Labour relations in the Spanish public administration in a context of change : The role of context and regulation

Purpose – This paper aims to study the development of new forms of management systems such as quality management in the context of the Spanish public administration. Design/methodology/approach – It reviews the main literature on the topic and relevant policy texts. Findings – The organisation of work within the private sector has undergone important transformations compared with the model of industrial worker that existed in the mid‐twentieth century. In the public sector, these changes have been less noticeable, at least within the Spanish context. Yet, it has undergone and is still undergoing important changes as far as its economic and social standing, targets and procedures are concerned. Organisational adjustment to such changes has been limited, especially in the area of work organisation. Research limitations/implications – It is a general overview of key developments. Practical implications – It is relevant for a discussion of the general trends and dynamic of public sector industrial relations in Spain. Originality/value – It manages to take an overview of changes in the public sector and point to the uncertain development of a new market approach.