The focus of the preceding chapters has been on managing and supporting international assignments, post-assignment and the issues in subsidiary operations. In this chapter we. | Chapter 9 Industrial relations Chapter objectives Discuss key issues in industrial relations and the policies and practices of multinationals. Examine the potential constraints that trade unions may have on multinationals. Outline key concerns for trade unions. Discuss recent trends and issues in the global workforce context. Discuss the formation of regional economic zones such as the European Union. The focus of the preceding chapters has been on managing and supporting international assignments, post-assignment and the issues in subsidiary operations. In this chapter we: Introduction We need to consider some general points about the field of international industrial relations. First, it is important to realize that it is difficult to compare industrial relations systems and behavior across national boundaries; an industrial relations concept may change considerably when translated from one industrial relations context to another. Cross-national differences also emerge as to the . | Chapter 9 Industrial relations Chapter objectives Discuss key issues in industrial relations and the policies and practices of multinationals. Examine the potential constraints that trade unions may have on multinationals. Outline key concerns for trade unions. Discuss recent trends and issues in the global workforce context. Discuss the formation of regional economic zones such as the European Union. The focus of the preceding chapters has been on managing and supporting international assignments, post-assignment and the issues in subsidiary operations. In this chapter we: Introduction We need to consider some general points about the field of international industrial relations. First, it is important to realize that it is difficult to compare industrial relations systems and behavior across national boundaries; an industrial relations concept may change considerably when translated from one industrial relations context to another. Cross-national differences also emerge as to the objectives of the collective bargaining process and the enforceability of collective agreements. (cont.) Introduction (cont.) Schregle has observed: “A comparative study of industrial relations shows that industrial relations phenomena are a very faithful expression of the society in which they operate, of its characteristic features and of the power relationships between different interest groups. Industrial relations cannot be understood without an understanding of the way in which rules are established and implemented and decisions are made in the society concerned.” (cont.) Introduction (cont.) Poole has identified several factors that may underlie these historical differences: the mode of technology and industrial organization at critical stages of union development methods of union regulation by government ideological divisions within the trade union movement the influence of religious organizations on trade union development managerial strategies for labor relations in large .
