Chapter 1 - Introduction

Question 1

What is the difference between IR and ER?

Answer 1

Industrial Relations is considered narrowly focused on Trade Unions and Collective bargaining whereas Employment Relations encompasses a broader scope relating to Work.

Question 2

What are the two components of an Employment Relationship?

Answer 2

1. Market transaction (Supply of labour in exchange for Pay & Conditions)
2. Production Relation (Ongoing interaction and commitment to deliver skills and effort)

Question 3

Name the 3 ideological perspectives of ER

Answer 3

1. Unitarian
2. Pluralism
3. Radicalism

Question 4

What is the difference between Neoclassical Economics and Human Resource Management?

Answer 4

Neoclassical economics is focused on the macro outputs of labour cost, productivity and employment levels

HRM is focused on the psychological needs and fit between strategy and labour

Question 5

Define Marxism

Answer 5

A focus on differentiating and competing classes (eg: employer vs employee) and one whose struggles focus on the control of labour processes

Question 6

Define managerial prerogative

Answer 6

The privilege to decide what and how things are done. At the forefront of the frontier of control. Derived from master-servant relationship and common law.