The authors discuss typical industrial relations in Italy. Two case studies are contrasted. (CH)

Reviews some dominant trends--diversification of the levels, forms, and functions of workers' participation; the role of collective bargaining; the revival of workers' councils; structural changes; expansion of scope; means of establishing workers' participation--and discusses problems such as the role of unions and the risks of complexity and…

The Australian Workplace Industrial Relations Survey of 2,353 companies showed sporadic employee participation in decision making. Although case studies of Ford Motor, Australia Post, Lend Lease, Telecom Australia, and Woodlawn Mining illustrate successful programs, most managers appear cautious about industrial democracy. (SK)

Unless unions can gain a greater role in decision making on the content of work, they risk losing members to management-controlled participation schemes. (JOW)

After spelling out the varying roles and definitions of supervisory and lower managerial staff in five Western European countries according to their legal status and the functions they perform, the author examines the ways in which they are organized and bargain collectively. (Author/CT)

Includes "Struggle against Unemployment" (Godfrey); "Measuring Informal Sector Employment in Pakistan" (Bekkers, Stoffers); "Major Changes Underway in China's Industrial Relations" (Zhu); "Reflections on Role of African Employers' Organizations in Tripartism and Social Dialogue" (Etukudo); and…

Repercussions of recent economic difficulties on job content, employment levels, structure of the work force, and industrial relations are examined. The effect of new technologies on these areas is discussed. (Author/CT)

Despite falling prices and more varied applications, the diffusion of industrial robots is taking place at a slower pace than expected. There are not only technical snags but also social barriers to be overcome--displacement of workers, deskilling of certain operations, and changes in work methods. (Author/CT)

After analyzing some of the factors--technological development, innovation, work reform movements--that have contributed to the erosion of the conventional model of enterprise organization, the author turns to what may happen in the future. (Author/CT)

Differences in the approach to and nature of collective bargaining practices in industrialized countries are examined, along with recent trends and developments. While inflation and other problems may change the character of negotiation agreements, the institution of collective bargaining has demonstrated adaptability. (MF)

The author sees cause for concern in the number of complaints to the International Labour Organisation alleging violations of teachers' union rights. She examines the right of public employees to organize and strike and government interference, concluding that greater protection for teachers' unions may be needed. (SK)

The effect of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) on working conditions depends on the way in which the technologies are designed to fit operator requirements, work organization, and organizational objectives. Recent attempts to promote skill-based human-centered approaches to CIM design are aimed at introducing humane working conditions…

Based on a survey and case studies of workplaces in the U.S. and Japan, this article reviews and assesses the role of worker participation in tackling critical problems associated with energy and natural resources conservation. Certain wider implications for labor-management relations are also discussed. (Author/CT)

Examines differences between Japanese and North American personnel management philosophies. Considers to what extent practices of Japanese corporations have been transferred to subsidiaries in Canada, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, compared to locally owned firms. Shows how cultural factors affect styles of personnel management. (SK)

An international comparison of job satisfaction levels strongly suggests that the idea of job satisfaction as a gauge of well-being at the workplace should be rejected, but that workers' reactions to aspects of their jobs may be meaningful. The article presents data from national surveys of managers, workers, and trade unions to explain this…