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Work councils in Germany and the Netherlands compared: An explorative study using an input-throughput-output approach

Author

Listed:
  • van den Berg, Annette
  • Grift, Yolanda K.
  • Sapulete, Saraï
  • Brehmer, Wolfram
  • Behrens, Martin
  • van Witteloostuijn, Arjen

Abstract

This study provides information on the co-determination practices of German and Dutch works councils. We present the findings of two large-scale works councils' surveys in each country. Where do works councils in Germany and the Netherlands show similarities and where do they show differences? To address this question our study investigates practices of employee representation within the private sector in both countries. By employing an input-throughput-output approach we pursue a detailed analysis of works councils' structures, practices, as well as the outcomes of interest representation. While previous studies, mostly by way of comparing formal institutions, consider works councils in Germany and the Netherlands to be fairly similar, our analysis finds some remarkable differences.

Suggested Citation

  • van den Berg, Annette & Grift, Yolanda K. & Sapulete, Saraï & Brehmer, Wolfram & Behrens, Martin & van Witteloostuijn, Arjen, 2019. "Work councils in Germany and the Netherlands compared: An explorative study using an input-throughput-output approach," WSI Studies 17, The Institute of Economic and Social Research (WSI), Hans Böckler Foundation.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wsistu:17
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wolfgang Streeck, 1995. "Works Councils in Western Europe: From Consultation to Participation," NBER Chapters, in: Works Councils: Consultation, Representation, and Cooperation in Industrial Relations, pages 313-350, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Jelle Visser, 1995. "The Netherlands: From Paternalism to Representation," NBER Chapters, in: Works Councils: Consultation, Representation, and Cooperation in Industrial Relations, pages 79-114, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Baumann, Helge & Brehmer, Wolfram & Hobler, Dietmar & Klenner, Christina & Pfahl, Svenja, 2017. "Frauen und Männer in Betriebsräten: Zur Umsetzung des Minderheitenschutzes bei Betriebsratswahlen," WSI Reports 34, The Institute of Economic and Social Research (WSI), Hans Böckler Foundation.
    4. Baumann, Helge & Brehmer, Wolfram, 2016. "Die Zusammensetzung von Betriebsräten: Ergebnisse aus der WSI-Betriebsrätebefragung 2015," WSI-Mitteilungen, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 69(3), pages 201-210.
    5. Joel Rogers & Wolfgang Streeck, 1995. "Works Councils: Consultation, Representation, and Cooperation in Industrial Relations," NBER Books, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc, number roge95-1, March.
    6. Dong-One Kim & Yoon-Ho Kim & Paula Voos & Hiromasa Suzuki & Young Doo Kim, 2015. "Evaluating Industrial Relations Systems of OECD Countries from 1993 to 2005: A Two-Dimensional Approach," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 53(4), pages 645-663, December.
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