Industrial relations assignment
Research Study
The topic for the research study is outlined in some detail below. The Research Study structure must contain an Introduction Section, a Discussion Section and a Conclusion Section (use of these subheadings). The Introduction Section should situate the reader in the study and make it clear what the position is that is being argued in relation to the topic. A good Introduction Section will also define key terms or concepts used and tell the reader about the sources used and the structure of the study. The Discussion Section needs to address the five questions presented below as well as presents a coherent narrative about how employee voice is or should be part of employment relations best practice in Australian workplaces. The Conclusion Section should synthesise the research literature cited in the Discussion Section into a persuasive summary of the position being argued in the research study that was discussed in brief in the Introduction Section. Students who simply answer the research study topic questions in the Discussion Section will not do as well as those who attempt to develop a coherent narrative throughout their research study.
Research Study topic
Topic: Direct employee participation and employee voice have re-emerged as key features of how organizations are managing their relationship with their employees, particularly in knowledge-based industries. There is a growing interest in understanding how employee voice mechanisms compliment and/or replace more traditional forms of indirect representation involving unions. This research topic allows students to explore in some detail the research around employee voice and its application to different occupations and industry sectors in Australia. In the Discussion Section students are required to address the following questions:
1. Provide two different definitions of employee voice drawing upon the research
literature and compare these two definitions.
2. Explain how the mechanisms of employee voice differs from employee representation
by unions and what the trend is in Australia towards employee voice complimenting
or substituting for direct representation involving unions?
3. Describe and explain what the research literature suggests is the perceived
relationship between employee voice, employee attitudes at work and employee and
organizational performance?
4. Explain what the research literature suggests is the best form of employee
representation, direct, indirect or a mix of the two and why? Describe a type of
organization or industry sector where a mix or hybrid approach to employee
representation makes sense from an employer and from an employee perspective.
5. The Fair Work Act 2009 mandates the role of unions in indirect representation but is
silent on direct representation mechanisms. Why might it be argued that formal
voice mechanisms not involving unions should also be mandated in law to ensure all
employees have a say in decision-making at work?
In this literature essay I need at least 8 references.5 peer reviewed journal articles and 3 scholarly texts
