New impacts on industrial relations

New production concepts like lean production and the internationalization of enterprises significantly impact industrial relations and labor standards globally. This collection features 21 contributions focusing on "New Impacts on Industrial Relations," particularly in Japan and Germany, stemming from an international conference held in Japan in autumn 1991. Topics include the convergence of rationalization and divergence of interest representation, internationalization strategies of Japanese and German automobile companies, and the transfer of Japanese personnel management to Europe. Other discussions address works councils in German branches of Japanese firms, contradictions in labor relations within auto transplants in North America, and systemic rationalization and subcontracting strategies in Germany. The volume also explores labor standards in the international economy, the formation of labor standards in the single market, and the impact of German unification on trade union structures. It examines the role of unions in innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, working conditions in Japan, and the careers of technical specialists. This comprehensive work offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of economic and social trends, emphasizing Japan's influence. It is highly recommended for practitioners, scholars, and students interested in labor relations, globalization, and the mutual influence of European, A