COnflict at Riverside
Conflict at Riverside
The conflict between organisational management and trade unions has existed now for many years.
Whilst the objectives of trades union have traditionally been to maintain and improve the conditions of their worker members, this has more often than not, manifested itself in a conflict and struggle with the “political systems” adopted by the hierarchy of company management. This is certainly evident in the conflict at Riverside. What adds another dimension to the situation is the family connection that exists between Steve and Rod.
In Images of Organisation, Morgan, in analysing organisational politics, discusses the relationship that exists between “one’s job tasks, career aspirations and extramural interests”. (Morgan, 2006) As part of the management team, Steve has the task of implementing the major redesign of production operations, a feat that will inevitably have a positive effect on his career own prospects. Engaging with the union representatives was always going to be a significant part of this project. However, with Rod being a prominent trade unionist within the firm, he is capable of having an influence over Steve’s extramural interests. Personal value and lifestyles can influence the way an individual acts in relation to his or her job, so will Steve’s relationship with Rod have an effect on the way he implements the task at hand? Will he find it difficult to make tough decisions regarding the welfare of Riverside’s employees, when the union official, representing these employees, happens to be his brother-in-law? Alternatively, is Steve using the “mellow” mood of the social occasion to influence Rod’s view of the situation?
From Rod’s perspective, he is probably experiencing similar difficulties. Securing a successful conclusion to the contract negotiations on the redesign, is his task at hand and his career prospects are dependent on the unions maintaining a strong and worthwhile influence on the new set up, going
The conflict between organisational management and trade unions has existed now for many years.
Whilst the objectives of trades union have traditionally been to maintain and improve the conditions of their worker members, this has more often than not, manifested itself in a conflict and struggle with the “political systems” adopted by the hierarchy of company management. This is certainly evident in the conflict at Riverside. What adds another dimension to the situation is the family connection that exists between Steve and Rod.
In Images of Organisation, Morgan, in analysing organisational politics, discusses the relationship that exists between “one’s job tasks, career aspirations and extramural interests”. (Morgan, 2006) As part of the management team, Steve has the task of implementing the major redesign of production operations, a feat that will inevitably have a positive effect on his career own prospects. Engaging with the union representatives was always going to be a significant part of this project. However, with Rod being a prominent trade unionist within the firm, he is capable of having an influence over Steve’s extramural interests. Personal value and lifestyles can influence the way an individual acts in relation to his or her job, so will Steve’s relationship with Rod have an effect on the way he implements the task at hand? Will he find it difficult to make tough decisions regarding the welfare of Riverside’s employees, when the union official, representing these employees, happens to be his brother-in-law? Alternatively, is Steve using the “mellow” mood of the social occasion to influence Rod’s view of the situation?
From Rod’s perspective, he is probably experiencing similar difficulties. Securing a successful conclusion to the contract negotiations on the redesign, is his task at hand and his career prospects are dependent on the unions maintaining a strong and worthwhile influence on the new set up, going
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