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The (re)organisation of conflict at work: Mobilisation, counter-mobilisation and the displacement of grievance expressions

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  • Eleanor Kirk

Abstract

The article provides a conceptual critique of Kelly’s mobilisation theory in terms of its analytical reach into debates regarding alternative forms of dispute, in order to develop more satisfactory ways to evaluate the meaning and significance of various acts of opposition in the contemporary workplace. Rethinking Industrial Relations reinvigorated its field, stimulating optimism, theoretical rigour and renewed faith in radical perspectives. However, most subsequent work has focused upon its implications for trade union organising and specific moments of collective mobilisation. Less well appreciated is the way in which mobilisation theory provides a theoretical foundation upon which to build a more expansive and detailed account of grievance formation within alternative trajectories of worker opposition in the context of state and employer counter-mobilisation.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleanor Kirk, 2018. "The (re)organisation of conflict at work: Mobilisation, counter-mobilisation and the displacement of grievance expressions," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 39(4), pages 639-660, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:39:y:2018:i:4:p:639-660
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X18777617
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steve Williams, 1997. "The Nature of Some Recent Trade Union Modernization Policies in the UK," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 35(4), pages 495-514, December.
    2. Richard Hyman, 1997. "The Future of Employee Representation," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 35(3), pages 309-336, September.
    3. Paul McCarthy & Claire Mayhew, 2004. "Safeguarding the Organization against Violence and Bullying," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-50420-2, April.
    4. Randy Hodson, 1995. "Worker Resistance: An Underdeveloped Concept in the Sociology of Work," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 16(1), pages 79-110, February.
    5. Richard Hyman, 1997. "Trade unions and interest representation in the context of globalisation," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 3(3), pages 515-533, November.
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    1. Daina Bellido de Luna, 2022. "Management, the state and union-weakening practices in Chile: A case study approach of the dual and ambivalent role of the state in a process of democratisation," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 43(3), pages 1143-1163, August.
    2. Cristina Inversi & Tony Dundon & Lucy-Ann Buckley, 2023. "Work in the Gig-Economy: The Role of the State and Non-State Actors Ceding and Seizing Regulatory Space," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 37(5), pages 1279-1298, October.

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