Explain the meaning of the following terms; (a) Unitary frame of reference (b) Pluralist frame of reference (c) Radical / Marxist perspective.
Unitary frame of reference
The Unitary frame of reference is an approach to employment relations that is premised on the view that if the interests of the employee and the employer are aligned, they will be unified by having a common purpose.
The result is an organization characterized by teamwork, common values and common interests. The single source of authority is top management and all decisions made by management are fully supported and not questioned. This is because management is considered to be paternalistic and is generally assumed to have the best interests of all the parties involved at heart.
Divergent views and interests from employees are considered as undesirable and are, therefore, suppressed. The Unitary view focuses on individual employees’ identities, behaviours and practices rather than the collective, hence, workers committees and trade unions are only tolerated rather than promoted. In fact, they are viewed as a threat to the employer/employee relationship.
This approach to employment relations is seen to apply to family run companies, soccer teams and to small companies.
Pluralist frame of reference
The Pluralist frame of reference in an approach to employment relations that views an organization as possessing a variety of groups with different legitimate interests.
These groups compete to promote their interests and aspirations and this leads to conflict. Conflict, however, is viewed as inevitable and not necessarily as a bad thing. Because of the number of divergent interests it is necessary to establish rules for the management of the organization, for enforcement of agreements and regulations, and for conflict management. These rules are agreed through collective bargaining and following the minimum labour standards set by government.
In this approach, employees are entitled to equity and voice, hence, trade unions are accepted as legitimate partners to the relationship. Their role, within legal limits, is to counterweight the power of the employer by championing the interests of the employee.
One of the key ideas behind Pluralism is that though the parties to the employment relationship may have divergent views, where their interests do align there is improved productivity and mutual benefit. It is, therefore, important that conflict be quickly managed through compromise and consensus because all involved are interdependent for survival.
Radical / Marxist perspective
