The use of workplace innovations in Ireland: a review of the evidence

Abstract

This paper reviews a number of studies that has examined the use of workplace innovations in the Republic of Ireland. It is argued that despite having quite different sampling and technical properties, the surveys reach similar findings on many matters – the high degree of experimentation with innovative work practices, and the piecemeal nature of workplace reform in most companies for example. Yet disagreement has occurred about how these findings should be interpreted. One view is sceptical about whether the surveys point to meaningful innovations in enterprise level employment systems in Ireland. A less pessimistic perspective suggests that the high level of experimentation occurring on new employment practices should be seen as significant as most organisations adopt an evolutionary approach to workplace reform.

Citation

McCartney, J. and Teague, P. (2004), "The use of workplace innovations in Ireland: a review of the evidence", Personnel Review, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 81-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/00483480410510633