Tony Edwards, Paddy Gunnigle, Javier Quintanilla, and Hartmut Wächter
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199274635
- eISBN:
- 9780191706530
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199274635.003.0004
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
This chapter establishes the distinctive characteristics of the four host business systems: the UK, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. After providing an overview of the role of foreign, particularly US, ...
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This chapter establishes the distinctive characteristics of the four host business systems: the UK, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. After providing an overview of the role of foreign, particularly US, multinationals within each of the four economies, it establishes the key aspects of the industrial relations systems in each case, particularly those that contrast with the American system. Building on this, the chapter provides an analysis of the extent to which each of the countries are likely to be ‘receptive’ to the introduction of American-style employment practices.Less
This chapter establishes the distinctive characteristics of the four host business systems: the UK, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. After providing an overview of the role of foreign, particularly US, multinationals within each of the four economies, it establishes the key aspects of the industrial relations systems in each case, particularly those that contrast with the American system. Building on this, the chapter provides an analysis of the extent to which each of the countries are likely to be ‘receptive’ to the introduction of American-style employment practices.
Stephen J. Silvia
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452215
- eISBN:
- 9780801469664
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452215.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
Since the onset of the Great Recession, Germany's economy has been praised for its superior performance, which has been reminiscent of the “economic miracle” of the 1950s and 1960s. Such acclaim is ...
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Since the onset of the Great Recession, Germany's economy has been praised for its superior performance, which has been reminiscent of the “economic miracle” of the 1950s and 1960s. Such acclaim is surprising because Germany's economic institutions were widely dismissed as faulty just a decade ago. This book examines the oscillations of the German economy across the entire postwar period through one of its most important components—the industrial relations system. As the book shows, the industrial relations system is strongest where the German economy is strongest and is responsible for many of the distinctive features of postwar German capitalism. It extends into the boardrooms, workplaces and government to a degree that is unimaginable in most other countries. Trends in German industrial relations, moreover, influence developments in the broader German economy and, frequently, industrial relations practice abroad. All these aspects make the German industrial relations regime an ideal focal point for developing a deeper understanding of the German economy as a whole. The book begins by presenting the framework of the German industrial relations system—labor laws and the role of the state—and then analyzes its principal actors: trade unions and employers associations. It finds the framework sound but the actors are in crisis because of membership losses. The book analyzes reasons behind the losses and the innovative strategies German labor and management have developed in their efforts to reverse them. It concludes with a comprehensive picture and then considers the future of German industrial relations.Less
Since the onset of the Great Recession, Germany's economy has been praised for its superior performance, which has been reminiscent of the “economic miracle” of the 1950s and 1960s. Such acclaim is surprising because Germany's economic institutions were widely dismissed as faulty just a decade ago. This book examines the oscillations of the German economy across the entire postwar period through one of its most important components—the industrial relations system. As the book shows, the industrial relations system is strongest where the German economy is strongest and is responsible for many of the distinctive features of postwar German capitalism. It extends into the boardrooms, workplaces and government to a degree that is unimaginable in most other countries. Trends in German industrial relations, moreover, influence developments in the broader German economy and, frequently, industrial relations practice abroad. All these aspects make the German industrial relations regime an ideal focal point for developing a deeper understanding of the German economy as a whole. The book begins by presenting the framework of the German industrial relations system—labor laws and the role of the state—and then analyzes its principal actors: trade unions and employers associations. It finds the framework sound but the actors are in crisis because of membership losses. The book analyzes reasons behind the losses and the innovative strategies German labor and management have developed in their efforts to reverse them. It concludes with a comprehensive picture and then considers the future of German industrial relations.
Brian Towers
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198289463
- eISBN:
- 9780191684715
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198289463.003.0013
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR, Organization Studies
Several scholars have recognized that changes in industrial relations ‘systems’ account for a slow process in which both the external and internal forces of movement are tempered by other factors ...
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Several scholars have recognized that changes in industrial relations ‘systems’ account for a slow process in which both the external and internal forces of movement are tempered by other factors that can be either reversed or inhibited by change. Convergence theory, which has been suggested by several scholars, mainly around forty years ago, asserted that industrialization should be integrated into industrial relations systems. This theory proves to be less persuasive today. It is important to note though that traditional industrial relations which are rooted on the notion of collective bargaining have been in, for over forty years, substantial retreat in the USA. The changes observed in both the UK and the USA are said to be attributed to various ‘structural’ factors such as service sector growth unemployment, and the decline in manufacturing. This chapter focuses on identifying these structural changes in terms of employment and national economics.Less
Several scholars have recognized that changes in industrial relations ‘systems’ account for a slow process in which both the external and internal forces of movement are tempered by other factors that can be either reversed or inhibited by change. Convergence theory, which has been suggested by several scholars, mainly around forty years ago, asserted that industrialization should be integrated into industrial relations systems. This theory proves to be less persuasive today. It is important to note though that traditional industrial relations which are rooted on the notion of collective bargaining have been in, for over forty years, substantial retreat in the USA. The changes observed in both the UK and the USA are said to be attributed to various ‘structural’ factors such as service sector growth unemployment, and the decline in manufacturing. This chapter focuses on identifying these structural changes in terms of employment and national economics.
Stephen J. Silvia
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452215
- eISBN:
- 9780801469664
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452215.003.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
This book explores the trajectory of Germany's industrial relations system in the years after World War II and relates it to the German economy. The story of industrial relations in postwar Germany ...
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This book explores the trajectory of Germany's industrial relations system in the years after World War II and relates it to the German economy. The story of industrial relations in postwar Germany is reflective of many broader economic, political, and social trends in the country during this period. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the postwar German industrial relations system flourished and served as an important component of an effective economy and a sound democracy. Trade unions and employers associations embraced “social partnership,” that is, they accepted each other as equal partners that work together constructively to advance the economic and social well-being of German citizens. Using historical institutionalism and statistical analysis, this book examines the two most prominent explanations for developments in German industrial relations: the “erosion” and “exhaustion” arguments. Part I discusses the framework of the German industrial relations system, while Part II looks at the principal role played by trade unions and employers associations in industrial relations.Less
This book explores the trajectory of Germany's industrial relations system in the years after World War II and relates it to the German economy. The story of industrial relations in postwar Germany is reflective of many broader economic, political, and social trends in the country during this period. From the 1950s through the 1970s, the postwar German industrial relations system flourished and served as an important component of an effective economy and a sound democracy. Trade unions and employers associations embraced “social partnership,” that is, they accepted each other as equal partners that work together constructively to advance the economic and social well-being of German citizens. Using historical institutionalism and statistical analysis, this book examines the two most prominent explanations for developments in German industrial relations: the “erosion” and “exhaustion” arguments. Part I discusses the framework of the German industrial relations system, while Part II looks at the principal role played by trade unions and employers associations in industrial relations.
Stephen J. Silvia
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452215
- eISBN:
- 9780801469664
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452215.003.0002
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
This chapter examines how law and the state supported and sustained Germany's postwar industrial relations system. It first provides an overview of the German labor law before considering how the ...
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This chapter examines how law and the state supported and sustained Germany's postwar industrial relations system. It first provides an overview of the German labor law before considering how the postwar German state has bolstered the social partners through the use of tripartite bodies to govern numerous aspects of German society, both economic and noneconomic. It then challenges two widely held assumptions about labor law and the role of the state in postwar industrial relations. First, the German economy was more successful in the immediate postwar era because losing World War II wiped the slate clean of prewar laws and deals between interest groups and the state that hindered growth. Second, labor and management practitioners commonly stress collective bargaining autonomy and underplay the important role of the state in providing the prerequisites for that autonomy. The chapter argues that the forces driving membership trends for German trade unions and employers associations differ and that state support of German industrial relations cannot be held responsible for change in the postwar era.Less
This chapter examines how law and the state supported and sustained Germany's postwar industrial relations system. It first provides an overview of the German labor law before considering how the postwar German state has bolstered the social partners through the use of tripartite bodies to govern numerous aspects of German society, both economic and noneconomic. It then challenges two widely held assumptions about labor law and the role of the state in postwar industrial relations. First, the German economy was more successful in the immediate postwar era because losing World War II wiped the slate clean of prewar laws and deals between interest groups and the state that hindered growth. Second, labor and management practitioners commonly stress collective bargaining autonomy and underplay the important role of the state in providing the prerequisites for that autonomy. The chapter argues that the forces driving membership trends for German trade unions and employers associations differ and that state support of German industrial relations cannot be held responsible for change in the postwar era.
Stephen J. Silvia
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452215
- eISBN:
- 9780801469664
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452215.003.0003
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
This chapter examines Germany's distinctive system of codetermination (Mitbestimmung), which gives employees some say in management decision making, and the role it played in preserving the solidity ...
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This chapter examines Germany's distinctive system of codetermination (Mitbestimmung), which gives employees some say in management decision making, and the role it played in preserving the solidity and stability of the German industrial relations system throughout the postwar years. It begins with an overview of codetermination and its two components: works councils and employee representation on supervisory boards of large enterprises. It then explains how codetermination has made trade unions especially resilient and goes on to assess employers' attitudes toward codetermination, particularly with regards to various forms of parity representation on supervisory boards. It also considers the efforts of employers associations and trade unions to amend codetermination legislation over the years. The chapter concludes by discussing the larger significance of codetermination to German industrial relations and the German economy.Less
This chapter examines Germany's distinctive system of codetermination (Mitbestimmung), which gives employees some say in management decision making, and the role it played in preserving the solidity and stability of the German industrial relations system throughout the postwar years. It begins with an overview of codetermination and its two components: works councils and employee representation on supervisory boards of large enterprises. It then explains how codetermination has made trade unions especially resilient and goes on to assess employers' attitudes toward codetermination, particularly with regards to various forms of parity representation on supervisory boards. It also considers the efforts of employers associations and trade unions to amend codetermination legislation over the years. The chapter concludes by discussing the larger significance of codetermination to German industrial relations and the German economy.
Stephen J. Silvia
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452215
- eISBN:
- 9780801469664
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452215.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
This book concludes by discussing the findings presented in the first five chapters and integrating them into a comprehensive picture of industrial relations in Germany. It shows that labor law and ...
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This book concludes by discussing the findings presented in the first five chapters and integrating them into a comprehensive picture of industrial relations in Germany. It shows that labor law and the German state have been resilient throughout the postwar years and effectively provide a framework that incorporates the actors constructively into the German economy. It argues that the industrial relations framework has remained effective and relevant, able to withstand threats and tumult such as German unification and European integration. It considers how the neocorporatist components of the German state, including the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), have helped to preserve the political influence of trade unions and employers associations. It compares these and other results with those in other countries and ends by reflecting on the future of the German industrial relations system.Less
This book concludes by discussing the findings presented in the first five chapters and integrating them into a comprehensive picture of industrial relations in Germany. It shows that labor law and the German state have been resilient throughout the postwar years and effectively provide a framework that incorporates the actors constructively into the German economy. It argues that the industrial relations framework has remained effective and relevant, able to withstand threats and tumult such as German unification and European integration. It considers how the neocorporatist components of the German state, including the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), have helped to preserve the political influence of trade unions and employers associations. It compares these and other results with those in other countries and ends by reflecting on the future of the German industrial relations system.
Stephen J. Silvia
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801452215
- eISBN:
- 9780801469664
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801452215.003.0006
- Subject:
- Business and Management, HRM / IR
This chapter examines the relevance of employers associations to postwar Germany's industrial relations system. It begins with a brief overview of the prewar establishment and postwar reconstruction ...
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This chapter examines the relevance of employers associations to postwar Germany's industrial relations system. It begins with a brief overview of the prewar establishment and postwar reconstruction of employers associations and goes on to consider how employers associations fared after the German unification. It then discusses the effects of industry structure and trade exposure on employers association density, along with the impact of density on collective bargaining. It also explores divergences in the forms of social partnership in key sectors of the German economy and the larger implications of the interplay between trade unions and employers associations for the future of German industrial relations. It suggests that density trends among employers associations have been of greatest importance in determining the influence of German industrial relations in the postwar era.Less
This chapter examines the relevance of employers associations to postwar Germany's industrial relations system. It begins with a brief overview of the prewar establishment and postwar reconstruction of employers associations and goes on to consider how employers associations fared after the German unification. It then discusses the effects of industry structure and trade exposure on employers association density, along with the impact of density on collective bargaining. It also explores divergences in the forms of social partnership in key sectors of the German economy and the larger implications of the interplay between trade unions and employers associations for the future of German industrial relations. It suggests that density trends among employers associations have been of greatest importance in determining the influence of German industrial relations in the postwar era.
