The module is designed to examine the nature and mechanisms of the employment relations arena in Ireland and Internationally. It examines how institutions, actors, systems, practices and processes interact in an attempt to gain the commitment of the workforce to the achievement of the organisation’s business goals and objectives.
Irrespective of whether or not they deal with unions, all employers and managers have both collective and individual relationships with their staff which must be managed. Accordingly, they must find ways to reconcile the interests of the ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’ of labour. Thus, this subject is relevant to any student wishing to understand the nature and contribution of the employee relations process.
1. Introduction to Employee Relations
Contextual and theoretical overview of Employee Relations
2. Labour Law
The role of individual and collective labour law in Employee Relations.
3. Trade Unions and Employer Associations
The objectives, origins, structure, composition, development and current status of trade unions and employer associations.
4. Employee Participation
Participation defined and analysed. Forms of employee participation compared including task participation, financial participation and mutual gains approach.
5. Collective and Individual Bargaining
The purpose, nature, conventions, stages, styles, development, structure and practice of collectively and individually oriented bargaining.
6. Grievance and Discipline
The effective design and practical management of grievance and disciplinary procedures.
7. HRM-ER Link
The correlation between HRM theory and ER theory and practice. HRM: a union or non-union phenomenon.
8. Conflict and Negotiation
Nature and Sources of Conflict
Bargaining Strategies and Contacts
Negotiation Sequence and Process
9. Contemporary Developments in Employment Relations
Public policy, labour markets, flexibility, participation, communications, redundancy, change management, technology and EU impact.
Classroom work is comprised of two elements: lectures and case studies. Students will also be encouraged to develop their learning skills by self-study and research. Journal articles will be distributed on an ongoing basis.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |