The Field of Study of Industrial Relations

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Abstract
As indicated by the extent of news coverage, the results of opinion polls and by the growth of university courses in the area, industrial relations is seen as an increasingly important subject. However, there has yet to be anything like general acceptance as to what constitutes industrial relations. This paper con siders various current definitions and evaluates Dunlop's major contribution to industrial relations theory and the criticisms levelled at his work. This paper submits an alternative definition, postulating that what Dunlop suggests as the objective of industrial relations, rules, are in fact a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. Thus rules are considered an intermediate step towards the true objectives which are increased labour-related productivity, increased satisfaction of those needs which oblige people to take jobs, and increased power in the work environment. The first objective is sought by managers and the govern ment, the second by workers and trade unions, and the third by managers and some work groups and trade unions. In addition actors may seek one of the other objectives as a means to achieving their primary objective. This definition overcomes the deficiencies of earlier definitions and is intended to provide a basis for teaching and research.

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