1. Employment Relations Theory
Employment relations can be viewed through three major frames of reference or theories:
- Systems theory;
- Conflict theory; and
- Social action theory.
Explain two of these theories and identify one advantage and one disadvantage to each ‘actor' in the employment relationship.
2. Environmental Forces
Explain how the field of employment relations can be influenced by economic and technical forces. Support your explanation with examples of current media issues that illustrate economic and technical forces impacting on employment.
Deeks & Rusmussen (2002) state that "Government, whether through intervention or non-interventionist policies, has been one of the key players in New Zealand's system of employment relations". Explain what you believe this statement means. Support your explanation with examples of how the role of government has developed employment relations in New Zealand.
3. The Employment Relationship
The employment relationship has been described as ‘dynamic' characterised by conflict, co-operation, and control. Describe what these characteristics mean.
Explain the roles of each ‘player' or ‘actor' in the employment relationship and describe at least two strategies each party might use in dealing with the other parties. Provide examples of typical policies, communication channels and organisational structures that support the strategies.
Describe the key differences between a collective agreement and an individual agreement.
4. Format
Your essay should be between 1500 to 2000 words in length.
You will need to research the subject beyond the standard text book for the course.