Summary Chapter 1 - Industrial Relations Theory and Perspectives
10 views 0 purchase
Course
PSYC326H1 (PSYC326)
Institution
University Of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
A summary of chapter 1 - industrial relations theory and perspectives. The following titles are summarized as per the textbook.
1. Historical background to industrial relations theory
2. Systems theory
3. Neo-Marxist theory
4. Unitarism perspective
5. Pluralist perspective
6. Perspective of c...
History of Labour Relations
Chapter 1: Industrial Relations Theory and Perspectives
Industrial relations are often concerned as based solely upon trade union
actives (Strikes/Stay-aways etc.,)
Objective of the study of Industrial relations- 1. Understanding industrial
relations, 2. Predicting consequences of certain attitudes and actions
There is no unified theory of industrial relations, thus it is easier to
postulate than to attain these objectives.
Historical Background to Industrial Relations Theory
Economists of the industrial revolution (Smith/Mill/Ricardo) – began to
emphasise “natural laws” of economics. This shaped the conditions under
which labour and capital interacted in the employment relationship.
Labour conceptualised as commodity - subject to the laws of supply and
demand.
Believed that there was no justification for any special treatment for
workers – to them special treatment = interfering with the working of the
market forces.
Working class had to bear the pain of the market system – Marx rejected
this notion, which was, described as leading to poverty and alienation
through exploitation.
Capitalist was driven by the need to obtain profits and accumulate capital at
the expense of the worker who was forced to sell his labour/ was paid
subsistence wages.
To the capitalist – worker needed enough to support himself and he’s
family
Capitalist were able to obtain a surplus value from workers.
Surplus Value - the difference between the amount raised through a sale
of a product and the amount it cost to the owner of that product to
manufacture it.
Marx view on surplus value – Surplus Value could only be produced by
labour – thus, this rightfully to the workers and not the capitalists.
Marx theorized that exploitation led to intolerable working conditions
Man became an appendage to the machine during the production process –
alienation/lack of creativity.
, Marx believed “class consciousness”, resulting from the process of
alienation and exploitation, would develop and unify workers, thereby
paving a way to a revolutionary overthrow of capitalist system.
Class consciousness - In Marxism, class consciousness is the set of beliefs
that a person holds regarding their social class or economic rank in society,
the structure of their class, and their class interests.
Marx believed that trade unions should pursue overthrowing capitalist
system.
MARXISM;
1. Workers should not be required to live with the consequences of the
market economy.
2. Conflict of interest based on class difference existed in a cap society.
3. Negotiations with employers provide short-term and temporary benefits
to workers – THUS – replace capitalist system with Marxist state.
4. Trade unions viewed as achieving goals within existing system, however
should ultimate overthrow said system.
WEBBS;
1. Criticised the definition of labour (commodity)
2. Necessity of improving living conditions and upliftment of working class
(like Marx), this can only be done via evolution (unlike Marx –
revolution).
3. Unions viewed as important vehicles for improving the wages of workers
through collective bargaining.
4. Unions advocated that legislation be passed to protect
men/women/children whom were exploited under conditions where the
free market system (capitalist system) was uncontrolled.
Commons (like Webbs) – emphasized the importance of negotiations in
seeking compromise (bet labour/management/public).
How did early “institutional economists” redress the unequal bargaining
power of the parties? – advocated the protection of rights for workers to
join unions and protective labour legislation in areas such as health and
safety.
Pioneers of Industrial relations – concerned with analysis of the role of
trade unions in society (wanted to emphasise/convince management of its
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller kadenepillay. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $3.01. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
