Employee Relations: An International Journal

Willcocks, Leslie; Mason, David

1988 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055132

One of the major tripwires seen for the introduction of information technology into British industry was originally thought to be industrial relations, and in particular trade unions. However, if the potential of IT has not been realised, it owes more to constraints other than industrial relations. This article suggests that effective management development, the creative use of personnel specialists, and manpower planning are critical components of a successful implementation programme.

Black, John; Ackers, Peter

1988 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055133

This article reports on a new strategy for labour control in a British carpet factory, brought about under the pressure of the recession. The key characteristics of this approach have a number of similarities with the Japanese model of labour relations. Quality circles are the only overtly Japanese feature at the company, although the new economic and political conditions within Britain may have created the conditions for the absorption of Japanese values and ideas.

Storey, John

1988 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055134

This article makes a significant contribution to the debate about changes in the management of employee relations over the 1980s. Drawing upon data from 40 organisations, the author attempts to assess the extent of these changes in typical, rather than special case, companies. He finds that the management of people is now much more likely to be linked to competitive position, and to be principally the concern of line managers.

Quince, Annabelle; Lansbury, Russell D.

1988 Employee Relations: An International Journal

doi: 10.1108/eb055135

Despite the enactment of affirmative action programmes by the Government, there has been little change in the position for working women in Australia. In order to achieve genuine and lasting change, there needs to be challenge to issues such as the lack of adequate child care facilities, the career implications of parttime work, and the maledominated structure of the family.