Conflict for mutual gains?

Bacon, N. and Blyton, Paul Robert 2007. Conflict for mutual gains? Journal of Management Studies 44 (5) , pp. 814-834.

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Abstract

Purpose - To analyse whether 'partnership' in industrial relations negotiations delivers improvements for both employees and management. Design/methodology/approach - Highlights how industrial relations experts and management have adopted 'partnership' as a way of achieving 'high performance work systems'. Examines the extent to which cooperation and conflict in industrial relations negotiations can achieve new working practices that deliver improved employee working conditions and firm performance. Drawing on behaviour theory (Walton and McKersie (1965)), compares the affects of four negotiating styles (co-operative, conflict, co-operative/conflict, conflict/co-operative); examines the outcomes for employees and management by examining the negotiations that preceded the introduction of team working in 21 departments of two integrated steelworks in the UK. Findings - Reports that even when the economic position of the firm forces unions to accept change, bargaining strategies still play an important part in influencing the outcome. Reveals how employees were more dissatisfied with aspects of team working where managers and unions had co-operated throughout the process, compared to where there was conflict; stresses how unions were more successful when adopting conflict strategies. Research limitations/implications - Examine other industries where trade unions are not so established. Originality/value - Adopts an organizational context to explore negotiation outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Business (Including Economics)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Industrial Relations; Managerial Strategy; Partnering; Steel; Teamwork; Trade Unions
Publisher:	Emerald
ISSN:	1474-6085
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2017 04:26
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/39076

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