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Opening the black box: Actors and interactions shaping European sectoral social dialogue

Author

Listed:
  • Barbara Bechter

    (Durham University, UK)

  • Sabrina Weber

    (Pforzheim University, Germany)

  • Manuela Galetto

    (University of Warwick, UK)

  • Bengt Larsson

    (University of Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Thomas Prosser

    (Cardiff University, UK)

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of organizational resources and individual capabilities for interactions and relationships among social partners in European sectoral social dialogue committees (SSDCs). We use an actor-centred approach to investigate work programme setting in the hospital and metalworking SSDCs. Our research reveals differences in how European social partner organizations coordinate and integrate members in SSDCs. In hospital, European Union (EU)-social partners build bridges that span otherwise separate actors or groups. The findings suggest that the absence of bridging efforts can lead to the dominance of a few actors. In metalworking, small cohesive groups are more effective in forming close networks and determining work programmes. While work programmes in hospital represent issues which are on national agendas, in metalworking, they focus mainly on EU policy areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Bechter & Sabrina Weber & Manuela Galetto & Bengt Larsson & Thomas Prosser, 2021. "Opening the black box: Actors and interactions shaping European sectoral social dialogue," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 27(3), pages 269-288, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:eurjou:v:27:y:2021:i:3:p:269-288
    DOI: 10.1177/09596801211000012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andreas Dür & Gemma Mateo, 2010. "Bargaining Power and Negotiation Tactics: The Negotiations on the EU's Financial Perspective, 2007-13," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48, pages 557-578, June.
    2. Anne Dufresne & C. Degryse & P. Pochet, 2006. "The European Sectoral Social Dialogue: Actors, developments and challenges," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/47217, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
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    Cited by:

    1. Manuela Galetto & Sabrina Weber & Bengt Larsson & Barbara Bechter & Thomas Prosser, 2023. "‘You see similarities more than differences after a while’. Communities of Practice in European industrial relations. The case of the hospital European Sectoral Social Dialogue," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(2), pages 167-185, March.

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