This paper focuses on an aspect of the 'Future of Work ·. The introduction of high performance workplace systems (hpws) is, in genera/terms, consistent with the bro ad thrust of the 'knowledge society’ debate. The central thesis holds that the introduction of hpws has the potential 10 enhance 'worker voice, ‘especially in the context of a 'third way' political environment that fosters a more tripartite approach to industrial relations. The paper draws on several pieces of research, each of which has its own methodological approach. The discussion of the 'knowledge society’ debate and the 'third way' political context draws on policy analyses undertaken by Law and Piercy. The body of the paper is based on a survey by Law of union members engaged in a hpws in a large NZ daily factory. That research involved focus groups and a postal survey. Qualitative (write-in) responses were further analysed using a dynamic coding system developed by Law. The findings are consistent with the (US) work of Black and Lynch. With some qualifications, the introduction of hpws has enhanced worker participation. Active union involvement was a positive factor. For a proportion of union members, the introduction of hpws has had positive off-site effects.
Over the last two decades New Zealand has undergone fundamental economic restructuring, and phases of slow and rapid growth, which have resulted in some dramatic changes in the regional economies. This paper focuses on changes in regional employment outcomes in terms of the impact of national trends on regions, sectoral composition within regions, structural change and local conditions. These changes are quantified by means of classic shift-share analysis. Regions are clustered based on the direction and relative importance of national and region-specific effects. The clustering highlights the chasm that has developed in New Zealand between metropolitan and other services-oriented regions vis-a-vis rural and peripheral regions.
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