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Unions and the Adoption of High Performance Work Systems: Does Employment Security Play a Role?

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  • Wenchuan Liu
  • James P. Guthrie
  • Patrick C. Flood
  • Sarah Maccurtain

Abstract

Previous research on the association between unionization and the adoption of high performance work systems (HPWSs) has yielded inconsistent results. Using data from a 2004 multi-industry survey of firms operating in the Republic of Ireland, the authors examine the relationship between employee union membership rates and relative use of HPWSs. They also test arguments that employment security may affect the receptiveness of unions to such HR practices. The results indicate that as union representation increased, there was a significant decrease in the use of high performance work systems. Evidence also suggests that providing employment security significantly ameliorated this negative impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenchuan Liu & James P. Guthrie & Patrick C. Flood & Sarah Maccurtain, 2009. "Unions and the Adoption of High Performance Work Systems: Does Employment Security Play a Role?," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 63(1), pages 109-127, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ilrrev:v:63:y:2009:i:1:p:109-127
    DOI: 10.1177/001979390906300106
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ota, Hitoshi, 2018. "Adoption of High Performance Work Organization, trade unions and employment redundancy in India," IDE Discussion Papers 723, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).
    2. Kaifeng Jiang & Wei Shi & Xin Wen, 2022. "Implications of frames of reference for strategic human resource management research: Opportunities and challenges," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(3), pages 303-313, July.
    3. Simon Eisele & Martin R. Schneider, 2020. "What Do Unions Do to Work Design? Computer Use, Union Presence, and Tayloristic Jobs in Britain," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(4), pages 604-626, October.
    4. Pruneda, Gabriel, 2014. "Employee coverage of high-performance work systems in Spain: a comparative analysis before and during economic retrenchment," MPRA Paper 83909, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Yiyang Sun & Foteini Kravariti, 2016. "To What Extent the Adoption of Innovative Human Resource Practices Is Explained by Top Management Support in Chinese SMEs," Proceedings of Business and Management Conferences 3405845, International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences.
    6. Manoranjan Dhal, 2014. "Impact Of Hr Practices On Union Management Relationship- Evidence From India," Working papers 150, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode.

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