Description
This is now the third edition of Australian Industrial Relations. Much has changed in the field since the previous edition was published in 1985. New issues have emerged while others have receded in importance. Substantial changes have occurred in the relationships between employees, managers and trade unions as the parties have been forced to adapt and respond to new international economic pressures. Industrial relations have become more decentralised and less institutionally determined as policy makers have shifted their attention to workplace issues of efficiency and productivity.
Changes have also occurred in the body of knowledge which has underpinned the study of industrial relations. In this edition we have endeavoured to draw upon and incorporate new conceptual and empirical developments where they could be seen to contribute to a better understanding of this complex area of human interaction. Particular attention has been given to management's role in industrial relations and to the relationship between corporate strategies and industrial relations policies. Moreover, the emphasis on the enterprise and on the restructuring of awards has been reflected in a wider and more thorough analysis of industrial relations activities and arrangements at the workplace. Other chapters have been revised to incorporate new theoretical insights or to record major legislative or organisational developments. It is hoped that these and other changes in both the scope and content of the book will enable Australian Industrial Relations to make a continuing contribution to the study and understanding of industrial relations in this country.
