Year

1992

Degree Name

Master of Commerce (Hons.)

Department

Department of Economics

Abstract

Within the industrial relations literature there has been a growth in publications that utilise the concept of 'managerial strategy'. Many writers use the concept as a simple shorthand description of managerial actions and decisions; other writers use it for solely normative purposes. However, a significant nimiber of writers claim that the concept can be used to effectively explain industrial relations activity and arrangements, and also as a way of redressing problems inherent in traditional theoretical approaches to industrial relations. This thesis examines these claims and also seeks to contribute to several debates concerning the concept of 'managerial strategy' that are raised in the industrial relations literature. The conclusions drawn in this thesis are primarily based on a study of the progress of a managerial strategy developed in the NSW South West Region of Telecom Australia, and of industrial relations problems that emerged in the Narrandera office of the organisation. It is concluded that the concept of 'managerial strategy' does facilitate the generation of useful explanations of industrial relations activity, and that it does help to redress the inadequacies of traditional approaches. In addition to investigating the concept of managerial strategy, this thesis briefly discusses a number of other issues. In particular, it examines the ability of consultative management approaches to improve industrial relations, the industrial relations of redundancy, and the dynamics of industrial relations in rural commimities.

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Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.