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The Demise of the National Union in Italy: Lessons for Comparative Industrial Relations Theory

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  • Richard M. Locke

Abstract

Using data collected during field research in Italy on the reorganization of the auto industry, the author analyzes recent changes in Italian industrial relations. Based on this case study, he argues for a new approach to comparative industrial relations research and theory. Instead of treating national systems as the basic unit of analysis and searching for macro-institutional features as the key dimensions to use in constructing comparative typologies of industrial relations systems, the author develops an approach focusing on micro-level developments and the politics of strategic choice to explain variation within nations. Two factors appear to be crucial in explaining this variation: local socioeconomic conditions that shape the strategies of unions and management in firms undergoing adjustment, and the choices unions make in reallocating responsibilities between local and national structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard M. Locke, 1992. "The Demise of the National Union in Italy: Lessons for Comparative Industrial Relations Theory," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 45(2), pages 229-249, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:45:y:1992:i:2:p:229-249
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    Cited by:

    1. Lindbeck, A & Snower, D-J, 1996. "Centralized Bargaining, Multi-Tasking, and Work Incentives," Papers 620, Stockholm - International Economic Studies.
    2. Snower, Dennis J., 1999. "Inequality of Earnings," CEPR Discussion Papers 2321, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    3. Ian Greer & Thorsten Schulten & Nils Böhlke, 2013. "How Does Market Making Affect Industrial Relations? Evidence from Eight German Hospitals," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(2), pages 215-239, June.
    4. Giovanni Costa & Arnaldo Camuffo, 2014. "The evolution of human resource management in Italy: a historical-institutional perspective," Chapters, in: Bruce E. Kaufman (ed.), The Development of Human Resource Management Across Nations, chapter 11, pages 269-299, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    5. Valentina Paolucci & Paul Marginson, 2020. "Collective bargaining towards mutual flexibility and security goals in large internationalised companies—why do institutions (still) matter?," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(4), pages 329-350, July.
    6. Christopher Erickson & Andrea Ichino, 1995. "Wage Differentials in Italy: Market Forces, Institutions, and Inflation," NBER Chapters, in: Differences and Changes in Wage Structures, pages 265-306, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    7. Paul Blyton & Jean Jenkins, 2013. "Mobilizing Protest: Insights from Two Factory Closures," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(4), pages 733-753, December.
    8. Nick Krachler, 2023. "Institutional support for new work roles: The case of care coordinators in the United States and England," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 61(4), pages 951-974, December.
    9. Locke, Richard M., 1959- & Baccaro, Lucio., 1995. "Italian industrial relations : searching for a new "national model"," Working papers 3825-95., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sloan School of Management.
    10. Marco Hauptmeier, 2012. "Institutions Are What Actors Make of Them — The Changing Construction of Firm-Level Employment Relations in Spain," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 50(4), pages 737-759, December.
    11. Pauline Stanton & Timothy Bartram & Greg J. Bamber, 2022. "The role of nurses' unions in workplace innovation in Australian and Canadian hospitals: Analysing union strategies," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(5), pages 484-500, September.
    12. Dennis J. Snower, 1998. "Causes of changing earnings inequality," Proceedings - Economic Policy Symposium - Jackson Hole, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, pages 69-133.
    13. Jean Jenkins, 2013. "Across Boundaries: The Global Challenges Facing Workers and Employment Research 50th Anniversary Special Issue," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 51(3), pages 623-643, September.
    14. Nick Krachler & Jennie Auffenberg & Luigi Wolf, 2021. "The Role of Organizational Factors in Mobilizing Professionals: Evidence from Nurse Unions in the United States and Germany," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 59(3), pages 643-668, September.

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