This detailed, comprehensive study on downsizing in Europe is underpinned by cross-national, interdisciplinary empirical research on restructuring management in five European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. It contains systematic national comparative overviews, and transversal analyses of more than 30 in-depth case studies, taking into account a broad range of perspectives across professional human resources managers, unions' representatives, local and national civil servants, social workers and physicians. The authors examine strategic choices and practices in national and local contexts, showing that the practice of restructuring is not as heterogeneous as many previous studies have indicated or predicted. Systematic policy proposals for better economic and social management of restructuring are also prescribed.
This team of well-known economists and social scientists have prepared a book that will appeal to consultants and human resource managers and employees, especially in transnational firms, as well as to students in industrial relations, in labour economics, and in sociology. It will also be of special interest to members of the European Commission and policymakers involved in employment and social affairs.
Author(s): Bernard Gazier, Frederic Bruggeman, Sian Moore
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Year: 2008
Language: English
Pages: 418
COVER......Page 1
Copyright......Page 4
Contents......Page 5
Contributors......Page 7
Acknowledgements......Page 10
Introduction......Page 13
1. Comparing processes across Europe......Page 23
2. The restructuring process: towards a comprehensive analysis......Page 44
3. Innovation: from employment protection to anticipation1......Page 69
4. Belgium: a corporatist regime......Page 90
5. France: law driven restructuring......Page 113
6. Germany: negotiated restructuring......Page 132
7. The Swedish model of restructuring......Page 153
8. United Kingdom: market driven restructuring......Page 180
9. Innovative restructuring – learning from company experience......Page 197
10. Trade unions – obstacles or facilitators?......Page 227
11. Supporting job transitions: employers, worker representatives and agencies......Page 251
12. The territory: an innovation laboratory......Page 275
13. Networking: employers’ groups......Page 297
14. Health impacts and innovative approaches......Page 320
15. Does Europe have restructuring policies?......Page 351
Conclusion: a capitalisation approach......Page 380
Index......Page 401
