Non‐union employee representation: exploring the efficacy of the voice process

Purpose – Recent years have witnessed a growing academic preoccupation with the theme of employee voice. This article seeks to examine the efficacy of non‐union forms of employee representation (NERs). Design/methodology/approach – Further to an exploration of the above theme, case study research was carried out in an organisation possessing a relatively mature representative structure. Findings – The findings broadly support the extant literature in exposing key deficiencies with respect to this mode of voice. The body under review is seen to represent a largely unavailing vehicle for the furtherance of employee interests – particularly within the arena of pay determination. Research limitations/implications – In the light of the above findings the policy implications are briefly explored. Reservations are expressed regarding the ability of the Information and Consultation Directive to extend voice into the non‐union sector. Originality/value – In contrast with the earlier, predominantly descriptive studies of NERs, the theme of “voice” is ensconced within a theoretically informed analysis. This allows the paper to reach a more textured set of conclusions. The shortcomings in voice are systematically tracked to deficiencies in two principal areas – power and autonomy.