Uses a longitudinal case study approach to analyse changes in industrial relations in a chemical company over the last decade. The authors argue that the concept of “waves” can be used to help understand developments during this period. The first wave related to the crisis of the early 1980s...

This paper describes and analyses a system of participation operating in a firm manufacturing kitchen furniture (labelled as Kitchenco). It assesses the way in which the attitudes and behaviour of employees, shop stewards, foremen and managers have an effect upon, and are influenced by, the...

It now seems to be fairly widely accepted that joint consultation has experienced a resurgence of interest and practice since the mid 1970s. Whilst the seeds of this revival were probably sown by anxieties prior to the publication of the Bullock Report, the institution does not appear to have...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between human resource practices (HRP) and employee outcomes at two distinct levels of analysis. While significant evidence exists as to the occurrence of a relationship, the mechanisms and process through which this happens...

Purpose: Paramedics' work environment is constantly changing and unpredictable. Controlling environmental risks is difficult for the HR department and requires support of external systems such as unions and policymakers. Acknowledging environmental complexity, and the interaction of external...

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model drawing together and integrating research from employment relations (ER), human resource management (HRM) and organizational behaviour (OB) to identify how high-performance work systems (HPWS) encourage voice behaviour....

Purpose: The implementation of performance management is the responsibility of managers; more importantly, a key part of a frontline manager's role is ensuring that frontline employees are performing by meeting organisational goals. Existing research has shown a lack of focus on the role of...

Purpose: Exposure to high-trauma work has been associated with negative outcomes for individuals and organisations. Support for these employees can buffer and protect against mental health problems. Frontline managers (FLMs) are well placed to provide for employee support needs but are often...

Management texts abound on how to develop effective techniques to manage absence, but what actually happens in practice? Aims to shed light on how organisations try to cope with the “problem”. Examines the practices of seven companies from three sectors (financial services, retail, and...

Presents and discusses findings from a major study of changing employment practices in UK banking. Uses case studies to explore different patterns of reaction to a fast and radically changing business environment. Addresses important questions including the nature of the changes to human...