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Langbert on Left-Leaning Industrial Relations: Bringing Balance to a Right-Leaning Account

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  • Bruce E. Kaufman

Abstract

This paper provides a review, critical evaluation, and extension of an article in the January 2016 issue of EJW by Mitchell Langbert on “The Left Orientation of Industrial Relations.” Langbert’s thesis, supported by empirical evidence developed from several data sources, is that academics in the industrial relations (IR) field have a marked left ideological orientation which leads in research and teaching to erroneous, uncritical support for labor unions and labor market regulations. In this paper I take a second look at left ideology in industrial relations and the theory and empirical evidence presented by Langbert. A number of problem areas are identified, such as omitting right ideology, overstating IR’s left orientation relative to public opinion, using empirical measures of IR ideology that yield systematic left bias, and omitting right-side financial contributions. I also suggest an alternative model that reframes and extends Langbert’s analysis, partly to identify or better conceptually develop points of critique and partly as a contribution to advancing the larger literature on academic left ideology. I conclude that Langbert captures an important truth element about left ideology in industrial relations but overemphasizes the extent and harm of ideology from the left and mostly ignores the growing influence of right-oriented ideology in academe.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce E. Kaufman, 2016. "Langbert on Left-Leaning Industrial Relations: Bringing Balance to a Right-Leaning Account," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 13(2), pages 200–223-2, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:ejw:journl:v:13:y:2016:i:2:p:200-223
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bruce E. Kaufman, 2016. "Adam Smith’s Economics and the Modern Minimum Wage Debate:The Large Distance Separating Kirkcaldy from Chicago," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 37(1), pages 29-52, March.
    2. Bruce E. Kaufman, 2010. "The Theoretical Foundation of Industrial Relations and its Implications for Labor Economics and Human Resource Management," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 64(1), pages 74-108, October.
    3. Hristos Doucouliagos & Patrice Laroche, 2013. "Unions and Innovation: New Insights From the Cross-Country Evidence," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(2), pages 467-491, April.
    4. Hristos Doucouliagos & Patrice Laroche, 2013. "Unions and Innovation: New Insights From the Cross-Country Evidence," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(2), pages 467-491, April.
    5. Stigler, George J & Becker, Gary S, 1977. "De Gustibus Non Est Disputandum," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 67(2), pages 76-90, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mitchell Langbert, 2016. "Fruit Salad All the Way Down: Response to Kaufman on Industrial Relations," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 13(2), pages 224–228-2, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Business schools; employment relations; ideology; sociology of economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • J5 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining

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