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Worker perceptions of representation and rights in Germany and the USA

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  • Godard, John
  • Frege, Carola M.

Abstract

Germany and the USA have very different systems of legal representation and rights at work, but these differences and their effects may have lessened. We draw on a large-scale telephone survey to explore worker perceptions of these systems, and find that perceptions of German workers are more favourable than those of their US counterparts, but not by as much as might be expected. Our findings could in part be explained by cross-national differences in both worker ideologies and the way the different systems function, but they also point to the importance of perceptions in understanding and assessing cross-national institutional differences, and have implications for the future of workplace representation and rights in both nations.

Suggested Citation

  • Godard, John & Frege, Carola M., 2014. "Worker perceptions of representation and rights in Germany and the USA," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 56527, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:56527
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/56527/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. John T. Addison & Thorsten Schank & Claus Schnabel & Joachim Wagner, 2007. "Do Works Councils Inhibit Investment?," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 60(2), pages 187-203, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Comparative employment relations; employee participation; Germany; USA; worker attitudes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J50 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - General

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