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Transforming German Workplace Relations: Quo Vadis Cooperation?

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  • Carola M. Frege

Abstract

This article argues that in order to successfully explore any structural transformation of industrial relations, actors' attitudes need to be taken into account. In the case of Germany, then, significant transformation would be instantiated by change in works councils' traditional cooperative attitudes. Survey findings reveal that despite deteriorating bargaining conditions, cooperative attitudes prevail among works councils in the chemical and postal/telecom industries towards management and union. Contrary to popular scholars this suggests workplace stability rather than change. The article then explores determinants of cooperative attitudes and finds that balanced power relations between works council and management accompany cooperative attitudes. If works councils feel powerful they are more likely to express cooperative attitudes towards management. Thus, even in Germany's highly institutionalized context, workplace cooperation is dynamic and dependent on actors' day-to-day power relations.

Suggested Citation

  • Carola M. Frege, 2003. "Transforming German Workplace Relations: Quo Vadis Cooperation?," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 24(3), pages 317-347, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:24:y:2003:i:3:p:317-347
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X030243002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jorg Flecker & Thorsten Schulten, 1999. "The End of Institutional Stability: What Future for the 'German Model'?," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 20(1), pages 81-115, February.
    2. Anke Hassel, 1999. "The Erosion of the German System of Industrial Relations," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 37(3), pages 483-505, September.
    3. Carola M. Frege, 2002. "A Critical Assessment of the Theoretical and Empirical Research on German Works Councils," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 40(2), pages 221-248, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Markus Helfen & Elke S. Schuessler, 2009. "Uncovering Divergence: Management Attitudes towards HRM Practices and Works Council Presence in German SMEs," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 30(2), pages 207-240, May.
    2. Hyeong-ki Kwon, 2007. "Japanization or the Persistence of the Liberal Market? US Employment Relations in Transition," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 28(2), pages 181-211, May.

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