Universities are poorly equipped to handle change because of their protected history, elitist position, rapid expansion since the 1960s, and paternalistic management style. (JOW)

This issue reviews trends in public sector employment (particularly in the light of government policy to reduce it), wages (in a context of cash limits), and strikes and other forms of industrial action. It also considers recent developments in the structure, organization, and policy of the "actors" in public sector industrial relations.…

A systems model of industrial relations is tried out on some practitioners and some basic deficiencies are uncovered. Suggests an approach to industrial training which may be helpful in clarifying, improving, and changing practices. (Author)

Considers employment policy and labor relations in three Japanese manufacturing plants in northeast England. Includes background information regarding their decision to locate there. (JOW)

Development of the personnel function of local government in the United Kingdom has resulted in a managerial process reflecting key features of the human resource management model. However, employee commitment and organizational flexibility are less evident, and the collectivist nature of employee relations remains well entrenched. (SK)

The authors discuss the introduction of new technology into the workplace focusing on two issues: (1) impact of new technology on conduct of industrial relations and (2) influence of industrial relations on effectiveness of new technology. (CH)

The authors report on their initial findings from their major work investigating the changing nature of personnel management during the recession. They point to the key importance of employee relations for the personnel function. They discuss top management influence, the use of specialized personnel skills, computers, consultants, and changes in…

This article draws on work carried out in a British brewery, refutes the claim that the recession has made trade unions irrelevant to managerial concerns, and argues that cohesive, factor-based shop steward organization can resist a management onslaught. (Author/CT)

In this article an account is given of work undertaken by an internal organization development (OD) unit within the United Kingdom's National Health Service, in the area of joint consultation within a health authority. Some thoughts are also presented on the relationship between OD practice and the field of industrial relations. (SSH)

The case of a strike against Ford and opposition to building an electronics plant in the United Kingdom illustrates the issues facing companies and unions in adopting Japanese industrial practices. Efficient production arrangements conflict with traditional multiunionism, and bargaining positions sometimes lead to company investment in countries…

Longitudinal case studies of four British organizations tested theories that union membership is waning, collective bargaining is being separated from strategic decision making, and employee involvement is lessening union impact. The conclusion reached was that the marginalization of unions has more complex causes; employee relations need to be…

Describes the effects of new technology on industrial relations in the United Kingdom. Includes a diversity of approaches and a complex picture of successes and failures. Concludes that new technology and industrial relations have rarely been dealt with strategically by UK managements. (JOW)

Team briefing, a technique used to communicate information to employees on issues of concern, is examined in three different establishments. Problems in the way it is practiced are identified, with the suggestion that its appropriateness and effectiveness may depend on the type of company or service in question. (SK)

Provides a case study of a Japanese-owned British manufacturing plant. Its purpose was to establish reasons for the introduction of employee participation in the company's manufacturing plant. (JOW)

Discusses the rise of unemployment in Britain, the changes in the character of the labor force, the increases in part-time employment, and the implications for those involved in employee relations. Includes information about working conditions, labor legislation, and trade union involvement. (JOW)