarism is perceived as an integrated and harmonious system where the management, staff and all the members of the organization share the same objectives, interests, purposes and are viewed as one happy family. This single entity with a single authority has a loyalty structure which is considered paternalistic approaches were trade unions are deemed unnecessary and conflict is perceived as disruptive. Here management rights to manage are seen as legitimate and rational; and any opposition to management right to manage is seen as irrational. How long would the step ford wives syndrome last before it begins to crumble and fall apart?

On the other hand radicalism objects to the capitalistic source of power where the ownership and control extends beyond the corporate limits and into the labour market itself. This allows for certain fundamental rights as in the right to associate where the workers possibly can form trade unions and assert a degree of power through the process of collective bargaining; having compared to the unionism capitalistic system that has no intention to take over management. They learned to bargain within an institutional

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

What Are 'Good' Industrial Relations?

...What are ‘Good’ Industrial Relations? What are ‘good’ industrial relations? It can simply be described as a workplace in which the employees are motivated and happy. This occurs when a workplace has solved their problems; however there is no single means to achieving this. Pluralism, unitarism and radicalism are three theoretical approaches to industrial relations. Unitarist theory believes that the employees should have the same goals and interests as their employer and view conflict as detrimental to industrial relations. The pluralist perspective views conflict as being inevitable due to the employer having more control than the employee. The business will flourish and grow only when a solution to this conflict has been obtained. The radicalism perspective also views conflict as being unavoidable but rather than find a solution this theory, suggests eliminating the root of the conflict altogether. All of these approaches have a negative and positive effect in the workplace. In order to answer the question of what ‘good’ industrial relations are, you need to have a full understanding of what each theory entails. Unitarists believe ‘good’ industrial relations are only achievable when everyone works together as a team and the employees share the same common goal and interests as their employer. In order for employees to work towards the same goal as their employer, everyone needs to understand not only what the goal is but also what the plan is to achieve it. This...

Words: 1985 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Case Study Module 11

...Executive Summary Bolts and Nuts Company was once a big company with a good market share. But when the government liberalized the company was unable to compete in the market. The real problem was old machines and therefore the company couldn’t produce products at lower costs. But the company thought the employees were underperforming and put pressure on them. There were poor industrial relations and ultimately employees took union actions and there was a employee crisis. Apart from that the environmental authority pressed the company to implement a new waste disposal system and since it was unbearable the organization had no choice and they had to shift the company. So basically these case discuses about a scenario where poor industrial relations can cause trouble for a company Problem Statement Concise- How poor industrial relationships can affect to a company? Specific- * How should we treat employees when there is a problem going on? * What is the importance of identifying the real problem to a situation and what are the bad outcomes of handling it in a wrong way? * What is the role of Hr manager in resolving employee crisis? * Why it is important to follow government rules and regulations? 01. Bolts and Nuts Company faced problems mainly because they couldn’t stand against the competition with their competitors. They had a fair share of the market when the economy was closed and when the government liberalized the economy their market share began to drop. When...

Words: 1794 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Approaches to Industrial Relation

...APPROACHES SOCIO EHTICAL APPROACH This approach hold that industrial relation beside having a socio logical base dose have some ethical responsibility good ir can be only maintained and both labour and management realize their responsibilities in contributing to the given task through mutual cooperation and understanding ech othr problem dis approach ethicl presr n parties for maintnc of goods ir through peaceful setlmnt of disputes Gandhian approach: His views on ir are based on his fundamntl princpl truth and non violence acc to him disputes cn b resolv by following 1. worker should awoid strikes as far as possibl in industries 2. they should awoid formation of union in welfr org if they hav to organize strike trade union should seek authority frm all workers to do so by remaining peaceful as use non violnt method Basic element in dis is the emphasis on peaceful setlment of ind. Disputes System approach: This approach is quiet helpfl in studying the ir in the sence that it focuses on participant in the process environmntl sourcs and the output. Basic elemnt : 1 participnt in the systm 2 environmnt 3 step of ideas belief Psychological approach According to psychologists, problems of industrial relations have their origin in the perceptions of the management, unions and rank and file workers. These perceptions may be the perceptions of persons, of situations or of issues involved in the conflict. The perceptions of situations and issues differ...

Words: 707 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Apple

...Economics Available online at www.managementjournal.info RESEARCH ARTICLE Industrial Relations System as a Factor of Tripartite Consultation Influencing the Performance of State Corporations in Kenya Nzioki S*, Mukulu E Department of Human Resource Management, School of Human Resource Development, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya. *Corresponding Author: Email: sknzioki@yahoo.com Abstract The study sought to establish the effect of Industrial relations system in Kenya on the performance of state corporations. Methodology: Data was obtained through a descriptive design involving 279 employees both unionized and non-unionized of state corporations in Nairobi County. A structured questionnaire with likert scale questions was used to collect data from the selected subjects of the study. Interviews were also conducted with human resource managers/ employee relations officers, shop floor union officials, officers of the Ministry of Labour, officers of Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), officers of Central Organizations of Trade Unions, Kenya. The study used the Dunlop’s systems model credited with the application of the systems approach to Industrial Relations (IR). The model explains the input acquisition, input transformation, output and feedback to explain the process of Kenyan Industrial Relations System. Finding: The study found that there existed a prescribed Industrial Relations System in Kenya, but its adherence had been faced with a lot of challenges...

Words: 6175 - Pages: 25

Premium Essay

Employee Relationship

...and Pluralistic frames of Reference 4 1.2 Changes in Trade Unionism Have Affected Employee Relations 6 1.3 Role of Main Players in Employee Relations 8 2.0 Understanding the Nature of industrial Conflict and Its Resolution 10 2.1 The Procedures an Organization should follow in dealing with Conflicts 10 2.2 The key features of employee Relation in a Selected Conflict Situation: 12 2.3 Effectiveness of procedures used in a selected conflict situation 14 LO3 Understanding collective bargaining and negotiation processes 15 3.1 The role of negotiation in collective bargaining 15 3.2 The impact of negotiation strategy for a given situation 17 Win-Win Strategy 17 Win-Lose Strategy 17 LO 4 : Understanding the concept of employee participation and involvement 20 4.1 The influence of the EU on industrial democracy in the UK 20 4.2 Comparing of the methods used to gain employee participation and involvement in the decision making process 23 4.3 The impact of human resource management on employee relations 24 Conclusion 26 References & Bibliography 27 Introduction The Purpose of this assignment to acquire knowledge and development of skills about employee Relations (Relations between an employer and a collective workforce, typically through a recognized union), its nature, historical background, types, and European Union roles in its development. It also encompasses the industrial conflicts such as strike, lock out etc. and the procedure for solving those dispute to ensure...

Words: 4606 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Entrepreneurship Business Plan

...ASIA E UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE BACHELORS IN MANAGEMENT (HRM) ASSIGNMENT INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Q2. What is the role of the Ministry of Human Resources in the industrial relations system? Who are the parties involved in the industrial relations system? The scope of Ministry of Human Resources in the industrial relations system encompass employee and workers state of safety, health and welfare and human resource matters such as training, employment, labour rights and industrial relations. It includes the PERKESO (Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial), PSMB (Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad), JTM (Jabatan Tenaga Malaysia), JKKP (Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerja). The role of the Human Resources Ministry is to encourage harmonious relationships between employers and employees in the interest of the nation’s productivity. The objective of Human Resource Ministry in the industrial relations is: • To protect the welfare of the employees-safety, and rights • To promote good employer-employee relationship through a stable and peaceful Industrial Relations system • To equip the unemployed with basic industrial skills and to improve the skill level of the workforce • To assist in maximizing country’s manpower resources through manpower planning • Department of Labour, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak-enforces Employment Act 1955, Workmen’s Compensation Act 1952, Wages Council Act 1947, Young Persons Act 1966, Employment Restriction Act 1968...

Words: 5141 - Pages: 21

Free Essay

Pluralist Perspective

...Pluralist perspective of employment relations Question: Carefully define the pluralist perspective of employment relations and show how it differs from other frames of reference. What are the limits of the pluralist acceptance of different stakeholder interests at work. When, within the pluralist perspective is conflict acceptable? The topic of industrial relations generally deals with the relationships encountered by the workforce in their working lives and can equally be contributed to and studied by economists, lawyers, sociologists, and psychologists, to name but a few. The capacity of the topic spans from the individual in relation to the organisation through to the shop floor, all the way to national and international bodies. Approaches used to define the subject matter of Industrial relations are: Industrial-based definitions, social psychology-based definitions, class-based definitions, human resource management definitions and employment relations. Industrial relations are an ever growing topic and will be continually studied by scholars to further gain in-depth knowledge to natural behaviours of the modern workplace, as advantages of a harmonious working environment is considered the holy grail of globalisation. Although there is a vast array of conceptual approaches to industrial relations, in this essay I will analyse the differences with the frames of reference most commonly known as unitarism, pluralism, and marxism. Before which I will carefully discuss in depth...

Words: 1829 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Industrial Relations

...INDUSTRIAL/LABOUR RELATIONS Meaning of Industrial Relations Means an Employer-employee relationships that are covered specifically under collective bargaining and industrial relation laws. It refers to all types of relationships between employer and employee, trade union and management, workers and union and between employee and employee. It also includes all sorts of relationships at both formal and informal levels in the organization. In broader sense industrial relations means all such relationships that a business enterprise maintains with various sections of society including employee, state, customers and public in industries contact. Parties in Industrial Relation Three main parties are directly involved in industrial relations: Employers: Employers possess certain rights vis-à-vis labors. They have the right to hire and fire them. Management can also affect workers’ interests by exercising their right to relocate, close or merge the factory or to introduce technological changes. Employees: Workers seek to improve the terms and conditions of their employment. They exchange views with management and voice their grievances. They also want to share decision making powers of management. Workers generally unite to form unions against the management and get support from these unions. Government: The central and state government influences and regulates industrial relations through laws, rules, agreements, awards of court and the like. It also includes third parties and labor...

Words: 4452 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Protected Industrial Action

...protected industrial action. Detail the procedures and discuss what they mean for employees and employers in relation to collective bargaining. Introduction On 1 July 2009, Australia’s workplace relations system changed. The Fair Work Act 2009 created a new legislative framework for workplace relations laws, to balance the needs of employees, the employers and the unions. A key objective of the Fair Work Act 2009 is achieving productivity and fairness in the workplace through the implementation of collective bargaining underpinned by simple good faith bargaining obligations and clear rules governing industrial action. This paper will detail the process and details of protected industrial action and what they mean for the employers and employees. Industrial Action Industrial action exerts pressure on the other party to the employment relationship with a view to gain a particular response from them. It can take a number of forms and reduces productivity at the workplace. Industrial action can take one or more of the following: go-slows, work-to-rule, boycotts, strikes, overtime bans, lock-outs and the performance of work by an employee in a manner different from that in which it is customarily performed. Industrial action is generally unlawful and prohibited unless it is protected industrial action. Employees who engage in industrial action which is not protected under the Fair Work Act can be exposed to penalties and disciplinary action. Protected Industrial Action...

Words: 2308 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Good Industrial Relations

...Industrial relations is a post-industrial revolution term that replaced the expression "master-servant" used to define the relationship between a worker and an employer. Contemporary industrial relations still refers to the employment relationship and the business unit that manages the employment relations, personnel or human resources. It often includes labor unions as parties to that relationship. The main objective of industrial relations is to improve the economic conditions of workers in the current economic climate. The value added outcomes that can result from good industrial relations include improved morale and commitment, fewer grievances, productivity increases, and better control of labour costs. (Waiganjo, 2012) However there are three theories on how this can be obtained: unitarism, pluralist and radical perspectives. Each of these perspectives takes a different approach to the workplace and the roles of the parties involved; but not all will be effective in today’s evolving labour market. If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work With your enemy. Then he becomes your partner. - Nelson Mandela The unitarist approach to industrial relations is one of mutual benefit; the management and other members of staff are presumed to share a common purpose emphasizing mutual cooperation. (Waiganjo, 2012) This approach to working relationship promotes the virtues of teamwork, where everyone strives to reach a common objective. Many Canadians take...

Words: 2050 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Industrial Relationship

...Situation Analysis of Trade Unions and Industrial Relations in Bangladesh: A Country Profile • Balasundaram Nimalathasan (Department of Accounting, University of Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka) • Abu Taher (Department of Management Studies, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh) Abstract Industrial Relations (IR) is an inter-disciplinary field that encompasses the study of all aspects of people at work. IR is a fascinating subject for the study understanding discussion and practice, as it covers the whole range of human relations within industry. IR is a combination of various social sciences, the cumulative effect of which is to grease the wheels of industry and society. Sound IR can only be based on human relations and good human relations dictate that human beings should be treated humanely, which includes respect for human dignity, fair sealing and concern for the human beings physical and social needs. The research is based on desk study. Moreover, the recommendation would be helpful to the practitioners, researchers, planners, policy makers and academicians, who are involved in the concerned area. Keywords: Situational Analysis; Trade Unions and Industrial Relations 1. Introduction Trade unionism is the core of industrial relations. Primarily it is also referred to as phenomenon of the capitalist society, where in trade unions seek to remove the power imbalance between the buyer (i.e., employer) and individual seller (i.e....

Words: 5942 - Pages: 24

Premium Essay

Industrialisation

...INDUSTRIAL RELATION Directorate of Distance Education MBA Paper 4.33 ALAGAPPA UNIVERSITY KARAIKUDI – 630 003 Tamilnadu Dear Learner, Greeting from Alagappa University We extend a very warm welcome to you as a Student of Distance Education of Alagappa University. We appreciate your interest in enrolling for MBA Programme. The Programme content is designed to broaden the business acumen, administrative capacity and sharpen the analytical skill of the student. You are instructed to go through the course materials carefully and thoroughly to have better understanding of the subject. You are advised to attend the Personal Contact Programmes to have better clarity on the subject. At the end of the each unit, the review questions are given to enable you to prepare for Examinations. The Model Question Paper is given at the end of the course material for reference and practice. We wish you all the best in your endeavour for successful completion of the programme. Director Directorate of Distance Education Alagappa University Karaikudi, Tamilnadu. MBA PAPER 4.33 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SYLLABUS UNIT 1 Industrial Relations: Concept – Definition – Significance – Objectives – Scope – Approaches – Principles of good industrial relations – Role of State, Employers and the Unions in industrial relation. UNIT 2 Trade Unionism and Industrial Relations: Labour movement – Concepts – Trade union movement – Development of trade unionism in Indian...

Words: 46671 - Pages: 187

Premium Essay

Industrial Relation

...INDUSTRIAL RELATION Directorate of Distance Education MBA Paper 4.33 ALAGAPPA UNIVERSITY KARAIKUDI – 630 003 Tamilnadu Dear Learner, Greeting from Alagappa University We extend a very warm welcome to you as a Student of Distance Education of Alagappa University. We appreciate your interest in enrolling for MBA Programme. The Programme content is designed to broaden the business acumen, administrative capacity and sharpen the analytical skill of the student. You are instructed to go through the course materials carefully and thoroughly to have better understanding of the subject. You are advised to attend the Personal Contact Programmes to have better clarity on the subject. At the end of the each unit, the review questions are given to enable you to prepare for Examinations. The Model Question Paper is given at the end of the course material for reference and practice. We wish you all the best in your endeavour for successful completion of the programme. Director Directorate of Distance Education Alagappa University Karaikudi, Tamilnadu. MBA PAPER 4.33 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SYLLABUS UNIT 1 Industrial Relations: Concept – Definition – Significance – Objectives – Scope – Approaches – Principles of good industrial relations – Role of State, Employers and the Unions in industrial relation. UNIT 2 Trade Unionism and Industrial Relations: Labour movement – Concepts – Trade union movement – Development of trade unionism in...

Words: 46761 - Pages: 188

Premium Essay

Impact of Globalisation on Labor Market and Industrialisation

...METHODOLOGY: 12 Primary Research: 12 Secondary Research: 12 POPULATION SAMPLING: 12 4.0 FINDINGS: DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS 12 Factors Contributing to the Change of Industrial Relations in the Region 12 Labor Reform Policies: 12 Globalization : 13 Economic integration 14 Change in Technology 14 Changes in Labor Law and Attitude towards Unions 15 Decentralization of Bargaining 15 Management Alteration 16 Conclusion: 17 The End . INTRODUCTION: Industrial relations today by many accounts, is in crisis. In academia, its traditional positions are threatened on one side by the dominance of mainstream economics and organizational behavior, and on the other by postmodernism. In policy-making circles, the industrial relations emphasis on institutional intervention is trumped by a neoliberal emphasis on the laissez faire promotion of free markets. In practice, labor unions are declining and fewer companies have industrial relations functions. The number of academic programs in industrial relations is therefore shrinking, and scholars are leaving the field for other areas, especially human resource management and organizational behavior. The importance of work, however, is stronger than ever, and the lessons of industrial relations remain vital. The challenge for industrial relations is to re-establish these connections with the broader academic, policy, and business worlds (Whalen, Charles J. (2008). This search is prompted because of the need to establish...

Words: 4622 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Industrial Relations

...Comparative Studies of Industrial or Employment Relations Assignment 1 Trimester 3 2013 HRM 603: Comparative Studies of Industrial or Employment Relations Assignment 1 Trimester 3 2013 Name: Cagi Merelita ID no.: 2011001230 Table of Contents Introduction 1 The development & evolution of IR/ER system 2 The development & evolution of IR/ER system in the Fiji Island 3 The IR/ER system of Australia against that of the Fiji Islands 4 The emerging issues & recent trends in IR/ER in both nations 5 Considered key roles & responsibilities by the major actors in an IR/ER system in each country 6 Major actor’s roles & responsibilities that are considered most significant in an IR/ER context & why 8 Bibliography 9 Introduction Employment Relations are the employer and employee relationship, it also describes the relationship between workers and employers in business (Employer and Employee Relations, 2011). Employment Relations is important because it encourages motivation, it builds up the reputation of a worker and the business through the increase in number of potential customers, investors and staff, increase in productivity output, efficiency and profit levels (Employer and Employee Relations, 2011). With the changing industrial landscape in every country or nation, the growth of new townships/cities and the dispersal of activity, a process of ‘industrial culturalisation’ of workers...

Words: 2317 - Pages: 10