Aims

This module will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of employment relations perspectives and debates, both national and global, from a theoretical and behavioural competency perspective. It will enable students to understand, analyse and evaluate competing theories and perspectives associated with managing employment relations strategies and their outcomes on organisational climate, employees and management.

Students are provided with opportunities to critically apply the activities, knowledge and behavioural competencies required for managing employment relations practices in union and non-union, small and large, private, public and indigenous and multinational organisations in a host of different national settings. Students will also be able to assess the impact of contextual changes on employment relations practices and organisational performance from a managerial perspective, and gain insights into the creation and implementation of effective employment relations procedures and policies. Students are required to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint, and given opportunities for applied learning and continuous professional development.

Outline Of Syllabus

1 Introduction to the study of comparative employment relations
2 Theories and perspectives of employment relations
3 European models of employee involvement, participation and engagement
4 Communication, consultation and negotiation
5 Employment relations in international companies
6 Strategic global employment relations
7 Global Labour Standards
8 Global Labour market participation and regulation

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module encourages students to critically analyse the theory and practice of employee relations, with particular emphasis on the skills both managers and HR practitioners are required to demonstrate in effecting change in organisations. Teaching focuses on the key elements of the CIPD syllabus with an emphasis on both international and comparative aspects of employee relations and teaching is highly inter-active with emphasis placed on relevant case study material.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The group assignment gives students the opportunity to work as part of a group in tackling a current employee relations issue in depth. The coursework essay enables the theory and perspectives elements of the syllabus to be assessed individually.