The case for collaboration in workplace partnership : the Irish context dissertation
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Authors
Uzah, Tracy
Issue Date
2008
Degree
MA in Marketing
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
This research project is an investigation into collaborative forms of work organisation and decision making within enterprise partnership framework. The research aims to analyse the enterprise partnership framework in relation to its perceived advantage as a more participatory form of employment relations. The aims and objectives were investigated using a range of methods of data collection. These included a critical and rounded review of enterprise partnership, this was deemed necessary in order to encapsulate the non-definitive nature of partnership; secondly, questionnaires were distributed to staff members in the case study organisation; thirdly, two semi-structured interviews were carried out after questionnaires were returned, one with a clinical Nursing Manager and the other with a union representative. Results were analysed to assess the extent of collaboration within enterprise partnership, results were consistent with other similar findings and the literature review. Findings showed a high degree of satisfaction with participatory forms of work organisation. Partnership does enable collaboration, however within the wider framework of the health service; its main purpose is to drive efficiency and productivity. Case study analysis clearly outlined the functions of partnership as a herald for change based on conciliatory relations with unions and participatory relations with employees. The extent of collaboration is limited to none as pointed out in wider literature, however the basis for collaboration to ensure a socially sculpted workplace environment is high and perceived advantages achieved through softer HRM policies, (training and development), do accrue.