7HR01 Strategic Employment Relations

7HR01 Strategic Employment Relations explores various perspectives on employment relations and the dynamics of cooperation and conflict across different workplaces. It emphasises the significant influence of external institutions on shaping people management policies and practices within organisations. The emergence of diverse models leads to less predictable outcomes, necessitating careful management of relationships.

What will you learn

You will critically evaluate various perspectives on employment relations, focusing on the varying degrees of cooperation and conflict between workplaces, including employer strategies towards trade unions and their effectiveness. You will explore the reasons behind the growth of low-quality jobs and the decline of high-quality roles in different sectors, and examine how to support employee voice to enhance organisational performance and employee outcomes. Additionally, you will critically analyse the role of collective bargaining in determining pay and review the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration, conciliation, and mediation in resolving workplace disputes. Finally, you will examine the design and implementation of grievance and disciplinary procedures to mitigate risk and resolve problems.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing this module, learners will be able to:

  • Understand various perspectives on employment relations and their impact on the roles of people professionals and line managers.
  • Recognise how external institutions shape employment relations at the organisational level.
  • Work effectively with employees and trade unions to maintain mutuality and ensure employee voice.
  • Collaborate with employees and trade unions to mitigate organisational risks.

This module is suitable for persons who:

This unit is designed for:

  • Experienced people practitioners
  • Senior professionals seeking to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding to influence strategy, policy, and people management
  • Individuals aiming to shape people practices that create value for a broader audience
  • Those currently leading and managing people and practices within organisations