Employee Relations Report: Conflict Resolution and Strategies

This report analyzes employee relations within the context of the Austin Fraser recruitment and consultancy enterprise. It begins by contrasting unitary and pluralistic frames of reference, exploring how these perspectives shape workplace dynamics. The report then examines the impact of changes in trade unionism on employee relations, considering political, legal, and technological factors. It highlights the roles of key players, including employers, employees, and the government, in fostering positive employee relations. Furthermore, the report delves into conflict resolution procedures, outlining steps for identifying and addressing workplace disputes, with a focus on negotiation strategies. The report also evaluates methods for gaining employee participation and involvement in decision-making processes, providing a comprehensive overview of employee relations management.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Unitary and Pluralistic frames of references.........................................................................1
1.2 Changes in trade unionism have affected employee relations..............................................2
1.3 Role of main players in employee relations..........................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Procedures firm should follow when dealing with conflict situations..................................5
2.2 Key features of employee relations in a selected conflict situation.....................................6
2.3 Effectiveness of procedures used in particular dispute condition.........................................7
TASK 3...........................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Role of negotiation in collective bargaining.........................................................................8
3.2 Impact of negotiation strategy for a given situation..............................................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Impact of negotiation strategy for a given situation............................................................10
4.2 Compare methods used to gain employee participation and involvement in the decision
making process..........................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
In this modern era, in any business firm there should be good relation among employees.
If the relationship will be good and all will work together then in this case the productivity and
profitability of firm will be enhanced. The another name of employee relation is industrial
relations. The good and healthy relationship among helps in giving fair treatment to all workers
so they will work for achieving the goals or objectives of company and also will work towards it.
Austin Fraser is a recruitment and consultancy enterprise (Ahmad and Shahzad, 2011). This
company provides good consultancy services to its customers and also provides recruitment or
can say job services in some fields such as life sciences, engineering, IT etc. and its all
consultants are very expert in particular area. In this report mentioned about the changes in trade
union which can impact on employee relation in an organisation. In Austin Fraser firm, there are
some main players which help in improving or maintaining a good employee relations. At the
time of conflict arising, the management uses and follow a particular dispute resolving
procedure. In this present report also mentioned about the affect of negotiation strategy in a
particular situation.
TASK 1
1.1 Unitary and Pluralistic frames of references
Unitary perspective
In this type of perspectives, this Austin Fraser business company viewed as the
harmonious and healthy whole with employers and its all employees or workers share and
discuss their common aims or goals and also interests. It is very important that all employees
should be loyal towards company and with the help of this, at market place the good image of
company will be created. Employer and workers of Austin Fraser both are working towards
achieving the organisation goals and objectives (Avey and et.al., 2010). It is the duty of top
management is to formulate and decide a common goal for managers and employees.
Sometimes, there is conflict arise due to personality clashes and the poor interaction or
communication and it is not good for growth and sales of firm. If this business enterprise give
permission to form a trade union for good communication between workers and firm and also
permit to all employees to take a part in process of decision making. This frame of references
provides first priority to its workers and works for grooming their personal development.
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Pluralistic Perspective
According to this perspective, the employing business firm is build by people or group of
people who have various objectives, aims, goals etc. Dispute is very common between
employees and management. Under this perspective, there are two sub groups and these are trade
union and management. Trade union is an legal representatives of all workers in an organisation.
With the help of this frames of reference, it will be easy in explain a good and better employment
relations. In Austin Fraser, management plays an important role and its responsibilities are to
implementing policies and plans which are made by top management and also control or monitor
all business related activities or its operations (Bach and Kessler, 2011). On the basis of this
approach, the various types of teams are work together in a team towards targeting a common
goals and also work for enhancing or maximising the working effectiveness and efficiency of
company.
1.2 Changes in trade unionism have affected employee relations
Trade union plays a necessary and main role in an organisation. It is also known as labour
union and it is a legal representative of workers. This trade union work in favour of labour for
their wages, better working conditions, their rights etc. In Austin Fraser, a leader of trade union
and the labours both are working together in a team with a common goals to promote their
interests such as maximisation in salary or other any type of benefits or advantages and workers
also demand for improving the working environment of company. In 19th century, the movement
of trade union was totally under the control of Moderate new model unions. In 1824 year, this
union came in legal form and also all labours that already exist in in an organisation an
association with a goals and aims for get a fair salary or wages according to their work and also
provide other working conditions to them. Many different labour unions have been analysed to
carried out all business activities and operations (Cai, Jo and Pan, 2011). The many different
changes are evaluated that can be directly affected on relationship of employees. In an
organisation, there is a differentiation from the variation of in many macro factors which are
given as below:
Political and legal- The most impact of an economy at the time of changes in existing
policies or strategies and can be implemented new policies. It can impact a lot on business. In
United Kingdom, from changing the new government, it will also be change or introduce new
strategies and plans. Sometimes, government has formulated various policies related with the
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giving equal opportunities of all existing employees or workers. From this type of situation, at
work place conflict can be created among trade union or management. From dispute, the
productivity or development of this Austin Fraser firm will be reduced and there will be
misunderstanding created among employer or employees.
Technology- From adopting or using new technology, the growth or development of
company will be increase (Crespo and et.al 2011). But from this, there will be reduction in
demand of workers. In this particular condition, trade union help all workers to protect their job
and work for their right. It will cause obstruct relationship among Austin Fraser company and the
labour union.
1.3 Role of main players in employee relations
For increasing the growth and maintaining image in front of public, it is very important to
employee relations. If relation will be good then all will working from sharing their work or in a
team and also complete their tasks with in a given interval of time. The Manager of Austin Fraser
company always motivate its workers to work together and works on maintaining or developing
a healthy relationship. Sometimes, for seeing the effectiveness and benefits of work together, this
cited enterprise conduct some programmes for all employees (Dreyer, Hauschild and Schierbeck,
2010). For increasing the sales and profitability of firm, it is necessary to give positive
environment to all workers and also communicate with them in a proper manner. Employer,
employees and government these are the three main players who plays important and necessary
role in developing good employee relation.
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Employer- In Austin Fraser company, the role of employers are very important. The main
responsibility of managers is to implementing strategies.
 The duty of an employer is to provide good working conditions to its employees
so that they can work better.
 Safety of all workers should be the first priority for manager, this employee is
totally responsible for the safety and health of employees (Farndale and et.al
2011). It is the responsibility of employer is to provide safe working environment
to them.
 Motivation helps in increasing the working efficiency or performance of all
employees, so for this employer should be motivate the performance of all
workers.
 It is the duty or responsibility of manager is to provide training to all workers for
increasing their skills, knowledge and capabilities (Flammer and Luo, 2017). If
management will not do this then in this case, employees will get demotivated and
also will not do their work effective or in proper manner.
Employees
 It is important that employees should be loyal towards the company and also work
for accomplishing the goals or objectives of firm.
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Illustration 1: Main players in employee relation
(Source: What is The Role of Industrial Relations?,
2017)

 It is necessary for all employees is to try to adopt new working environment of
company and also generative new creation or innovative ideas to do work in a
better form.
 For maintaining good employees relations it is necessary for all to work in a team
with any type of conflict (Frone and Trinidad, 2012).
Government
 It is to make good policies which company can easily adopt.
 It is necessary for company has to adopt all and follow all rules, acts and policies
at workplace.
 Austin Fraser has to follow all acts such as discrimination, child labour, health
and safety etc. in company. It will helps in developing good and harmonious
relationship between employees or management.
TASK 2
2.1 Procedures firm should follow when dealing with conflict situations
Conflict impacts very badly on company's productivity and it can be of many different
types like for instance lockouts, strikes etc. At this time, labours do not work and also take action
against the management of company. The lockouts and strikes both are not controllable in the
hand of company and there is a big involvement of trade union (Hogh, Hoel and Carneiro, 2011).
Conflict can be development from many reason and from this relationship between mangers and
workers will be impacted. This Austin Fraser use some process for dealing in a particular
condition. For solving conflict, it is important to company to find an effective way of it:
Identify reason related to dispute- Behind arising conflict, there can be many reasons in
a business firm such as:
 It can be related to communication issue, it employer is not communicate or
interact with its employees then from this understanding or conflict will be arise.
 If an organisation, there is any problem of workers and employer is not give
attention or not trying to solve it out then in this case dispute can be arise.
 Not provide training and development for workers to increasing their working
efficiency.
 From not providing positive and safe working environment to all employees.
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 In case of any harassment in company.
 The main reason of conflict is leadership issue. If leader does not support and
motivate its team members then in this case, they all will get demotivated and not
work properly.
Identify a proper way to resolve dispute at workplace- After knowing all reasons behind
conflict, it is necessary to know the effective way to solve problems or issues. To reduced or
removed conflict, Austin Fraser can take many different actions (Kim and Rhee, 2011).
Negotiation is very necessary to in solving out issues if it is required. There are many ways
given below for solve dispute in an organisation:
 By providing good training facilities to all workers and also provide them better
and positive working environment, with the help of this they all can work better.
 By developing or formulating a option to all employees for providing their
thoughts, opinions etc.
 To take care of the health of labours from providing them safe and healthy
working environment.
 From creating a good opportunity for all employees and leader should be motivate
its team member to work together on a common objectives.
 Mangers should be communicate well with its employees and try to solve out
their issues or problems.
Ways for implementing procedure of conflict-
 From conducting a meeting between trade union, manager and Human Resource
manager.
 From taking advise to labour union and all workers.
 To keep and maintain all copies relates to memos, letter, meeting notes, emails
etc. or which is necessary.
2.2 Key features of employee relations in a selected conflict situation
The basic meaning of employee relation is to developing the good relationship between
employers and employees. It is very necessary for maximizing productivity, motivation level and
also for achieving the business objectives (Mahal, 2012). Austin Fraser company mange its
relation of employees in a pluralist way. Some times, dispute can be generated among male and
female workers. It can be directly impacted on business activities and its operations. From this,
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negative environment can be created. In any particular conditions there are some different key
features of of employee relation given below:
Hindering relationship among existing women and men employees- The many dispute
situation like for instance collective conflict many hinder the relationship among female and
male workers that are already working in a Austin Fraser company (Maurer and Chapman,
2013). In this company, most of the times all men workers maximise their voice against all
women workers and do want want to work with them. From this the motivation level of female
employees decreased and they all are not work in an proper manner. Male employees think that
females can not do nothing and also can not do their work completely and properly. From this
type of situation, negativity will be created among male and female workers and its impacts on
the productivity or development of business operations or activities. It can also be direct affect
on customers of this company because from this conflict company can not produce good quality
products.
Dissatisfied with entity- It is the second key area and under this the labour of Austin
Fraser show their level of dissatisfaction if will not take any proper action against problem or
conflict which is arise at workplace. From conflict the working environment of company will be
affected. From this, negativity can be created among workers and managers. For resolving issues
or problems, this business firm takes some appropriate actions (McClean and Collins, 2011).
There is a big role of arbitrator in solving any problem.
2.3 Effectiveness of procedures used in particular dispute condition
Dispute refers to the misunderstanding or distance created among managers and
employees and their relationship will be affected badly. Conflict is not good for an organisation
productivity and its reputation. The powerfulness of the procedure related with conflict
resolution which is used by Austin Fraser is rhythmical in collective conflicts in any dispute
condition. In this situation, this business enterprise has taken a help from the process of conflict
handling. Under this type of procedure, in company there will a meeting conducted and the
discussion will be created between workers and employees. The management take an appropriate
action such as, it gives a chance to all male workers to show their thoughts and views with out
any hesitation and fear at workplace. In discussion, all employees can ask from their employer
about reason behind all problems or issues. In all conflict resolution process, the managers or
workers all are participate in this conflict condition. If all workers are not satisfied from the
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reason of conflict then in this case there will be problem creating for all shareholders of this
business firm. For solving the conflict, it is important to understand about the reason to arising
conflict.
Understand issue-To resolving any issue or dispute, it is important to know about the
basic dispute condition and it is an very effective and efficient way (Morris, 2012). After
knowing the issue, manager of Austin Fraser can easily solve problems or can try to make the
proper solution of problem.
Responding to conflict- Sometimes, all employers are not conscious about dispute which
can bother to other workers and from this they all are not working properly. If there is any
worker which inform top management or managers then in this type of case it is their duty is to
make a proper and satisfactory solution of problem.
Work on solution- After knowing all conflict reason, it is the responsibility of manager is
to develop a positive working environment for their all employees. It will helps in increasing the
performance level and the satisfaction to all workers.
TASK 3
3.1 Role of negotiation in collective bargaining
Negotiation is a type of a discussion among individuals who have various objectives or
goals. It helps in solving the conflict by making a proper solution of problem. In negotiation,
there will be a good and harmonious discussion will be created between the all workers and the
employers. In the procedure of a collective bargaining, all employees which are already working
in Austin Fraser business firm will always select a Steward which has a necessary and main role
as a legal representative of all workers of this firm (Morrison, 2011). With the help of this all
workers can be present their thoughts and opinions in front of top level or managers and for
labours it is the most effective and efficient process. It will helps in resolving disputer or
problems and also helps in cresting a positive or workable environment for all workers in Austin
Fraser.
Negotiation helps in reaching to proper conclusion – Under this present scenario, the
trade union negotiate with managers for getting an effective and efficient decision of all
problems or issues which workers has to be faced at workplace. With the help of this negotiation
process, all employees can be carried out a formal discussion with its managers in an
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organisation. With the help of this it will be easy in determine problem or to make the
satisfactory solution.
It helps in raising effectiveness of collective bargaining procedures- The main motive
of this bargaining is to solve out the dispute or any kind of issue among employees and managers
(Mowday, Porter and Steers, 2013). The negotiation helps in explaining the problems and the
reason by adopting all the practices related to employment.
3.2 Impact of negotiation strategy for a given situation
The legal representatives of all workers protecting the rights of their. In the policies of
company it is necessary to include about the protection of all workers and the provide them
wages or positive working conditions. It is necessary to all employers or managers is to treat
their workers in fair and an effective manner and also remove discrimination issue at workplace.
The affect of all negotiation related strategy on the situation of collective conflict is being
identified. The negotiation is a better way to manage the particular dispute situation effectively
in Austin Fraser business firm. If in this company any employee wants to join the trade union
then in this case there is a policy or strategy in which mentioned that all the firms of this Austin
Fraser company should be respect and provide all the rights of their workers or join and not join
the labour union and also protect the common interests of all labours. In this, the government and
any type of authority can not interfere in trade union. In this there are four main type of strategies
are included:
Competing strategies- In this type of strategy, the top management of Austin Fraser
develops many policies and some plans which can helps at the time of competing with other
competitors at market place (Newsom, Turk and Kruckeberg, 2012). In market, some times this
company faces many issues and problems and with the help of this kind of strategy, company
can easily conduct its business operations successfully.
Avoiding strategies- Under this, the managers of Austin Fraser try to resolve conflicts or
issues which are generated between all employees or managers.
Compromising strategies- Under this, managers of Austin Fraser do not participate in
making a proper solution of any conflicts which all workers are generally facing. With the help
of this type, individual can set its goals and aims.
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Accommodative strategy- At the time of making a proper and satisfactory solution of any
conflict in Austin Fraser business firm, this particular strategies is used. It helps in motivating
employees and helps in solving the problems.
TASK 4
4.1 Impact of negotiation strategy for a given situation
The organisational democracy is a kind of framework that is already present at workplace
where all the workers are provided responsibility regarding taking any type of decision in an
organisation (Østergaard, Timmermans and Kristinsson, 2011). In Untried Kingdom, there is a
direct affect of union on the industrial democracy. The European Union passed many laws and
acts and it is the responsibility of manager is to follow these acts and also applies in Austin
Fraser business firm. Related to any collective bargaining, the management of this organisation
makes an effective policies in which include about the working conditions of employees, wages,
relations of workers and management and some other conditions. The European union of United
Kingdom country passes a law which is related to include workers in any decision making
process. If in case, management of Austin Fraser does not adopt and follow all acts or laws then
it it can be badly affected on company as well as workers.
Sometimes, the culture impact on has a great affect on democracy on industry in this
United Kingdom. If the government of this company introduced any law and policies, then in
this regard, it is the duty of manager is to implement at workplace. It is also the responsibility of
trade union is to set all the various standards on the basis of their job and the working
environment of company. With the help of this all workers can be protected from the any
problem or harm and it will also helps in creating the positive affect on business activities and
operations.
4.2 Compare methods used to gain employee participation and involvement in the decision
making process
In this present era, there are various types of methods presented which are generally used
by business firm with a particular objectives or goals to achieve the participation of all workers
in decision making process (Reb, Narayanan and Chaturvedi, 2014). This Austin Fraser use
many different techniques like for instance consultation, questionnaire, surveys, suggestion
schemes etc. The consultation is a most necessary practice which business firm adopted to
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motivate its workers in a decision making process. With the help of this motivation level and
morale of all employees will be increased and they all will work towards achieving the goals and
objectives of a business firm. For enhancing the motivation, it is important to to give the
opportunities to all workers for presenting their thoughts and their views in front of top
management (Saleh, Zulkifli and Muhamad, 2010). From this, all workers will be feel that they
are the important part of this Austin Fraser and with the help of this their level of performance
will be increased and work for accomplishing the organisational objectives.
As comparison to this king of attitude, there is an another method which is very effective
and with the help of this the management of Austin Fraser can motivate all labours employees to
involve in many affairs of company and also discuss on the current views on a particular method.
4.3 Impact of human resource management on employee relations
Human resource management plays an important role in an organisation. The main
objective or motive of HR manager is to increasing the productivity and the sales of company. In
Austin Fraser company, Human Resource manager has many roles and responsibilities such as
recruitment, selection, training, development, performance appraisal, payroll etc. He/ she
motivate its employees so that they work better and in an effective way and also work in a team.
The affect of human resource management can be positive and it can be negative on maintaining
the good employee relation:
Positive
 If human resource manager will be provide training to its employees on proper
time period for improving and also for enhancing their skills, abilities, knowledge
and capabilities (Shuck, Reio Jr and Rocco, 2010). With the help of this
employees will get motivated,.
 To maintain good employee relation it is necessary to employer to make effective
policies which does not harm all workers and which can easy adoptable by them.
 Motivation is a best way to to develop good or healthy employee relation. Leaders
should be motivate its employees to work together in a team.
Negative
 If in case employer does not provide proper training to its workers about new
technology and machinery then for this there will be a chance of accidents.
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 The main responsibility of human resource manager is to appoint employees on
the basis of demand of job or by seeing his/her capabilities and knowledge
(Skakon and et.al, 2010). If in case employer will not do this, then new employee
will not work properly and it can impact on growth of company.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded from the above report that a good and harmonious employee relation is
very important for productivity and the development of business firm. In Austin Fraser, each and
every employee work together in team for achieving the common goals and objectives of
company. The manager of this company always motivate its employees to work together and in
an effective manners. In this report studied about the unitary and the pluralistic perspectives.
This business firm uses many different methods or procedures to solve all issues and conflict.
Negotiation plays an important role in collective bargaining. In this present business report also
studied about the impact of negotiation strategy for any specific situation. There are some affect
of human resource management on employee relations.
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unions-employee-relations-employee-participation-employment-law>. [Accessed on
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What is The Role of Industrial Relations?, 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.danshaw.co.za/role-government-in-industrial-relations/#>. [Accessed on
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