The module is designed to examine the nature and mechanisms of the employment relations arena. It examines how institutions, actors, systems, practices and processes interact in an attempt to gain the commitment of the workforce to the achievement of the organisation’s business goals and objectives.
Irrespective of whether or not they deal with unions, all employers and managers have both collective and individual relationships with their staff which must be managed. Accordingly, they must find ways to reconcile the interests of the ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’ of labour. Thus, this subject is relevant to any student wishing to understand the nature and contribution of the employee relations process.
Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to provide students with a sound theoretical and practical foundation in the subject area of employee relations, at national, industrial and workplace levels, together with relevant knowledge of the key issues and challenges facing employee relations practitioners and policy makers. It will equip the students with the essential knowledge, skills and insights to the creation, conduct and maintenance of effective ER policies, procedures and practices for the effective management of employment relations in the context of the rapidly changing nature of work and employment.
- Introduction to Employee Relations, covering the basics such as the definition, key concepts and main theoretical and management approaches
- Creation and components of good employee relations
- The dynamic context of employment relations
- The management of employee relations at national, industrial and organizational levels
- Trade unions, employer associations and industrial relations
- Collective bargaining and negotiations: national trends and local practices
- The role of collective and individual labour law in employee relations
- The management of workplace conflict,
- The management of workplace grievances and discipline
- Employee engagement, involvement and participation
- Employment equality, diversity, inclusion,
- Employee health and wellbeing
- Contemporary developments and future challenges in employee relations
Classroom work is comprised of two principal elements: lectures and case study discussion. Students will also be encouraged to develop their learning skills by self-stud and research. Journal articles will be available and will be distributed on an ongoing basis
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |