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In itself, the term 'social dialogue' signifies that the historical conflict between social classes has been replaced with 'compromise'. In this paper, compromise discourse is first hesitantly approached, and then critically evaluated. In the first instance, it is clear that contrary to what the term 'social dialogue' might imply, in reality it is used as a curtain with which to cover hegemonic power relations. Secondly, the question as to whether the term 'social dialogue' can describe Turkish industrial relations is raised. As a result, it is argued that social dialogue is not a suitable word with which to discuss the current industrial relations climate in Turkey. Keywords Class conflict, hegemonic labour relations, labour relations, social dialogue, Turkish industrial relations, Introduction Social scientists observe, investigate and examine phenomena becoming manifest in society, and eventually reach concepts that represent these phenomena in their mind. It is only natural that one cannot [...]

Post-communist countries' relationships with their labor forces are examined. Topics include management of the working class, political clout of the labor movement, and the similarities between Western and newly-democratized countries' relations with organized labor.

This article looks at the attempt to reform the arrangement of labour in the royal dockyards during the Napoleonic Wars. In particular it is concerned with the effort made to enforce an abstract-analytical form of discipline on traditional customary practices of work. The leading instigator of these reforms was the first Inspector General of Naval Works (1796-1807), Samuel Bentham. He spearheaded the quest to objectify traditional tacit-skills and make them visible within a restructured system of labour. The primary social technology defining this process were measurement, calculation and systematic accounting. Accompanying these tools were social values of vigilance, probity, prudence and accountability. These developments represent a transformation in labour discipline and planning from the predominant styles of management found during this period.

This paper attempts to show that whilst the concept of self management was reasonable in the light of Yugoslavia's break from the Soviet bloc, its practice has proved problematic. It is argued that there are two inter-related reasons for this. First, self-management becomes largely a myth in a country which is interdependent with a dominantly capitalist worldwide market system and, second, it becomes difficult to sustain self-management in the light of factions and pressure groups which consistently put their own interests above those of the nation. Theoretically, the paper attempts to transcend the nation state as the primary level of analysis. It is argued that organizational relations in one country can only be understood in terms of the inter-state system of organizational relations. Self-management is likely to be problematic in a world economy which is dominated by the advanced capitalist core powers. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Whither labor? AFL-CIO president John Sweeney has reinvigorated the labor movement commendably by making a national issue out of the minimum wage ('America Needs a Raise!') and mobilizing organized labor [...]

Through an examination of Australian and Canadian car workers, this article looks at the problems for trade union organisation of increased social fragmentation. While divisions amongst workers are not new, this article sheds light on their exacerbation by the introduction of new production techniques and the possibility of the divisions being countered by union strategies.

Communication, both upward and downward, is essential to a well run and productive organization. Horizontal communication between workers, as well as managers is also necessary to enchance productivity. Several examples of counter productive activities of co-workers are studied. Situations and solutions are discussed. Better communication on the worker level is an old solution to the productivity problem. It is often neglected, and the consequences are widespread. Managers and supervisors must emphasize the need for communication in every direction and at all levels.

Restraints on market power are found to come from the opposite side of the market through countervailing power. Antitrust action is seen as necessary industrial policy to bring about effective competition. Vertical collusion between management and labor has been detrimental to industry by producing a non-competitive product.