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Uncovering Divergence: Management Attitudes towards HRM Practices and Works Council Presence in German SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Markus Helfen

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

  • Elke S. Schuessler

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

Abstract

This article examines the impact of management attitudes towards human resource management (HRM) practices on the presence of works councils in German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based on a survey among executives of German SMEs, the key result of a logit regression analysis is that managers' attitudes towards key HRM practices have a strong impact on the prevalence of the works council in German SMEs. In particular, positive management attitudes towards individual employee participation and direct supervision seem to be detrimental for the institutionalization of works councils. The results suggest that there is more diversity and management choice regarding the institutions of industrial relations than generally expected in the case of German firms.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:30:y:2009:i:2:p:207-240
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X09102420
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Uschi Backes-Gellner & Jens Mohrenweiser & Kerstin Pull, 2015. "The effectiveness of codetermination laws in cooperative and adversarial employment relations: When does regulation have bite?," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 36(2), pages 215-238, May.
    2. Valentina Franca & Marko Pahor, 2014. "Influence of management attitudes on the implementation of employee participation," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 35(1), pages 115-142, February.

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