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Non-union employee representation, union avoidance and the managerial agenda

Author

Listed:
  • Jimmy Donaghey
  • Niall Cullinane
  • Tony Dundon
  • Tony Dobbins

Abstract

Non-union employee representation is an area which has attracted much interest in the voice literature. Much of the literature has been shaped by a dialogue which considers NERs as a means of union avoidance. More recently however scholars have suggested that for NERs to work in such contexts, they may need to be imbued with a higher set of functionalities to remain viable entities. Using a critical case study of a union recognition drive and managerial response in the form of an NER, this article contributes to a more nuanced interpretation of the literature dialogue than hitherto exists. A core component of the findings directly challenge existing interpretations within the field; namely that NERs are shaped by a paradox of managerial action. It is argued that the NER failed to satisfy for employees because of a structural remit, rather than through any paradox in managerial intent.

Suggested Citation

  • Jimmy Donaghey & Niall Cullinane & Tony Dundon & Tony Dobbins, 2012. "Non-union employee representation, union avoidance and the managerial agenda," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 33(2), pages 163-183, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:33:y:2012:i:2:p:163-183
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X11401924
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Logan, 2006. "The Union Avoidance Industry in the United States," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 44(4), pages 651-675, December.
    2. Dong-One Kim, 2009. "Employees' Perspective on Non-Union Representation: A Comparison with Unions," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 30(1), pages 120-151, February.
    3. Peter Haynes & Peter Boxall & Keith Macky, 2005. "Non-Union Voice and the Effectiveness of Joint Consultation in New Zealand," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 26(2), pages 229-256, May.
    4. Paul J. Gollan, 2003. "All Talk But No Voice: Employee Voice at the Eurotunnel Call Centre," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 24(4), pages 509-541, November.
    5. Paul Marginson & Paul Edwards & Tony Edwards & Anthony Ferner & Olga Tregaskis, 2010. "Employee Representation and Consultative Voice in Multinational Companies Operating in Britain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 48(1), pages 151-180, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Mori & Marco Guerci & Giovanni Radaelli & Federica Cabras, 2026. "An old recipe, with a new spice: Union avoidance tactics adopted by organized crime when expanding in new territories," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 47(1), pages 52-77, February.

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