Impact of the internet upon pluralistic industrialism

Abstract

Organisations are increasingly utilising computer based information systems to manage their employment relations functions. Information is shared and exchanged through internet and intranet sites in virtually all aspects of employment relations. As access to information and participation in processes is facilitated or denied, there would appear to be implications for Kerr's notion of pluralistic industrialism; that is, a type of society in which power (or at least influence) is shared formally or informally by a number of parties (Kerr. 1983). By altering the nature of who has access to what information, the internet (and intranets) may not only cause a shift in power between the traditional key stakeholders in employment relations but may bring about quite fundamental and significant changes in the membership of key stakeholders. The aim of this paper is to identify the critical factors likely to determine the impact of internet-based employment relations processes upon industrial pluralism. The access of third parties to information concerning aspects of the employment relationship in the context of the internet and its associated technologies is explored. The direct nature of the transaction of information between management and individuals is seen to potentially and significantly alter the distribution of power between the parties. The barriers to entry into this relationship between management and individual employees (or prospective employees) for unions, government and other interested parties is discussed. Finally, the implications of e-business for pluralistic industrialism are explored.