Employment Relations in a Global Context

Module code: MN3522

In this module you will explore how employment relationships are shaped by different economic, political and social contexts around the world. You will discover that there is no single model of managing work or regulating employment, examining how different countries and industries balance the interests of employers, employees, trade unions and governments.

Drawing on international case studies and contemporary research, you will investigate how employment relations vary across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and education, while exploring the impact of globalisation, changing patterns of work and different approaches to employment regulation. The module also examines emerging forms of employment, including gig work and other non-traditional working arrangements, encouraging you to evaluate the opportunities and challenges they present for organisations and workers alike.

Throughout the module, you will develop the knowledge and analytical skills to compare employment systems across different national and sectoral contexts, evaluate competing perspectives and understand why workplace practices differ around the world. By the end of the module, you will have a broader appreciation of how employment relations influence organisational performance, employee experiences and the future of work in an increasingly global economy.