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The role of nurses' unions in workplace innovation in Australian and Canadian hospitals: Analysing union strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Pauline Stanton
  • Timothy Bartram
  • Greg J. Bamber

Abstract

We explore the role of nurses and their unions in workplace innovation through case study research on the introduction of Lean production (LP). We find that nurses' unions were not involved in the implementation of LP. We draw conclusions about how union power, identity and narratives help explain union strategic behaviour.

Suggested Citation

  • Pauline Stanton & Timothy Bartram & Greg J. Bamber, 2022. "The role of nurses' unions in workplace innovation in Australian and Canadian hospitals: Analysing union strategies," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(5), pages 484-500, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:53:y:2022:i:5:p:484-500
    DOI: 10.1111/irj.12378
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christina Cregan & Timothy Bartram & Pauline Stanton, 2009. "Union Organizing as a Mobilizing Strategy: The Impact of Social Identity and Transformational Leadership on the Collectivism of Union Members," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 47(4), pages 701-722, December.
    2. Andrea Signoretti, 2019. "Explaining variation in the social performance of lean production: a comparative case study of the role played by workplace unions' framing of the system and institutions," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(2), pages 126-149, March.
    3. Richard M. Locke, 1992. "The Demise of the National Union in Italy: Lessons for Comparative Industrial Relations Theory," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 45(2), pages 229-249, January.
    4. Ariel C. Avgar & Julie Anna Sadler & Paul Clark & Wonjoon Chung, 2016. "Labor–Management Partnership and Employee Voice: Evidence from the Healthcare Setting," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 55(4), pages 576-603, October.
    5. Bradon Ellem & Caleb Goods & Patricia Todd, 2020. "Rethinking Power, Strategy and Renewal: Members and Unions in Crisis," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 58(2), pages 424-446, June.
    6. Sandra G. Leggat & Pauline Stanton & Greg J. Bamber & Timothy Bartram & Richard Gough & Ruth Ballardie & Kathy GermAnn & Amrik Sohal, 2018. ": 4P recommendations for implementing change, from research in hospitals," Public Money & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(1), pages 45-50, January.
    7. Christian Lévesque & Gregor Murray, 2013. "Renewing Union Narrative Resources: How Union Capabilities Make a Difference," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(4), pages 777-796, December.
    8. Arindrajit Dube & Ethan Kaplan & Owen Thompson, 2016. "Nurse Unions and Patient Outcomes," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 69(4), pages 803-833, August.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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