The University of Sydney Page 1
WORK1003:
Foundations of Work & Employment
Week 2 Online Module (2/3)
Criticisms of Dunlop’s IR systems framework
The University of Sydney Page 2
Criticisms of Dunlop’s IR systems framework
1. Emphasises the importance of ‘rules’ for influencing work and employment relations outcomes
– Ignores other possible factors such as actors’ strategic choices, behaviours and motivations
(Kochan, McKersie & Capelli, 1984)
2. Actors interests – assumes these are homogenous (Dabscheck, 1983)
– The interests of different groups of workers may vary depending on their class, gender,
ethnicity, sexual orientation and other identities
– Governments (or ‘states’) have different components with distinct functions
– Assumes the government’s role will be neutral – but there may be circumstances where it
favours workers or businesses
The University of Sydney Page 3
Criticisms of Dunlop’s IR systems framework
3. Common ideology that binds the system together (Dabscheck, 1983)
– While Dunlop acknowledges that actors may have different ideologies, he doesn’t explain the
circumstances where conflict may arise
– Downplays the possibility that actors’ ideologies may be so different, they may even seek to
destroy each other
– Dunlop acknowledges power dynamics but doesn’t properly examine power imbalances
between actors and how this might change over time
4. Globalisation (Giles, 2000)
– Dunlop describes industrial relations system as if they were ‘hermetically sealed’ or contained
within the national, subnational or workplace levels
– This overlooks the possible influence of globalisation and transnational actors on national
systems, e.g. multinational corporations, the International Labour Organization
The University of Sydney Page 4
References
– Dabscheck, B., 1983. Of mountains and routes over them: a survey of theories of
industrial relations. Journal of Industrial Relations, 25(4), pp.485-506.
– Giles, A., 2000. Globalisation and industrial relations theory. Journal of
Industrial Relations, 42(2), pp.173-194.
– Kochan, T., McKersie, R.B. and Cappelli, P., 1984. Strategic choice and industrial
relations theory. Industrial relations, 23(1), pp.16-39.