In your opinion what is the ‘best’ or most appropriate theory of industrial relations? Why?
There are many different approaches and theories regarding industrial relations nowadays. In order to mount an opinion on which is the ‘best’ or most appropriate theory of industrial relations, each theory will have to be analyzed. The three most prevalent theories of industrial relations which exist are The Unitarist theory, The Pluralist theory and The Marxist theory. Each offers a particular perception of workplace relations and will therefore interpret such events as workplace conflict, the role of trade unions and job regulation very differently. I will examine each of these theories in turn and then formulate my own opinion regarding which is the ‘best’ or most appropriate theory.
The Unitary theory is based on the assumption that the organisation is, or should be, an integrated group of people with a single authority/loyalty structure with a set of common values, interests and objectives shared by all members of the organisation. This is expressed by Gennard and Judge (1997), who state organisations are assumed to be ‘harmonious and integrated, all employees sharing the organizational goals and working as members of one team’. Through the unitary approach it is assumed that both management and employees can achieve and satisfy their common goals (high levels of productivity, profitability, pay and job security). In the Unitarist theory management see their function as controlling and directing the workforce and see the organisation as a unitary system which has one source of authority which is itself and one source of loyalty which is the organisation. Under the unitary theory the organisation system is in basic harmony and any opposition ...