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Focuses on recent empirical evidence on management approaches to industrial relations in greenfield companies in Ireland. Places particular emphasis on the impact of industrial relations on the location of greenfield site facilities, patterns of trade union recognition and avoidance, pay determination, and the role of employer associations. Finds that, despite a national system of “bargained consensus” and the integration of trade unions into corporatist decision‐making structures on economic and social issues, most recent greenfield site facilities are non‐union. Argues that this evidence points to extensive management opposition to conventional pluralist industrial relations, despite the existence of a State system which has consistently promoted a consensus approach over the past two decades. This apparent paradox is explained by reference to the transformation in the structure and performance of the Irish economy in parallel with related social changes since the early 1980s.

Considers the nature of Human Resource Management (HRM) in the Republic of Ireland. Identifies four variants of HRM in Ireland: “soft” HRM; neo‐pluralism; “hard” HRM; and traditional industrial relations. Then considers key areas of HRM policy choice and reviews alternative approaches to HRM practice in Irish organizations. Analyses the role of the specialist HRM function in Ireland using a HRM typology. Evaluates the evidence of change in HRM practice with a particular focus on key dimensions of change such as developments in employment forms and flexibility, the role of trade unions and the emergence of proactive approaches to HRM at establishment level.

This paper examines the use of “double breasting” as a means of union avoidance among multinational companies (MNCs). Double breasting refers to the practice whereby multi-establishment organizations simultaneously operate establishments on both union and non-union bases. Using survey data from the largest and most representative empirical investigation of employment practice in MNCs in Ireland, supplemented by qualitative data gathered from case-based investigations in the subsidiary operations of American-owned MNCs, we profile the incidence and pattern of this particular form of union avoidance as well as providing insights on management's rationale for so doing. Our findings suggest that a substantial and increasing number of unionized MNCs in Ireland are engaging in double breasting. This phenomenon is most evident among U.S. MNCs. We also find that employers, at both local and global levels, have proactively initiated double breasting as a strategic ploy to increase management prerogative and better position subsidiary operations to attract new investment from corporate levels.

Using the Irish data from the Price Waterhouse Cranfield Project on International Strategic Human Resource Management, examines developments in flexible working practices in the Republic of Ireland. Reviews relevant literature and presents an overview of the Irish labour market context. The organizational level evidence presented on both non‐standard employment and functional flexibility indicates a trend towards greater flexibilization, but the emergence of the flexible firm scenario is not supported.

Numerous management commentators have suggested that the 1980s have witnessed considerable change in employee relations at establishment level in Irish organizations. However, much of this analysis has been quite vague on the precise nature of such change. Employee relations management in Ireland has traditionally been associated with a strong collectivist, industrial relations emphasis. Attempts to evaluate the extent of change in management approaches to employee relations in the 1980s. In particular looks at issues such as developments in employment structure, flexibility and changing patterns of industrial conflict. Also considers the emergence of Human Resource Management (HRM) approaches in the Irish context.

Evaluates an attempt to increase numerical and (particularly) functional flexibility in a large chemical processing plant in the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, focuses on the training implications of managerial initiatives to introduce flexible working arrangements. The case evidence is based on interviews and documentation from senior and line management, employees and trade union representatives. Reviews the nature of craft integration and the various problems encountered in negotiations between the various parties. Explores the training agenda associated with craft integration and suggests various issues for consideration by companies seeking to achieve craft integration and improvements in flexibility.

This paper uses evidence from a major survey of employers (of more than 200 employees) with around 5000 respondents in 14 European countries to compare trade union representation at organisation level. It compares the situation in the UK and that in Ireland with the rest of Europe. The paper addresses trade union membership, trade union recognition and trade union influence. It also examines the locus of decision‐making on industrial relations within UK organisations and compares that too with Ireland and elsewhere in Europe and addresses the issue of human resource management (HRM). Finally, the paper attempts to locate the British and Irish situation within a European context.

Seeks to contribute to the flexibility debate by addressing the following research questions: What are the European trends pertaining to the use of part‐time workers? How has the situation changed over the past three years? To what extent do organizational characteristics, such as size, unionization and sector, impact on the nature and extent of part‐time employment? Despite recent attempts by the European Union to bring to the fore the issue of working time, it has a rather long pedigree in labour management literature. The main arguments dictating the direction of change in working time arrangements are associated with discretion/choice debates, labour force changes, equality issues, technology and organiza‐tional efficiency and the unemployment/work‐sharing argument. Focuses specifically on one workforce variable, namely part‐time work. Believes that the classification of the labour market into the core (typical) and periphery (atypical), in the context of labour flexibility, is far too simplistic. Refers to how it has been argued in the literature that the components of the peripheral workforce possess different characteristics and cannot be lumped together.

The prolonged economic crisis in Ireland of the 1950s forced a reassessment of national economic policy, a move towards Free Trade and the adoption of an outward looking policy initiated by a strategy of ‘industrialisation by invitation’ (O'Malley, 1989). To attract foreign companies the Irish government provided grant aid to firms establishing in Ireland and the profits of export oriented industry were exempt from tax for 15 years (Daly, 1981). By the mid 1990s Ireland had apparently been transformed into a modern industrial state but indigenous industry had contributed little to industrial expansion or employment. Foreign Multinational Corporations (MNCs) accounted for 41% of manufacturing employment with over three quarters of that employment being in firms which had started up since the 1950s. While research on the impact of MNCs on the Irish economy focused mainly on employment creation the study of labour relations in such firms received much less attention. Two articles published in the mid 80s attempted to remedy this neglect (Enderwick, 1986; Kelly & Brannick, 1985).

Senior managements possess considerable discretion in making choices on personnel policy. Practice indicates a broad range of choice on a continuum from high strategic integration of human resource issues in strategic planning to more piecemeal ad hoc approaches to managing human resources. The particular approach adopted in organisations will reflect the interplay of internal and external factors in the organisation′s environment and establish the context for human resource development (HRD). A key external factor is the product market which affects managerial discretion in personnel policy choice. Important internal factors include competitive strategy and managerial values. Three benchmark dimensions underpin personnel policy choice in organisations – strategic integration, collectivism and individualism. Management positions on these dimensions become manifested in key areas of personnel policy such as the work system, communications, rewards, recruitment/employee development and the role of the personnel function. Looking at the Irish context a number of factors both encouraging and mitigating a greater strategic role for HRD may be identified.