RECONCEPTUALIZING COMPARATIVE INDUSTRIAL-RELATIONS - LESSONS FROM INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH

In a major review of comparative analysis of industrial relations, res earch teams in 11 advanced countries have reached initial findings reg arding both the current situation and the methodology that can be usef ully applied. They found trends common to all the countries - greater focus on the enterprise, flexibility and skill development, and declin ing trade union membership; and significant differences within countri es - in work organization, job security, compensation and enterprise g overnance. The authors indicate typical areas of tension: cost-cutting vs. high value-added competitive strategies, growing disparities with in the workforce, and a need for greater participation even as union m embership declines.