The changing environment within which SMEs are operating is examined by reference to detailed case studies of three medium‐sized firms (one in the pharmaceutical sector and two in engineering). Following the development of a framework for analysis the cases are discussed to illustrate the...

A new breed of tough managers, almost contemptuous of unions and negotiating procedures, seems to have emerged. “Macho Management” one British Leyland shop steward called it at the time of the strike, referring to plant management's rediscovery of the management prerogative. The spirit is...

Industrial relations in the finance sector has always exhibited rather special features; a virtually exclusive white collar work force dispersed in numerous branch offices; relatively high unionisation with membership split between TUC‐affiliated unions and in‐house staff associations;...

The Oxford Institute for Employee Relations (OXIFER) is a small research and teaching community based at Templeton College, Oxford. It aims to link advanced research with teaching and the widespread dissemination of findings, focusing primarily on the role of management in employee and...