The Core Principle and Fundamental Theorem of Industrial Relations

44 Pages Posted: 2 Apr 2007

See all articles by Bruce Evan Kaufman

Bruce Evan Kaufman

Georgia State University - Department of Economics

Date Written: July 24, 2006

Abstract

This paper describes the original paradigm of industrial relations, as developed in the United States in the early part of the 20th century. The original paradigm had three faces: science-building, problem-solving, and ethical/ideological. It is argued that the core principle that spans and unites these three faces is rejection of the orthodox economic model of a competitive labour market. This proposition may also be stated as rejection of the proposition that labour is a commodity. Building on this core principle is the fundamental theorem of industrial relations. It states that a free market capitalist economic system cannot survive and efficiently perform without the practices and institutions of industrial relations that humanize, stabilize, professionalize, democratize and balance the employment relationship.

Suggested Citation

Kaufman, Bruce Evan, The Core Principle and Fundamental Theorem of Industrial Relations (July 24, 2006). Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Research Paper Series No. 07-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=975752 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.975752

Bruce Evan Kaufman (Contact Author)

Georgia State University - Department of Economics ( email )

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