The employment relationship: un-tied or re-tied?

Executive Overview Employment relationships in the United States are under attack. As American companies attempt to become internationally competitive, many people see a new cooperative employment relationship being created. However, given the recent business environment during the past ten years—lay offs. wage and benefit reductions, and harder work—a cooperative relationship seems unlikely. This article starts by presenting divergent views on the definition of cooperation, how viewing the organization as family is dysfunctional, the Human Resource Department's role, and the question of unequal power between management and the employee. Several new employment relationships are starting to appear. Three types are examined here: core, contractual, and flexible. These new relationships, particularly the core one. reflect the changing nature of work and the work force in America. If we are to move to a cooperative relationship, these changes in employment relationships are going to require changes in manager...