Agenda for Change

by Oliver Clarke and John Niland

Published 1 March 1991
The past decade has seen profound change in industrial relations. "Agenda for Change" examines the industrial relations experiences of five advanced and industrialized market economies during this period. Four essential questions are asked: are the characteristics of industrial relations so bound up with the history and culture of a country that fundamental change is impossible?; what were the obstacles to change and where are the levers that could effect it?; what are the respective roles of employers, unions and governments in bringing about improvement?; and is there any single model of an industrial relations system to which a country can or should aspire? Laurie Hunter who has served on the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, has written the chapter on British industrial relations. There are also chapters dealing with industrial relations in the USA, France, West Germany and Australia, together with introductory and concluding chapters from the book's two editors on the changing nature of industrial relations. "Agenda for Change" is essential reading for students and practitioners who want to keep abreast of international industrial relations reform.
By showing how the five systems analyzed have developed, this book provides valuable insights into the questions faced by all countries canvassing options in their own national agenda for industrial change. This book is intended for students and researchers in industrial relations and its reform.