A New Perspective In Industrial Relations
The changing face of labor, the sociological variables and the impact of globalization have added a new perspective to the industrial relations, industrial conflicts, employee relations and their studies. The modern workers have come a long way in the last few decades from the exploited, illiterate poverty-srticken rural amorphous mass that once they were. The labor relations is an important branch of human resource management. The industrial unions have come into existence and expanded their strength significantly to articulate the voice of the industrial workers. The industrial labor of today is no longer the migrant rural worker of yester-years, shuttling between his village and the city. It is quite urban in its outlook.
Workers have changed sociologically too by absorbing the urban industrial culture. Now they are in a position to handle semi-skilled and highly skilled operations by successfully undergoing various training programs. These sociological changes find manifestations in their attitudes and behavioral patterns. They are no longer the supporters of large joint families. A kind of transformation has taken place of Indian society from a “society of subjects to that of citizens”. The modernization of the economy has brought in its wake advances in technology , organizational complexities and increasing economic interdependence. As a result the industrial working force of the country is emerging as a pivot to the overall industrial development drives. Workers are now being called upon to rely on their discretion, initiative ans self-management instead of waiting for commands from old style bosses. It is remarkable departure from the traditional culture of being 'looked after' as 'subjects' to one in which industrial labor can look after himself.
Another change which a perceptive and keen observer should fail to note is the need for making quick decisions because of the high stakes involved in a technologically sophisticated industry. Our industries, especially those in the public sector, suffer from the wide-spread malaise of the owners insisting on managing and controlling the system without having the adequate competence or the freedom to make quick strategic decisions. This naturally precipitates a crisis. A fundamental change in approach is needed if these challenges are to be met. What is called for is an awareness of the total inadequacy of the present approach to and the machinery set up for meeting these challenges.
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