Mutual gains? Labor and management evaluate their employee involvement programs

Article Abstract:

This study examines the impact of employee involvement programs on social, psychological, production, and economic issues. The findings are based on a diverse group of 236 EI programs in Pennsylvania, where data were gathered from both management and labor in the same workplace. The majority of the programs are based on a quality circle model; few contain innovative pay systems; and less than one third could be classified as intensive. Management indicates that these programs have a positive impact on a variety of factors, especially social and psychological effects. Unions are less enthusiastic about EI but are generally positive or neutral, with few indicating any negative effects. Despite these generally positive reports by both labor and management, direct comparison yields little agreement between labor and management on the effects of EI. Our results question the assumption of "mutual gains," i.e., that the effects of EI programs are clear, public, and shared equally by both labor and management. Alternative explanations are discussed. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Evaluation, Participatory management

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Formalization of grievance procedures: a multi-firm and industry study

Article Abstract:

This study examines how two aspects of formalization of grievance procedures affect grievance procedure effectiveness: written versus oral presentation of grievance and the level of union and management authorized to resolve grievances at the first step. Several demographic variables were controlled for: size of bargaining unit, percentage of organization represented, number of grievances filed, and industry. A sample of 46 firms, representing a broad cross-section of unionized companies in the private sector, was obtained with the help of the American Arbitration Association. Results indicate that more formal grievance procedures (e.g., written presentations) are positively related to resolution rates at the first step. The number of grievances filed and the size of the bargaining unit were positively related to total resolution rates prior to arbitration. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Analysis, Grievance arbitration, Grievance procedures

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The Australian workplace industrial relations survey and comparative industrial relations: Canadian reflections

Article Abstract:

This paper provides an overview of the recently published Australian Workplace Industrial Relations Survey (AWIRS). It argues that the socio-economic and political agenda in Australia regarding labor market de-regulation and industrial relations reform, the context of AWIRS, provides an opportunity to construct fruitful industrial relations comparative analysis between Canada and Australia. This is seen as a broadening of the traditional if not habitual comparisons between Canada and the U.S. Finally, the author calls for a similar nationally constructed workplace survey to be conducted in Canada. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Australia, Canada, Economic policy

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