Internationally comparative employment relations

This chapter introduces key concepts, debates and research agendas in comparative employment relations (ER). The chapter discusses factors that are discussed that shape ER systems as well as similarities and differences in systems, across countries. It summarises theories that focus on national-level institutions governing relations between employers and workers, which consider whether such institutions are converging or diverging. Varieties of Capitalism (VoC) theory has been influential. The chapter discusses advantages and disadvantages of such institutional theories. Also discussed are other theories such as Varieties of Liberalisation, neoliberal convergence arguments in the ER systems of developed countries, and alternative perspectives that emphasise the role of local, sectoral and transnational institutions, and actor mobilisation theories. The chapter criticises national institutional approaches, which tend to overlook the importance of international influences situated ‘above’ the national level, such as multi-national enterprises and global supply chains, international organisations and governance mechanisms, and international processes including cross-border trade and migration.